Is your healthcare agency getting all the cloud computing benefits it can? Is the data storage safe and secure? If you have concerns about these issues, then this article’s for you.

The healthcare industry is strict about how data is handled, and being on a multi-tenant infrastructure could get you in trouble. A multi-tenant infrastructure is where your data and data from other companies are stored on the same server. Yes, the drives are partitioned, and technically there can be no crossover of data, but if that data becomes corrupt because of activities from another business it can also affect your data.

Managed Cloud Services

Managed cloud services have many features you do not get in an unmanaged cloud. You also get full control over your data. Managed cloud providers work with you to make sure you get the right services for your company. They don’t just rent out space and expect you to do all the work. This is one of the biggest advantages of cloud services; they do most of the work for you. Some of the services you can come to expect from a managed service provider are:

• System administration
• System monitoring
• Performance testing
• Disaster recovery

These are just the basics. Database administration, DevOps, and VMware are also possibilities if this is something your company needs. A built-in benefit of working with a managed service provider is that the cloud provider will have employees ready to implement these new tools, and they will often run many of them automatically. This means you do not need to pay for the personnel or the training to get your IT team up to snuff on the new technologies.

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The Big Picture

The reduction in your IT department can save you thousands of dollars per year. Managed cloud services will also allow you to perform upgrades, get more intuitive applications, and 24-hour support without paying third-party vendors to stop by, or paying expensive overtime because something went wrong with the network. The cost is a pay-per-month model that allows you the comfort of knowing exactly how much your network costs will be each year. As you order better tools for your network you will know immediately what the new costs will be, and likewise, you can reduce costs to your network by simply making a phone call to your provider.

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Imagine not having to worry about the future. A managed cloud service gives you the flexibility to upgrade your entire system or just parts of it in a timely manner. More healthcare providers are looking to the cloud for mobile services and client portals. If these are areas you have not looked into then the time is now. It is important for your clients to have the ability to contact your clinic at any time. A client portal allows them to log into your system and look at any updates posted by their doctor. Allowing them to do this on their laptop or smartphone makes life easier for them and for you.

Multiple Providers

Having multiple providers was once frowned upon, and some providers will still try to warn their clients against doing this, but the reality is it may be a good idea. The thought of having a single managed service provider so you have someone to blame is not a good overall business practice. The reality is that you need to keep your data safe, and your clients happy. Having two or more providers that handle different operations for your healthcare facility can help to make sure your data is secure and can minimize interruptions in service. If there is a natural disaster that takes out your provider’s data center, then what happens to your data?

Several companies are now transferring secure data to a second cloud provider in a separate location to provide safety of their data in this situation. It’s important to see what you have in place, look at what your provider can do for you, and those aspects the provider cannot provide may be worth looking somewhere else for. Download the white paper IT as a Utility.

When looking at managed cloud services make sure to find a provider that has experience in the healthcare industry. Don’t take their word for it. Ask for companies they currently service and ask them the hard questions, like if they are HIPAA certified. If they do not make you feel comfortable about securing your data, or they are not willing to put everything in writing, then step away and find a provider you can place your trust in. Get a free assessment and see what TOSS can do for you today.