Messaging software architectures underlie some of the most important and fastest growing segments of health care IT. While messaging is the term we use, most applications use terminology focused on workflow automation facilitated by messages generated by users or the messaging system.

According to a study published earlier this year by Spok, 52% of hospitals have adopted systems for secure messaging and collaboration, 30% are evaluating, and 18% have no plans. Many of the providers that have adopted messaging are looking to extend or replace their initial purchase to access advanced features or additional workflows.