Running your business on the cloud using software as a service (SaaS) is an attractive solution for many business owners because, unlike installed software that requires additional expenses related to setup, configuration, hosting and maintenance, it offers cost reductions in many areas of their business. Installed software solutions require a server that holds a centralized database serving as a hub for connected workstations running an installed client version of the software. Owners must maintain a fee based remote data backup solution with the software vendor or they must back up via tape drives or other storage media and store those backups securely offsite in case a natural or manmade disaster compromises the server. The backup can be loaded onto a new server to rebuild the data and allow the organization to return to work as quickly as possible. The cost associated with managing the aforementioned scenario includes fees for a computer installation and networking specialist, server hardware, and backup software and hardware. In addition, a virtual private networking software also needs to be installed on a home computer in order to connect to the office or you must use a paid web-based solution like Go To My PC.

Due to installed software being designed for a particular operating system, the timing of when the software was purchased will force your business into long-term use of an operating system version. Upgrading to the latest operating system to take advantage of more secure versions requires your install software to be upgraded as well. In most cases your software vendor will not have a compatible version and you will be unable to modernize your operating system or upgrade to newer faster computers that run on newer operating system versions.

Security threats are also a problem for installed software as the software is vulnerable to attack from viruses designed to penetrate a business’ firewall and jump from PC to PC and connect to the network in search of personal data like banking information, social security numbers, and PHI that can be used to steal a person’s identity. If your data resides on a local server or workstation, it’s being actively targeted by professional crime syndicates specialized in breaching data for the purpose of data extortion. On the rise are cyber attackers who steal PHI and hold it ransom until the PHI’s owners pay large sums of money to get it back. Kansas Heart Hospital was the victim of a ransomware attack and after it paid the first one, attackers boldly demanded a second ransom to decrypt data. In another instance, Hollywood Presbyterian in February was forced to pay $17,000 after attackers originally demanded $3.4 million. (http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/kansas-hospital-hit-ransomware-pays-then-attackers-demand-second-ransom) DME owners are not exempt from attack and must make the wise choice to move their data beyond its firewall into the cloud.

Cloud-based interoperability – a quantum leap forward for healthcare

Today you can tether your SaaS business management software to other SaaS applications to create a unique solution suited to meet the specific needs of your operation. Imagine you want a web-based retail storefront by shopify.com to sell orthotics to new customers you’ve attracted to your business through the use of lead funnel software by marketo.com. Later you find you want to simplify tax sales reporting by connecting quickbooks.com. Because your CPAP business is required to report on patient useage in the third rental month, you decide to integrate a cloud usage data collection service to automate your data collection. As overhead is reduced, revenue increases and you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve now entered the connected world of cloud-based interoperability for healthcare business and begin to see the effects of automation in your business.

But you suffer from Cloudphobia

If you check your bank account online then you already have a comfort level in knowing that what you are viewing and the transactions you are processing are secured with data encryption. So what is encryption and how does it help you? To connect to your bank you must have an encrypted connection between your computer and the bank. That means all the information you input and all the information the bank sends is scrambled into completely unreadable junk readable by anyone who could intercept your data stream with the bank. Your web browser receives this junk data and unscrambles it back to its original state so you can conduct business as usual. You can quickly see if your connection is encrypted by making sure the web address begins with HTTPS:// (Hypertext Transport Protocol Secured). If there is no “S” then the connection is not secured. Another way to visually verify a secured connection is that secured connections have a picture of a “lock” in front of HTTPS. All healthcare and financial SaaS applications must be secured to protect your data from hackers and data extortionists.

Conclusion

If you want to run your business to take advantage of the sinews of SaaS business solutions and profitability, it’s all about getting your operation to “now” or suffering the hidden and malignant consequences of business atrophy. Much of the DME market can’t see that the biggest problem facing their businesses is not decreasing reimbursement, but rather a technology deficient workflow. If your business is going to thrive, not just survive, embrace the benefits of cloud technology and the competitive advantages it offers.

Ted Jones is the President and CEO of bflowsolutions.com and 20-year healthcare executive