The next version of Connect–the open-source software that allows federal health agencies and other organizations to exchange health records data through the Nationwide Health Information Network–will offer cloud computing-based options, according to Government Health IT.

Scheduled for release in July and September, the next two Connect software versions will allow healthcare providers, agencies and health information exchanges to use cloud services to enhance certain features, including messaging, patient discovery and look-up, according to officials with the Federal Health Architecture program office.

The Connect team is hoping that by tapping cloud computing, it will be easier and cheaper for agencies and provider organizations to launch  health-information exchange applications, which could free budgets and staff for more critical business pursuits.

To encourage providers to create new applications that would complement existing NHIN services, the Connect program office plans to host a new series of “Code-A-Thons” in April at Florida International University in Miami.