Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve: Peachtree Healthcare

Sam Herrick
November 15, 2009
Case Study 3

Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve: Peachtree Healthcare
Peachtree Healthcare CEO Max Berndt has been faced with a dilemma within his company. There has been a major IT infrastructure problem within his company for some time now. Since technology has taken over in the healthcare field, it is imperative that Peachtree Healthcare get the ball rolling and get the technology needed so they can be trusted and well known within the healthcare industry. After many conversations and research, Max and his board of trustees have narrowed a new IT infrastructure down to two solutions. Max can take a relatively facilitated action in a “playing it safe” type of system, or he can take a more risky type of system that has potential to have an outstanding outcome.
The first system brought forth is single set of systems and applications that will provide a consistent flow across Peachtree's facilities, however, on the downside it may not give doctors enough flexibility working with each other. The other system is called a service oriented architecture or an “SOA.” It is a newer kind of system that will allow
Peachtree to standardize incrementally, which Max has wanted the most out of an IT
Infrastructure, However there are serious consequences and risks involved with a newer technology. There are many positives and negatives to each. Looking at the positives and negatives would give you a better sense of what system would work best for the company. For example with the single set of applications:





IT would be less costly
Would allow Doctors to work together
However, there could be many malfunctions
Many doctors are Independent

Looking at the SOA positives and Negatives:





Would best meet flexibility standards
Standardize largely
However, Very expensive
New technology has not be tested in long term

Peachtree healthcare and Max Berndt have a huge decision to make, how should
Peachtree