Applying Cloud Computing to the Healthcare Insurance Industry

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Applying Cloud Computing to the Healthcare Insurance Industry |

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Northwestern University

Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Dr. Alan Wolff

This abstract describes how cloud computing can be used to support business strategy and continuity, improve efficiency and lower costs for a healthcare insurer. Specifically, it proposes using cloud services during the discovery and feasibility phases of new product launch and for disaster recovery. Our research will highlight the benefits of cloud computing for conducting proof of concept implementation, hypothesis testing, and impact assessment for new insurance products. We will also explore using cloud computing for disaster recovery, discussing the advantages that it offers in meeting recovery time objectives and reviewing the challenges of data security, automation, and cost. |

Contents

Executive Summary 2

Rationale for our Project 2

Business Environment 2

Business Needs and Cloud’s Fit 2

Cloud Computing Overview 2

Definition 2

Benefits/Challenges 2

Healthcare Insurer Overview 2

The Healthcare Value Chain 2

Healthcare Payer Process 2

New Product Launch: Feasibility and Discovery Processes 2

Impact Assessment 2

Cloud Recovery Services 2

Introduction to Cloud-Based Recovery 2

Advantages of Cloud-Based Recovery 2

Cloud Recovery Vendors 2

Selecting a Cloud Recovery Vendor 2

Financial Considerations 2

Cost-Benefit Analysis 2

Return on Investment 2

Conclusion 2

Figures and Exhibits 2

The Healthcare Value Chain 2

Healthcare Payer Process 2

New Product Discovery Process 2

Architecture of a Typical Healthcare Insurer 2

Spectrum of Recovery Services 2

Cloud Recovery Vendors 2

The Economic of Public Cloud Storage – Baseline 1 TB 2

The Economics of Public Cloud Storage – 3 Year TCO 2

Works Cited 2

Executive Summary

On January 13, 2010 Gartner predicted that 20% of businesses will own no IT assets by 2012. This...