Many SMBs are moving their video security systems to a cloud-based platform because of remote surveillance capabilities. Should You?
A cloud-based security system offers the following benefits:
- More visibility into your business
- Increased network security
- Better control of monthly costs
In this post, we'll discuss the top three reasons you should consider a cloud-based security system.
Cloud-Based Security Systems with Video Surveillance
Video surveillance technology has come a long way over the last 20 years, and we’ve entered an era where you can view your security cameras from anywhere using a desktop or mobile app. This makes it easier to protect your property no matter where you are.
What Is Cloud Video Surveillance?
Cloud video surveillance means hosting your video surveillance system, apart from the physical cameras, in the cloud. This means all tools related to viewing the system (storage, software, analytics) are secure from malicious actors, and that system updates are controlled from the cloud.
Cloud video surveillance follows a subscription model, so you pay a monthly subscription price, which can include the system, software and ongoing updates and maintenance.
What Is Hybrid Cloud Video Surveillance?
You don’t have to go all-in with cloud. Hybrid cloud video surveillance means part of your video surveillance system is in the cloud and part is on the physical site.
Hybrid cloud video surveillance gives you the best of both worlds, where everything functions in its perfect place. If you need to record and store files in the cloud, you can. You can also use the cloud to control, update and monitor your system remotely. If you need to record and store on-premise, you can do that, too.
Three Reasons You Should Consider a Cloud-Based Security System
Whether cloud or hybrid cloud video surveillance options are a better fit for your organization, here are three reasons to consider them:
1. Remote Access
Remote access is an attractive video surveillance feature for many organizations. Cloud makes this feature reliable, cost-effective and secure for businesses of any size.
Having remote recording security cameras in the cloud means you have access to monitor what’s going on in your facilities anytime from anywhere via a mobile app or web browser. This creates an easier operating platform for most users, versus having to find external access to an on-premise server.
CASE STUDY: Video Surveillance Cameras with 24/7 Secure, Mobile Access
2. Network Security
Anything that touches your network needs to be secure. When your security system is not managed in the cloud, updating security endpoint devices (each camera, each server, each PC, etc.) requires a physical visit from a person.
Use of the cloud increases endpoint security because it allows you to manage firmware and software updates throughout your system, all at once from the cloud, so security will always be up to date and low maintenance.
Many businesses, especially SMBs, don’t have video surveillance and/or security experts on their payroll. With the cloud, you don’t need to hire that expertise in-house.
3. Cost Control
There's no way to stop paying for technology. Operating systems keep evolving and need upgrades to ensure security is maintained. Equipment, like commercial building security cameras and servers, needs replacing over time. The minute you get into technology, you’re in technology, with no way to back out.
Like many cloud applications, cloud-based video surveillance is a subscription model. Cloud models take all costs and amortize them into a monthly fee, taking your capital expenditures and making them operating expenditures. When hardware or software needs replacing, your monthly payment is still the same.
What would be best for your organization: on-premise, cloud or a combination of the two with hybrid cloud? Contact a physical security expert at Loffler to help you identify the best fit for you.
Read More: Learn more about SafeGuard, Loffler's cloud-based security system
