The EasyAccess concept has three strategic advantages compared to conventional competitive solutions: performance, scaleability, and reliability. Images are not stored in the EasyAccess database, only references to images and requests such as server-location and file name are stored there. This improves database performance and minimizes network load. EasyAccess is a distributed system that allows the addition of file servers where and when needed. Also, examinations that are generated in different departments can be stored localy in those departments. The EasyAccess management database ensures that authorized users have access to all data regardless of which workstation they are working from.

The distributed storage architecture concept has many advantages: it decreases the load on the network, it allows for the linking of hospitals and clinics, improves the scaleability, and allows phased implementations. Improved reliability is a direct benefit of the distributed architecture of EasyAccess. The system has no single point of failure. Moreover, because the Philips PACS can be subdivided into individualy functioning linked clusters, it is easier to maintain resilience in the system.

EasyAccess provides functions to:

• access information related to requests, examinations, and images
• create, move, copy and delete request folders and examination folders
• add images to (and delete images from) examinations
• file examinations to the archives and retrieve examinations from the archives.

Other EasyAccess functions:

• images can be stored on multiple file servers
• DICOM: SCP store, SCP query/retrieve and worklist management
• EasyAccess is typically tightly integrated with RIS-systems for optimal workflow support inclusing a bi-directional^* interface between PACS and RIS.

An entry level version of EasyAccess, called EasyAccess Lite, is also available. EasyAccess Lite can be economically upgraded to EasyAccess without any loss of data or functionality.

* Where supported by RIS systems which allow bi-directional communication.