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Twenty years later: where has MUMPS gone and how did it get there?
1University of California, Davis.
Computers in Healthcare
|May 9, 1991
Abstract:
The past chairman of the MUMPS Users' Group and the MUMPS Development Committee, Richard Walters, traces the development of MUMPS from its inception through its subsequent fragmentation and eventual standardization. He also suggests what the future will look like for MUMPS-based technologies.
Insights
This article traces the history of MUMPS (Massachusetts General Hospital Utility Multi-Programming System), detailing its fragmentation and standardization. It also explores future trends for MUMPS-based technologies.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Programming Languages
- Health Informatics
Background:
- The Massachusetts General Hospital Utility Multi-Programming System (MUMPS) has a long history in healthcare computing.
- The language has undergone significant evolution, including periods of fragmentation and consolidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of the MUMPS programming language.
- To analyze the factors contributing to its fragmentation and subsequent standardization.
- To forecast the future trajectory of MUMPS-based technologies.
Main Methods:
- Historical research and analysis of key developmental milestones.
- Review of documentation from the MUMPS Users' Group and MUMPS Development Committee.
- Expert insights and projections on future technological trends.
Main Results:
- MUMPS development involved distinct phases of innovation, fragmentation, and standardization.
- Standardization efforts were crucial for the language's continued relevance.
- The evolution of MUMPS reflects broader trends in programming language development and adoption.
Conclusions:
- MUMPS has a resilient history, adapting through standardization.
- Future developments will likely focus on integration and modernization of MUMPS-based systems.
- The language's legacy continues to influence modern healthcare IT infrastructure.