What’s around the corner?
In today’s rapidly changing environment, a major benefit of cloud
technology is that new and improved technologies are easily and
cost-effectively available as needed to both large and small organizations. To compete, successful cloud vendors must truly
keep ahead of the technology curve by providing leading edge, feature- rich applications
and other solutions. That means users
can leverage breaking technology without heavy investment in system upgrades,
whether it’s the newest version of a HIS, RIS, PACS or billing software. Hardware upgrades also are typically frequent
to keep communication ultra-fast and your enterprise IT humming with
efficiency.
Because many cloud systems are internet based or are optimized for access by multiple sites in multiple locations, they provide a simple, fast and cost-effective way to communicate with referring physicians, patients and to share health records and diagnostic images with other radiologists or clinicians for conferences and second opinions. Supporting better, more efficient medicine, cloud technology minimizes retakes by easily enabling exams to follow patients who are transferred to other facilities or see various specialists.
Remember, today the more things change, the more they often change again. Therefore, as software upgrades become increasingly frequent, the squeeze on IT staff time can be considerable. But, again cloud technology’s built-in maintenance provides an answer. It complements existing IT infrastructure without adding additional systems maintenance and administration of upgrades, freeing up internal IT staff time.
Typically funded through ongoing monthly fees, cloud solutions shift IT costs from a capital expenditure to an operational budget. They also often lower costs because users are buying into a solution from a specialized vendor to multiple sites, creating an economy of scale.
What’s the down side
to a move up to the sky? Some sites
prefer the philosophy of onsite IT ownership.
But vendors are often flexible and you may be able to get started with a
flexible short term agreement. There’s
nothing to buy or install. Try it—you
just may like it. After all, it’s the cloud,
and nothing is written in stone.
