Ideal software for hospitals: client server or web-based server?
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Kishore Shinde |
Hospitals and healthcare clinics require various kind of software to keep up with the latest technologies. However, the hospital administrators are often faced with the dilemma whether to opt for web-based solution or a client-server solution. Response to this problem actually depends on following factors like:
- Practice of the doctor
- Average number of patients in the hospital
- Current hospital infrastructure
- The budget for the software
In this article we will discuss about the client server and web based server along with their differences, pros and cons.
The difference between web-based and client-server software
Web Application is a software where one can access the web server through the Internet using the browsers, which can go through the intranet. The image below explains the process further.
Client server application is a software which has a designated server with its client; mainly it is a network setup known as intranet.
A web-based software has lower upfront cost compared to client-server as it has fewer hardware requirements. All it requires is a good Internet connection and workstations with a browser. There is no necessity of having an in-house server as the data will be stored on the web server. Fewer hardware requirement cuts the implementation cost as well. The customer needs to pay a monthly subscription fee and no need to purchase the software and licenses. The vendor will be in charge of maintaining the upgrades, data backup and maintenance.
Many physicians worry about the server being down and whether all the patient information is secured on the net. The server where the software is hosted has a backup system already in place in case of a server failure. Similarly, like a single clients setup there are setups of other clients as well, and even their data is on the same server. So the server downtime is hardly in minutes. Coming to the data security, the system where the data is placed are HIPAA compliant and the data is encrypted with high level of security. For example we all have our important information on Gmail or Yahoo account; most importantly our bank accounts are also available on the Internet. All these data are highly secure and encrypted. Now let us look at some pros and cons of web-based system
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Pros of web-based system
- Implementation is very simple as the software runs on web and no installation on computer required
- Easier to deploy and upgrade (No IT expert required for installing and updating patches)
- Easy and ecured data accessible to physicians, staff and patients. (only Internet connection is required)
- Low upfront cost (N\no server, licensing fees and maintenance cost)
- Secured HIPAA complaint server
- Information is readily available at the click of button
- Improves business efficiency
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Cons of web-based system
- Vital time is lost if Internet connection is slow (totally depends on Internet connection)
- Depends on hosting vendor
As for client-server, till date it is the most popular and many of the hospitals are using these systems. The system is faster compared to web-based and it doesn’t depend on Internet availability for accessing patient records. Only one server, required number of clients, along with the software licenses is what needs to be purchased. Initially the upfront cost is more as you need to invest in server, purchase software licenses and have backup devices but the cost is not recurring on monthly basis. Only AMC needs to done on an yearly basis and regular software updates can be received. The software needs to be installed on server and all the client terminals as well.
Pros of client-server system
- Faster response time as the data is stored on local server
- Complete control over data
Cons of client-server system
- Initial cost is higher
- Regular maintenance of server adds up the cost
- Requires an assigned employee for checking network and regular backups
- Deploying is cumbersome software needs to be updated on all the terminals
Conclusion
All the above factors need to be considered before making a final decision on the server. It depends on your practice, budget and availability of staff. If a client has multiple hospitals or diagnostic centres then web-based solution can support you keep a track of all the centres from anywhere. If an organisation has just started and has low budget and less technical expertise, even for them a web-based solution will be ideal.
Now with growing technology the Internet connection has become extremely stable and the prices have dropped as well. For example; for a hospital which has a bigger set up and good IT expertise, require high performance and want the data to be stored on their server, then client-server is the right option for them, the only thing that the client needs to be assured of is a rock solid back up system in place.
Contact Details:
Mob: 9892869870
Email : kishore.shinde@indisoft-cs.com
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