What is SCU

This chapter discusses the concept of open-source picture archiving and communication systems (i.e. PACS), which are low cost, and easy to re-configure and to customize for the specific user needs. Opensource PACS are based on relatively low cost computational resources, and are built by integrating opensource software components that implement basic services of a PACS. These services are described in this chapter, as well as how to integrate them. As an illustration, a PACS based on open-source software components for angiographic studies is discussed. Using the open-source approach, we expect to help diffusing the PACS technology by reducing its development and maintenance costs by using components easily available (e.g. desktop PCs).