Cerner has launched its new Cerner Open Developer Experience -- known as "code_" -- in a bid to spur wider collaboration with third-party and client developers for SMART on FHIR applications.

SMART on FHIR tools run on top of electronic health records, giving physicians access to the apps from within their workflow, enabling them to more easily interact with health data.

Developers who visit code.cerner.com can begin coding immediately with the SMART on FHIR tools and browse current apps that are available or in development. Cerner officials say code_ is designed with open communications and robust API documentation in mind, meant to offer access to tools that enable innovative app development.

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"Cerner is committed to taking a leadership role to support third-party developers and help further health information technology," said David McCallie, MD, senior vice president, medical informatics, at Cerner, in a statement.

"Encouraging innovators to develop apps that work across existing health records can help the industry advance the way care is delivered through improved interoperability capabilities," he added.

[Also: Cerner adds FHIR power]

Fifteen new SMART on FHIR apps are in development or in production and will be showcased in Cerner (Booth 2032) at HIMSS16, which takes place Feb. 29 to March 4, at Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

"Fostering new ideas from the developer community enables us to reach a broader market of potential users,” said Bob Robke, Cerner's vice president of interoperability, noting that the platform "has potential to unlock the next cutting-edge solution that could benefit not only our entire client base, but the industry as well."

Twitter: @MikeMiliardHITN

This story is part of our ongoing coverage of the HIMSS16 conference. Follow our live blog for real-time updates, and visit Destination HIMSS16 for a full rundown of our reporting from the show. For a selection of some of the best social media posts of the show, visit our Trending at #HIMSS16 hub.