Book excerpt: Web-based applications provide the power of desktop and server applications with the exibility and accessibility of the web. Using web browsers, users can securely access applications from anywhere within the reach of the company intranet or extranet. The special issue strives to explore the advanced web-based information systems and database applications in healthcare area. Healthcare organizations are undergoing major reorganizations and adjustments to meet the increasing demands of improved healthcare access and quality, as well as lowered costs. As the use of information technology to process medical data increases, much of the critical information necessary to meet these challenges is being stored in digital format. Web-enabled information technologies can provide the means for greater access and more effective integration of healthcare information from disparate computer applications and other information resources. This book presents studies from leading researchers and practitioners focusing on the current challenges, directions, trends, and opportunities associated with heal- care organizations and their strategic use of web-enabled technologies. Managing healthcare information systems with web-enabled technologies is an excellent ve- cle for understanding current and potential uses of Internet technology in the broad areas of healthcare and medical applications.