IT updates paralyze medical devices
Updates in IT are mandatory for many reasons
Data protection, increased performance, more modern technology... there are certainly always good reasons for updates from the perspective of IT companies. Unfortunately, the consequences regarding the compatibility of devices connected to PCs/Macs are often overlooked. It's not for nothing that hospitals and companies generally treat IT systems as part of the devices, separate them from the internet, and update them by the device manufacturers.
Investment protection
Whereas in the past Microsoft often distinguished itself by ending support for Windows XP and Windows 7, Apple is now following suit by restricting Bluetooth functionality: Since MacOS Monterey 12.0.1 ( see here ), Bluetooth products from many manufacturers can no longer be paired!
In this context, we would also like to point out that our Audio-SMART is also affected by this restriction.
Of course, it is absurd to replace medical devices for these reasons, which represent a much higher investment volume.
medicaide - Separating and yet integrating medical technology
How can the balancing act between IT security and investment protection be successfully achieved? The requirements are quickly described:
- Separate logical network for PCs & Macs on medical devices.
- Controlled transfer of patient master data and findings between the IT and medical device networks.
- Maintaining the ability to remotely maintain medical devices.