Key Takeaways
- Nearly three-quarters of healthcare organizations use multiple public cloud vendors for data storage.
- Cloud-only storage presents cybersecurity risks and escalating costs as data volumes grow.
- Hybrid cloud solutions combine the control of on-premises systems with the scalability of cloud storage, enhancing security and access.
The Cost and Security Challenges of Cloud-Only Storage
Cloud storage has become a fundamental aspect of healthcare operations, with approximately 75% of organizations now utilizing multiple public cloud vendors. This shift to cloud-based solutions is fueled by the scalability, lower initial expenses, and improved accessibility that cloud systems offer—data can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. Additionally, hybrid cloud approaches, which blend public and private cloud resources, provide enhanced agility.
Despite these advantages, cloud-only strategies introduce significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities. According to Andy Stone, CTO – Americas at Pure Storage, “A major benefit of on-prem storage is stronger control over the data.” Once data is stored offsite, control diminishes, making organizations more susceptible to threats.
Cost continues to be a critical factor in cloud storage discussions. The pay-as-you-go model is often likened to renting an apartment, where landlords can gradually increase prices. Tsugranes cautions that while this model offers flexibility, cloud costs can escalate dramatically if organizations do not diligently monitor their data storage. “I’ve seen cloud costs balloon when organizations weren’t thoughtful about how much they were storing,” she notes.
Hybrid cloud storage solutions present a compelling alternative, merging the strengths of both on-premises and cloud systems. On-premises solutions grant IT teams complete control over security and data management, while cloud vendors bring thorough security protocols, including encryption and backups. Blending these strategies allows healthcare entities to enhance security and maintain access to essential data.
Tsugranes emphasizes that keeping operational systems and sensitive patient data on-premises is a prudent strategy, while larger-scale aspects like data warehousing, analysis, and disaster recovery are effectively managed in the cloud. This hybrid approach not only improves security but also increases resilience during unforeseen outages. A Ponemon Institute report cited by Amazon Web Services indicates that healthcare organizations incur about $7,500 in losses for each minute of downtime.
Stone further explains the advantages of public cloud solutions during system failures. “In an on-prem or colocation facility, if a server goes down, you’re generally disconnected from those records for some time,” he states. In contrast, public cloud services can quickly redirect data to other regions or cloud sections, ensuring a faster recovery.
Nevertheless, on-premises storage remains valuable as it provides offline access. In scenarios where internet connectivity is compromised, medical providers can still retrieve critical patient information, ensuring continuity of care.
The ongoing evolution in data storage strategies highlights the necessity for healthcare organizations to carefully evaluate their needs, balancing control, cost, and security in the age of digital information.
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