What is the Cloud?

“Simply put, Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services, including Servers, Storage, Databases, Networking, Software, Analytics and Intelligence – over the Internet (“The Cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale.”

Source: Microsoft 2019 https://azure.microsoft.com/en-au/overview/what-is-cloud-computing/

Common Examples of Cloud Services:

Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS):

Platform As A Service (PaaS):

Software As A Service (SaaS):

On Premise IaaS PaaS SaaS

Applications Applications Applications Applications

Data Data Data Data

Runtime Runtime Runtime Runtime

Middleware Middleware Middleware Middleware

O/S O/S O/S O/S

Virtualization Virtualization Virtualization Virtualization

Server Server Server Server

Storage Storage Storage Storage

Networking Networking Networking Networking

Comparing On Premise vs Cloud optionsYou Manage

Others Manage

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)• Cloud infrastructure services – highly scalable and

automated computer resources (servers, network, operating systems and storage in a virtual environment) • Provides remote, outsourced data centre services.• Easy to automate deployment of storage,

networking, servers, and processing power• Hardware resources can be based on consumption

and purchased as-needed• Highly scalable

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

• Builds and manages infrastructure that provides a development and deployment environment• Customers purchase the resources they need to

develop or customise cloud-based applications.• Provides a secure environment and tools that reduce

the amount of coding needed to create anything from simple cloud-based apps to very large enterprise systems.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Use software applications over the internet, on demand and typically on a subscription basis. (e.g. Microsoft Office 365)• Accessible over the Internet from any device with web

access• Users are not responsible for the hardware or software

updates and maintenance.

Advantages:

Cost

Reduced up-front cost for

infrastructure.

ScalabilityElasticity and

capacity provides more or less computing resources

depending on need

Performance and Security

Cloud computing services run

networks of secure data centres which should be regularly

upgraded and professionally maintained.

Productivity and Speed

Provided as a self-service and on-

demand so time-consuming onsite IT

management and admin is reduced

Reliability

Data backup, disaster recovery and

business continuity are improved when set up correctly and

managed professionally

Disadvantages:

Downtime

Service outages and reduced

performance are inevitable and unavoidable in

locations with poor internet reliability

Lack of Control

Users must have a high level of trustin their provider

Cost

High pay-as-you-go fees may work out

more expensive

Potential Vendor “lock-in”

What happens if you want to

change cloud service provider?

Vulnerability to Attack

Data centres are a potential target

and must be vigilant and

professionally managed.

Legislative Considerations

The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) promote and protect the privacy of individuals by regulating how organisations handle personal information.

Health and Medical Research Activities utilize the most sensitive types of personal information and therefore additional protections are required.

Notifiable Data Breach (NDB) amendments introduced in 2017 obligates entities to report eligible data breaches. (NB failure to comply exposes entities to penalties, including fines up to $1.8M).

Tips to think

about:

1. Understand how using the cloud fits into your overall business strategy

2. Complete a full audit of hardware and software at site to identify what may be suitable to migrate to the cloud

3. Consider what services may need to upgrade to be cloud-ready4. Check internet speed and assess reliability5. When reviewing potential cloud service providers, check:

• SLAs• Privacy Policy and Safeguards • Location where Data is stored

6. Understand that the same privacy and security risks still apply in the cloud so this will still require governance.

7. When budgeting, factor in usage and growth changes that may increase today’s running costs.

8. Carefully monitor your cloud usage so as not to get bill shock9. Make sure you have a robust business continuity plan that

allows you to operate in some capacity if you cannot access your cloud systems.

Conclusion:

Cloud technology is not a perfect solution to manage patient care and data in every healthcare environment in today’s market.

But it does offer significant opportunities in the right situation.

Hurdles exist but with proper education, the right framework and good governance, healthcare providers can take advantage of this rapidly growing and useful technology.