Storage & Archiving have a lot in store
Acuo Technologies (Booth #4176) is announcing the availability of Version 5.0 of its DICOM Services Grid solution. This latest software version will enable end-users to better reconcile, distribute, and maintain medical image data to improve workflow, efficiency, and reliability. Improved features for this version include support of superior lossless and lossy image compression quality via wavelet-based JPEG 2000; support for storage commit as a storage class provider for reliable delivery of image data; rules-based normalization support to clean and normalize patient data prior to storage or when integrating with other third-party PACS; additional modality worklist tags supported per the 2005 revisions of DICOM; VPN-less encryption support for high demand by multi-site customers; enhanced statistical reporting; Acuo RIS/PACS synchronizer to promote broker-less environments; conversion of HL7 Reports to DICOM structured reports for storage and distribution; support for SQL Server 2005; and enhanced support for active directory users/groups for authentication.
Candelis (Booth #5535) is introducing its next-generation ImageGrid server appliance to meet increasing demand for cost-effective, reliable, and feature-rich image management and archiving. The ImageGrid 1500 offers up to 11.25 terabytes of raw capacity in an easy-to-implement, rack-mountable 3U form factor. The ImageGrid 1500 series also is available with the optional ImageGrid ILM software integrated with Sony tape libraries for advanced Information Lifecycle Management.
Also, Candelis continues to provide high-end image management features with the introduction of the ImageGrid Web Viewer. The web-based application enables users to share medical data and images with remote location users, such as referring physicians, with complete user management and authorization level controls. With the addition of the integrated Web Viewer, the ImageGrid also can serve as a full-featured “lite” PACS for standalone diagnostic imaging centers and clinics.
Candelis also is announcing comprehensive support for HL7 international standard to enable the ImageGrid server appliance to provide flexible, low-cost exchange and interoperability of electronic health records. The new built-in HL7 standard support provides the required inputs for modality worklist, modality performed procedure step, minimum departmental scheduling services, and study validation.
DeJarnette Research Systems (Booth #2315) is spotlighting version 2.0 software of its Intelligent Router. In recent months, the major digital mammography vendors have discovered Intelligent Router as a solution for their customer’s pre-fetch needs on their mammography reading workstations. The 2.0 software is currently in advanced beta testing at a large number of facilities. The official product release is expected in December. The 2.0 software version includes features such as multiple routing rules for each source, support for complex study/series/order filters in query routing, and multiple pre-fetch rules per DICOM modality worklist provider and per DICOM query/retrieve provider.
The company is releasing an upgrade for its PACSware Migration Toolkit at the end of the year. Based on customer requests for support for the migration of legacy Canon PACS, version 2.1 of the toolkit now supports these Canon PACS migrations and includes separate GUI for scheduling, separate pre-fetch and background migration schedules, wider support for DICOM objects and improved capture of DICOM errors, and improved logging. DeJarnette also is unveiling xDL, its cross-enterprise document librarian that meets growing demand for inexpensive, robust, and reliable offsite storage of PACS data. xDL is a software layer that can be placed on top of any offsite storage vendor’s service offering.
EMC (Booth #4737) is showcasing technologies, solutions, and services that allow healthcare organizations to create intelligent IT infrastructures that incorporate information management and business continuity strategies for high availability, protection, and the quick restore of PACS, clinical, and business applications.
The CLARiiON CX3 UltraScale series is designed to deliver maximum healthcare application performance, scalability, reliability, and ease of use.
EMC Captiva Enterprise Information Management (EIM) and Documentum Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions provide a secured central record repository through which any healthcare record is classified, encrypted, and retained intelligently in a secure and auditable way before the record is moved for archiving. EHRs can leverage this virtual repository to retrieve, collect, and aggregate information to provide a consolidated view of patient records.
EMC Centera content addressable storage (CAS) provides active archiving for PACS applications, e-mail archiving, file system archiving, and content management. CAS architecture provides immediate access to archived medical information, improves operational efficiency with automated configuration and management, and increases clinical productivity at the lowest total cost of ownership.
Hewlett-Packard (Booth #6500) is highlighting its servers, storage, and services that enable healthcare organizations investing in medical imaging and PACS solutions to meet the growing demand for fast, scalable, secure access to diagnostic images, reports, and exam results throughout the healthcare enterprise. Specific technologies being showcased include storage products include HP’s medical archiving solution, enterprise virtual array, MSA array, disk-to-disk backup, MSL tape library, business copy software for remote mirroring, and HP blade servers and integrity servers.
IBM Healthcare & Life Sciences (Booth #1159) is demonstrating its fixed-content storage systems to help healthcare facilities address issues of business continuance, compliance, and cost-effective scalability through Information Lifecycle Management. The company is showcasing the potential benefits of its IBM Grid Medical Archive Solution, including enabling intelligent placement of medical images while less critical data are stored offline; using digital signatures to help to ensure data integrity and assist in compliance initiatives; using intelligent replication to deliver business continuity; and providing fast access to current and historical imaging files towards improved patient care.
iCRco (Booth #4509) is featuring PaxBox for the management, deployment, and affordability of DICOM storage server appliances for the archiving, management, and routing of digital medical images. Using an appliance-based foundation and industry-standard DICOM architecture, the PaxBox server appliance accelerates image access, simplifies operation and management, and protects patient images in a HIPAA-compliant storage and archival system. With PaxBox, imaging centers and clinics can focus on their operations instead of system management while also reducing purchase and ownership costs. PaxBox features fully integrated, DICOM industry-standard server appliances that speed digital image access and routing, simplify image management, and provide cost-effective storage. PaxBox is able to route images directly and concurrently from each modality for immediate storage.
InSiteOne (Booth #8546) is announcing its next-generation InDex managed service, which provides new capabilities for data management and archiving solutions in addition to DICOM imaging for full compliance with emerging XDS standards. With this expansion, InSiteOne’s clients can leverage their storage investment and build a foundation for information management and sharing across the enterprise. Key to this new toolset is increased data access capabilities and monitoring with protection for patient- and site-specific data. Also, the next-generation InDex managed service facilitates sharing patient information across multi-site enterprises within a geographical region for the benefit of improving the quality of patient care.
Network Appliance (Booth #5418) is showcasing its newest disked-based solution, FAS6000. The FAS6000 series (FAS6030 or FAS6050) delivers up to twice the price and performance of competing products in its class and supports more users per system for greater storage consolidation capability, the company says. As part of the unified NetApp architecture, these systems support medical images in FC SAN, IP SAN, and multiple network configurations, while offering scalability to higher-performance systems with seamless, painless upgrades without requiring the “forklift” data migration needed by most other offerings currently on the market. The FAS6000 systems fully extend the value of the FlexVolT capabilities built into Data ONTAPT 7G by increasing disk performance even for small data volumes.
North American Imaging (Booth #3103) is launching a DICOM format recorder specifically designed for portable C-arms. MDR Video records native 1K x 1K video format without down scanning or low line rate limitations. The recorder operates transparently during the exam and can record automatically or via remote control. MDR creates DICOM format media that can be viewed from any Windows PC using the full-featured DICOM viewer added to each disk or import exams from disk using PACS.
ODS Medical (Booth #1266) is announcing its V2.6 Feature/Function software release for PACScomm, featuring the following enhancements and upgrades: enhanced DICOM import to include the ability to auto-reconcile patient and study information by using a worklist server; new external query selector enhances flexibility in study search capabilities by allowing the user to specify single- or multi-archive searches; enhanced administrative configurability of automated processes that provide study search and status information; enhanced structured report configurability and added support for the Agfa/Mitra structured report broker; improved web page customization tools for displaying reports in HTML; and additional support for the DICOM specification for CD media creation. In first quarter 2006, the PACScomm unit was redesigned featuring a fully enclosed system. This design provides a simple system install with no assembly or cabling required. This fully integrated system provides a single, space-optimizing footprint for multiple surface options.
Plasmon (Booth #6960) is highlighting its UDO Archive Appliance, a storage system designed for high-volume data such as medical images, scans, e-mail, patient records, and unstructured data. The system is fully integrated for archival storage and combines the longevity and authenticity of UDO with the performance of RAID and the ease of use of network-attached storage in a single system.
ScImage (Booth #4358) is showcasing its comprehensive storage and archive solutions for DICOM, non DICOM and documents both inside and outside the health enterprise. PICOM architecture allows grouping of disparate digital objects either by study or by patient and management of the resulting Electronic Patient Folders over a web-based infrastructure. ScImage’s PicomOnline is the first active data center that combines archiving outside the enterprise and disaster recovery services with robust TelePACS for routine clinical practices. A PicomEnterprise server (inside the enterprise solution) seamlessly connects to the PicomOnline service to provide offsite archiving and anytime, anywhere collaborative reading with no IT resources required at the enterprise level. For resource constrained facilities, PicomOnline’s server-less, high-throughput PACS is an ideal option. PicomOnline also can be used as a multi-site telemedicine network.
Sorna (Booth #1501) is highlighting the eXpedo XR1 and XR2, single- and dual-drive DICOM CD/DVD recording systems that made their debut at SIIM 2006. Their compact configuration, designed for use in space-constrained healthcare facilities, incorporates a DISC burner, computer server, control panel, and display monitor in an integrated XR1 and XR2 footprint. Like all Sorna networked recording systems, they are web-enabled for efficient remote operation. Software enhancements to eXpedo systems include a new Importer that can be installed on and operated from any PC on a network. Fully IHE PDI Media Importer conformant, this feature enables users to extract DICOM data from a DISC or other storage medium and transfer it to the user’s PACS.
TDK Electronics (Booth #6760) is showcasing its line of DICOM Media Creator (DMC) systems featuring integrated DVD and CD recording capabilities. The extended DMC family makes it simple and convenient for hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers to record patient studies, reports, and other information on cost-efficient, medical-grade DVD and CD recording media, the company says.
Candelis (Booth #5535) is introducing its next-generation ImageGrid server appliance to meet increasing demand for cost-effective, reliable, and feature-rich image management and archiving. The ImageGrid 1500 offers up to 11.25 terabytes of raw capacity in an easy-to-implement, rack-mountable 3U form factor. The ImageGrid 1500 series also is available with the optional ImageGrid ILM software integrated with Sony tape libraries for advanced Information Lifecycle Management. Also, Candelis continues to provide high-end image management features with the introduction of the ImageGrid Web Viewer. The web-based application enables users to share medical data and images with remote location users, such as referring physicians, with complete user management and authorization level controls. With the addition of the integrated Web Viewer, the ImageGrid also can serve as a full-featured “lite” PACS for standalone diagnostic imaging centers and clinics.
Candelis also is announcing comprehensive support for HL7 international standard to enable the ImageGrid server appliance to provide flexible, low-cost exchange and interoperability of electronic health records. The new built-in HL7 standard support provides the required inputs for modality worklist, modality performed procedure step, minimum departmental scheduling services, and study validation.
DeJarnette Research Systems (Booth #2315) is spotlighting version 2.0 software of its Intelligent Router. In recent months, the major digital mammography vendors have discovered Intelligent Router as a solution for their customer’s pre-fetch needs on their mammography reading workstations. The 2.0 software is currently in advanced beta testing at a large number of facilities. The official product release is expected in December. The 2.0 software version includes features such as multiple routing rules for each source, support for complex study/series/order filters in query routing, and multiple pre-fetch rules per DICOM modality worklist provider and per DICOM query/retrieve provider.
The company is releasing an upgrade for its PACSware Migration Toolkit at the end of the year. Based on customer requests for support for the migration of legacy Canon PACS, version 2.1 of the toolkit now supports these Canon PACS migrations and includes separate GUI for scheduling, separate pre-fetch and background migration schedules, wider support for DICOM objects and improved capture of DICOM errors, and improved logging. DeJarnette also is unveiling xDL, its cross-enterprise document librarian that meets growing demand for inexpensive, robust, and reliable offsite storage of PACS data. xDL is a software layer that can be placed on top of any offsite storage vendor’s service offering.
EMC (Booth #4737) is showcasing technologies, solutions, and services that allow healthcare organizations to create intelligent IT infrastructures that incorporate information management and business continuity strategies for high availability, protection, and the quick restore of PACS, clinical, and business applications.
The CLARiiON CX3 UltraScale series is designed to deliver maximum healthcare application performance, scalability, reliability, and ease of use.
EMC Captiva Enterprise Information Management (EIM) and Documentum Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions provide a secured central record repository through which any healthcare record is classified, encrypted, and retained intelligently in a secure and auditable way before the record is moved for archiving. EHRs can leverage this virtual repository to retrieve, collect, and aggregate information to provide a consolidated view of patient records.
EMC Centera content addressable storage (CAS) provides active archiving for PACS applications, e-mail archiving, file system archiving, and content management. CAS architecture provides immediate access to archived medical information, improves operational efficiency with automated configuration and management, and increases clinical productivity at the lowest total cost of ownership.
Hewlett-Packard (Booth #6500) is highlighting its servers, storage, and services that enable healthcare organizations investing in medical imaging and PACS solutions to meet the growing demand for fast, scalable, secure access to diagnostic images, reports, and exam results throughout the healthcare enterprise. Specific technologies being showcased include storage products include HP’s medical archiving solution, enterprise virtual array, MSA array, disk-to-disk backup, MSL tape library, business copy software for remote mirroring, and HP blade servers and integrity servers.
IBM Healthcare & Life Sciences (Booth #1159) is demonstrating its fixed-content storage systems to help healthcare facilities address issues of business continuance, compliance, and cost-effective scalability through Information Lifecycle Management. The company is showcasing the potential benefits of its IBM Grid Medical Archive Solution, including enabling intelligent placement of medical images while less critical data are stored offline; using digital signatures to help to ensure data integrity and assist in compliance initiatives; using intelligent replication to deliver business continuity; and providing fast access to current and historical imaging files towards improved patient care.
iCRco (Booth #4509) is featuring PaxBox for the management, deployment, and affordability of DICOM storage server appliances for the archiving, management, and routing of digital medical images. Using an appliance-based foundation and industry-standard DICOM architecture, the PaxBox server appliance accelerates image access, simplifies operation and management, and protects patient images in a HIPAA-compliant storage and archival system. With PaxBox, imaging centers and clinics can focus on their operations instead of system management while also reducing purchase and ownership costs. PaxBox features fully integrated, DICOM industry-standard server appliances that speed digital image access and routing, simplify image management, and provide cost-effective storage. PaxBox is able to route images directly and concurrently from each modality for immediate storage.
InSiteOne (Booth #8546) is announcing its next-generation InDex managed service, which provides new capabilities for data management and archiving solutions in addition to DICOM imaging for full compliance with emerging XDS standards. With this expansion, InSiteOne’s clients can leverage their storage investment and build a foundation for information management and sharing across the enterprise. Key to this new toolset is increased data access capabilities and monitoring with protection for patient- and site-specific data. Also, the next-generation InDex managed service facilitates sharing patient information across multi-site enterprises within a geographical region for the benefit of improving the quality of patient care.
Network Appliance (Booth #5418) is showcasing its newest disked-based solution, FAS6000. The FAS6000 series (FAS6030 or FAS6050) delivers up to twice the price and performance of competing products in its class and supports more users per system for greater storage consolidation capability, the company says. As part of the unified NetApp architecture, these systems support medical images in FC SAN, IP SAN, and multiple network configurations, while offering scalability to higher-performance systems with seamless, painless upgrades without requiring the “forklift” data migration needed by most other offerings currently on the market. The FAS6000 systems fully extend the value of the FlexVolT capabilities built into Data ONTAPT 7G by increasing disk performance even for small data volumes.North American Imaging (Booth #3103) is launching a DICOM format recorder specifically designed for portable C-arms. MDR Video records native 1K x 1K video format without down scanning or low line rate limitations. The recorder operates transparently during the exam and can record automatically or via remote control. MDR creates DICOM format media that can be viewed from any Windows PC using the full-featured DICOM viewer added to each disk or import exams from disk using PACS.ODS Medical (Booth #1266) is announcing its V2.6 Feature/Function software release for PACScomm, featuring the following enhancements and upgrades: enhanced DICOM import to include the ability to auto-reconcile patient and study information by using a worklist server; new external query selector enhances flexibility in study search capabilities by allowing the user to specify single- or multi-archive searches; enhanced administrative configurability of automated processes that provide study search and status information; enhanced structured report configurability and added support for the Agfa/Mitra structured report broker; improved web page customization tools for displaying reports in HTML; and additional support for the DICOM specification for CD media creation. In first quarter 2006, the PACScomm unit was redesigned featuring a fully enclosed system. This design provides a simple system install with no assembly or cabling required. This fully integrated system provides a single, space-optimizing footprint for multiple surface options.
Plasmon (Booth #6960) is highlighting its UDO Archive Appliance, a storage system designed for high-volume data such as medical images, scans, e-mail, patient records, and unstructured data. The system is fully integrated for archival storage and combines the longevity and authenticity of UDO with the performance of RAID and the ease of use of network-attached storage in a single system.
ScImage (Booth #4358) is showcasing its comprehensive storage and archive solutions for DICOM, non DICOM and documents both inside and outside the health enterprise. PICOM architecture allows grouping of disparate digital objects either by study or by patient and management of the resulting Electronic Patient Folders over a web-based infrastructure. ScImage’s PicomOnline is the first active data center that combines archiving outside the enterprise and disaster recovery services with robust TelePACS for routine clinical practices. A PicomEnterprise server (inside the enterprise solution) seamlessly connects to the PicomOnline service to provide offsite archiving and anytime, anywhere collaborative reading with no IT resources required at the enterprise level. For resource constrained facilities, PicomOnline’s server-less, high-throughput PACS is an ideal option. PicomOnline also can be used as a multi-site telemedicine network.
Sorna (Booth #1501) is highlighting the eXpedo XR1 and XR2, single- and dual-drive DICOM CD/DVD recording systems that made their debut at SIIM 2006. Their compact configuration, designed for use in space-constrained healthcare facilities, incorporates a DISC burner, computer server, control panel, and display monitor in an integrated XR1 and XR2 footprint. Like all Sorna networked recording systems, they are web-enabled for efficient remote operation. Software enhancements to eXpedo systems include a new Importer that can be installed on and operated from any PC on a network. Fully IHE PDI Media Importer conformant, this feature enables users to extract DICOM data from a DISC or other storage medium and transfer it to the user’s PACS.
TDK Electronics (Booth #6760) is showcasing its line of DICOM Media Creator (DMC) systems featuring integrated DVD and CD recording capabilities. The extended DMC family makes it simple and convenient for hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers to record patient studies, reports, and other information on cost-efficient, medical-grade DVD and CD recording media, the company says.