NetPros A Medical Computer Solution

This case study offers an in-depth look at a complex decision involving cloud and on-premises networks. Given the significant implications for cost and efficiency, it’s a must-read if you're interested in optimizing your IT infrastructure at a lower cost.

Our Expertise

At NetPros, we excel in designing, engineering, and implementing both cloud and on-premises systems. To clarify a common misconception: cloud computing essentially involves renting space on someone else's computer. Despite the hype, it doesn't always offer the most cost-effective or technologically advanced solution. We base our recommendations on price and functionality to ensure that every decision is financially sound and technically advantageous. Whether you’re considering an in-house system, cloud migration, or managing your current setup, we are equipped to provide a detailed analysis of all options.

The Challenge

Consider a system tasked with storing 2 to 4 terabytes of new MRI images daily. These images need to be compared with those from previous years and must be accessible for at least a decade. The system's reliability is paramount because losing any image is unacceptable and cannot be recreated.

Current System Limitations

Network Limitations & Fragile Infrastructure

The existing system, designed over a decade ago, has reached its physical capacity and cannot expand further. Initially intended to handle 10 to 50 GB per patient study, it now manages 250 to 400 GB due to advances in imaging technology. This has led to slower image retrieval and storage issues, exacerbated by increased network usage.

The Problems:

Key Issues

1. Multiple hard drive failures.

2. Lack of expansion options for network and storage.

3. Unsupported imaging management software.

With the system's original design outpaced by current demands, it’s crucial to re-evaluate and consider modern solutions.

Cloud vs On-Premise: Which is Better?

Cloud computing offers scalability, making it ideal for systems with fluctuating traffic, like online stores facing peak times. The flexibility to scale resources up or down can be cost-effective. However, if your traffic is stable, ongoing cloud costs might outweigh the benefits. In such cases, maintaining an on-premises network could be more economical.

Evaluating the Best Fit

Given the client’s stable storage needs and significant data volume, cloud migration costs were projected at $133,000 for the first year, with annual costs of $68,500. Although cloud storage prices have remained relatively stable, the additional costs for micro-services and other factors made cloud migration less attractive. Particularly since prices for owning your own hardware have dropped substantially over the last 10 years. As such, NetPros proposed an on-premises solution that saved the client around $70,000 in initial costs and an estimated additional $20,000 in annual maintenance every year for the next 10 years.

Significant Cost Savings with a Reliable and Secure Network

In this case, we implemented a robust, cost-effective storage solution with three tiers: immediate access (for recent images), recent access (up to 30 days), and long-term storage (for older images). Images are divided into tagged pixels and stored across multiple arrays totaling over 600 terabytes, ensuring minimal loss if damage occurs. The system boasts an impressive 99.97% uptime, with high-speed chips facilitating instant image storage and retrieval. This solution delivers both reliability and substantial savings while meeting all critical needs.

With NetPros' solution, patient records are instantly accessible, eliminating delays and improving client service. We’ve streamlined operations, allowing these medical professional more time to focus on patient care.

For more details or to discuss how we can help you achieve similar results, please contact us.

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