Compelling CPRS Replacement

From VistApedia
Jump to navigationJump to search

CPRS is programmed in Delphi. Since CPRS was initially developed other programming languages have become more popular and capable than delphi. As a result some feel that CPRS should be re-written in a modern language.

To replace or not to replace... that is the question

Reasons that the current delphi based CPRS is no longer workable

  • Delphi is not a popular language, modern programmers are not trained in it.
  • There only a few people who are trained in modifying the current CPRS Application.
  • Without other considerations programmers are typically unwilling to learn a new language for the sake of a single Application.
  • Unlike MUMPS Delphi offers so special benefits over modern languages.

Reasons that the current CPRS is workable

  • CPRS has an extremely small foot-print, making it easy to distribute automatically.
  • CPRS works well on older hardware, which might have difficulty supporting a hardware "heavy" language like Java.
  • CPRS has a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge embedded in its design, reprogramming CPRS is a very difficult task.

Medsphere OpenVistA CIS

Medsphere has created a potential CPRS replacement using mono (apparently we must prefer languages names after diseases) called OpenVistA CIS. It works against a modified version of the VistA server which is unfortunately not compatible with FOIA VistA. Currently, it also uses a badgeware license that requires the display of a Medsphere logo if the client is used. Medsphere's reputation within the community is the subject of some controversy.