We are all now familiar with the term Cloud computing, or being on the Cloud, but many clinicians and business owners are often still not fully aware of what that actually means, or the real advantages that Cloud delivers for them.
The Cloud simply refers to a solution or software package that is not hosted on a specific machine that you own locally, but is stored on the internet and available via a login from any online device.
To use an easily understood example, Microsoft Word was not originally a Cloud based product - you bought a licence, installed it on your machine or server and any documents you created were stored on that machine. You had to put them on a USB drive or email them to yourself if you wanted to edit them at home or from a different machine.
Google docs is a Cloud based alternative. Simply log in to your google account and your documents are accessible from any device at any time, can be shared and edited in real time with others, and are always backed up to the most recent version.
This model offers so much more convenience for users, and control for suppliers to ensure that the best and most modern version of software is always in use, and uniform security controls and standards apply to all users.
Over the last decade Cloud computing has become the norm in the software service sector. Personal banking, email, social media, document storage, accountancy & payment handling software all commonly rely on the Cloud to deliver their services seamlessly and efficiently to customers.
In the Practice Management Software sector, Cloud-based solutions have existed for some years. AeronaClinic was one of the very first 100% Cloud products in the European market in 2010. In recent years a range of Cloud, and partially Cloud solutions have emerged.
There are a number of very clear advantages to Cloud solutions in the Practice Management sector that are driving high levels of uptake from Clinics and have ensured that Cloud is the platform of choice for the modern and growing business.
When the benefits of Cloud-based systems are laid out like this, it is very clear why Cloud is the platform of choice in the Practice Management software market today. It is cheaper, more secure, more convenient, more accessible, and the most up to date way to run your business. It is really the only logical choice for the informed clinic or practice.