Benjamin Franklin once said, "The way to wealth depends on just two words, industry and frugality." Facing the most uncertain economic climate in decades, frugality has become the predominant instinct among healthcare organizations. However, when it comes to technology - and IT infrastructure in particular - the impulse towards frugality must be combined with the intelligent implementation of industry.

In a volatile economy it is standard protocol to cut back on budget and expenses - luxuries must be curtailed. However, IT infrastructure is not a luxury. It is the lifeblood of every aspect of the healthcare industry. It enables business processes and decision-making, it fuels organizational efficiency and it is the essential to communication, collaboration and innovation.

That's not to suggest healthcare organizations should spend indiscriminately. But they should continue to invest in technology that strengthens their infrastructure and positions them to take advantage of the turn-around ahead.
By recognizing the "consumable" nature of IT equipment, and by establishing a framework for measuring obsolescence, they can implement a systematic retirement and replacement program for outdated equipment over multiple technology life cycles, which can actually save money in the long run.