By Robert Staub, Director, Henry Schein TechCentral
According to Moore’s law, the computing power of hardware doubles roughly every two years. As the power of devices and hardware to process information increases, so does the complexity of the software running on that hardware. Operating systems are updated to evolve with these computing power and end user needs.
One of the more immediate events occurring in technology this year was the end of Microsoft’s official support for XP last April. Users on Windows XP no longer receive software updates from Microsoft, including critical security updates to guard against malware that can be used to breach Protected Health Information (PHI). According to Michael Silver, vice president and research director at Gartner, a leading IT market research firm: “Criminals may have been stashing away exploits to use once Microsoft has departed the scene, leaving the OS open to unpublished lines of attack…There’s certainly a possibility of some vulnerabilities that were already known that haven’t been exploited yet.”
What does this mean for the displays in a typical dental office? Hardware must also be replaced on a regular cycle to ensure that display integrity is maintained. During the years that most displays are active, organizations must continuously manage the operational integrity (including IT infrastructure and QA calibration) and service needs of displays, including technical training, display lifecycle management, support and consultations. Every four to five years, depending on use, new dental equipment has completely obscured the old.
Today’s trends underscore the importance of keeping display fleets current, and LED backlight technology is already replacing CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps). LED benefits include higher brightness, longer useful life, lower power consumption, and the lack of mercury.
These trends also extend to how current displays can handle and process QA functions. Manual calibration and asset management results in severe inefficiencies, lending importance to displays that can accommodate automated QA. The benefits of automated DICOM QA are numerous, including streamlined central management, intervention-free calibration, and more effortless compliance to international standards. With planning and the right systems in place, dentists can extend the life of their displays and mitigate issues from outmoded technology.
Henry Schein TechCentral offers monitors from leading manufactures like Dell, HP and Barco. With Barco — a leading specialty manufacturer of advanced dental- and medical-grade monitors — Henry Schein now offers a specialty low-voltage monitor designed to fit on an articulating arm over the patient. Barco’s Eonis 22" monitor delivers exceptional image quality, has the ability to work with a track arm, and is backed by a three-year warranty. Contact your local Henry Schein representative for information or call TechCentral at 877-483-0382 and press the “sales” option.