I am doing a little research on VistA use for a possible magazine column, and would be grateful for pointers to resources that would help me flesh out my knowledge of VistA use and dissemination.
What "private" use of VistA or derived works is extant? For example, what private software firms have developed VistA into commercial works, or offer support of FOIA code? What healthcare systems are currently using VistA or derived works? Internationally, I believe the Finns have "always" used VistA -- I assume the Finnish Fork split off the main trunk aeons ago and isn't likely very compatible with current FOIA code; is this assumption realistic? And I've read that a major hospital in Egypt uses some form of VistA. Are there other significant international users? There always seems to be complaint, at least between the lines, about the database engine behind Vista: not relational, hard to learn, hard to read, crufty. To what extent are these negatives realistic hindrances to dissemination and use, and what genuine strengths of its database are being overlooked or minimised? (I recall being told this spring that Oracle told the VA it would be able to port the VistA database structure from M to Oracle for $20M -- I would guess they're at least an order of magnitude low, and also have no idea whatever of the complexity of the task they face.) This does remind me of a legitimate question, however: to what extent is the investment in current development "too valuable to give up"? And a corollary question: to what extent are relational tools already present, and what progress is being made in getting to a code structure (or developing tools to use the underlying code) that make it more "accessible" to programmers? (To permit more widespread collaboration.) Last, I cannot attend the Sacramento meeting, and would be pleased to have anyone post to this list or send to me accounts of significant developments. Private responses are welcome; I would prefer private replies be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED], as I have access to this email from everywhere. Thanks, Dan Johnson
