- Microsoft, Apple, Google Secure HIT Infrastructure Patents
COVID-19 has left a noticeable hole in the health IT supply chain, in some cases compounding the impact of a chip shortage. Remote work may make it harder for companies to get ahold of computers due to a slower production.
Dan Hutchenson, CEO of semiconductor market-research firm VLSI Research Inc. explained that the rippling effects of the coronavirus are similar to effects of the 2011 Sendai earthquake in Japan. He explained, “When parts can’t come, it forces everything else to slow.”
Technology companies are continuously monitoring and flagging production issues linked to the pandemic.
Apple Inc. lowered its earnings outlook due to reasons including production limitations. And Microsoft warned that supply-chain disruptions would harm their quarter’s sales.
Additionally, chip company Nvidia estimated a $100 million hit this quarter for supply-chain shortages, while Computer makers HP Inc. and Lenovo Group Ltd. are expecting the impact to soften later this year as workers return to the workplace.
The article also touched on the fact that the worldwide PC shipments are expected to decline nine percent this year from 2019, compared with earlier projections of a 6.8 percent decline.
Kelt Reeves, CEO of Falcon Northwest Computer Systems Inc., which makes custom PCs emphasized that he is witnessing shipment delays for its preferred laptop models. The company is currently restocking necessary inventory by increasing the size of laptop orders.
Older computer systems are also being repurposed to tackle potential shortages among remote workers.
Gartner Inc. highlighted that supply-shortages fears might be overblown due to companies using existing laptops, tables, and mobile phones to support remote work, the article said.
“Organizations are deferring upgrades and replacements on many devices in order to free up cash flow to either support revenue disruptions or contingency plans,” said John-David Lovelock, vice president of research at Gartner.
As 5G and telehealth become more prominent across the healthcare industry, companies may further embrace the virtual workplace, especially during COVID-19.
Some businesses are unsure how to conduct their business during this pandemic, which has put inevitable strain on critical service providers like local regional municipalities, hospitals, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, according to a recent LogMeIn article.
Many businesses are also facing challenges on what to allow from their employees and what is going too far.
While managements across industries are considering whether to eliminate travel, healthcare providers are gearing up to maintain and further ramp their community support systems.
LogMeIn is offering services for various organizations starting immediately to enhance their efforts in the current COVID-19 outbreak.
One of the efforts included free emergency remote work kits for healthcare providers, educational institutions, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. The kits will include solutions for meetings and video conferencing, webinars, and virtual events. It will also provide organizations with a free site-wide license of GoToMeeting for three months.
The organization is also offering support for customers by offering the same emergency kits. All individuals will have access to expand their agreements with LogMeIn and other tools to cover their employee population for no additional cost to their current subscription.
Finally, LogMeIn has started a resource center with tips and best practices on how to boost efforts in remote workspaces. The page will continue to be updated with tips for first-time remote workers and for understanding the challenges of a fully remote workforce.
“We have asked our leaders and worldwide staff to play a part in helping tackle the challenges presented by the coronavirus head on. So, if you work for a healthcare provider, educational institute, municipality or non-profit organization, please know that you can reach out to LogMeIn if you need assistance,” the article concluded.
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