Tim Cripps, managing director at Trustco, a Silver Certified HPE partner explains how the hybrid cloud helps healthcare organisations thrive.
Specialising in hybrid cloud and data transformation, Trustco provides the healthcare sector with advice and deployment expertise for server virtualisation, storage, backup and cloud services.
Our independent advice supports healthcare organisations to make informed decisions to invest in technology that matches existing needs and budget, but is also future-proof, and right now the hybrid cloud provides the ability for healthcare to become cloud ready.
There has been a major shift in digital transformation across the healthcare sector, accelerating the adoption of new ways of delivering applications and data, and in some instances seeing new technology implemented in a matter of days as opposed to months or even years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The value of innovative developments to staff, patients and the entire sector, particularly over the past few months is undisputable.
As the sector manages a major shift in dynamics which has seen a myriad of changes, such as the number of applications in use rocket and a complete change in how NHS staff access systems, there has been a sharp rise in demand and pressure placed on IT systems and infrastructure. This has been a catalyst for change, placing the benefits of hybrid cloud firmly in the spotlight; now is the time to make the move.
The main reason hybrid cloud is an appealing option is because of its flexibility and adaptability; crucial attributes at a time when the sector is evolving so swiftly.
The pandemic has given rise to healthcare, along with other industries, re-evaluating traditional approaches, and sparked a change to take greater steps towards digital transformation.
So what’s different about the hybrid cloud? The hybrid cloud is a combination of the public cloud and private cloud, and also in-house data centres. It is an attractive, and viable option for healthcare as it allows systems and applications to be deployed in the location of choice.
Trustco has a strong, established relationship with HPE, which has delivered solutions to healthcare for decades, and as such we are able to help our healthcare customers gain a full picture of the HPE hybrid cloud solutions portfolio which comprises cloud services, cloud software, and infrastructure solutions delivered as a service. This includes HPE Synergy, HPE 3PAR, HPE Primera, HPE Nimble, and HPE SimpliVity. Trustco therefore provides the right mix of solutions for infrastructure modernisation and consolidation in the NHS.
Here’s why healthcare should push its journey towards the hybrid cloud:
1. Cost-effectiveness
By determining what IT should be migrated to the cloud, and what should remain locally, the NHS can save money, and Trustco helps organisations differentiate between what brings the best value for money and helps to eradicate the cost of managing legacy on-premise systems.
By integrating public cloud with private systems, NHS organisations can take advantage of the cost-effectiveness by only paying for what is consumed; avoiding large capital expense and maximising savings gained from the cloud which could subsequently be reallocated to patient care. HPE GreenLake is a good example as it enables organisations to adopt the hybrid cloud as a service. This facilitates greater control over budgets and, if adopted smartly has the potential to deliver significant, and much sought-after return on investment.
2. Flexibility
A mix of public, private and on-premises data systems facilitates a far greater level of flexibility than just one single solution, and this has never been more important.
Healthcare organisations can adapt at pace to the ongoing changes, allowing rapid IT response, rather than being constrained by on-premise IT alone which has undoubtedly led to a number of challenges; a blend of approaches effectively enables the NHS to strike a balance.
3. Security
An increasing number of healthcare interactions have gone digital, such as virtual consultations for example, equally the number of staff requiring remote access to systems has risen. This has been amplified during the recent crisis as the NHS adopts a growing number of innovative technologies in response to the pandemic. Changes such as these mean that the security of systems and patient data, and compliance, are major concerns which present significant ongoing challenges.
Cyber threats continue to evolve at pace, and hybrid cloud is a trusted option, viewed by some in fact as the most secure model; through enabling greater visibility, and by data not being limited to just one single location, there is less opportunity for cyber criminals to exploit systems. Spreading resources across different cloud platforms reduces the security risk from having everything in one place, which as the devastating global ransomware WannaCry attack that cost the NHS £92 million highlighted back in 2017, is a high risk strategy.
4. Scalability
The events over the past few months has placed enormous strain on already overstretched IT systems, and the hybrid cloud enables the NHS to move from legacy to digital systems and rapidly deploy a greater level of innovative technology in the future.
Traditionally, the hybrid cloud is not an option that healthcare has explored, yet this is certainly set to change. Healthcare is not a one size fits all, applications and systems must be scalable on demand.
5. Ease of use
Transition to the hybrid cloud is smooth and efficient, and eliminates the complexities associated with the more traditional approach. Applications and systems can be located in the most appropriate environment to allow healthcare organisations to get the most out of it. For instance, HPE hybrid cloud has within its portfolio a product that guarantees up to 100% uptime, meaning no more application outages for software upgrades or hardware failure, which in a 24×7 clinical environment is critical.
As a trusted supplier for HPE technology, Trustco is helping healthcare acquire new technology today while alleviating some of the financial strain. The Payment Relief Initiative is designed to help with any financial challenges stemming from the Covid-19 crisis. What this means is that healthcare customers can acquire the technology needed today and pay only 1% of the total contract value each month for the first eight months, deferring more than 90% of the cost until 2021.
Additionally, Trustco can help extend the life of your existing infrastructure or transition to new technology by recovering the value from decommissioned IT assets by converting these into capital that can be applied to the purchase of modern technology, and gaining access to a full portfolio of pre-owned and refurbished HPE equipment.
Following a competitive tender process, Trustco has been awarded approved supplier status on the Crown Commercial Service Technology Products and Associated Services (TePAS) framework, for the supply of commodity technology goods and related services. Trustco has also been awarded a place on the NHS SBS Digital Workplace Solutions Framework.
If you’re planning to become cloud ready, get key insights directly from the experts. With more than 21 years’ experience across the public sector, Trustco’s extensive knowledge of data transformation and knowledge of the HPE hybrid cloud portfolio means it is an ideal partner, helping healthcare move through 2020 and beyond.
Trustco, Silver Certified HPE partner, Crown Commercial Service Supplier on the TePAS framework, and supplier on the NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement.
As independent specialists in hybrid cloud and data transformation, we can help you navigate your options. Contact us on 0344 880 1999, email sales@trustco.co.uk, visit www.trustco.co.uk, or follow us @trustcoplc
