Life sciences companies are putting more thought and strategy into utilizing cloud solutions not only for their enterprise systems, but for their laboratory and quality systems as well. The cloud, simply put, is the ability to access servers, software, and databases over the Internet. This works by using a virtual machine (VM) that acts as a physical computer with its own hardware that users can access via a web browser. Currently, the leading major cloud providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Utilizing cloud solutions is proving to provide tremendous benefits from simplifying deployment and administration to increasing global accessibility. Let’s explore some options for moving your LIMS to the cloud.

Moving Your LIMS to the Cloud

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) vendors have recognized the need for cloud solutions to service their customers and are moving in the direction of providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), where the application is installed on their private cloud network and access is granted to the customers’ private account via the internet. There are several types of cloud computing: private, dedicated to a single end user or group; public, redistributed to multiple organizations; hybrid, multiple environments connected in various ways (LAN, VPN, API, etc.) to create a seemingly single environment; and multiclouds, using multiple could services and/or vendors. LIMS environments would likely need the hybrid approach, where the server and/or data center belongs to only one organization, but is also hosted to ensure data integrity, security, data retention, and backup services.  

Cloud Computing Has Many Benefits

Access files and applications from any device, anywhere.

• A LIMS solution that is fully accessible at any time, from any location, means more reliable system access and easier global operations. Because the same applications can be accessed worldwide, this allows for greater collaboration and efficiency. In addition, the reduction in software downtime creates less impact on the IT department workload.  

Efficiency in using one server to host multiple VMs

• Often when working with multiple locations for a company or using a contract lab, transactional data may be spread across several different databases. This could take days to get the most accurate information while waiting for the data to be returned and entered. Using a cloud approach would allow for a single source of data and quick access to real-time information. 

Cost effectiveness

• Virtual accessibility and hosting eliminate the need for purchasing costly hardware for servers. And due to the cloud service provider (CSP) managing and maintaining the VM, the expenses for server upgrades and operational costs are significantly reduced.  

Improved cybersecurity posture.

• It can be extremely complex and costly to keep systems cyber secure with the ever-changing technologies that hackers are using to gain access to confidential data. The CSP has dedicated resources to keeping systems up to date with the latest security and operating systems in addition to adding multiple layers of security that benefit businesses using their services. Additionally, the files stored on the cloud are encrypted, and it’s more difficult to breach cybersecurity. 

Cloud Computing and LIMS 

Companies moving to cloud computing are growing exponentially each year. Switching to a cloud environment from an on-premise environment can not only save resources but also ensure that data can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, keep systems up to date, and ensure data is more secure. If you’re looking for guidance with managing and strategizing the move of your LIMS system to the security of a cloud solution, Clarkston can help.