SAAS Model Will Open New Markets for LIMS
Laboratories generate enormous amounts of data from the hundreds of samples analyzed every day. The purpose of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is to collect, process, store, and retrieve this data to ensure sample traceability and regulatory compliance, observance of industrial standards, as well as provide reporting, monitoring, and analysis capabilities.
Historically, LIMS have been delivered using the outright purchase model. The success of Salesforce.com has forced LIMS and other software providers to develop the software as a service (SaaS) model in which software is rented and accessed via the Internet.
For small and medium sized laboratories the installed cost of a commercial LIMS is often prohibitive. As a result, these enterprises frequently rely on solutions developed in-house, but the total cost of ownership of these solutions may actually be greater than anticipated. LIMS SaaS offers this group of users an alternative to costly commercial systems and the aggravation of maintaining a homegrown solution. SaaS alleviates the user's need to purchase servers, maintain software, and other ongoing support, enabling them to concentrate on core capabilities.
Strategic Issues
End users are increasingly relying on LIMS solutions to increase efficiency, facilitate standardization, reduce support costs, enable data sharing, and support other business requirements. This study will help to answer questions, such as:
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How can suppliers broaden LIMS functionality?
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Will the LIMS market adopt the software as a service delivery method?
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Can LIMS contribute to sustainability?
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Can LIMS enhance business performance?
- Will new market opportunities for LIMS present themselves?