There’s an explanation that an ever-increasing number of labs are changing to cloud-put together LIS over customary with respect to premises frameworks. Similarly, as customer applications like email, banking, and amusement have moved to the cloud, so are logical exploration applications. Modern organizations operate in a ‘cloud-first paradigm, meaning the cloud is now the preferred delivery means for any new software product. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of cloud-based laboratory information systems (LIS).
Defining “The Cloud”
Before we can outline the advantages of a cloud-based LIS, let’s first define what is meant by “cloud” software. When something is “cloud-based” it means the software does not originate from a server in the same location as the end-user. In other words, the software is not installed “on-premises”. Instead, the software is managed by a third party in a secure location. Users access the software via the internet. Gmail, Netflix, and Facebook are on the whole instances of cloud applications. Since all parts of the innovation, like servers, framework, reinforcements are conveyed as assistance by an outsider, this kind of programming conveyance is known as “Software as a Service” or “SaaS”. That same philosophy is applied to web-based LIS software. You may already know the benefits of having an application based in the cloud, but let’s specifically dive into the benefits of cloud-based LIS versus an on-premises LIS.
A Cloud-based LIS Means Anytime, Anywhere Access
Perhaps the biggest benefit of having your lab information system based in the cloud is the ease of access. Since all you need is a device with a web browser and an internet connection, you can access your research data from literally anywhere in the world. Gone are the days of having to VPN into your organization’s IT network, or worse, having to be physically on-site to access your sample data. With a cloud-based LIS like Lis365, your data is never more than a web browser away.
Reliability
Do you remember how frustrating it was to be denied access to your experimental data because your LIS was “down”? Historically, since everything was run off the local server, IT departments had to bear the brunt of managing all the software used in labs. Keeping up with software changes, patches, and bugs was never easy, and was often too much for organizations to do themselves, even with the best LIS software on the market. This means all the software maintenance is handled by the vendor, and upgrades and patches can show up automatically (if validation is not necessary). Cloud-based LIS vendors also manage data backups, redundancy, and fail-over processes, ensuring customers have constant access to their data.
Cloud Storage Means a Single Source of Truth
If you’ve ever collaborated with labs in different locations, you may remember having to deal with sample data spread out among multiple databases. If vials were shipped between locations, it was impossible to know which database contained the most up-to-date information about any sample. Using a cloud-based LIS fixes this. With a LIS like Lis365, users all access the same sample record, so there is never an issue with duplicate or outdated records. This ‘single source of truth ensures that your LIS does what it is supposed to do: allows you to easily locate the most current information about any sample, any time.
Cloud-based Security
Security may be the single most compelling reason to switch to a cloud-based LIS. Hackers are constantly changing their tactics and it is almost impossible for an individual lab to keep on-premises software up to date with all the latest security fixes and vulnerability patches. As cyber-criminals become more sophisticated, organizations are forced to hire consultants and security experts to maintain secure systems. That headache disappears with cloud applications. Vendors like Lis365 use platforms that are certified as having the most up-to-date, modern, and technologically advanced hardware and software security features available. These secure LIS hosting platforms benefit from millions of dollars of security infrastructure and budgets that are hundreds of times larger than the entire operating budget of most labs. There is no comparison between the security features in a cloud platform, versus what an individual IT manager in a stand-alone lab can provide.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Now that you’ve heard about the benefits, you may be wondering about cloud LIS pricing. With all these benefits compared to traditional on-premises LIS, you may be surprised to learn that once all costs are factored in, the cost of a cloud-based LIS is normally less than an on-premises version. This is because on-premises LIS requires you to purchase servers and other IT hardware to run the application. In addition, there are peripheral costs like IT staff, real estate, environmental monitoring, and more that must be accounted for in the on-premises model. It makes the cost of cloud-based LIS much lower than the on-premises alternative.
Given all the benefits described above, it is easy to see why lab managers and R&D directors are moving to a cloud-first paradigm for scientific and research applications, including laboratory information systems. Security, reliability, data access, and lower TCO are all reasons why modern labs are now only considering cloud-based LIS such as Lis365 for their laboratory informatics projects. If you are interested in implementing a cloud-based laboratory information management system for your organization, contact us to learn more, and someone from our sales team will be in touch.
