It's no surprise that cloud-based video surveillance systems are becoming more popular in today's business environments. You may have read about cloud-based solutions but wondered whether or not they are right for your business. After all, your current on-premise system has been working just fine.
In this blog, we'll explore the features, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of cloud-based video surveillance systems to help you decide if they are the right solution for your security needs.
There are many benefits to cloud-based video surveillance systems, but before we get into those, let's talk about what cloud-based video surveillance is exactly. A cloud-based video security system is a type of security system that records videos over the internet instead of recording them on an on-premise storage device.
They consist of video camera endpoints that connect to your network switch and then to your cloud security provider on an internet connection. This cloud provider is responsible for storing your video data and can be configured to send alerts, notifications, or even record footage when motion events are detected.
This means you can store an unlimited amount of footage without needing additional hardware or worrying about running out of physical space. The main benefit to this type of system is it gives your business access to all the recordings 24/7 from anywhere - even if you're not at the office!
There are many advantages to using cloud-based video surveillance systems in your business:
Unlimited Storage Capacity - As mentioned before, one significant advantage of cloud-based systems is they don't require any extra hardware since all the footage is stored online. This also means you don't have to worry about running out of storage space, which can be an issue with traditional security systems.
Remote Accessibility - cloud-based video surveillance systems give you access to all your recordings from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. So whether you're on vacation or just working from home, you can always check in on what's happening at the office.
Lower Maintenance Costs - Since cloud-based video surveillance systems are managed and operated by a third party, this takes the burden off of your business' IT staff. This can save your company time and money in maintenance and support.
Increased Efficiency - cloud-based video surveillance systems are a more efficient way to manage security for your business. Not only do they provide easier access to recordings, but they also allow you to monitor multiple locations at once.
Automated File Backups - Most cloud-based video surveillance solutions are backed up automatically, eliminating the need for massive storage devices and in-house backup workflows.
Cost-effective Scalability - As your business grows, so do the demands on your security systems. A cloud-based solution can be easily expanded to accommodate that growth with minimal effort or expense.
Of course, nothing is perfect, and cloud-based video surveillance systems do have a few disadvantages:
Bandwidth Requirements - Since the footage is stored online, it requires a constant internet connection. If your business has a slow or unreliable internet connection, this may not be the best solution for you.
Security Concerns - Although cloud-based video surveillance systems are very secure, some businesses may be hesitant to store their footage in an offsite location. However, most cloud-based providers have very stringent security measures in place to protect your data.
Hardware/Installation Expense - If you currently do not have a video security system, you will have to bear the expense of installing cameras and cabling. You may also need to upgrade your network switch to accommodate the additional IP endpoints. However, since the storage of your video files will be in the cloud, you will not have the added expense of expensive drives or backup protocols.
So, is cloud-based video surveillance the right solution for your business? The answer depends on your specific needs, current setup, and what you're looking for in a security system. If you're looking for a more efficient way to manage security for multiple locations or need unlimited storage capacity, then cloud-based video surveillance is clearly worth considering.
Cloud-based video surveillance systems are an excellent option for small and mid-sized businesses alike. They help save money on hardware costs while giving you access to your footage from anywhere in the world at any time.
When looking for a cloud security provider, it is essential to do your research to find one with a service level agreement (SLA) that suitably suits your business needs and requirements.
If you're interested in learning more about cloud-based video security solutions, please feel free to contact one of our Matrix-NDI Cloud Security specialists today! We'd love to show you how easy it is to implement and how affordable this solution can be. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Give us a call today at 763.475.5500 or email us at ContactUs@Matrix-NDI.com to learn more about how affordable and easy securing your business data can be. We've got a full suite of solutions that will keep your business secure from the inside out!