IT Insights Trends

Network monitoring

Network monitoring is the process of continuously tracking the performance, health, and security of a network infrastructure. By monitoring traffic, devices, and services in real-time, businesses can proactively identify potential issues, optimize performance, and ensure seamless connectivity. Our network monitoring solutions provide visibility and control, helping you stay ahead of potential disruptions and maintain a reliable, secure network environment.

Help Desk / End-user support

Help Desk and End-User Support services ensure your team stays productive by providing fast, reliable assistance for technical issues. Whether it’s troubleshooting software, resolving hardware problems, or guiding users through common tasks, our expert support team is available to solve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. We’re here to keep your operations running smoothly and your users happy.

On-site / Consulting support

On-site and Consulting Support offers hands-on assistance to address complex technical challenges directly at your location. Our experts work closely with your team to analyze, recommend, and implement tailored solutions that align with your business needs. Whether you need system upgrades, network design, or troubleshooting, our on-site support ensures your technology runs optimally and efficiently.

Vendor Management

Vendor Management services help you streamline relationships with third-party providers, ensuring that your business receives the best value and service. We handle everything from selecting and negotiating with vendors to monitoring performance and managing contracts. Our goal is to optimize vendor partnerships, reduce risks, and ensure seamless integration with your operations, so you can focus on what matters most—your business.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud Solutions empower your business with flexible, scalable, and secure computing resources. From cloud storage and data management to custom applications and infrastructure, we provide tailored solutions that help streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and reduce costs. Transitioning to the cloud with us means increased efficiency and future-proofing your business in a fast-evolving digital world.

Technology Consulting

Technology Consulting helps businesses harness the power of technology to drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. Our expert consultants work closely with you to assess your needs, recommend innovative solutions, and guide the implementation of tech strategies that align with your goals. Whether optimizing existing systems or exploring new technologies, we provide the insights and support you need to succeed in the digital age.

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Cloud ComputingEvery day more businesses are shifting some or all of their operations to the cloud, but what if your business requires HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ) compliance? Is using a cloud service provider (CSP) off the table for you because you’re now transmitting data outside your walls?

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services responded to the growing questions related to compliance and cloud computing last year with this guide. They seem to recognize that it is your duty as a health care provider (or medical records related practice) to protect the privacy and security of electronically protected health information (ePHI), but it’s also your obligation to maintain an up-to-date service experience for your clients or you won’t have any clients left.

Here is a summary from AMA Wire:

    • Mobile Device Use. Doctors and health care professionals are allowed too access ePHI in the cloud via mobile devices as long as physical, administrative and technical safeguards are in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the ePHI on the device and the cloud. Read these tips for securing ePHI on those devices.
    • Cloud to Store ePHI. A HIPAA-covered entity or business associate can use a cloud service to store or process ePHI. The covered entity or business associate must first enter into a HIPAA-compliant BAA (business associate agreement), establishing how ePHI can be disclosed and used, with the CSP that will be creating, receiving, maintaining or transmitting ePHI on its behalf. To address more specific business expectations with your CSP, you can enter into a Service Level Agreement (SLA). SLAs can include provisions that address HIPAA concerns such as system availability and reliability, back-up and data recovery, how data will be returned to the customer after service use termination, security responsibility and use, retention and disclosure limitations.
    • BAA is Required. Using a CSP to maintain ePHI without a BAA is a violation of HIPAA rules. Entering into a BAA with your CSP is the key first step. However, if a CSP meets the definition of a business associate—in other words, the CSP creates, receives, maintains or transmits ePHI on behalf of a covered entity or another business associate—remember that it is a business associate and must comply with all applicable HIPAA rules, regardless of whether it has executed a BAA. The key takeaway is that if you use or are thinking of using a CSP to create, receive, maintain or transmit ePHI on your behalf, you must have a BAA with the CSP or both you and the CSP will be in violation of HIPAA.

In summation, you still have the option of upgrading your storage and processing to the cloud. But, you need to ensure your providers maintain HIPAA compliance, just like medical providers. If you’re interested in moving to the cloud, Great Lakes Computer can help. We offer multiple levels of cloud installs from single apps, like Office 365, to total cloud solutions, like CompleteCloud from our partner, Avatara. We also offer a HIPAA Risk Advisor tool that is cost-effective and easy to use.

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