On premises vs Cloud based Clinic Management Software(India)

Cloud based clinic management software in India is a boon for clinical practices around the world, organising and streamlining their tasks efficiently. However, choosing the right one can be daunting. In our previous blog, we discussed the How to choose a best clinic management software in India 2024 and the various factors to consider while selecting one. This blog will discuss the main 2 types of software- Cloud-based and On-Premises and what sets them apart from each other.

Cloud-based CMS

Cloud-based clinic management system is hosted on secure remote servers. The information is stored outside the office in the cloud and can be accessed via the Internet or application interface.

It is similar to using Gmail. You don’t have to install Gmail on your computer. Instead, you can log in or sign up using your credentials on their website. All your emails are stored on Google’s servers and not on your device.

On-Premises CMS

You have likely used MS Office at least once in your life. When you purchase MS Office, you need to install it on your computer. All your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets are saved locally and can only be accessed on that one device.

An on-premises clinic management software in India works just like that. It is installed on your device and stores all its data on its own physical servers. Clinic staff can only access it when they are in the building using the computers at that practice.

Cloud-based vs On-Premises: What’s Better?

Setting up and storage

Cloud-based and On-Premises CMS in India vary vastly in their setup and storage. Cloud-based Clinic Management Software doesn’t require a setup process. You can sign up using your credentials and set up your clinic profile, and you’re good to go. However, an on-premises clinic management software requires some time, including the installation of software, staff training, and hardware setup like the physical servers.

These servers store all clinical information, including sensitive patient data and financial details. In contrast, the information is stored in highly secure remote servers in a cloud-based clinic management software.

Accessibility and Security

Cloud-based Clinic Management Software is easily accessible anywhere, anytime on any device with a compatible internet browser. Staff can quickly access records and make informed decisions without hesitation. The only drawback is the dependency on internet connectivity.

More accessible doesn’t necessarily mean less secure. Dochours only grants role-based access to employees and works with HIPAA-compliant data centres which guarantees the highest level of security for clinics in India.

An on-premises CMS ensures that data remains within the clinic's premises, as the software is only accessible on authorised devices within the clinic. This is largely due to the fact that the information is stored in physical servers at the clinic. However, an issue that can arise is the lack of backup in the event that something unforeseen impacts the servers and causes information loss. This is highly unlikely, but it's important for the clinic to plan for such situations.

Initial Costs and Maintenance

Cloud-based clinic management software in India is much more affordable than on-premises clinic management software, primarily due to the lack of hardware, trained personnel, and offering affordable and flexible pricing plans. Vendors perform automatic maintenance updates in a timely manner. However, for on-premises CMS, the updates have to be done manually with the help of the vendors or the authorised personnel in the clinic.

Customisation and Scalability

On-premises software caters specifically to the clinic's needs since customisation possibilities are limitless here. Cloud-based software has been developed by a team of experts, including experienced doctors, to cater to the general consensus and, in some cases, to specific medical specialities. So, the customisation possibilities are limited here. However, clinics can choose from a wide array of templates and configurations that the vendor offers.

Conclusion

On-premises clinic management software has been the traditional approach for clinics in India. However, due to the high upfront investments, it was only feasible for large organizations. The introduction of cloud-based clinic management software with subscription models has made clinic management software a more viable option for clinics of all sizes. If you are hesitant to rely on third parties, have more space to install servers, and are comfortable with having exclusively trained personnel for the software with better customization options, then on-premises software might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, cloud-based software is suitable for clinics looking for an affordable clinic management solution in India that does not require maintenance or extensive planning to run the software. Both CMSes perform the same tasks and have mostly identical features. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the clinic's preference.