The Adaptation of Cloud Computing by the Healthcare Industry
Cloud Computing and Virtualization are becoming more important to the healthcare industry. Both of these technologies allow users to access their data wherever they are, with no need for additional hardware or software. The most common use for Cloud Computing is through the use of virtualization. Virtualization allows applications to be separated into multiple virtual servers on the network, each running a specific software stack. The healthcare industry has found that it is easier to manage multiple virtual servers than multiple physical machines.
Cloud Computing and virtualization are not new. However, in recent years many healthcare IT departments have embraced the concept of Cloud Computing to help them reduce their overall costs. By migrating applications and work to a remote cloud provider, administrators can eliminate many of their needs such as expensive software licensing fees and virtualization management.
The other side of the Cloud is its massive potential for the healthcare industry. Cloud provides the ability to quickly and efficiently share information between applications and services. This means that a physician can diagnose a patient faster and create an order faster than it would be able to on a physical hospital floor. The ability to securely transmit medical information also means that a doctor can monitor a patient’s health from remote locations, which is especially important in disaster areas. As well, cloud computing can make it easier to collaborate with patients and health care providers from anywhere, which is ideal for the healthcare industry.
Cloud computing also offers a number of advantages to businesses. Rather than purchasing expensive software and hardware systems, or maintaining expensive IT staff, cloud providers provide information and computing resources on a pay-per-consumption basis. In this manner, healthcare providers will only need to pay for what they use, freeing up cash for operations and increased revenue.
However, not every business is ready to adapt to the changes that occur when moving to a cloud-based system. Many IT departments are hesitant to embrace cloud’s flexibility because of the perceived risk. Cloud security and privacy concerns are still relatively new and haven’t been addressed fully by the average IT department. Also, the majority of companies operating in the healthcare industry don’t have the staff or the time to properly migrate to a cloud environment. They don’t want to lose the expertise that they currently have, or the ability to collaborate with other departments and offices within their organization. As such, many doctors and other professionals aren’t comfortable with moving their data to a new cloud.
Fortunately, the cloud has the ability to adapt to changing environments by the help of experienced experts and programmers. A cloud consultant helps healthcare companies adapt to the changes taking place in their industry by offering advice and support. These consultants have expertise in all areas of the cloud such as application development, cloud infrastructure, software as a service, and cloud management. The consultants also have knowledge in legal matters, which can help healthcare providers to ensure that confidential data isn’t lost or corrupted.
When selecting a cloud consultant, healthcare organizations should first evaluate the experience of the cloud consultant. The consultant must be willing to assist healthcare businesses in the transition from current servers to the cloud. Furthermore, the consultant must understand all the legal obligations associated with cloud usage. The consultant must also be able to explain the different types of cloud computing so that organizations understand how they can benefit from using a particular type of cloud. The most important thing to remember during the selection process for a cloud consultant is that the right consultant can make the difference between success and failure. The wrong consultant could hinder the ability of the medical company to stay on top of its competitors.
The right cloud consultant will be able to make the transition to a cloud easier for medical organizations. They will be able to handle the security issues involved and they will also be able to provide backup solutions that are effective for the business. Consulting firms that specialize in offering cloud services should be avoided at all costs. The firms that offer consultants that possess the skills and knowledge that are necessary for adapting to cloud technology are capable of offering solutions that are superior to those offered by other consulting firms.
