The 5 Benefits of Cloud Video Surveillance
Since the inception of the cloud, many industries have seen a shift toward this new technology. In the security world, there are high-value benefits to the end-user, which is disrupting conventional [CCTV] video surveillance. This article explains five core benefits of cloud video surveillance systems, versus traditional DVR, NVR, and VMS security systems.
The Benefits of Cloud Video Surveillance System
VSaaS: Video Surveillance as a Service
Refers to hosted cloud-based video surveillance. This typically includes video recording, storage, remote monitoring, alerts, video analytics, and more. With cloud technology advancements and better bandwidth, the case for VSaaS and cloud video surveillance software is becoming more attractive.
It started with home video surveillance where for years the main approach was buying a DVR with analog cameras. This market has shifted dramatically and is now dominated by cloud cameras such as Ring, Nest, and Wyze. There are still debates if the cloud approach will become dominant for the enterprise surveillance market. However, there are evident success stories such as Verkada with $100M+ in sales of cloud security cameras. Similar to home surveillance, enterprise customers are willing to pay for ease of setup, no additional hardware and for "security" which was later compromised in Verkada's case. However it doesn't mean that other cloud cameras will have this same issue.
The key cloud video surveillance benefits
- Ease of Use - plug-and-play setup and zero maintenance. Access to cloud video surveillance systems anywhere, anytime, via web and mobile apps. Reliable remote monitoring and accessibility; cloud surveillance cameras don't require network configuration like port forwarding.
- Cost Savings - economies of scale, lower capital cost, no hardware, reduced IT & security costs, reliability & redundancy. Lower upfront expenditures, use existing or new cameras, and no setup or service fees. No additional hardware needed on-premise (DVR or NVR).
- Flexibility & Scalability - when you need to change storage, upgrade/downgrade, or add additional cameras. Advanced cloud surveillance solutions offer a flexible combination of on-premise and cloud storage. Users can decide what is ideal for them without having to modify existing hardware, with unlimited cameras, locations and users.
- AI & Video Analytics - built for the future, longevity and rapid technology evolution. Receive automatic technology and software updates. Achieve high quality video analytics like people counting, and object detection, from the best AI engines.
- Security - cybersecurity concerns are the biggest factor facing wider adoption of cloud video surveillance. This is a critical function especially since the Verkada security breach. Advanced cloud-based systems do not have the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of traditional systems, such as open ports, or on-premise software with remote access.
Why Cloud Video Surveillance?
The outlook is strongly in favour of cloud IP cameras and cloud VSaaS. However, the key value is going to be AI and video analytics. The cloud approach allows connection of cameras to Artificial Intelligence for video analytics on demand, paying only for AI when needed. Whereas the traditional approach requires installation of AI, and 24/7 processing which is extremely expensive.
As is the trend in most industries, video surveillance is moving to the cloud. The key cloud video surveillance benefits are ease of use, cost savings, flexibility and scalability, AI, and security. The pay only for what is used model better aligns with customer and security integrators for the long term growth and evolution of their business.
