Do you know Durian? 🥭 Or, how do I explain the monolith dilemma in Indonesia?

During my stay in Indonesia 🇮🇩, I repeatedly asked myself how best to explain the difference between monolithic and best-of-breed systems. Then, when I saw a sign with a crossed-out Durian – the typical indication that the fruit is banned in hotels and public transport because of its intense smell – I suddenly had the perfect analogy in mind.

The Durian fruit, also known as the “queen of fruits,” is famous—or infamous—in Southeast Asia for its intense odor, which often leads to its ban from hotels, public transportation, and other facilities. Despite the off-putting aroma for some, its taste is highly beloved by many. This unique mix of enthusiasm and aversion makes Durian an interesting comparison for discussing monolithic versus best-of-breed systems in health IT.

Monolithic systems are like the Durian fruit: you get the whole package, whether you like all aspects of it or not. Some people love the taste, but the smell is simply too strong for many. Similarly, monolithic software solutions in healthcare often offer numerous functions in a single system, but those who work with them often have little room for customization and interoperability. And that “stinks” for many users.

Best-of-breed systems, on the other hand, are like a fruit stand 🍇🍓🍍: you can pick out exactly the fruits you like and simply leave the rest. In health IT, this means each department—whether nursing, physicians, or administration—can choose the best solution for their specific needs. These systems are flexible, customizable, and avoid the frustration of having to deal with unnecessary features or restrictions, as is often the case with monolithic systems.

When I shared this analogy, it immediately brought a smile: a monolith is like a Durian—not suitable for everyone, often hard to accept, but sometimes unavoidable. Best-of-breed systems, in contrast, offer the flexibility of a diverse fruit stand where everyone can find the best fit for their needs.