TheraManager Help Note

Transcription

1 Subject: Client-Server vs. Cloud This Help Note provides a brief, lay perspective of TheraManager operating in either a client/server or cloud environment. Client/Server Not a client Not a server Help Notes related to TheraManager operating on a network frequently refer to clients and servers. What is the difference between a client and a server? A client is the installation of TheraManager (literally, the TheraManager.exe and affiliate files) installed on each computer, which accesses Main Data on the server. Clients can access the server via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or over the Internet. The server has the Main Data folder comprising your database residing on it. It is recommended that the server also have the Master Data folder as well. Both Main Data and Master Data are shared so that all TheraManager client s can access them. A server can (and, in most instances, usually does) have the.\theramanager client installed as well. There can be many TheraManager clients on a network, but only one server. Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 1 of 7

2 Type Default Client File Path Default Server File Path (to Main Data) Client/ C:\Program Files (x86)\theramanager Local: Same as client Server (64-bit) LAN: \\[myserver:2000] or static IP address C:\Program Files\TheraManager (32-bit) Cloud C:\Program Files (x86)\theramanager Same as client [unique practice identifier] File Path Resettable? Yes No For simplicity, throughout these Help Notes the convention.\theramanager is used to denote a TheraManager client. For example, the file path for a local client can be reset to E:\ Program Files (x86)\theramanager or to a shared C$ drive. However, care must be exercised that the ads.ini file be reset accordingly. See Resetting the ads.ini File.pdf as needed. Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 2 of 7

3 This is visible in the address bar in the Computer/My Computer view: (additional folders within the C:\ drive [also known as root directory ]) (additional folders within the Program Files folder) (additional files within the TheraManager folder) On the server, the recommended location for Main Data (and Master Data, if on a LAN) is on a newly created folder on the root directory: Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 3 of 7

4 C:\TheraManager\Main Data Also, the Advantage Database Server must be installed on the same drive as the Main Data. See the applicable Installation Help Notes (keyword: install) for details. Cloud Clouds The cloud With TheraManager in the cloud, no TheraManager client or database resides on the practice s premises. Instead, the TheraManager application and the practice s data reside on a HIPAAcompliant server leased by TheraManager LLC. Each device (desktop, notebook, tablet, phone etc.) wishing to access TheraManager establishes a remote desktop connection to an Internet protocol (IP) address representing the server. For workstations, such a connection can be launched either from a Remote Desktop Protocol (Cloud.rdp) file installed on the desktop, or via the Windows Start button. For phones, you can access the IP address via an RDP app designed for Android, iphone etc. Risk: Client/Server or Cloud? The following table provides an approach to assessing the risks of implementing TheraManager in a client/server or cloud environment. You should carefully consider the economic impact, probability and cost to your practice of each risk criterion. Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 4 of 7

5 Risk Assessment: Client/Server vs. Cloud (Disadvantage Advantage Neutral) Criterion Client/Server Cloud (RDP) Upfront cost of server Ongoing server Borne by customer Embedded in monthly fee maintenance Backup/Restoration Client installation/ Updating each client required (inconsistent program versions can cause database corruption) Professionally managed HIPAA- compliant (with updates TheraManager) Login out-of-office Often poorly executed (or not done at all) Must have TheraManager installed on client (unless using remote desktop client) Available on any computer (Windows or Mac) via RDP shortcut Login within an office Access via Mac computers require Windows virtualization app (e.g., Parallels) Access via tablet or phone requires client s server to be powered on Subject to Internet availability Latency can be significant Varies according to load on LAN from contending resources, wireless signal strength, server condition etc. TheraManager client installed on cloud server Access via tablet or phone (requires RDP client) (According to numerous field reports) Little or no latency Subject to Internet availability Connection subject to sporadic whiteout termination Not subject to Internet availability (generally) Printing Generally, non-issue Printing can be slower RDP client may not consistently recognize printer Certain printer models can disable printing for other cloud users Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 5 of 7

6 Criterion Client/Server Cloud RDP Security High Risk: Low Risk: Resident server unlikely to be HIPAA-compliant without costprohibitive infrastructure investment Single login/password per user to access Main Data On laptops, unencrypted XLS exports on laptops Two-level access to Main Data RDP user names and passwords maintained by TheraManager LLC Encrypted links between cloud server and all end-user devices Historically, > 2x greater frequency of hacker attacks than cloud More-stringent HIPAA regulations can be prohibitive for many practices Facility-wide emergency power and lighting and protection from fire and water damage 24/7/365 physical security monitoring 90-day video surveillance and retention Secure cabinets and cages used to house all server hardware Monthly cabinet and cage access reports Badges and biometrics required for user access to the data center Availability of data center for external audits Response plans in case of security incidents Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 6 of 7

7 Criterion Client/Server Cloud RDP Cost Significant upfront expense Relatively modest monthly fee Annual or biannual support contract expense Infractions from ONC can be prohibitive (~$100Ks to $M!) Last updated: November 24, 2014 TheraManager LLC Page 7 of 7