Cloud technology was a concept we were not familiar with until 10 years ago. Today, we hear about it almost every day, and even if we don't, we use cloud technology every day without realizing it. In short, the cloud is a service that allows you to easily access your data from any device with an internet connection by storing your data on a virtual machine (cloud) on the internet. Today, office software, online courses, banking, telecom services and dental clinic management can be provided with cloud technology. Cloud is intertwined with industry 4.0; it is a structure that is constantly renewed and strengthened because it is at the focal point of technology. Desktop software is still alive, but it cannot keep up with the needs and technologies of today's technology. Desktop software can be likened to horse-drawn carriages, which were removed from the first choice of transportation with the advent of motorized cars.
Generation Z, born into mobile devices and the internet, expects to perform all their work with fewer touches, from anywhere and at any time. While the cloud is able to meet these expectations, the desktop is built with old technology and continues the habits of the past. Unlike the desktop, cloud technology continues to develop in line with the expectations of the new generation. The cloud keeps pace with the dizzyingly fast-changing needs of our age. Desktop software, on the other hand, is struggling to survive today with its dwindling number of users.
You can find a comparison of cloud and desktop software in the table below.
| Development & Update | Desktop | Cloud | |
| User experience development | It depends on the software developer's wishes. | It depends on the collective choice of users. | |
| Maintenance and update | The program is interrupted. Device and operating system incompatibility may cause errors. It is necessary to work separately for each device. | Updates and maintenance can be performed on all devices at the same time and in a very short time. It is sufficient that the devices to be used can run current internet browsers. | |
| Security | Desktop | Cloud | |
| Database security (database management, encryption of access, protection against attacks and unauthorized access). | Clinical supervisor. | The cloud provider is responsible. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Network security (setting up firewalls and gateways and keeping them up to date, monitoring devices connected to the network). | Clinical supervisor. | Secure access, independent of the local network. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Security of each device where the data is hosted (determining who can access the devices, when and how; moving the devices to another room with additional security measures; keeping records of entry and exit to and from the room). | The clinic should set up a server room. | Security of server rooms is ensured in accordance with ISO27001 Information Security Management System and KVKK. The clinic is responsible for ensuring the security of devices accessing the cloud. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Prevention of physical threats (fire, earthquake, flood, etc.) (regular maintenance of the building infrastructure, installation of emergency response vehicles and systems such as automatic alarm-extinguishing-cooling, preparation of an emergency action plan and availability of response teams). | Clinical supervisor. | The cloud provider is responsible. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Theft (presence of a security guard, alarm and camera system). | Clinical supervisor. | The cloud provider is responsible. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Keeping user (secretary, physician, etc.) transaction records (log). Keeping the records protected against external interventions. | Clinical supervisor. | The cloud provider is responsible. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Cyber security (establishing intrusion detection and prevention systems, conducting regular penetration tests, implementing and auditing security standards (ISO27001)) | Clinical supervision. Cyber security consultancy should be sought. | The cloud provider is responsible. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Prevention of ransom attacks (encryption of files, photos, databases, etc.). | The clinic should protect all Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Android devices, have up-to-date antivirus and regular backups. | Prevention and backup systems override the ransomware threat. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Administrative measures for clinic management and data entry (VERBIS registration, preparation of KVKK policies, etc.) | Clinical supervisor. | Clinical supervisor. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Copying/transfer of data | All patient data can be copied by malicious people, even with a USB stick. | All layers of security must be breached. Data cannot be read even if copied. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Access | Desktop | Cloud | |
| Determining user (secretary, physician, etc.) authorizations and managing passwords. | Clinical supervisor. | The clinic is responsible for managing users and passwords. The clinic must ensure the confidentiality and security of information belonging to the administrator (the most authorized person) user of the program. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Accessibility | Dependent on devices in the clinic, not available everywhere. | It can be used from any device at any time. | |
| Working from home (in situations like the current virus pandemic) | To work from home, the system must be moved and new security measures must be taken. Additional cost and time consuming. | Working from home can be switched instantly and costlessly. Existing security measures are maintained. | *KVKK(GDPR) |
| Mobility | NONE | Always | |
| Flexibility | Desktop | Cloud | |
| Compatibility | It requires customization according to the services offered by the clinic. | It can be used in all branches of dentistry. | |
| Physical boundaries | YES. As data increases, hard and external disks become insufficient. It is necessary to buy a larger capacity disk. | NO. Virtual spaces can be created on the fly according to need. | |
| Scalability | Changing and increasing needs cannot be met. Continuous cost and time loss occurs. | New users can be created in seconds, depending on the need, and can be used from any device. | |
| General Features | Desktop | Cloud | |
| Service | An initiative that starts with a phone call if the phone is not busy. | No waiting with online message access. | |
| Education | At the clinic and if the company is available. | At appointment time, online and location independent. | |
| Support | According to company availability. | No waiting with online message access. | |
| Backup system | Often far from the concept of “spare”. | What's that? The cloud is 99.99% up and constantly redundant. | |
| Turkey 2014-2018 Information Society Strategy Action Plan | No desktop space. | 3. Development of a Cloud Program for SMEs. | |
| Central government | NO. | Always. | |
| Installation | Separate installation is required on all devices where the program will be used. Installation may be delayed due to device incompatibilities. | No installation required, access to the program is provided within minutes. It is sufficient that the devices to be used can run current internet browsers. | |
| Cost | Fees are charged per branch, device, user and physician. | There is no additional charge per branch, device, user and physician. | |
| IoT (Internet of Things) | INCOMPATIBLE. | COMPATIBLE with infinite devices. Integrated with Industry 4.0 and Health 4.0. | |
| Transportation to patients | Old methods (phone calls, manual SMS sending, etc.) | Online appointment request, automatic SMS; fast Whatsapp, email, phone contacts. | |
| Access to online services (e-Invoice/e-SMM, USS/e-Nabız, e-Reçete) | Indirect. | Direct. |
Comments
Expressions belong to readers / commenters. Sanal Yazılım Ltd. or drdentes.com.tr is not responsible for these reviews.