Should Your Data Be in the Cloud?

Cloud hosting and local hosting are two widely used options with different merits. Only you can tell which is best for your practice.

Where do you want to keep your data? If you're getting a new EHR system or other software, your software vendor will ask if you want to access the application from a local server or remote hosting (in “the cloud”). DavLong Business Solutions offers customers the choice of either approach and helps them choose the best option for their practice. You don't need to be a tech guru — you just have to understand the real-world pros and cons of each choice.

Local Server

You're probably familiar with a local server; you may already have one. It means that you buy hardware (a server or servers) and install it in a datacenter that you own, typically at one of your practice locations. You access data on that server from all locations.

The advantages of local servers are simple. You have physical control over your server. You can put your hands on it and know that your data is safe, and you can have any necessary upgrades made as well. If your practice is in a rural area where high-speed Internet access is not available, then local hosting is a better option than the Internet-based cloud.

On the other hand, local hosting also adds to your information technology (IT) maintenance costs and security needs, such as ensuring that private information is protected and backing up data to protect the server's contents from any viruses or physical threats (fire, flood, etc.).

Cloud Computing

With remote hosting or “cloud computing,” your application is installed on hardware located in a remote datacenter. This option has several key advantages:

IT savings. Cloud computing cuts the costs of IT infrastructure and administration because you don't own or house the hardware. This also translates into significant savings on power costs. With this option, the vendor owns and maintains the server infrastructure, and that hardware and maintenance cost less because the vendor gains economies of scale from serving many customers and factors those savings into the sale price.

Scalability. Scalability means that hardware or software — in this case, hardware — adjusts to increasing demands. If you outgrow a local server, you need to buy more hardware, have it installed and move data. It can be very expensive and disruptive. With cloud computing, if you need more space, the vendor allocates it with no disruption to you at a much lower cost.

Mobility. With cloud computing, applications and data aren't tied to a physical location. You can access them anywhere you have an Internet connection, including your mobile devices.

High availability. A local server can “go down” due to power outages or physical threats, and changes to your facility like new construction are concerns. DavLong's private cloud is hosted in the second largest datacenter in the world, tied into two power grids, onsite power generators and multiple Internet connections, as well as extensive fire, security and environmental controls. Remote backups happen automatically. Physical security of the servers is no longer a concern. It would simply be too expensive to reach this level of continuous security and availability with a local server.

Making a Choice

Clearly, both server options have advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will likely depend on the availability of high-speed Internet in your location, how much IT responsibility you're comfortable taking on, and whether you want to access data outside the office. Discuss all the pros and cons with your vendor to pick the right option for you.

For more information about the Medflow Complete Solution, please contact a representative at 800-413-7764 or sales@medflowcomplete.com.