As a dental professional, you’ve almost certainly heard of practice management software being “cloud-based.” But since hearing about something and really understanding it are two separate things, we put together a quick, easy-to-digest explanation of what it is and most importantly, how it differs from a server-based system.
According to Microsoft Azure, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services (including servers, storage, databases, networking, and software) over the internet – aka the cloud – to offer faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale. Put simply, being in the cloud means renting space on someone else’s server and accessing your data through an internet browser.
Cloud-based software differs from traditional on-premises systems in a variety of ways. Here are a few key examples:
Location and Accessibility
Cloud-based software is hosted on remote servers and accessed via the internet. This allows access to your software anywhere with an internet connection. By contrast, server-based software is installed on local servers within each location at the practice. This limits access to information between practice locations as well as remotely. You must be on the local server.
Cost Structure
Cloud-based software usually follows a pay-as-you-go subscription model. Costs are predictable and maintenance, updates and support are included, further cutting down on surprise expenses. Server-based software requires a significant initial investment in both hardware and software, and maintenance updates and IT support incur additional costs.
Security and Compliance
Cloud providers invest heavily in both security measures and compliance with industry standards. As data is stored on-site, server-based software offers more individual control over data security and compliance. However, this requires robust security practices and resources, which can be costly.
Armed with a definition of the cloud and knowledge of how a cloud-based system differs from a server-based one, you might be wondering how a move to the cloud can benefit your practice. To take a deeper dive, read our new white paper.
