Tails in the Cloud (Part 1): 5 Reasons to Adopt
We’re excited to have the expertise from the fine folks at Vetter Software giving us a terrific overview of “the cloud” and cloud computing. We’ve already dabbled in the cloud (Become a Cloud Vet and 11 Ways to Doctor With Google Drive), but cloud storage programs are just one of the many uses of the cloud.
We’re in a unique time filled with innovations that will all likely lead to one road: fully cloud-enabled practice software. Most of the popular practice management software products are not there yet, but we believe that cloud-based computing is the future and those not adopting it will be left behind.
Thankfully, companies like Vetter Software and Smart Flow Sheet are blazing the trail.
If you’re at all confused about how the cloud can help you in practice – these excellent articles are for you. Enjoy part 1!
Vets Should Not Fear the Cloud
A change has been unfolding around us for several years.
At first, we didn’t even notice it. Today, it would be difficult for most of us to imagine being without it.
“It” has had many names – grid computing, software-as-a-service (SaaS), application service provision, – but we now know it as “the cloud.”
The cloud has enabled countless web-based technologies that have become integrated into our personal lives – email (e.g., Gmail), file storage (e.g., Dropbox) and voice over IP (e.g., Skype) – as well as into our businesses. Among these are applications that help businesses, including veterinary practices, manage their finances (e.g., Quickbooks Online, TurboTax), marketing (e.g., Constant Contact) and office productivity (e.g., Google Apps).
Many articles have been written about the benefits of cloud technologies generally. We’re going to look at how these technologies can help veterinary practices specifically.
Five Reasons to Adopt Cloud Technology in Your Practice
1. Access Your Data Anywhere Whether you’re working remotely, or you receive an emergency call in the middle of the night, cloud technologies allow you to access your patient’s information from any internet-enabled device. Improved access to your hospital’s data leads to improved efficiency, which in turn leads to a healthier practice and better care.
2. Improve Collaboration Storing your data in the cloud means that it can be shared by your staff from multiple locations. It also ensures that everyone is working with the latest information, which will lead to fewer medical errors and improved efficiency.
3. Improve Data Security Cloud technologies allow you to save, backup and restore your data to an off-site location (and even do it for you automatically). The same cannot be said about data that is stored on computers or servers at your clinic that can crash, be stolen, or damaged in a disaster such as a fire.
4. Reduce Costs The infrastructure required to operate cloud technologies are managed by the vendors who supply them. This means that you don’t need to invest in servers, updates or expensive on-site IT consultants. Also, subscription plans include updates and support for no additional fee, and give you the flexibility to choose a plan option that fits your needs.
5. Speed and Scale Cloud technologies are built to be quick to implement and to grow along with your veterinary practice. They are often ready for use in minutes instead of weeks or months, which means that you can realize a return on your investment more quickly.
Business from all industries are adopting cloud technologies as a way to improve efficiencies and reduce costs, and veterinary practices should be no different. Technological competitive advantages that were once available only to those with the resources to afford them are now available to all businesses thanks to cloud technologies.
The migration to the cloud is accelerating, and animal healthcare stands to benefit in a major way. Soon we will wonder how we ever managed without it.
Ready for more? Part 2: Busting Myths About the Cloud
About the Author
Sagi Solomon is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Vetter Software , LLC., a leading provider of cloud-based veterinary practice management software whose mission is to help coordinate and improve the health of the world's pets. Along with having veterinary medicine in his family, Sagi has over 13 years of experience working with software-as-a-service and cloud technology companies, including SuccessFactors (human capital management) and Responsys (digital marketing automation). Follow Sagi on Twitter @sagi_solomon.
