[Am-info] M$ and the NHS

[Jeff Wasel]

I've been working with a group that is helping the NHS define a health
record model that is vendor independent and open-source on non-M$ based (re:
my inquiry about OS/2 a while back). We had some input into keeping this
pilot a lot smaller than M$ wanted. M$ is getting their nose under the tent
at the Information Authority level of the NHS (the uber-CIO level if you
will), but there is considerable resistance to them getting any more. One
thing I've noticed is that M$ is very entrenched among the UK gov't and it's
a pain. Gates has lobbied hard. However, there are a lot of organizations
and individuals of the "Register's" ilk who are starting to turn the tables,
particularly in privacy and data security. One thing we are playing on is
the much stricter UK-EU standards for security and privacy. Also, keep in
mind that M$ is still very much in hot water with the EU over server
monopoly practices. Given M$' track record on security, it's  working well,
particularly as we are working with highly sensitive patient data. The other
front is cost. We are cobbing together a very efficient system for next to
nothing, (save for actual programming costs), that is more secure, reliable
and cheaper than anything the Redmond dolts could perceive.

Anyway, the minutes of that meeting are an interesting read. Follow the
"Board" link. Given the amount of money M$ could of gotten, this is actually
a good sign and a drop in the bucket relative to how much money the NHS
spends on IT. There is a lot riding on this records project, and the usual
M$ vendor promises will be scrutinized more so that most. Also, the NHS Info
Authority is located in Cambridge, but the money comes from London, and
bureaucrats, not techies hold the purse strings... The UK Gov't Gateway is
a whole other story and has already proved a boondoggle and an embarrassment
to Labour. I think in the long run Labour will tire of the heat and send M$
packing. They have in other gov't departments, so it's not a stretch by any
means.

Anyway, sorry to toddle on, but it's in my back yard :)

Jeff

Jeff Wasel
Department of Information Systems
Tower One, Third Floor
The London School of Economics
Houghton Street
London WC2A 2AE