subject: Is Your Internet Connection Ready For Dental Software? [print this page] In these days of remote databases and distributed computing, software is no longer just about how good your computer is. The best dental software is only as good as the internet connection it uses so be sure your office connection can handle it.
The Connection Needs to Be Fast Enough
The speed of your connection affects how quickly the software responds. If it is reading and writing from a remote server, there is going to be a delay every time a user does anything. Even the fastest connection isn't as fast as accessing a local hard drive and the best dental software needs the fastest connections.
The more computers that will be using the software, the faster the connection needs to be. As more users access the system, each one uses some of the bandwidth. In a large practice, there could be a dozen people trying to use the connection all at once. Remember that the connection must able to handle not only the best dental software but also email, web access and any other internet applications.
Don't Forget About Reliability
Which is better: a fast connection that is often down or a slower connection that is always available? The best dental software is useless if it can't access the information users need. Dental practices need dependable internet connections that will be available during office hours with very few exceptions.
Reliability is also about how much of your contracted bandwidth you can actually achieve during office hours. If your office is on a busy shared connection, you will find you get a fraction of the promised speed during high traffic periods. Staff and patients are both going to be frustrated if the system can't access necessary information when it is needed. This doesn't mean every practice needs to spend money on a dedicated T-1 line, but shop around for a reliable connection before settling.
Make Your Network Secure
Any business needs security, but dental offices have greater need than most internet users. Patient confidentiality is a hot topic today and dental offices are obligated to make an effort to protect their systems from intrusion. Even the best dental software depends on the network structure for data security.
A hardware firewall is the best defense against attacks. It takes the hit if a hacker should break in from the outside, protecting your systems from intrusion. Virus and spyware scanners are also important but they must be kept updated or they will rapidly become useless.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, your data is more secure if it is stored on a remote server instead of local computers. The best dental software uses this technique because a remote server uses high level security hardware and software that the average dental practice couldn't hope to afford.
When paired with a fast, reliable and secure internet connection, dental software is able to work to its fullest and provide the greatest benefit to your practice.
