Health care organizations (HCOs) can positively impact their bottom lines by leveraging health information technology (HIT) and business intelligence (BI). As more and more data are captured electronically, health care organizations must be able to look into the future to gain a competitive advantage.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of your HCO embraces HIT and BI and has asked that you look into the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing and what the technology can bring to your organization. He feels that cloud computing will enhance the ability of the HCO to gather data and utilize it to analyze trends, find new revenue opportunities, and improve patient safety. Discuss the following:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing?

What can the technology bring to your organization?

Summarize your findings and recommendations.