The 3D medical imaging market, composed of 3D technologies that allow 3D post-processing and advanced clinical applications for computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging modalities, is expected to strongly grow within the next years [1]. CT in particular is making 3D post-processing and advanced clinical applications a necessity for the daily routine in radiology departments. Large volumes of data with thousands of images per study require 3D imaging for faster diagnosis. As a diagnostic tool, 3D increases reading efficiency and saves time. Consequently, more powerful clinical applications for cardiac CT, oncology CT, neuro CT, and acute care CT have been developed within the past several years.

Due to the CT data explosion and the increasing spectrum of clinical applications, hospitals and other clinical enterprises are searching for technologically feasible solutions to access CT volume data and clinical applications in an economically attractive way. Siemens thin-client server technology syngo^® WebSpace fulfils this trend and enables hospitals to implement a process that utilizes the capabilities of full workstations and radiologist interaction with datasets at any workplace within their department.

The availability of high-quality CT volume data and the development of new clinical applications deliver more and improved information to clinicians for their treatment decisions. However, the individual delivery of large amounts of CT volume datasets to the involved physicians’ workstations is a heavy burden for the IT system, as the performance might slow down heavily. In addition, the purchase of several standalone workstations – each fully packed with clinical applications –puts great pressure on the budget of the hospital.
Besides the increased awareness of IT infrastructure in terms of its potential impact on the business success, the strong trend from standalone workplaces to thin-client server-based solutions such as Siemens syngo WebSpace is very natural and mainly driven by economic benefits.