How cloud technology is changing the future of software upgrades

For busy practices, keeping clinical software up-to-date can be an administrative burden. But thankfully, with cloud software, time-consuming software upgrades are now a thing of the past.

Upgrading your clinical software is a task that most people don’t look forward to. It’s often complicated, time-consuming and costly, particularly if you use an IT partner to manage your software upgrades and maintenance.

If the clinical software you use is ‘on-premise’ (tied to a physical server located in your practice), there’s the cost of keeping the hardware up-to-date and running efficiently too. If you don’t stay on top of this, then your patient data could be vulnerable to hackers and other cyber threats.

That’s why many practices have switched to cloud clinical software. With software that’s cloud-based (i.e. delivered over the internet), you don’t need to store a physical server in your practice. Instead, the software is hosted externally, with your data stored in data centres that are protected by state-of-the-art security. To access the software, all you need is a log in and an internet-enabled device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Using cloud software takes away the burden of managing your own software upgrades because this responsibility sits with the software provider. So, when a software update or major upgrade is required, it’s managed remotely, without you having to lift a finger.

Need further convincing?

Here’s how cloud technology is changing the future of software upgrades:

• Transfers responsibility for software maintenance: Because cloud software is hosted for you, you don’t need to worry about downloading and installing files, running applications or backing up your data. All software maintenance is taken care of by the software provider.
• Keeps your data secure: With cloud software, your data is stored in premium data centres with access to security measures that are beyond the affordability of most practices. That means your data is safer in the cloud than on a server in your premises, even during data migration and software upgrades.
• Eliminates disruption and downtime: Since software updates and upgrades occur remotely, you don’t need to ‘down tools’ when they’re taking place. In fact, you most likely won’t even be aware they’re happening. Instead, you’ll just see the changes when you next start using the software.
• Helps you stay compliant: Cloud software providers are responsible for integrating changes or updates to their software to meet any new government regulations or industry changes. That means your software will be automatically updated at the appropriate time to give you instant access to important new features and functionality.
• Reduces your IT support needs: Upgrading your on-premise software often requires third-party IT support which can be costly. With cloud software, all software maintenance, upgrades and fixes are managed remotely by the software provider’s team of technical specialists. Plus, depending on the software provider, they generally have around-the-clock technical support available as part of the software subscription.

If software upgrades are a real pain point for your practice, there is an easier way. Switching to cloud clinical software like MedicalDirector Helix will free you up to spend more time with your patients and employees. Need more information? Get in touch with our team today.