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Virtualization (Virtual Machines) and the Cloud
Although most Laboratory Information Technology departments are able to provide the hardware, software, technical expertise, and support, some clients may lack the infrastructure to run mission critical applications such as Laboratory Information Management Systems. Due to increasing business pressures to meet timelines and to leverage new technology tools and to spread out costs associated with hardware, software and infrastructure support, IT services may want to investigate leveraging Virtual Machines or having applications hosted in the cloud.
Many laboratory operations are today facing pressure to reduce costs while maintaining the same or better level of service and support. Many clients have inquired if they are able to run ATL’s laboratory automation software solutions on virtual machines, (i.e. HyperV or VMWare) and the answer is yes! This allows customers to extend their hardware and reduce their operating costs from maintenance to electrical costs.
What exactly is Cloud Computing?
Well there are many definitions, perhaps one of the most encompassing is the one proposed by NIST:
Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (i.e., networks, servers, storage, applications and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released within minimal management effort of service provider interaction.
Fundamentally cloud computing does not represent a new paradigm, rather it draws extensively on existing technologies and methods including Distributed computing, centralized data centers, Utility Computing and Software as a Service. The new idea is to combine older technologies to a bundled logical evolution that would allow outsourcing of IT Services and in a sense commoditizing IT services.
Cloud Deployment Models:
To utilize cloud computing, most companies contract with a Cloud Service Provider (CSP), such as Amazon, Google or others that have extra capacity/computing power to lease. However there are different cloud models to choose from.
There is a Public cloud, which is as the name implies, cloud services that are provided to many different customers from a single technology stack. A Private cloud is internal to a company data center or a dedicated, leased technology stack. A Hybrid cloud is a combination or mixture of a Public and Private cloud, this mix allows the technology provider to leverage capacity dynamically, by assigning and reassigning resources. There is also a cost advantage to the deployment model selected, if the CSP can purchase additional capacity as it becomes available without regard as to the type of model, there will be cost savings.
Main Advantages of using cloud computing: Users only pay for what they use, similar to renting computer time, network bandwidth, hard disk space to store data, IT maintenance and support.
• On-demand availability and scalability
• No upfront hardware purchase required
• No server support or maintenance required by customer
• Minimal setup (hardware)
• Global availability (based on Cloud availability)
• Back-ups handled by CSP
Main Disadvantages and potential pitfalls of using cloud computing:
• Security
• Integration (printers, other business systems)
• Decreased flexibility
• Dependency (loss of control)
• Cost
• Knowledge
Cloud Computing can provide a business advantage, but to make Cloud Computing successful users must:
• Understand the risks involved
• Organizational changes will be needed to adapt to the technology (Procedures, skills, business model)
• Understand the technology used by your Cloud Service Provider (CSP)
• Make sure that you have a solid exit strategy to change from your (CSP)
• Implement an adaptive architecture, this will often require developing a new business model to maximize value
A dynamic business climate may require laboratory managers to investigate the pros and cons of operating ATL’s Laboratory Data Management Software in the cloud. ATL’s virtual solution will provide rapid support, application of service packs, ability to allocate more disk space, processors, backup capacity and integrated disaster recovery. But as with any technology there are inherent risks, described above, and it is important that our partners are educated on those as well. To learn more about ATL’s virtualization and cloud computing, please contact an ATL sales representative at
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or call us toll-free in the US and Canada at 800.565.LIMS (5467).
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