Scots assess i-device security
From E-health Insider
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has commissioned a security assessment of whether iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches are secure and suitable to be used within the hospital environment.
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Quicksilva thoughts...
Tablet devices and touch control applications are really important to making this technology work in the healthcare industry and Apple have showed us that they have produced one of the most intuitive interfaces with their range of i-devices.
Although there are a number of considerations to take into account, from distribution of applications to devices to ‘remote wiping’ of the devices if lost or stolen. Apple has been thinking about these things while developing their latest products and do have solutions for these problems. Application distribution is not restricted to the iTunes AppStore for businesses and applications can be distributed to specific devices.
The use of Microsoft Exchange can be used to remotely erase all data on the device should it go missing.
Even if these devices do not meet all the security requirements, there are a number of tablet devices and web applications solutions which could be used. As long as these are readily accessible by all users this could revolutionise the delivery of health care with real-time patient information. |
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Hospital robots cut hospital pharmacy bill
From BBC News
A robotic pharmacy has improved safety and saved money at a new Scottish hospital, according to hospital bosses.
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Quicksilva thoughts...
In the current economic climate every organisation is trying to reduce their budget and find new ways to save money especially in the health sector where each trust is feeling the effects of the credit crunch. This new innovation from Scotland shows how technology should be used to save money, reducing the risk of human error whilst increasing consistency and speed.
These robot pharmacists are performing above expectation and have relieved the stress of human resources so that staff can spend more time caring for patients and performing their duties whilst also reducing the number needed to run the pharmacy.
If this trial is successful how long would it take to port this technology around the country to other hospitals? And would the set up costs be prohibitive? As we all endeavour to cut expenditure it may take an initial expensive outlay to help reduce costs in the long term, it appears technology will have the answer. |
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Twitter feed for all Greater Manchester Police work
From BBC News
One of England's biggest police forces has "tweeted" every incident it dealt with over a 24-hour period.
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Quicksilva thoughts...
Integrating with the community through social networking sites such as Twitter will enable the public to see the sorts of cases that the Police force has to deal with on a daily basis. However I feel this has the potential to provoke further ‘attacks’ on the police force because of the nature of the crimes they are dealing with and posting these on Twitter may not be seen as a good use of their time and the taxpayers money.
However this may also make ‘tweeters’ more aware of the types of crimes that require police time and maybe think twice before they make their next criminal move….
Only a trial and media coverage on how this is impacting the community will tell…. |
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Cow farming program wins Apps 4 Africa competition
From BBC News
An application which tracks the fertility of cows has won the first ever Apps 4 Africa competition to find new talent as smartphones become increasingly popular in Africa.
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Quicksilva thoughts...
Whilst I was searching for an article to comment on for the latest edition of the newsletter – this caught my eye and I couldn’t resist reading this story further...! A little bit wacky but it made me giggle.
Now whilst I am in no way likening myself to a creature of the bovine nature I guess given my current state of pregnancy I maybe felt a natural affinity to this story – who knows...? (No I am not seeking reassurance, honest!)
The first thought that sprung to mind when I read this was that it is a step on from the ‘P tracker’ app that some of the ladies in the office talk about and swear by. For those of you not familiar with this app – have a look on the web and you will soon discover what it is – but its name is fairly self explanatory really!
I love the fact that ‘iCow’ won the Apps 4 Africa competition – an app which tracks the fertility cycle of a cow to maximise breeding for farmers. What a unique and ingenious idea this is to help improve life in the region of Nairobi.
Moo-dern technology isn’t it wonderful!! |
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Tape backup could be binned soon
From The Register
Backing up to tape in an autoloader or small library could be heading for the graveyard if an Imation deal with BDT comes good.
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Quicksilva thoughts...
As one of the Quicksilva system admins, this is interesting to see; finally a realistic cheap alternative to backup tapes is arriving for SMEs. The major players in the backup market have combined to begin developing a solution that uses hard disks but still allows usage of the virtual tape library and DE duplication features of modern backup software. The time required to run a restore will be greatly reduced and backup speeds will dramatically increase. In the age of large data repositories this couldn't come at a better time. |
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