Overview of Firely Server: A Guide from Setup to Extension
Introduction to Firely Server - Firely Docs
Summary
This article introduces Firely Server, a turn-key FHIR server solution. Users can test it using sandbox environments or evaluation licenses and access commercial editions for production use. Key setup steps include selecting the database (e.g., MongoDB, SQL Server) and deployment method (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), while advanced customization allows integration of custom profiles and plugins.
Details
Firely Server is presented as a turn-key FHIR server solution that can be set up quickly. Initial access is provided through sandbox environments or evaluation licenses for testing purposes. For commercial use, several editions are available (e.g., Essentials, Scale). The technical setup requires careful consideration of the database choice—while SQLite is default, MongoDB or SQL Server are recommended for serious use—and the deployment method, which supports Docker, Kubernetes, Azure hosting, and reverse proxies. Configuration involves setting up endpoints for desired FHIR versions (STU3, R4, R5) and configuring processing pipelines with plugins. Advanced customization capabilities include utilizing the administration database to incorporate custom profiles, proprietary resources, CodeSystem/ValueSet definitions, and custom search parameters beyond the standard FHIR specification. Functionality can be further extended using add-ons such as Firely Auth for SMART on FHIR authorization or the Bulk Data Export plugin.
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