The Novo Approach

The Novo Grid technology is made possible by recent advances in computing and the Internet. It is based on the use of autonomous software robots called agents.

Agents:

• Can run anywhere by themselves (e.g. an existing server or PC)
• Interact with local computer systems (e.g. HL7) and people (browser)
• Perform everyday tasks often done by people
• Adapt and acquire new skills over time

Agents exchange information over a secure information grid. This allows them to work behind firewalls and participate in private information sharing communities - collaborating and synchronizing information based on common interests.

The combination of agent and grid technology - an agent grid - is a powerful new model that has shown significant promise as a platform for healthcare exchange and interoperability:

• Significantly lowering the time, cost and effort to implement
• Highly scalable and mass deployable requiring little support
• Adaptable to almost any environment
• Works with today’s applications and serves as a bridge to future standards

The Novo Difference

Unlike fax - Novo delivers discrete data and inserts it directly into application interfaces or organizes and collates the reports for printing - replacing a process done by staff.

Unlike interface engines - Novo provides connectivity, security, and the remote management to facilitate information exchange between disparate systems across the community.

Unlike Web portals - Novo does not centralize nor provide remote access to information. Instead, we enable direct integration of information between provider applications across the community.

Unlike file sharing solutions - Novo pushes data in a secure manner, in the right format, to the right place, and inserts it into a remote application in the proper format.

Unlike secure email - Novo provides integration and workflow features to automate the exchange of information directly between applications and does not require expensive security certificates.

Unlike custom, in-house solutions - Novo can be implemented in a fraction of the time, cost and effort and is effective to operate and support over time.

Unlike RHIOs - the focus is on improving information workflow, not in creating a new type of information system to enable access to information.

Agent Features

• Multiple interface capabilities: Access via folder, TCP port, or other HL7, XML, PDF, text or other formats
• Remote operational support: Install, customize, service and support
• Ability to transform data: HL7 to HL7, HL7 to PDF, Text to HL7 Map, delete, replace, re-format
• Data persistence: Stores locally for days, weeks, months Secure access, purge
• Security: HTTP/S, PKI and symmetric key encryption Audit and notification
• Connectivity: Push text, image, and other data Private, encrypted, secure Meets HIPAA requirements
• Rules to process data based on context: Distribute, discard, notify
• Facilities to learn over time: Associations, rules, behaviors