Many infrastructure and IT integrators in healthcare are being challenged with their delivery differentiation. For example; it is great that an integrator may be a Cisco Gold Partner..but what is the uniqueness? With that statement, margins are being eroded and consolodation of IT integration firms is happening in this space. Regional integrators just may may not be able to scale to meet the networked medical device wired and wireless model on a domestic and global scale! To provide the real value to the medical device company that has to deploy major projects in a networked environment (wired and wireless), they (the medical device company) will need a true domestic and international integrator to depend upon. Integrators (IT firms) will have to have the immediate ability to immediately scale multiple projects, provide the high level of technical talent, and be able to support multiple complex healthcare IT and networked medical device deployments. In summary medical device companies that need an outside integrator to support professionl services will carefully need to evaluate the financial strength of the integrator..but also their local support footprint.

Excellent points.
Another point to consider is the capabilities of the integrator to operate in the healthcare setting. Some items we’ve come across are Life Safety considerations during installations. Many of our hospitals had to teach the subcontactor what it meant to properly seal smoke/fire barriers, the importance of containing dust in
the wards and procedural areas and basic infection control issues. Hospitals can’t be treated as a regular business occupancy.
Paul, thanks for your excellent comments here. My intent of this blog is based upon actual experience. Some say that they can be the master of everything..however when it comes down to execution..well that is another story. Appreciate your insite here.
Definitely an interesting concept. I’m interested in learning more about the integrator and how other countries are using this concept with medical technology.
Harold if you can provide your contact information I certainly can share.