Despite widespread concerns about cloud data security and control, there\u2019s been a lot of recent news on the healthcare industry\u2019s steady, but cautious foray into cloud computing. In early July, research firm MarketsandMarkets issued a report stating that the healthcare cloud computing market will grow from $1.7 billion in 2011 to $5.4 billion by 2017, an encouraging 20.5% compounded annual growth rate. However, the report points to some key restraints, such as patient data security and cloud compliance that could slow down the market unless mitigated.
\nIn a unique twist, a recent article identifies cloud data security as a primary driver, not an obstacle in the cloud adoption trend. In \u201cMoney in a mattress: Why patient records should move to a private cloud\u201d, the author expounds on the security weaknesses of traditional hospital client-server systems in which protected data can be easily compromised, and he points to private or hybrid clouds as better solutions.<\/p>\n