If you’ve spent any time walking around exhibition halls at recent industry conferences, you’ve probably noticed that the buzzword du jour is “platform.” It seems as if every healthcare IT vendor who was once known for a specific product or two is now claiming to be a platform that can solve multiple problems with a single purchase. But are these vendors truly offering an extensible platform, or is the perceived shift just a marketing sleight-of-hand?
Why the Sudden Platform Focus?
If you’re wondering why so many vendors are now calling themselves platforms, the answer is simple: it’s all about market positioning. By branding themselves as platforms, vendors are trying to convey that their solutions are versatile, comprehensive, and scalable. In today’s healthcare environment—in a world of “application rationalization” and curbed spending—organizations are looking for solutions that can address multiple pain points without creating the need for new maintenance, new staff, or new data structures. The term “platform” suggests a robust, integrated solution that can evolve with an organization’s needs.
Moreover, being seen as a platform can give vendors a competitive edge. It implies that their product is not just a point solution with a limited shelf life, but a Swiss Army knife of solutions. This can be particularly appealing to buyers who are wary of long-term vendor commitments and want the flexibility to adapt their technology stack over time.
What Is a Platform, Anyway?
Before you ask Purchasing to cut that PO, take a moment to consider whether a “platform” is truly worthy of its claim. Here are a few key factors to consider:
1. Integration Capabilities
A true platform should play well with others. Look for solutions that offer robust integration capabilities, including APIs and support for industry standards. If the vendor’s idea of “integration” involves partnerships, long lists of HL7 interfaces, or blank stares, be skeptical.
2. Scalability
Can the platform grow with your organization? A genuine platform should be able to scale effortlessly, whether you’re adding new users, expanding to new sites, or incorporating additional data sources. Check for testimonials or case studies that demonstrate the platform’s scalability in real-world scenarios.
3. Comprehensive Functionality
While no single platform can do everything, it should offer a broad range of functionalities that address your core needs. Be wary of solutions that claim to be platforms but only offer a handful of features. A true platform should provide a solid foundation on which you can build and extend your capabilities. Functionality by recent acquisition doesn’t necessarily equate to platform, either. A connected brand is not the same as a connected system.
4. Vendor Support and Ecosystem
A platform is only as strong as the community and support behind it. Look for vendors that offer comprehensive support, including training, documentation, and a vibrant user community. Additionally, check if there is an ecosystem of third-party developers and partners who are building add-ons and extensions for the platform.
5. Transparency and Roadmap
A reputable vendor should be transparent about their platform’s capabilities and limitations. They should also provide a clear roadmap for future development, so you know what to expect in terms of new features and updates. Trustworthy platforms should clearly and eagerly tell you what’s in, what’s out, and what’s on the way.
Platform and Feature Selection from Divurgent
As the term “platform” becomes increasingly ubiquitous in healthcare IT, it’s more important than ever to look beyond the label and evaluate what’s truly under the hood. Not every product that calls itself a platform delivers the integration, scalability, functionality, ecosystem, or transparency that modern healthcare organizations need. By asking the right questions and focusing on real capabilities (not just marketing claims) you can make more informed, future-ready decisions.
But finding solutions to the most complex platform questions may benefit from the help of an advisory firm with domain-specific expertise and experience working with organizations like yours. At Divurgent, we specialize in helping healthcare organizations cut through the noise and identify solutions that align with their strategic goals. Whether you’re evaluating a new platform or optimizing an existing one, our team brings the clarity and experience needed to make technology work for you.
Need help prioritizing the right features for your EHR and other platforms? Find the tools you actually need to get the job done.
About the Author
Pete Wiley | Principal
Pete Wiley is Principal at Divurgent. He focuses on EMR implementations, optimizations, and leadership in healthcare. He is an expert in digital transformation and healthcare program management. Pete is a Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) and recently worked at a large academic health system. Visit Pete on LinkedIn.
