3Di Cloud Imaging as a Services (SaaS) by Shina Systems Caesarea, Israel

3Di Cloud OVERVIEW

Imaging as a Service

3Di Cloud provides anytime, anywhere image management, visualization and processing with no up-front cost and no long-term commitments.

3Di is an innovative, cloud-based image management and advanced (3D/4D) visualization software suite that turns any Internet-connected PC into a comprehensive image processing workstation. 3Di allows instantaneous access to imaging data, with advanced reformatting and viewing tools, from any location across the globe, as well as powerful computer processing in a cloud environment. It eliminates costly dedicated storage servers and workstations, while providing industry-leading interactive image viewing and advanced visualization features.

Zero-Footprint Web Viewer

The 3Di zero-footprint Medical Imaging Web Viewer is a browser-based client with 2D/3D viewing and a wide range of image manipulation capabilities. Ideal for anywhere, anytime access to medical images generated by any imaging modality, images are viewed directly from the server via any Web-enabled device without pre-installation or download.

Advanced Visualization and Clinical Applications

Meeting a full range of imaging needs, the 3Di advanced visualization suite includes general multi-modality 3D reformations (MPR, MIP, volume rendering and related techniques), and a set of comprehensive suite of clinical applications.

Image Management and Sharing

With imaging data stored remotely in the Cloud, 3Di Cloud ensures safe, long-term image archiving, and anywhere/anytime availability to image data and patient information. The system serves as a data clearinghouse for communication with off-site radiologists, clinicians, surgeons and others who need access to either processed images or raw data for independent manipulation.

Highest Level of Security

For the highest level of security, all communication with the cloud servers is secured with 128-bit SSL, access to the servers and data is restricted by configurable access control mechanisms and all data is stored encrypted in the cloud.

Interactivity Even Over Low-bandwidth Networks

The small-footprint 3Di Client, which downloads with the first use, keeps the local computer connected to the secure, cloud-based image repository. The 3Di Client operates seamlessly with cloud-based and locally-stored image data alike, to view, process, analyze and report diagnostic images. A powerful feature of the 3Di Client is its ability to take advantage of both the available network bandwidth and local computing power to optimize the performance and speed of the software. This enables a high degree of interactivity even over low-bandwidth networks.

All 3Di Cloud image data is stored on the industry-leading Amazon cloud infrastructure, featuring multiple redundancy and HIPAA-compliance.

3di Cloud ARCHITECTURE

The 3Di Cloud system consists of three components:

3Di Uploader

The 3Di Uploader is a small downloadable software module which runs on a Windows PC connected to the local network. The 3Di Uploader receives DICOM data from the local DICOM network and transfers it to the 3Di Cloud servers over the Internet, quickly and securely.

• Secure (128-bit encryption) and efficient data transfer employing efficient compression and fault-tolerant streaming algorithms
• No need for a VPN (data is encoded and transferred using the secure HTTPS protocol)
• Fully HIPAA compliant

The 3Di Cloud Server

3Di Cloud’s server is a Web-based server with managed repositories and processing engines for medical images. The server receives images from multiple uploaders, processes them as required and then archives them based on user-configurable rules. 3Di Cloud server can stream medical images to local 3Di viewers or render them within an advanced zero-footprint, browser-based Medical Imaging Web Viewer.

3Di Cloud Server provides fast and secure image access to radiologists, referring physicians and patients anywhere, at any time.

• No need to buy, maintain or administer any computer hardware
• Runs over Amazon’s industry-leading cloud infrastructure, with 99% uptime, multiple redundancy (geographically separate locations) and regular data backups
• Dynamic storage capacity and scalable computing power means you pay only for what you use
• Rule-based data access for viewing or retrieving (downloading) images
• Automatic batching and image pre-processing tasks
• Can also be installed on an PACS server or a private data center (see 3Di PACS)

The 3Di Client

3Di Client is a seamlessly downloadable software suite which can manage, view and report medical images from remote sources. The smart downloadable client takes advantage of all available network bandwidth and local computing power to optimize performance and speed. Using only an ordinary PC, 3Di Client enables image viewing, processing and analysis with an advanced multi-modality 4D viewer. The Client can be configured with dedicated, state-of-the-art clinical applications including an integrated, template-based reports module for incorporating images, graphs, tables and findings from other clinical modules.

3Di Web Patient Browser provides authorized users with access to studies, reports and related clinical data from any Web-enabled device. It serves as a portal to all patient information and functionality available within the 3Di platform. Study management and advanced filters are available from any Web browser with no software to install or maintain.

The zero-footprint, Web-based 3Di Web Viewer, allows viewing images from the server with no pre-installation or download. It provides advance 2D/3D viewing capabilities directly from the Web server, including volume rendering capabilities, image manipulation and annotation tools and dynamic control of JPEG image compression.

The 3Di PACSViewer enables any number of users to access imaging data, with advanced features such as image streaming, multi-monitor support, multiple series with thumbnail drag-and-drop views and 3D visualization.

3Di Client’s key features include:

• Web-based (AJAX) work-list management accessible from any Web-connected device
• Easy-to-use patient/study work-list with relevant filters and DICOM functions
• Secure data transmission using industry-standard SSL encryption
• Study sharing over the cloud via a unique URL with an expiration date
• Ability to store any non-DICOM document/image with the study
• Simple integration with EMR systems
• Multi-lingual support

Cloud computing provides business management solutions without the hassle of infrastructure maintenance and costs

On the Cloud…

As a new wave of IT and digital technologies inundates the dental laboratory industry, many laboratory owners and managers remain confused about the best way to invest their precious capital. Laboratories face purchasing decisions about expensive CAD/CAM milling machines, 3-D printers, laser-sintering systems, and low-cost outsourcing for digital coping fabrication. But there is another option most laboratory owners have heard little about—cloud computing.

Cloud computing can save laboratory owners money and increase sales. Cloud computing “will be the dominant technology platform for the next 20 years,” says Frank Gens, chief analyst at the global research firm IDC. For those unacquainted with the technology, cloud computing is a straightforward concept that a small handful of laboratories are already using with web-based lab management software.

What Is It?

Many people already use cloud computing, but they might not even realize it. Gmail or Hotmail accounts are forms of cloud computing, in addition to the auction and marketplace services provided by craigslist and eBay. The concept: broadly speaking, any service or program sent over an Internet connection can be considered a cloud service. An outside vendor runs the servers and software, so the buyer doesn’t have to worry about the technical issues in-house—and can focus on its own business.” Put another way, businesses “buy” software, data processing, and storage from a cloud service provider just as a household buys electricity from its local utility. In doing so, cloud customers only pay for what they consume.

How Does It Work?

Because users only need a computer and an Internet connection to access software and services, all of the traditional headaches of IT—purchasing servers, setting up software, maintaining networks and hiring IT support—are taken care of “in the cloud.” The cloud computing service provider handles data backup and security, in addition to providing continuous updates so users always have the latest version of the software. In other words, it is not actually a cloud.

While most cloud services store the user’s data in more than one location for security and redundancy, there is still a dedicated server, somewhere, that holds the information. Google maintains more than 1 million individual servers around the globe for its cloud services, including Gmail and Google Documents. Since cloud service providers absorb IT costs, larger organizations, both old and new, are embracing cloud computing to save costs they would have spent on in-house hardware and software.

Some business owners, however, are afraid of not having databases stored on hardware on their premises. Nevertheless, cloud computing is earning a reputation for reliability and security that few companies can match internally. In the United States alone, $47.4 billion spent on cloud services in 2013 is expected to rise to be more than $107 billion by 2017, according to technology research and advisory firm IDC.

Cloud-Based Management Systems

Cloud-based lab management software was the first industry-specific application of cloud computing in dental technology. Similar to a Google search, users can get immediate access to the software through their regular browser because installation and setup is instantaneous. For larger laboratories, cloud-based software empowers them to manage multiple sites without the need for expensive networking gear, software, and servers.

Currently, only two companies provide completely cloud-based dental lab management software systems—LabStar and Evident Labs. LabStar (www.LabStar.com) and Evident (www.evidentlabs.com) employ two different approaches to pricing.

LabStar has a pay-as-you-go monthly subscription consistent with cloud computing, while Evident offers a fixed monthly user license familiar to current lab management software users. Both systems have modest setup fees, and the average monthly cost is usually a few hundred dollars for each software system, depending on total users, unit volume, and software features.

Since users avoid hardware maintenance costs and hassles, these subscription fees reflect the true software cost. After setting up an account, users receive a login name and password. Creating one-time settings takes just a few hours, and in most cases, users can transfer client and case information from previously used lab management software.

The cost savings and innovative sales tools that web-based software provides are helping laboratories grow both their businesses and their bottom lines.

Coming to Terms

Use this basic glossary to familiarize yourself with common “cloud computing” terminology.

Cloud Provider: A company that provides cloud-based platform, infrastructure, application, or storage services to other organizations and/or individuals, usually for a fee.

Cloud Storage: A service that allows customers to save data by transferring it over the Internet or another network to an offsite storage system maintained by a third party.

Cloud-ware: Software that enables creating, deploying, running, or managing applications in the cloud.

Cluster: A group of linked computers that work together as if they were a single computer, for high availability and/or load balancing.

Consumption-based Pricing Model: A pricing model whereby the service provider charges its customers based on the amount of the service the customer consumes, rather than a time-based fee. For example, a cloud storage provider might charge per gigabyte of information stored. See also Subscription-based pricing model.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Cloud infrastructure services in which the provider delivers a virtualized environment over the Internet. The infrastructure can include servers, network equipment, and software

On-Demand Service: A model by which a customer can purchase cloud services as needed; for instance, if customers need to use additional servers for the duration of a project, they can do so and then drop back to the previous level after the project is completed.

Pay as You Go: A cost model for cloud services that encompasses both subscription-based and consumption-based models, in contrast to the traditional IT cost model that requires upfront capital expenditures for hardware and software.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Cloud platform services in which the provider delivers the computing platform (operating system and associated services) over the Internet.

Service Provider: The company or organization that provides a public or private
cloud service.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Cloud application services in which the provider delivers applications over the Internet, so that the applications do not have to be purchased, installed, and run on the customer’s local hard drive. SaaS providers were previously referred to as  application service providers (ASP).

Source(s): Original article,“Cloud computing provides business management solutions without the hassle of infrastructure maintenance and costs”, BY JEFFREY NOLES, iDT INSIDE DENTAL TECHNOLOGY, FEBRUARY 2012, VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2, PUBLISHED BY AEGIS COMMUNICATIONS.  Updated article with current facts and figures on August 1st 2014 by Eli Ganon.

Infographic(s):

About the original Author: Jeffrey Noles is the chief executive officer of LabStar, which provides the cloud-based LabStar dental laboratory management system.

About the Editor & Publisher: Eli Ganon is an experienced technology marketing strategy consultant, storyteller, publisher, writer, copywriter and social media blogger on emerging technologies. Currently, Eli is the CIO of dtg 3d ‘ideation and imagineering’, a technology and operations strategy consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Eli holds a BS in Mathematics and Aerodynamics from The Ohio State University. You can follow Eli on Twitter @EliGanon or View all posts by Eli Ganon

Thoughts About Process Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Cloud SaaS Implementations

ERP

More and more manufacturers are turning to Process Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Cloud SaaS to replace obsolete processes and improve business performance.

Insights that will help an manufacturer plan and implement a successful Process ERP Cloud solution.

The future of Process ERP Cloud market

As more manufacturers are considering the virtues of cloud computing and the associated benefits inherent in this delivery model. The percentage of manufacturers transitioning to the cloud for its enterprise software growing with larger $1b+ companies adopting cloud solutions.

There has been a lot of hype around ERP Cloud

Many of the traditional, on-premise ERP providers saw the handwriting on the wall and tried to jump on the cloud SaaS bandwagon with what we call “faux” cloud solutions. They essentially repackaged the legacy software and try to sell it as a cloud solution but without the advantages that a true cloud application provides.

Process ERP Cloud configuration

Process ERP Cloud is configurable. As a single instance of software shared by all the customers, it offers virtually all the functionality a manufacturer could need to manage and track its manufacturing processes. Process ERP Cloud users have the option to turn on whatever functionality and features they require for their business needs. The fact that a metal-former, or a foundry or a food processor all use the same solution but with different features engaged is an indication of how configurable the Process ERP Cloud is.

Process ERP Cloud implementation methodology

Using an iterative project management model that accelerates learning and mitigates risks by allowing companies to experiment during the early stages of the project to make well informed decisions. Process ERP Cloud has a four-phase implementation and training strategy that takes place in stages: piloting, testing, systems enhancements, and go-live. The best approach to training is to conduct short training sessions and then have employees return to work. This allows them time to try out what they have learned and develop ideas for process modifications and system optimization. Targeted and efficient just-in-time training drives a 99 percent customer satisfaction in Process ERP Cloud implementations – 30 percent better than industry average.

The ideal Process EMR Cloud customer

The ideal customer is a manufacturer or processor. They have complex manufacturing requirements and therefore need an Process ERP Cloud system with deep vertical capabilities. They want to reduce their cost structure by continuously applying lean principles for the reduction of waste. They have a performance culture, are not complacent, and continuously look for ways to do more with their ProcessERP Cloud investment. Industries where quality and inventory traceability are critical – such as the automobile industry or food and beverage processing – are very well served by Process ERP Cloud.

The reasons for companies selecting Process ERP Cloud

The primary reason a manufacturer selects a Process ERP Cloud solution is a desire to work more efficiently. Customers implementing Process ERP Cloud have a greater awareness of all of the manufacturing processes throughout the supply chain. They have less waste, a manageable inventory and easy access to reports to help management make informed business decisions. In addition, because the data is digital and saved immediately, there is a verifiable reduction in human error during data entry. Another attractive feature is the speed of implementation which is considerably faster than traditional, on-premise ERP systems. Finally, the cost is predictable on a subscription basis and there is no need for the company to purchase and maintain an IT infrastructure or have a staff dedicated to IT updates and software maintenance.

Process ERP Cloud security

 Companies should be concerned about security. When a company chooses Data Center to house its data “in the Cloud”, it must enlist a firm that has dedicated security protocol and processes. In addition to the physical security implemented at modern data centers – compliance with GR-3160 NEBS (Network Equipment-Building System) requirements and the Telecommunications Industry Association’s TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers – the IT infrastructure at Data Center facilities likely exceeds whatever the company has associated with on-premise systems. Additionally, studies show that data is more secure when hosted by a third party than in an internal system where disgruntled employees may break into the system to steal and distribute information to harm the employer.

Pricing for Process ERP Cloud implementation and ongoing support 

The majority of both Process ERP Cloud vendor and partner led implementations are Time and Materials engagements. Process ERP Cloud is offered in a tailored approach to deployment based on the customer’s scope and resource availability. Process ERP Cloud typical implementation timeline is 4-6 months. Again, this is impacted by scope and the user resources that the customer is able to assign to the project. As each company has unique needs and varying amount of access to internal resources, the pricing models are variable and different for each deployment. Pricing is enterprise-based, rather than the typical user-based licensed. It ranges from $5K to $50K a month, depending on modules selected and the size of the enterprise. There are outliers on both the low end and the high end, but most deals fall in that range.

Advice to companies who want to improve the ROI on their Process ERP Cloud project

Anyone considering a Process ERP Cloud system need to experience the ProcessERP Cloud solution by using it. The ability to access information— anytime, anywhere, on any device from a single system— makes it easy for more employees to share data and experience the benefits that a cloud-based system can deliver. Process ERP Cloud forces users to enter quality data which enhances the speed and accuracy of the decision making process. In addition to creating more efficient workflows, it also provides enhanced visibility into all facets of the production process. Customers deploying Process ERP Cloud is the impact on ROI is immediate and positive. When companies embrace Process ERP Cloud SaaS, particularly when transitioning from a traditional, on-premise system, there is more control and visibility into all of the various processes from the purchase and warehousing of individual components and material to the shipping of the finished product. There may be a need to transition to a new workflow but that invariably leads to a more efficient work process.

Source(s): dtg, ERP Software News

Infographic(s): Panorama-Consulting.com

About the author(s): Eli Ganon

Eli is an experienced technology marketing strategy consultant,storyteller, publisher, writer, copywriter and social media blogger on emerging technologies. Currently, Eli is the CIO of dtg 3d ‘ideation and imagineering’, a technology and operations strategy consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Eli holds a BS in Mathematics and Aerodynamics from The Ohio State University.You can follow Eli on Twitter @EliGanon or View all posts by Eli Ganon