The cloud gives IT departments compelling new options for meeting the infrastructure and information management needs of today's hospitals and healthcare clinics.
This on-demand model makes it possible to increase capacity or add resources without large capital investments for hardware and software, and without putting more burdens on the infrastructure support staff.
Most business projects are IT projects and the initiatives are increasingly often driven by business units rather than by IT. The cloud is often perceived as the fastest and most mobile-savvy way to implement new business projects and services, and IT's role is to provide expertise regarding compliance, security and compatibility of the systems.
Advancements in network performance and security have minimized many of the initial concerns about cloud services. In addition, many cloud services fulfill the requirements of compliance-centric and highly regulated industries such as healthcare, and more options are now available that enable healthcare organizations to leverage the cloud in manner that addresses their business requirements, such as hybrid cloud deployments.
The hybrid cloud model
A hybrid cloud can encompass both public and private cloud deployments, and also integrate cloud services with on-premises systems. In scenarios where existing on-premises systems remain in place, a hybrid cloud essentially augments them with cloud services. Since cloud services do not increase the burden on the IT infrastructure management, IT can build out an agile, scalable and cost-effective environment for fluctuating demand.
The scalability of the hybrid cloud model gives healthcare organizations secure and scalable options for handling the fast-growing volume of digital healthcare information. Whether accommodated using public or private clouds, information management resources can be procured as needed and the various categories of information stored and shared appropriately according to designated access privileges and security controls. Specifically, more sensitive information can remain on-premises, while less sensitive information can be stored, managed and shared via the cloud.
Considerations when evaluating a hybrid cloud approach for information management
The latest generation of cloud services and information management solutions that support hybrid cloud deployment models have addressed many of the initial security concerns associated with the cloud. That said, security requirements must still be met at all levels, from the application layer to the network infrastructure. Areas to be reviewed should include cloud service access controls and encryption options. However, different organizations have different ideas of what can be stored in the cloud and what kind of data should remain behind the firewall.
Often overlooked, information location also plays a role in a successful hybrid cloud deployment. Since the rules for storing and securing healthcare information can vary by country, it's important to determine if cloud providers can explicitly meet the requirements based on the location of their servers.
Besides security, integration also ranks as a top priority. Which on-premises and cloud-based information assets and systems should be integrated? This will impact the services and solutions to be evaluated since not all provide well developed APIs and web services required for effective integration.
The next steps
In the move toward a hybrid cloud model for information management, one of the first steps will be the selection of an information management platform that is "cloud-ready." Ease of use, one of the top considerations when evaluating any enterprise software system in general, should be a primary criterion to look at as well. It's also important to ensure IT has adequate tools and resources to streamline the deployment and train end-users.
Educating the end users about hybrid clouds and associated information management requirements can greatly enhance success and minimize any risky behaviors. For example, users need to understand the risks of using any unsanctioned cloud applications for information sharing. Employees will be more successful when they have the easy-to-use but secure tools to share files and collaborate with others inside and outside of the company.
Committing to the cloud
Hybrid clouds completely support gradual, evolutionary paths and thereby make it possible for organizations to carefully track and guide relevant employee behaviors. The gradual introduction of cloud services also facilitates better alignment of a hybrid cloud strategy with healthcare information management strategies, mobile device policies and the policies surrounding the myriad of apps and tools that will all play a role in the cloud.
Mika Javanainen is in charge of managing and developing M-Files product portfolio, roadmaps and pricing globally. As a Director of M-Files Product Management Unit, he leads and supervises M-Files Product Managers and works closely together with M-Files Product Development and Marketing teams to design and develop new products and features leveraging his long experience with ECM and M-Files technology. Mika has executive MBA Diploma in International Business and Marketing.
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