Applying modular design in architecting interorganizational information systems

Abstract

The Shanghai Health Information Exchange (HIE) is an exemplar of interorganizational information systems (IOIS) that integrates multiple organizations and their information systems. The HIE connects 156 electronic medical record systems operated by 69 hospitals and clinics in China's largest city. HIE developers evaluated five architectural options and then successfully implemented the chosen platform architecture. Executives faced with the challenges of creating an IOIS can use this case as a decision guide for choosing and implementing the best IOIS architecture.