Runbeam vs Mirth Connect
Comparing Mirth Connect's traditional integration engine with Runbeam's container-based, distributed proxy architecture
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Runbeam | Mirth Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Cloud-native, container-based | Traditional server-based |
| Deployment Model | Distributed proxies + centralised orchestration | Centralised integration hubs |
| Protocol Support | FHIR, DICOM, REST (HL7 v2 coming soon) | HL7-focused (primarily v2) |
| Protocol transforms | ✓ Native (e.g. FHIR ↔ DICOM) | Supported (scripting) |
| Transformation | Declarative JSON config | JavaScript-based scripting |
| Orchestration | Centralised dashboard | Site-by-site management |
| Developer Experience | Modern REST APIs | Channel-based integration |
| DICOM Integration | Native first-class support | Additional modules required |
| Container Support | Native Kubernetes/Docker | Limited containerization |
| HTTP/3 (QUIC) Support | ✓ Native protocol support | Not supported |
| Cross-site connectivity | ✓ JWT-based Data Mesh authentication | Typically handled outside the engine (network/VPN) |
| Federated data meshes | ✓ Supported | Not supported |
| HL7 v2 Processing | Coming soon | Mature, battle-tested |
Choose Runbeam For
Modern Cloud-Native Architecture
Container-based deployment with independent scaling and modern orchestration
- Kubernetes and Docker native
- Behind-the-firewall deployment without VPN complexity
- Independent component scaling
- Modern DevOps workflows
Distributed Proxy Architecture
Local proxy instances at each site with authenticated cross-site connectivity and centralized visibility
- Local connectivity within each environment
- JWT-based mutual authentication for cross-site connectivity (Data Mesh)
- Federated Data Mesh support for partner and cross-team topologies
- Optional HTTP/3 (QUIC) endpoints for modern transport
- Centralized orchestration dashboard
- No data bottlenecks
Developer Experience
Transparent open-source foundation with modern REST APIs and container-based testing
- Work with modern REST APIs
- Protocol translation handled automatically
- Local testing of entire stack
- Well-documented interfaces
Protocol Transformation
JSON-based declarative transforms that are version-controlled and portable
- FHIR transformations
- DICOM and API mediation workflows
- HL7 v2 to FHIR conversion (coming soon)
- Version control friendly
- Easier to test and audit
Choose Mirth Connect For
Legacy HL7 v2 Integration
Specialized for HL7 v2 message processing with mature tooling and JavaScript transformation
- Battle-tested HL7 v2 processing
- Visual channel builders
- JavaScript-based transformation logic
- Extensive message filtering
Existing Mirth Expertise
Organization has experienced integration teams familiar with Mirth workflows
- Established team knowledge
- Existing channel libraries
- Proven operational workflows
- Lower learning curve for current teams
Traditional Server Deployments
Designed for centralized server-based infrastructure with site-by-site management
- Traditional server deployment model
- Site-specific configuration
- Familiar architecture pattern
- Works with existing server infrastructure
Use Case Comparison
Modern Multi-Site Healthcare Platform
Building new cloud-native healthcare platform needing FHIR, DICOM, and distributed connectivity across facilities
Deploy containerized Harmony proxies at each site, configure FHIR and DICOM with JSON transforms, orchestrate via centralized dashboard
Install Mirth servers at each site, build custom FHIR and DICOM channels with JavaScript, manage each instance independently
Legacy HL7 v2 Message Processing
Established healthcare IT infrastructure primarily processing HL7 v2 messages between traditional EMR systems
HL7 v2 supported but not the primary strength, better suited for modern FHIR-based architectures
Mature HL7 v2 processing with visual channel design, extensive filtering, JavaScript transformations
Gradual Modernization
Healthcare organization migrating from traditional message-based integration to modern API architecture
Runbeam handles modern API integration and distributed connectivity while Mirth continues traditional message flows during transition
This hybrid approach enables gradual migration without disrupting operational systems
Pricing Comparison
Runbeam
- Harmony proxy core: Open-source (free)
- Commercial orchestration features
- Container deployment on existing infrastructure
- Per-site or per-organization pricing
Mirth Connect
- Mirth Connect: Open-source community edition
- NextGen Connect: Commercial support available
- Self-hosted infrastructure required
- Site-by-site deployment model
Both offer open-source options. Runbeam focuses on modern cloud-native architecture, Mirth on traditional HL7 v2 processing.
Building modern healthcare integrations?
If you're moving towards containerised deployments, modern protocols, and cross-site connectivity, Runbeam provides a more flexible foundation.