She was using a new technology that allows conventional software programs to be run over the Internet. In Application Hosting, the software and data files reside on a host computer that is not in the dental office. In order for this to happen, a software vendor sets up a host computer that is powerful enough to handle thousands of on-line transactions simultaneously. The software is placed on the host system and dentists contract to share access to that system. Each dentist then has a separate area for storage of his own practice information on the host computer.
Dentists are able to access their practice data across the Internet through a secured connection.
Precautions are taken to make sure the computer remains available at all times. Data backups are automatically made on a daily basis and the host computers are placed in a secure, restricted access location. Practice data is given more security than any dentist could ever provide in his own office. The office does not have the major up front expense of purchasing the software. Instead, any fees collected are for actual services rendered.