In an effort to streamline data-heavy applications such as advanced imaging, electronic health records and molecular medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center has launched a new private enterprise network
The health system, one of the largest cancer treatment centers in the U.S., has tapped Ciena to build the network, whose optical technology will connect clinicians and researchers.
"Building our own private network with Ciena helps support our mission of contributing to the prevention and cure of cancer," said John McFarland, director of technology services at Moffitt Cancer Center, in a press statement. "It also gives us a powerful communication infrastructure platform to improve patient care through closer collaboration and data sharing between researchers and physicians."
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Moffitt treated more than 350,000 outpatients in 2015. The new network – spanning some 50 miles – connects five remote locations with more than 5,000 employees.
It's based on Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, with WaveLogic 3 Nano coherent optics that offer high-capacity connection among those remote locations and two data centers through dark fiber provided by FiberLight, officials say.
The aim is to ensure staff have assured access to patients' updated EHRs and to spur collaboration on research.
Cost savings are a driver too: The network, with support for an array of high-capacity clinical applications, enables Moffitt to save on monthly recurring per-circuit charges.
"With this new network Moffitt Cancer Center will have reliable and robust connectivity – that is both less costly and complex – to facilitate the important work being done at their center," said Jason Phipps, general manager and vice president of Ciena's North America Field Organization.
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