When considering hosting options for your company, ensuring HIPAA compliance adds an extra layer of complexity. Traditionally, dedicated servers have been the go-to for businesses that need to adhere to HIPAA regulations. However, with the rise of cloud computing and its benefits of flexibility and scalability, many are wondering if private cloud hosting can offer the same level of security and compliance.
The short answer is yes, private cloud computing can be HIPAA compliant. However, it’s important to understand what HIPAA compliance entails. HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a US law that governs the use of protected health information (PHI). Any company that handles PHI must comply with HIPAA regulations, which focus on data privacy and security against breaches.
While HIPAA doesn’t specify a particular server setup, dedicated servers have long been the easiest way to comply with security requirements due to their isolated environment. They offer control over hardware, software, and operating systems and can be configured with cloud features for scalability without sharing resources.
On the other hand, private cloud hosting operates on a set of remote servers that are not shared with other tenants. This allows for more control over infrastructure and security features, as well as easier HIPAA audits. While the hosting provider typically takes care of hardware and operating system updates, the customer is usually responsible for application layer security.
Choosing between dedicated and private cloud hosting ultimately comes down to your business needs. Dedicated servers offer granular security and configurability for specific infrastructure requirements and traditional applications. Private clouds are more scalable and flexible, although they may be more complicated to deploy initially and have a higher cost than a single dedicated server.
If you require data isolation and cloud scalability, a private cloud may be the right choice. Reputable hosting providers like Liquid Web offer private cloud plans for businesses of all sizes, with the ability to adjust scale on the fly without compromising availability. Contact Liquid Web for assistance in choosing the most suitable VMware Private Cloud plan for your business.
