Lims as a hosted application

ASP (application service provider) model uses feature-rich client software instead of limited web browser interface to access data over the web

LabAnalyst.Net, Finna Technologies' XML-based laboratory information management system (Lims), is now available as a hosted application.

This is an ASP (application service provider) model, but instead of a limited web browser interface, the rich, fully-featured LabAnalyst.Net Windows client software is used to access data - securely - over the web.

"What we've done, basically, is combine the best of internet and Windows technology, made possible by Microsoft's.Net platform and its native support for XML," said Dan Souk, president of Finna Technologies.

"Web browsers are clearly useful tools - and they will continue to be - but they were never intended to run complete applications".

"They do an acceptable job in most cases, but why compromise? In a Windows application, you don't have to wait for a page to load every time you click a button and the interface can be much more sophisticated." Security is of course a prime consideration in an ASP model, especially when dealing with potentially sensitive lab test results.

The database server is locked down by default and limits access to authorised users only, with additional advanced security measures available if required.

Client data is secured while in transit across the web using public-key cryptography, the most advanced form of encryption available today.

This allows us to support compliance with regulations such as 21 CFR 11 while operating in an internet environment.

For laboratories on a tight budget, or with limited IT resources, this model is very attractive financially.

With pricing as low as US$995 per month for five concurrent users, even the smallest lab can take advantage of advanced technology.

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