In science, data is everything. This applies to the life sciences as much as any other. The scientific method is completely based on the collection of observations, theories, experiments, and results. Without careful and safe storage of data, progress can be lost and advances stalled. If you run a biotech or life sciences company, IT is a major concern. It’s doesn’t pay to skimp on cybersecurity for your precious database.
Table of Contents
Protection Against Breaches
The first thing IT solutions for life sciences businesses in Boston should address is cybersecurity. Hackers are constantly active and cyberattacks and data breaches happen every day. Stolen data can cost you hours and hours of research, not to mention a lot of money. Obviously, your internet connection should be strongly passworded as should any access points. Screening potential employees during the hiring process is also essential. A good cybersecurity firm with a proven track record should absolutely be hired to set up and monitor systems that will protect your data and intellectual property.
Accessibility of Data
Data is not useful unless is accessible to all parties who need it. Many biotech firms are large and diverse with multiple departments. Data must often be shared between personnel who are working on the same or similar projects. This requires ease of access to all of these employees. The challenge is to create a central database that is secured against outsiders’ attempts to breach yet can be reached internally by multiple authorized parties through localized access points. This is yet another advantage of hiring a quality IT solutions firm to see up your database and computer system.
Advantages of a Solid IT Infrastructure
Setting up a good IT infrastructure can be expensive and time-consuming. It is well worth the effort it takes to get it right. Some of the advantages of building your infrastructure include:
- The Ability to Collaborate – Many projects require secure data sharing as well as electronic communication between scientists, engineers, researchers, executives, and employees. IT systems make this possible.
- Managing Information – Information is constantly being discovered and altered in the Lifesciences as observations and experiments occur. This requires the ability to quickly and securely update databases continuously. It’s another important task of an IT infrastructure.
- Increasing Productivity – Researchers, scientists, and employees can be much more productive when they can access files and other data as they need them. Any slowdown in this process will delay projects. A good IT system lets everyone work at their most productive consistently.
- Reducing Costs – The initial investment in building your IT infrastructure can be high but once in place, it can reduce costs. Some processes can be automated which saves on labor costs and allows employees to focus on other things.
- Assisting Customers – Customers are the lifeblood of any business. A website where they can get information, browse goods and services for sale, and make purchases is essential to any modern business. Your IT system can allow your customers to do these with full protection.
Life science businesses rely heavily on data and sharing it with many employees. Data must be accessible and secure from outside breaches. Setting up a solid IT infrastructure is the key to making this happen.
