Verona, Wis.-based Epic Systems has announced plans to launch its own app store which will allow outside companies to develop applications that work with Epic's EHR platform, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report.
The app store, to be called App Exchange, provides a channel for companies to develop and market apps, according to Mark Bakken, co-founder and former CEO of Nordic Consulting, the largest consultant firm working with Epic customers. Mr. Bakken also has said such an offering will solidify Epic's long-term legacy, according to the report.
Epic's App Exchange will be similar to Apple's App Store, according to Mr. Bakken, where outside developers can offer apps that integrate with the existing EHR system. He also said in the report that Epic plans to publish guidelines on how to work with Epic.
Mr. Bakken also said the App Exchange may lessen some of the criticism surrounding Epic that says the systems are too closed and not interoperable, according to the report.
"Once they officially launch this, then it'll be very, very easy [to work with Epic's software]," Mr. Bakken said in the report. "It will really open the floodgates for anyone that knows Epic to really get their product on the market quickly and in front of Epic's customers. So the distribution channel is huge."
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