As you’ve undoubtedly noticed, cloud-based technology solutions are here, and they’re here to stay. Cloud offers a combination of powerful technology, flexibility and affordability that makes it not only a viable alternative to traditional on-premise solutions, but often a huge step forward as well. We’ve talked recently about how the cloud is changing access control, but that’s by no means the only cloud revolution in the security space at the moment.
Video surveillance – another key component of any business’s security suite – has also come to the cloud, opening up exciting new possibilities. As long as you’ve got the appropriate bandwidth, cloud video surveillance is an enormous value add in numerous ways.
Want to learn more? Alex Wasson, our Director of Security Technologies, has you covered.
What are some of the key advantages cloud video provides?
Alex: There are almost too many to list, but many of the biggest ones revolve around the idea of flexibility. If you want to add new analytics or additional cameras, you can do that with no friction. You aren’t limited storage-wise by the size of the recorder in your facility. If you’re working from home or otherwise out of the office, you can access your system remotely as well. Basically, you’re in full control of your surveillance system, and you get to decide what works best for you.
Beyond that, there’s the fact that it’s a constantly developing technology. AI and analytics are helping drive evolution in surveillance at a crazy rate. Trying to keep up with that alone is probably unsustainable, but with cloud technology that is easily updated and a technology partner whose knowledge and resources you can lean on, it’s easy.
What is the implementation process like?
Alex: Very simple, for multiple reasons. First off, with an open-camera platform that supports thousands of different models, if you have surveillance infrastructure already in place, you can most likely keep your existing cameras.
Additionally, the actual installation of the system and getting things up and running takes almost no time flat. It’s relatively straightforward to have your cameras online, configured and equipped with basic analytics quickly. Depending on the size of the system, it could take hours, rather than days.
… And if I’m not an IT expert?
Alex: That’s no problem. Since the “brains” of the system are hosted, the actual IT burden on business owners is pretty minimal, and that goes for both the amount of maintenance work you have to do, and the amount of physical space the system takes up. In the event you want to add additional cameras, you don’t have to worry about extra servers or storage – those things are taken care of on the provider side.
Last but definitely not least, how does it affect the budget?
Alex: Fortunately, this is just another positive aspect. Just like with lots of other cloud offerings, you’re covering equipment, maintenance, and technology refreshes and upgrades through a monthly fee rather than capital purchases. That means more cash on hand, more flexibility, and often, a lower total cost of ownership. Can’t beat that, right?
