If you’re new to our series regarding Edge Computing I suggest you check out this article first – Edge Computing: Why Rising Above the Cloud Might be a Better Option for Your Business
Healthcare computing needs aren’t all that different from the needs found in other markets. They face the same limitations like small budgets and limited scalability. Additional challenges can come in the form of things like storing, managing and protecting important patient/research data and keeping systems available to 24/7 to handle critical care.
Multiple healthcare organizations have leveraged HC3 hyper-converged infrastructure solutions exactly like the ones offered by Scale Computing to help them meet their IT needs.
Things to think about when considering computing on the edge include:
Uptime
A true hyper-converged cluster with built-in replication, cluster-wide redundancy, and automated rolling updates secure the best possible uptime available in the market today.
Uptime can be a huge concern when using Cloud computing. You just don’t have the ability to guarantee that the service you often pay through the nose for will be available to you
Virtualization
Still uncommon for in-store retail IT caused by high reoccurring cost for the visualization software. Scale Computing HC3 hyper-converged solutions comes standard with embedded KVM-based virtualization. There is no additional hypervisor license cost and a new VM can be created quickly and easily, even automated, from the central IT organization down to the store level. The build-in virtualization software is easy to run and manage through the HC3 unified, web-based management console.
Built in Data Protection
The Scale Computing HC3 solution offers integrated replication and failover capabilities and optional off-site cloud protection. Additional, optional security technologies are available such as UPS systems from APC by Schneider or F5 security solutions, running on the hyper-converged cluster as a VM.
Data protection is huge. While we’d personally still recommend a security device or two, and a bunch of best security practices on top of ’em, what Scale’s doing with their solution is admirable.
Economics
The Scale Computing-Lenovo HC3 cluster for retail offers the most economical, expandable, resilient solution available in the market today. Besides a very attractive initial price point, implementation and ongoing management cost are very low. Typically 60-80% lower versus other solutions.
Economics, at least in our opinion, stretches beyond the points mentioned above. Edge computing can also be implemented with zero to no additional real estate cost. Since most in the healthcare industry are limited by space, not having to invest in new real estate makes the solution very attractive.
Conclusion
Ultimately, HC3 offers simplicity, scalability, availability, and affordability to organizations who need to streamline operations with a reliable solution. Whether a healthcare organization is specialized in emergency services, mental health, medical imaging, research, or any other aspect of care, HC3 is a smart choice.
