When you operate a business workplace or commercial building, one of the crucial considerations is how to protect your investment, as well as the residents, tenants, or employees who use the property daily. Your security system is the first defense for your property, especially when you are unable to be present.
Therein lies one of the key benefits of cloud-based security — you can manage and monitor systems and security status remotely, even across multiple locations. Cloud-based video surveillance is particularly powerful because it gives you a visual insight into the current status, and provides video records of all key events, which can be invaluable in incident investigations or in operational analysis.
What Is Cloud-Based Video Surveillance?
You may be familiar with traditional security technology, such as wired cameras, CCTV, and DVR storage. Today’s cloud-based video surveillance systems are the next generation of this technology. These systems can not only record and store video surveillance footage, but they also incorporate an online cloud-storage platform instead of only on-site operation.
Cloud-based video security provides many benefits, such as remote access, AI features that can search and store relevant clips, and easy scalability for expanding your security alongside your business. Cloud storage is also more protected than on-site storage because it is removed from your local network for cyber protection and is typically more heavily encrypted so it can only be accessed by you or your security team.
How Do Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Systems Work?
Whereas traditional video surveillance uses on-site systems, such as CCTV and a DVR, to transmit and store video on premises, cloud-based video systems employ digital cameras that can record digitized video and save it on the camera as well as transmit it over the internet to secure, remote servers for storage and management. This provides easy remote access, and to eliminate the need, and potential cyber risk, of hefty on-site NVR equipment.
Cloud-based systems may be as simple as a few live cameras or as complex as a portfolio-wide system, with hundreds of cameras incorporating sensors, digital access control, and professional alarm monitoring. Cloud surveillance is endlessly scalable, so the size and complexity of your system solely depends on your business’ individual security needs.
Traditional vs. Cloud-Based: 5 Differences
Though cloud-based systems and analog on-site systems have similarities, it’s the differences that will help you determine which is right for your business. Some of the most significant differences include:
Deployment and Infrastructure
One of the most significant differences between traditional and cloud-based solutions is their deployment and infrastructure. When installing a new system, traditional on-premises closed-circuit (CCTV) models often require wiring cameras throughout the building and connecting them to a central monitoring hub. This can be invasive and may require additional renovation work or complex and unsightly wiring.
Conversely, because cloud-based cameras transmit over the internet, they don’t need to be wired directly to the system. Many cloud-based cameras are plug-and-play, meaning as soon as they’re powered and connected to the wi-fi, they’re ready to go. There’s also no on-site storage system required, saving space and time on installation.
Cost and Scalability
Though the cost of a system will vary based on the provider, the size of the installation, and your business’ specific security needs, both types of systems will have their own cost considerations.
In a traditional CCTV setup, the price of the cameras is only one cost consideration. Traditional systems also include complex wiring, as well as a central hub with CCTV monitor viewing. If you choose to resize the system later, you may also have to pay to add or remove that infrastructure. Once the system is in place, the main costs are routine maintenance, monitoring labor overhead, software updates, and managing NVR storage.
Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, involve a little less initial investment. The security cameras themselves don’t need a web of wires to work, so they’re easier to install. Changing the system is similarly easy, as you can simply add or remove extra cameras. Though cloud-based services may include a subscription for storage or professional monitoring, these are typically minimal, as well. Many systems can be monitored using automation to capture key footage, send real -time alerts, and get remote software updates automatically.
Storage and Data Management
Traditional security systems rely on in-house data storage for security footage. This usually comes in the form of a DVR, NVR, or external hard drive, which can be accessed directly in person and on-site only. This can limit your storage capabilities, since expanding or adding onto the storage requires the purchase of additional NVR assets.
Cloud-based surveillance solutions, however, store all their footage remotely using servers hosted by data storage companies. These servers are much larger than your average hard drive of an NVR and expanding your storage capabilities is typically as simple as upgrading your account to a higher capacity. Likewise, you can downsize your storage as needed.
Cloud-based systems may also incorporate AI video analytic tools to help you sort and manage that data. These advanced tools can help identify suspects, track license plates, or highlight potential events, saving you hours of manually searching through footage.
Accessibility and Remote Monitoring
In a traditional CCTV security system, everything is on-site, meaning if you want to access footage or data, you have to be physically present. Also, if the police need your video for evidence, the only way to share is scrolling through hours of live video to identify the relevant footage, then preserve it by backing it up and making sure it’s available for sharing. Finally, you’ll need to provide the footage securely, whether through a USB drive, cloud storage, or direct access to the NVR. This takes highly time-consuming manual effort.
If you want remote access, you’ll need a system that is connected to the internet. Cloud-based security allows you to access live camera feeds or stored footage from anywhere with an internet connection. These more advanced cameras can record continuously on-site to store on the camera but can also discern key event footage from hours of empty space footage, to save only snippets of relevant footage to the cloud. This makes it easy to access, easy to search, and easy to share via email. It’s much faster, more user-friendly, and more accurate.
Security and Data Protection
With traditional surveillance systems, everything is centrally located, including cameras, viewers, and even data storage. This makes the system vulnerable to tampering, theft, or damage, putting your security footage at risk.
Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, store footage remotely. Even if the cameras are damaged, the footage is only accessible by you and your security team. Though data stored or transmitted over the internet, data is typically encrypted and backed up in case of a breach or failure.
Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Benefits
There are a number of benefits of video surveillance for multifamily properties and commercial properties. The features that make them stand out among security solutions include:
Accessible Remote Monitoring
One of the largest benefits of cloud-based video surveillance systems is the ability to access and monitor your security footage from anywhere with an internet connection. This can help give you peace of mind whether you’re on the premises, at home for the night, or even on vacation hundreds of miles away.
Remote access means you can always see what’s happening at your property in real time. If an event occurs, you can even alert the authorities and send them the relevant footage. You don’t need to be physically present on-site to stay in the loop.
Secure and Retrievable Data Storage
Another reason to choose a cloud-based solution is the capability to securely retrieve surveillance data from anywhere. In a traditional system, data is only accessible on-site at your business, and it’s only as secure as the lock on the door. Remote accessibility means that your video footage is protected. Yet, if you need to pull up footage or pass specific clips to the authorities, you can retrieve it at the click of a button. No need to go all the way to the physical site and spend hours scrolling and saving the right clips.
Automated System Updates
As technology continues to advance, security systems should be updated regularly. This is important to prevent potential breaches and optimize the safety of your premises. A traditional system needs to be updated manually if updates are available at all. But cloud-based video security systems are connected to the internet, so they always have access to updates as soon as they’re available. You can even decide the best time to install automated updates to minimize the impact on your security team and to minimize downtime risks.
Scalable System Architecture
Cloud-based security solutions are almost infinitely scalable. As your business expands or new security needs arise, you may want to expand your surveillance infrastructure. With a traditional system, which may involve extra construction costs or impacts to your business.
Adding new cloud-based security cameras, however, is as simple as plugging them in and connecting them to wi-fi. You can add additional cameras as you need them, only when you need them. You can also add extra features at any time, such as secured entry, sensor systems, or professional monitoring services.
Considerations for Choosing the Right System
There are several factors and features to look for in video surveillance equipment for your property. You’ll want to consider the following when choosing the setup that’s right for you:
- Access: If you plan to only view security footage while at your business, or you have a 24-hour security team who will monitor the cameras for you, then you might not need a cloud-based solution. However, if you or your security team will need remote access, or if you plan to hire a professional monitoring service, you’ll likely need a cloud-connected system.
- Budget: If you’re looking to make a larger initial investment with minimal ongoing upkeep, a traditional system may pay off. But if you need to scale or change the system later, you will face bigger expenses. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more affordable starting investment, and one that’s easier to scale affordably, you’ll likely choose a cloud-based system.
- Scalability: Think, too, about whether you plan to expand your business in the future. For a business that is expected to stay about the same, a traditional system is probably fine. However, if you plan to expand or move your business, it’s much easier to do so with cloud security cameras, since they’re not physically wired into the building.
- Monitoring Needs: Consider the kind of monitoring your business requires. If you already have a full-time security team to monitor the cameras or have budgeted to hire one, then a wired CCTV system can be accommodated. However, if you want any kind of automation or prefer to save a little on your staffing expenses, a cloud-based system can help. Automated features that search and save relevant footage for you mean nothing is lost, even when no one is actively watching the feeds.
Access Superior Video Surveillance with Kastle
Video surveillance is a key component in protecting your investment. Kastle can help you choose the right security system for your business to bring you peace of mind. We can even take over the monitoring and maintenance of your current system, potentially without replacement.
Contact us to learn more about our video surveillance solutions.
