"The setup utilizes servers from IBM, the networking and compression expertise of NoMachine, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop to provide patients with access to the internet, where they can do everything from learning about their condition and treatment to keeping family and friends abreast of their progress via the standard cast of internet characters: Twitter, Facebook, and the omnipresent blogs.
"Hospital officials say they chose a thin-client Linux setup because of the performance and cost savings. Not only does the hospital save by using Open Source software, but the sixty-five thin clients are said to save the facility 60% on its electric bill. That, combined with the estimated 98% savings in IT costs — full desktops require a lot of maintenance and a lot of staff to keep up with it — means the hospital can provide the service without patients bearing the burden on the billing end. GAMC plans to roll out more virtual systems in the future, for employee and clinic, as well as patient, use."
