Cloud Adoption for Lab Informatics

Importance of the Topic

Cloud adoption in laboratory informatics is transforming how labs manage data, processes and infrastructure. By leveraging elastic, on-demand resources, laboratories can reduce capital expenditures, improve data context and focus on core scientific priorities rather than hardware and maintenance.

Objectives and Overview

This white paper reviews:

• Key cloud deployment and service models based on NIST definitions
• Value drivers and benefits for IT, lab technicians and lab managers
• Common concerns and misconceptions around security, cost and vendor lock-in
• Domain-specific strategies for LIMS/LES/ELN, analytical data systems and SDMS
• Practical guidance on getting started with cloud adoption

Methodology

The paper consolidates industry best practices, NIST-based cloud definitions and Agilent’s lab informatics experience. It analyzes scenarios across private, public, hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, and evaluates service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) for different lab workloads.

Key Findings and Discussion

• Cloud models deliver context by integrating data across systems, turning raw data into actionable knowledge.
• IaaS is well suited for instrument control and analytical data systems, offering flexibility, scalability and disaster recovery benefits.
• SaaS is recommended for LIMS, LES and ELN deployments to minimize IT overhead and accelerate time to value.
• SDMS solutions can begin with hybrid approaches, extending on-premises storage to the cloud for archiving and active data management.
• Common concerns such as security, backup cost and vendor lock-in can be mitigated with multicloud strategies, advanced data protection and clear egress policies.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Cloud adoption enables laboratories to:

• Automate workflows and reduce manual errors
• Scale compute and storage dynamically with demand
• Enhance compliance and data integrity through centralized management
• Improve collaboration across teams and geographies
• Lower operational costs by shifting from CapEx to OpEx

Future Trends and Opportunities

The evolution of lab informatics in the cloud will be driven by:

• Greater adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud architectures to avoid vendor lock-in
• Emergence of instrument-native onboard storage to support SaaS adoption
• Expanded use of PaaS for custom integrations and advanced analytics
• Broader deployment of AI/ML services for real-time data interpretation
• Continued digital transformation and cross-disciplinary data sharing

Conclusion

Cloud computing presents a strategic opportunity for laboratories to modernize informatics, improve efficiency and focus on science. By selecting appropriate deployment and service models, addressing security and cost concerns and partnering with experienced providers, labs can accelerate their digital journey and unlock the full value of their data.

References

No formal references were provided in the source document.