> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://edehr.gitbook.io/edehr-compass/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://edehr.gitbook.io/edehr-compass/planning-and-governance/sustainability/sustainability-and-business-model.md). # Sustainability & Business Model ## How EdEHR Stays Sustainable A platform is only useful if it's going to be around for the long term. This page explains how EdEHR's sustainability model works, how costs are structured, and what institutions can expect as they evaluate adoption. ## The Hybrid Model EdEHR operates as a **hybrid model**: the platform's source code is open source, while the production version used by institutions is commercially maintained by EdEHR Technologies as a managed SaaS service. Institutions benefit from the transparency of an open-source codebase while using a commercially supported, hosted service. EdEHR Technologies handles hosting, updates, technical support, and ongoing development, so institutions do not need to build internal infrastructure to run the platform. ## How Pricing Works EdEHR uses an **enrolment-based annual fee**. Pricing is scaled to your institution's enrolment plans, producing a straightforward institutional cost. This approach was developed through direct collaboration between BCIT institutional leadership and EdEHR Technologies, grounded in how post-secondary institutions budget and procure technology. For current pricing, contact EdEHR Technologies or visit [edehr.org](https://edehr.org). ## Decision-Support Tools To help institutions evaluate whether EdEHR is the right fit, several tools are available through EdEHR Compass. These can be found in the Strategic Planning section under [Budgeting & Resource Allocation](/edehr-compass/planning-and-governance/strategic-planning/budgeting-and-resource-allocation.md) and [Assessing Institutional Readiness](/edehr-compass/planning-and-governance/strategic-planning/assessing-institutional-readiness.md): * **Adoption cost calculators** that estimate costs based on program size and enrolment * **Scalability projections** across varying enrolment levels * **Comparison frameworks** to evaluate EdEHR against alternative approaches (see also [EdEHR vs Other EHR Systems](https://github.com/edehr/compass-edehr/blob/main/Getting%20Started/overview/edehr-vs-other-ehr-systems.md)) These tools are designed to support institutional decision-makers — program heads, deans, IT leadership, and budget officers — in making informed choices. ## Roles in the Ecosystem Understanding who does what helps clarify how the sustainability model works: * **EdEHR Technologies** maintains the platform, manages hosting and infrastructure, provides technical support, and leads ongoing development. * **Post-secondary institutions** adopt and use the platform, integrate it into their curricula, and provide feedback that shapes the platform's evolution. * **EdEHR Compass** (maintained by the governance team) provides the shared onboarding, implementation, and compliance documentation that supports the entire ecosystem — reducing duplication and onboarding costs across institutions. * **Collaborative educator networks** (such as WCCHSE) support knowledge sharing, community building, and cross-institutional alignment. ## Why This Matters for Your Institution EdEHR's sustainability model was specifically designed for the Canadian post-secondary context. Unlike large commercial EHR training platforms, EdEHR operates within a different economic model — one focused on affordability, transparency, and alignment with educational goals. The formalized business case, developed through the SERT project, documents EdEHR's educational, strategic, and economic value. This can be a useful reference when making the case for adoption within your institution. ## Key Takeaways * EdEHR combines **open-source transparency** with **commercially maintained reliability**. * The **enrolment-based annual fee** provides a straightforward institutional cost. * **Decision-support tools** are available to help institutions evaluate costs and fit. * **Clear roles** between EdEHR Technologies, institutions, and the Compass governance team support long-term sustainability. * The model was **developed collaboratively** with institutional input, grounded in the realities of post-secondary budgeting and procurement. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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