Its first order-entry system, available since April 2000, was too cumbersome for users. It features autofill from outside databases and online custom profiling. What the two companies have in common are products built on the thin-client generation of information technology. The Dark Report 's Michel says the other prevailing information technology mode, fat-client technology, makes the user responsible for buying, installing, upgrading, and generally managing the laboratory information technology. Most of the widely installed laboratory information systems are built on fat-client design.
Internet applications tend to be thin client.
Companies that offer these sorts of applications are called application service providers, or ASPs. One of the potential advantages of the new Internet laboratory services is that they can be accessed from anywhere there is Internet access, which includes handheld devices and Web phones. Some labs can still choose to run their own show using this technology. Disadvantages are higher initial costs, less frequent software updates, and the need for trained network technicians. The laboratory will typically have to buy hardware such as a Web server, database server, firewall, and routers, and it must pay software licenses to third parties for items such as database software, Web server software, operating system software, and security software.