Internet Desktops
The Centre for Health Evidence (CHE) uses a number of Internet technologies to build and support Virtual Learning, Practice and Research Communities. VIVIDESK™ Internet desktops are a core enabling technology. These online information environments provide a single point of access to a wide variety of resources such as electronic textbooks, journals, databases, evidence-based medicine curricula, presentations, communications, and multimedia. CHE desktops facilitate practice-based evidence, continuing professional development and efficient use of electronic information resources.
The VIVIDESK technology allows us to:
- provide secure, private, authenticated online information environments
- integrate knowledge resources with learning and practice tools
- provide custom resource packages for different groups
- promote interactive collaboration, learning and teaching
- facilitate access to multiple licensed resources via a single-sign-on
- monitor resource use, integrate evaluation activities and support quality improvement and research.
Authorized users of a CHE desktop have access to a customized package of resources developed to help them work with information of many types, from many sources, using multiple technologies, in a "best of breed" integrated suite. This package provides a set of relevant resources optimized for particular domains (family practice, pediatrics, radiology, long term care, etc...), learners (researchers in training, policy makers), professions (nursing, dietitians) and practice locations (community-based, hospital-based, University-based, etc...). The package can be further customized for different levels of users, such as learners, practitioners or facilitators.
VIVIDESK™ is used by CHE to orchestrate other best-of-breed Internet technologies. These can include hypertext (HTML, XML), Component (ActiveX, Java), Remote Desktop Protocols (Terminal Server, Citrix), Internet Conferencing, Streaming Video, Messaging and other products. VIVIDESK™ takes care of user authentication, security, single sign-on, and information sharing between different software applications.

