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tered in integration is function compatibility especially from various service providers. To solve this problem, standards are
developed to optimize system compatibility. There are three similar interpretations of system integration abbreviated by CII:
Common Integrated Infrastructure: A model for the in-
tegration of new and legacy applications in organiza- tions for identical functions Helm, 1999, which
include the healthcare institutions.
Compatibility, Interoperability, and Integration: Regu-
lations developed to make sure the conformation of measurements as mentioned.
Configuration Identification Index: A process to mani-
fest and link files accordingly for different systems. User acceptance test is the last procedure conducted to verify
system’s efficiency and applicability to make sure that system integration conforms to operator’s demands. It is also important
to inform users about the functions that have been added.
5.4 Evaluation of IT infrastructures and solution providers
There is a wide business opportunity offered in the healthcare for IT organizations due to the expansive applications of infor-
mational technology. There are various categories of business collaboration that can take place between IT firms and
healthcare institutes in acknowledging numerous important is- sues. Given this, readers must have a good comprehension on
the related issues as a preparation of the information provided.
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5.4.1 Outsourcing
To save time and expenditure, IT firms outsource some of their services to other service providers. The outsourcing of services
also enables third-party firms with more related expertise to conduct the task. However, it is not an easy task to have collab-
orations with the right firms as IT is a vast field and there are possibilities of the existence of firms offering mediocre ser-
vices. For example, outsource in developing software is com- mon as all it takes is to have Internet connection. In the
healthcare industry, various operations namely tele-radiology, diagnostic images and e-payment can simply be conducted by
third-party firms especially in developing countries with much lower operational expenditure. However, several risks are asso-
ciated with outsourcing particularly in handling sensitive data of clients. For example, information may be disclosed to competi-
tors in hospitals or other healthcare institutions that engages identical service providers. There are other indirect risks such as
delay in providing service and communication problems. There- fore, before outsourcing, firms have to review a list of perfor-
mance evaluation and identify the potential risks. Even though it is essentially a difficult task, guidelines are established to fa-
cilitate this procedure. For instance, features such as error rate BER, rate of maximum data and effects associated with the
number of network users should be given the foremost consid- eration when selecting service provider. Other guidelines in-
clude post-purchase services such as system maintenance; respond time and system substitutes offered during mainte-
nance.
5.4.2 Adaptation with developing technologies
It is essential to have a sound knowledge on the latest IT devel- opment to ensure an efficient operation and profit generation.
Latest innovations are more environmental friendly and sustain-
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able in terms of energy consumption and where hazardous com- ponents are strictly prohibited Jablonski, 2009. Such require-
ments result in the restriction of system design and conflict in management and applications. System providers should also
bear in mind the indirect risk associated with regulatory compi- lations such as increased in expenditure and delay, and in devis-
ing a future plan regarding unexpected change in legislations. It is also vital for service providers to be in touch with the market
condition to avoid offering outdated technologies. This is also due to the rapid change in the scene of IT development. For ex-
ample, mobile glucose indicators were manufactured to be con- nected to computer a couple of years ago. Due to the
availability of ‘Vena’ platform that enables the matching of in- formation within strict procedures, this project was handed by
third parties. Even though the platform did not result in any problem, the manufacturer was not aware that the standardiza-
tion of IEEE 11073 was yet to be completed an as a result, the glucose meter did not conform to the standard. This occurs as it
is common for manufacturers to ignore the requirement of standards. Given its importance, the installation of a system up-
date is required to ensure IEEE 11073 compilation even though it results extra resources.
5.4.3 Reliability and Liability
The factor of reliability is measurable with either numerical measurement of qualitative attributes such as verbal communi-
cations. As a general rule of thumb, long-existing firms often have a high reliability, even though this cannot be applied in all
conditions especially on vital health-supporting devices. For example, the lagging of computers is a normal condition and
this is when reboot of the system is required. This is to empha- size that not all situations can be fixed by the simple act of sys-
tem reboot particularly the ones that involve the resuscitations of patients. This issue will be given more attention due to its
