A few years ago some vendors were offering ASP model solutions. These solutions allowed for the PACS or modalities to send the images to a local server which were then transferred, either by VPN or SFTP, off site to vendor hosted data centers for image retention. When a particular study was needed, a DICOM request would be made to pull the image back into the local server for routing or image ingestion back into the PACS. These ASP models were run on actual servers dedicated to each client.
Fast forward a few years and there has been an onslaught of Virtual Machines in which multiple environments can run on a single server reducing cost and footprint while maintaining performance. The model for ASP, however, remains much the same. You pay a vendor to store your data off site in their data center for a price but now they call it the "Cloud".
But is this true cloud computing. Let's compare this to perhaps the best example of a cloud: Amazon Web Services in which you can store data, run databases and even utilize computing or processing power virtually. This form of virtualization is transforming the IT landscape rapidly. So what does this mean to Imaging?
Almost nothing. Unless your organization has made the strategic decision to pay a vendor to house offsite storage either as a disaster recovery solution or a primary storage platform to cut down on operational data center costs internally. This model is best utilized by smaller organizations or imaging centers that either do not want the upfront cost of procuring and configuring an archive, or have the wherewithal to maintain a system. For some institutions it simply is wise to outsource the long term archive of the PACS and this is a perfect solution for those people.
There are, however, caveats to consider with a cloud solution. Here are a few items you need answers to when researching cloud storage vendors:
- What is the cost to migrate the data out of the Cloud solution if you end your relationship with the vendor? How is that provided?
- What is your backup plan in case of network failure?
- What security measures are in place to protect your data from other users not affiliated with your system?
- What is the average response time if a proper recommended network is in place?
- What are the upfront, monthly, annual costs associated with this solution?
We will soon see more vendors offering SaaS solutions (Software as a Service) along with Cloud storage to completely reduce the onsite management of servers and storage. This solution may be right for you. Remember, caveat emptor: let the buyer beware. Just as important as knowing the answers - is knowing what questions to ask.
Viewed 436 times so far.
