Reasons to Maintain Change Management within a HIPAA-Compliant Cloud:
Cloud-based change management systems are becoming increasingly popular among businesses, offering numerous benefits over traditional, locally installed applications.
Cloud vendors typically release new product versions at least a few times each year, some even every few weeks, using Agile Software development. This rapid pace of innovation ensures that businesses always have access to the latest features and improvements.
One of the most significant advantages of cloud-based systems is their speed. Many cloud customers have successfully deployed a cloud application on a worldwide basis in approximately one week. This quick deployment time can provide businesses with a competitive edge in today's fast-paced market.
IT change management is crucial for ensuring Sarbanes-Oxley regulatory compliance, speeding up business decisions, and minimising business risk. By keeping change management applications in the cloud, businesses can enjoy these benefits without the need for extensive in-house resources.
Large cloud vendors have advanced technology, security know-how, and economies of scale that many Fortune 100 companies do not. This means that businesses can access top-tier technology and security measures without the high costs associated with building and maintaining these systems in-house.
The cloud model also allows for a reduction in headcount requirements for non-core competency applications. Customer support from IT cloud vendors is easier and more efficient since the complexity of the hosting environment is eliminated.
Cloud applications do not require the deployment of client software, web or database servers, applications, databases, VPN equipment, etc. Users log in with a standard browser, user name, password, or secure two-factor authentication. This simplicity reduces the need for in-house IT support and can lead to cost savings.
Integrations with cloud applications reduce duplication of data maintenance and add significant value. Most cloud applications integrate more seamlessly than locally installed applications due to REST-based APIs and Federation Services.
Keeping change management application in the cloud can result in a lower total cost of ownership compared to locally installed applications. Software acquisition costs for an enterprise-grade locally installed change management application can range from $75,000-$150,000 or more, excluding customization, training, and annual maintenance fees. In contrast, the three-year total cost of ownership of a cloud change management application can be significantly less expensive.
Security is another key advantage of cloud-based change management systems. It is a security precaution to use a HIPAA compliant cloud change management system, even if not required. Five cloud providers offering change management systems that can be configured to be HIPAA-compliant are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Databricks (on AWS), all providing HIPAA-eligible services with Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and security controls necessary for compliance.
New cloud 2.0 applications are more intuitive, easier to use, and have point-and-click administration for configuration and customization. This user-friendly design can increase productivity and decrease support costs.
In conclusion, cloud-based change management systems offer numerous benefits over locally installed applications, including faster deployment times, lower costs, improved security, and increased productivity. As cloud technology continues to evolve, these benefits are likely to become even more pronounced.
