The Benefits of Cloud Computing in Healthcare Operations

You’ve heard the terms cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS), but perhaps wondered exactly what they mean in practice. Simply put, the cloud is the Internet. SaaS is the storage and delivery of data, packaged as a service, via the Internet. 

In traditional models that are fast-disappearing, companies would host their own data "on-premises," which required significant investment of servers and IT resources. Using cloud deployment/SaaS instead, an organization doesn’t host its own private server(s) for its data management software. Instead, users access a software application loaded with data that resides at a central location (in this case, in the cloud). In other words, the computer you connect to isn’t in your building. It could be 10 miles away or 3,000 miles away.

We've all used the benefits of cloud computing for years (think: Gmail) but didn’t think of it in the way it’s used in business and healthcare today.

So, would it be beneficial for your healthcare organization to consider harnessing the cloud for business? In short; yes.

Getting work done using cloud computing requires only an Internet connection from any electronic device, and from any location. Security protocols are built in at both ends—at symplr, for example, as the host site for our customers, and at the user’s point of access.

Below, we dive into some of the most widely realized benefits that healthcare organizations of all types and sizes experience once they determine that their current on-premise platform or
infrastructure doesn’t support their essential needs.

Cost

The overall costs associated with implementation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades on equipment are drastically reduced when moving to could computing. Generally, the use of cloud technologies can reduce up to 80% of your initial investment. Additionally, you can move away from investing in new full-time IT resources traditionally required to manage new software and hardware, to payment of predictable monthly fees based on your organization's size or product usage.

Efficiencies

When using cloud-based software, users have easy access to data and dashboards from any facility or location with an internet connection. Additionally, time traditionally spent focused on system resources, budgeting, and upgrades in managing owned hardware and software can be replaced with a focus on core business initiatives.

Security

Data security in cloud computing is a multidimensional business imperative. Selecting the correct partner, implementing secure design principles, and following an established cybersecurity framework are keys to maintaining security. For example, symplr is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our customers' data at all times by implementing strong application security practices such as encryption-in-transit, encryption-at-rest, robust authentication and authorization mechanisms, and defense-in-depth controls at the operational level.

Flexibility

Cloud technology services are accessed whenever your staff need them and wherever they're located. Further, by pushing your infrastructure to the cloud, you remove the constant demands of upgrades and integration. The obligations of improvements and streamlining are borne by those providing you with services—symplr for example. Further, in emergency situations, your workforce can access systems and resources and maintain productivity, because cloud providers have back-up and failover systems at disparate locations.

What cloud customers new to symplr experience

Because the initial, high cost of adding software equipment is eliminated, many organizations find an easier budgetary-approval path for cloud healthcare operations solutions. This is especially true when a capital expenditure like infrastructure is not involved. In addition, where shared IT resources are stretched thin, symplr helps demonstrate how the use of cloud computing alleviates staffing pressure. As the market leader in enterprise governance, risk-management, and compliance solutions with 30+ years of experience, symplr’s dedication to cloud technology means our solutions grow as you do. Performance, access, features, functions, and insights all scale with you.

What symplr customers experience in moving to the could

Moving to cloud SaaS deployment helps symplr better serve our customers once they make the transition. The payoffs are more timely software updates, faster access to feature releases and performance improvements, and the ability to grow at your own pace. We make it easy for our healthcare customer to focus on providing high-quality patient care. In addition, your total cost of ownership is typically much lower, because your healthcare organization need not own and maintain the infrastructure and additional IT resources required for data management storage and networking. As with on-premise hosting, you pay only for the application service(s) you use. That keeps symplr’s cloud deployment an on-demand, utility-based model of data management.

The cloud's bright future

Years ago, when businesses first harnessed computing, we all had dummy terminals connected to what was called a token ring, which connected each terminal to dial-up for services. Later, business and industries moved everything in house to customize and manage our own technical universe.

Today, we have come full circle. We see the benefits of harnessing “one-to-many” again, as cloud computing has proven to be the most cost-effective, secure, and efficient way to provide access to the technologies and enormous amount of information needed to be successful in today’s healthcare landscape.

If your current on-premise platform or infrastructure doesn’t support your essential and growing needs, it’s time to turn the page. Turn to symplr cloud-based SaaS computing to reap economic
and functional benefits of SaaS over on-premise hosting, and join the cloud revolution.

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