Using multiple cloud providers to operate your practice is no longer optional; it’s required for sound business practices. Instead of bringing everything in-house, it makes more sense to use cloud-based solutions to help you through your busy days.
A HIMSS Analytics survey found that 83 percent of healthcare practices already use cloud-based services regularly, with 35 percent of them using a multi-service platform for at least half of their data and infrastructure.
But there are potential problems when adapting multiple cloud-based platforms into your practice. Cloud-based systems bring security challenges into your workplace. When you operate several cloud-based systems simultaneously, they may offer you tools that make your job easier, but they can also be a security enabler.
According to a survey by Nominet, 61 percent believe the risk of a security breach is the same or lower in cloud environments compared to on-premise solutions.
The primary reason for that is people assume third-party services handle security internally, and never fully dig into their policies themselves. On the surface, it may seem operational. But what happens when you introduce an IoT device into your system? Or connect several devices together?
There are several strategic mistakes offices make when they build a multi-cloud platform.
They do it themselves, assuming it isn’t a difficult task
Whether you’re piecemealing it together yourself, or relying on an office manager with some IT experience, it may seem as easy as handing over your credit card and downloading files. It isn’t. When a person has lots of office responsibilities and little experience understanding how cloud-based applications interact with each other, it’s a setup for disaster.
There’s a magical way to connect everything together
People always look for the easy way. It’s human nature. When a platform or system promises easy integration, we take it at face value, when in fact, it’s never that easy. To stay in compliance and have everything work seamlessly, you must be willing to dig in for adaptation and modification.
My friend uses it, so it must be great
We thrive on recommendations. That’s what makes the internet such a powerful tool. Head out to your favorite social media site and ask for advice. You’ll be flooded with comments, reviews, and information. But what works for one person might not work for you. Even if you share similar interests with a person, they don’t know the intricate details of what you need to thrive in your daily practice. That needs to be evaluated, tested, and implemented carefully.
Design your multi-cloud platform carefully
If you stop to think about what you use in your office right now, you’ll realize just how complicated the system you’ve built really is. You’ve put a lot of thought and expense into making it work.
What would a total failure do to it?
Not every aspect will leave you vulnerable, but you are at risk if you don’t know where your vulnerabilities lie.
This isn’t about throwing it all away and starting over. Instead, it’s about customizing what you have in place with the right mix of tools, resources, and workflow to create an even safer environment. To make sure everyone on your staff who uses the platform does it in the safest way possible, and has proper direction for maximum output.
What’s your approach to using a multi-cloud platform in your practice?
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
