A solution to PACS is cloud computing. This is called application service provider (ASP) or software is a service (SaaS). Limitations of bandwidth between the provider and the site user is a limitation. Now only workstations and the gateway server are needed at the site. Any desktop PC with a web client to access it. This is much cheaper than a typical PACS. No data storage is needed either, which can be also be expensive. Hardware and software is maintained by the vendor. It will be much easier for changes to be made. Backup and recovery will also be handled by the vendor. No IT staff will be needed. Using PACS with cloud computing will also permit teleradiology. The total cost of the computing may be more expensive than the typical PACS. However dealing with a data center could be costly. However, with cloud computing, the bandwidth needs to be fast enough. There must be a backup network in case it fails. Switching vendors and vendor bankruptcy may also be a problem. A hospital also cannot make any changes to the system.
Schweitzer, Alan. "Cloud Cover." ADVANCE for Imaging & Radiation Oncology. 6 September 2010.
