Cloud Computing: Definition, Future, Benefits, and Disadvantages

The world is changing at a quick pace, which is why all sectors in the world have to keep up with the technological advancement to stay relevant in the society. For the healthcare system, today the focus is not just the health of the patients, but their feasibility and security are also prime concerns. The infrastructure of the healthcare system keeps changing as per the latest advancements due to this particular reason.

IT sector has played a huge role in advancing the healthcare sector. On this day, if the healthcare sectors want to play a wider role in society, they need to think beyond the health of the patients. The technological demands have tremendously increased in the past few years and the healthcare sectors have no other choice than to cope up with the advancements.

‘The Cloud’ is one of such technologies that had hit all the sectors around the world. Everything you need to know about ‘The Cloud’ is discussed in the article so read on.

What is Cloud Computing?

‘The Cloud’ allows the people to get access to the files, data, and much more through the internet that was not possible back then. To explain it in easy terms, ‘cloud’ is THE internet. No matter where you are, now you don’t have to have everything on your device in order to access it. With the help of the cloud, people get access to all their data through the internet. Now only does it allow access, but also provides enormous space for storage without succumbing to all the storage in your device. Today, you don’t have to put all your data on the servers or your device, now it is possible to create a backup or access it through the cloud.

Now imagine how easy it is for today’s generation to perform their work? How compelling it is to get access to all your data or save it on your device from any place in the world? How difficult was the time when you had to carry your files, laptop, and other gadgets with you wherever you went? Today, the need to keep everything with you is reduced to zero, thanks to the cloud.

The invention of the cloud is truly a blessing to all the big and small companies around the world. Every company now uses cloud technology to add value to their business. Similarly, the healthcare industry is also moving to the cloud to perform major operations without any interruptions. The advancements in the healthcare industry, for instance, remote monitoring, telemedicine, etc. demands the operations to become technological to provide safety and security to the patients. In short, for the business including the healthcare industry to flourish, it’s necessary to adapt to modern technologies. The Cloud is one such technology that cannot be ignored.

The Future of Cloud Computing

A lot of big companies including Microsoft, Google, Azure, and Amazon Web Services have rooted in cloud storage and cloud computing. If we look closely, there is something in every business that is connected to the cloud for some valid reasons. As every other startup demand processed and organized data, cloud computing is the key to the door.

The future of Cloud Computing is worthy of discussion as it produces new opportunities for businesses to grow and achieve success. For instance, with the help of cloud computing, businesses can outsource their computing power or they can hire people from around the world to connect with them. All of this because of the power of cloud computing.

As time passes, better technologies will enter the market replacing cloud computing, but right now, it is one of the best. It’s hard to describe what the future of cloud computing holds, but one can predict the usage and trends. Here are some predictions for cloud computing.

• As time is passing, the need for companies to secure and save a larger amount of data is increasing. There is no single space where the data can be saved in huge amounts, which is why companies are moving to cloud computing. Since there is competition in the market, the cloud service providers may provide the services at a low cost. Companies can take advantage of the low costs and reduce the burden on their shoulders.
• The security is mostly, but not always ensured with cloud computing. The small companies that are offering their cloud services may not provide 100% security against the data. It’s better to choose the best option in the market.
• Another prediction is that the performance of the internet can enhance in the coming years due to cloud computing. Since companies or startups need a system that can allow quick access and delivery of data from one place to another, cloud computing can ensure it.
• Cloud computing allows easy data communication, machine-to-machine learning, and a lot more that can benefit companies in the future.
• Cloud computing works as a platform as a service and software as a service. In the future, cloud computing will be handling a lot of the work for the company, hence, its user-friendliness can be of great advantage for big or small startups.

Benefits of Cloud Computing for the Healthcare Sector

Looking at the trends and predictions, it can be seen that cloud computing will only get bigger in the future. With new technologies in the market, the importance of cloud computing cannot become obsolete, at least not anytime soon.

If you are a business looking for new ways to reduce the burden on your shoulders, cloud computing is the key. You can transform your business and focus on more vital areas for your business growth once the real problem is addressed.

Here are some of the benefits that one can get from the positive use of cloud computing. For your business to grow, cloud computing can offer some incredible advantages.

Improved Security

Not everyone can be a cloud service provider, one must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) privacy standards. Security is one of the biggest concerns of today with big data on the compromising end. Several service providers comply with HIPPA standards and are providing excellent services to big and small companies. For healthcare sectors, the details of the patients are crucial information that should be protected at any cost. Cloud computing is the best way to save and secure patients’ information.

Greater Reach to Patients

Long gone are days when the only way to get treated was by coming to the hospital. Today the internet can save the lives of patients who are unable to visit their doctors. The mobile devices that we use are one of the reasons why getting medical assistance is so easy nowadays. There are several applications in the mobile phones that keep a check on the patients’ condition so the doctor can stay up-to-date. These devices come with cloud computing that allows easy transfer of your details to the doctor so you can get instant attention and advice from professionals. High-quality care can be ensured through devices equipped with cloud computing.

Low Costs

For a technology like this, one must assume that it may be extremely costly. One thing to note here is that cloud computing is cheaper than the hardware that you may have to buy to save patients’ data and ensure security. Business automation is already costly for small startups, investing in expensive maintenance or hardware can blow your budget. Let the cloud computing handle the work for you at low costs, so you can enjoy excellent performance.

Use of Big Data

Big data plays a huge role in society. Everyone wants to excel in their field and for doctors, they want to administer the best possible treatment to patients. The use of cloud computing allows excellent use of big data ensuring that effective treatments are provided to the patients. With the help of big data, the doctors can narrow down the patients’ condition, compare it with others, and develop a treatment plan that offers 100% results.

The assessment of the patients’ illness and the right way to cure it has become immensely easy with the help of cloud computing. Everything is no longer dependent on the medication only, it is also dependent on the condition, care, and much more. One error in the treatment plan and the life of the patient can be on risk. Cloud computing ensures minimal to zero errors and is an excellent way for new doctors to learn through the data and sharpen their skills.

Fast Access to Information

You no longer have to linger on patient files and come up with all the details. The paperwork can reduce to a great extent if cloud computing is used properly. There is always a need for backup, but even backups can be created online. With the help of cloud computing, doctors can get easy access to the information, transfer them to other healthcare facilities, extract key information, and much more in less time. It was all not possible before cloud computing, hence, one can say that efficiency can be increased by the use of this technology.

Easy Sharing for Collaboration

A lot of patients require special treatment or their data may be required for some specific issue, cloud computing allows easy sharing of information for collaboration. The doctors or facilities can share information in real-time and let the technology play its part.

Are there any side-effects of using Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is extremely beneficial, but there are some disadvantages associated with it as well. You can make your life easier by ensuring a large space for data storage and proper security.

Here are some drawbacks that you can face by using cloud computing.

• Number # 01: You need to have an internet connection at all times. Yes, you can get access to all the data from anywhere and at any time, but you must have an internet connection for that.
• Number # 02: Security problems cannot be 100% avoided by using cloud computing. No matter if you are a small startup or a big one, no one wants to compromise the sensitive information about their company to the hackers. You can never know which service provider to trust, which is one of the problems that you can face. However, one example of an amazing service provider is the Data Net Pacific who caters to multiple needs of the clients with incredible efficiency. As an IT company, they take responsibility for their actions and ensure 100% security and safety.
• Number # 03: Technical issues are inevitable and you need to be prepared for them. When you are facing any cloud issues, there’s nothing you can do except for contacting your service provider to look into the matter. No matter how great individuals you have in your team, you cannot cloud computing problems in-house at any cost. Hence, the technical issues with cloud computing can cause a delay in your work.

Conclusion

From what is observed, cloud computing has a long way to go. The healthcare systems are regularly updating their services and moving to the technological side to get the work done in due time. Getting medical assistance is becoming easier these days at the expense of technology. No matter how big or small data you want to save, a good cloud service provider can help you cater to all your problems.

Healthcare systems and facilities can get a lot of benefits from cloud computing and keep up with technology is the key to ace all problems. If you are wondering which service provider to hire, then check Data Net Pacific who offers incredible services to clients. From cloud computing to document management, you can get all under one roof. Saving data and ensuring security was never so easy, so why not take advantage of it? Move to cloud computing to release the burden on your shoulders and reduce the financial pressure.

Harper Harrison

Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.