“Director-level IT” healthcare person here. We use AWS but are evaluating Azure because of the way Microsoft includes VDI in the form of Windows 10 Multi-Session licenses available only with Azure+Windows Virtual Desktop. Classic Microsoft bundle approach.
Also, as someone who actively shops for SaaS offerings for healthcare users, I can say that AWS and Azure are some of the very, very few organizations who offer anything with HIPAA compliance that isn’t locked away at the most expensive “contact us for pricing” tier. It’s so annoying. Never a chance to try a service with a low cost/stakes pilot/prototype because they hit you with the full sales pitch and highest price points. Being able to dip our proverbial toe into AWS with a low time/dollar commitment was a huge win.
Side note: interesting point on trying services with low cost/stakes pilot/prototype. How would you expect to try things out? Would it be similar to online demos that many other SaaS companies employ?
note: I would love to connect with you to discover other's director level experiences. I'm relatively new in the healthcare space after spending awhile in finance and utilities. If you'd like to connect, see my email in-profile.
Oh, and Slack is available with HIPAA compliance — https://slack.com/help/articles/360020685594-slack-and-hipaa
Also, as someone who actively shops for SaaS offerings for healthcare users, I can say that AWS and Azure are some of the very, very few organizations who offer anything with HIPAA compliance that isn’t locked away at the most expensive “contact us for pricing” tier. It’s so annoying. Never a chance to try a service with a low cost/stakes pilot/prototype because they hit you with the full sales pitch and highest price points. Being able to dip our proverbial toe into AWS with a low time/dollar commitment was a huge win.