Compelling CPRS Replacement

CPRS is programmed in Delphi. Since CPRS was initially developed other programming languages have become more popular and capable than delphi. As a result some feel that CPRS should be re-written in a modern language.

To replace or not to replace... that is the question

Reasons that the current delphi based CPRS is no longer workable

• Delphi is not a popular language, modern programmers are not trained in it.
• There only a few people who are trained in modifying the current CPRS Application.
• Without other considerations programmers are typically unwilling to learn a new language for the sake of a single Application.
• Unlike MUMPS Delphi offers so special benefits over modern languages.

Reasons that the current CPRS is workable

• CPRS has an extremely small foot-print, making it easy to distribute automatically.
• CPRS works well on older hardware, which might have difficulty supporting a hardware "heavy" language like Java.
• CPRS has a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge embedded in its design, reprogramming CPRS is a very difficult task.

Medsphere OpenVistA CIS

Medsphere has created a potential CPRS replacement using mono (apparently we must prefer languages names after diseases) called OpenVistA CIS. It works against a modified version of the VistA server which is unfortunately not compatible with FOIA VistA. Currently, it also uses a badgeware license that requires the display of a Medsphere logo if the client is used. Medsphere's reputation within the community is the subject of some controversy.