Selecting the ideal combination of on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid storage solutions can significantly affect a system's effectiveness
Determining the most appropriate storage architecture is critical to effective surveillance. This influences key aspects of performance, including scalability, security, and operational efficiency. As the volume of data generated by modern surveillance systems grows exponentially, the need to manage this data effectively becomes paramount.
Selecting the ideal combination of on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid storage solutions can significantly affect a system's effectiveness and its ability to meet future demands. Each storage type offers distinct benefits and challenges.
Hybrid storage models are emerging as particularly effective for balancing the trade-offs. By integrating the immediate, controlled access of on-premises solutions with the scalability and advanced analytics capabilities of the cloud, hybrid systems provide a comprehensive, resilient approach to surveillance data management.
Unlocking the benefits of hybrid storage
Hybrid storage solutions are rapidly gaining popularity in surveillance projects due to their flexibility and resilience. By blending on-premises storage with the cloud's capabilities, organizations and users benefit from both worlds.
For example, a large corporation may adopt a hybrid storage strategy to enhance scalability while still exercising detailed oversight of sensitive data. Video files are retained locally for prompt retrieval, and concurrently archived in the cloud to ensure redundancy. This approach reinforces data security, protecting the video content even in the event of local system malfunctions or disruptions.
“A prime example of where the choice of a cloud-based or hybrid storage architecture can significantly impact a security system is in an enterprise environment,” said Eran Wachman, VP of Product Management at Intellicene. “By going with a hybrid approach, the security system will have more opportunities for scalability and security. By distributing workloads between on-site and cloud-based storage, security systems are protected against potential disruptions or breaches. This dual-layered strategy enhances operational continuity and bolsters overall defense mechanisms.”
Cloud-based storage: a cornerstone of modern surveillance
In many cases, cloud-based or hybrid storage strategies play a crucial role in optimizing surveillance solutions. Consider how this approach might benefit a sprawling campus undergoing a security upgrade.
By moving all or part of their video storage to the cloud, they alleviate on-site storage bottlenecks and reduce maintenance costs. The cloud's inherent scalability also allows them to match storage capacity to demand effortlessly.
“Picture this: a large campus undergoing a security overhaul,” said Robert Wall, Vice President for Technology and Innovation at Edge360. “In the past, they relied solely on on-premises storage for their video surveillance system, often leading to storage constraints, lofty maintenance overheads, and limited scalability.
The scenario changes dramatically with the adoption of cloud-based or hybrid storage architecture. By migrating to a hybrid model, they could centralize their management and data storage in the cloud. This also allows for the seamless integration of AI-driven analytics for advanced threat detection and response. Transitioning to a hybrid approach enhanced their overall security posture, optimized their operational efficiency, and reduced the total cost of ownership over time.”
Additionally, cloud storage facilitates the use of powerful AI-based analytics. With footage accessible from centralized cloud locations, advanced threat detection and rapid response become attainable, boosting the system's overall effectiveness.
Real-world success: hybrid storage in the retail sector
The power of a hybrid approach is evident in several real-world examples. IDIS gave an example of a high-end watch and jewelry retail chain faced the challenge of revamping its video surveillance system across multiple locations.
A hybrid storage model was essential, combining onboard storage in the cameras themselves, on-premises network video recorders (NVRs), and secure cloud storage.
“Hybrid storage architecture was critical to the design of a recent surveillance solution implemented for luxury watch and jewelry retailer, Bucherer, for its expansive network iconic high-end stores across the United States,” Jamie Barnfield, Senior Sales Director at IDIS Europe. “The specialist consultant, Intellis, specified an IDIS solution because of its unique ability to simultaneously record video onto SD cards on board cameras, to on premise NVRs, and to the cloud.”
“This allows authorized staff, onsite and remote, to access footage anytime and from anywhere, and to provide footage to investigating authorities, insurers etc. in the event of an incident. At the same time, IDIS Critical Failover protects against a range of fault conditions, including network instability, dropout, and power outages, providing Bucherer with the assurance of multi-layered redundancy.”
The solution is monitored 24/7 using enterprise-class VMS with feature rich functionality, ensuring a smooth, multi-task surveillance experience for operators.
“H265 combined with IDIS’s Intelligent Codec provides advanced compression of UHD video images, so operators experience no visible latency while quickly identifying and verifying suspicious behavior and rapidly responding in accordance with SOPs for each store,” Barnfield said. “Deep learning powered analytics generate highly accurate detection alerts to any suspicious activity, while metadata search tools speed up investigations.”
“This allows operators to take a proactive approach by relaying video or automating push notifications to security personnel on the ground via client software or a mobile app. Out-of-hours suspects are issued automated or manual audio warnings, with law enforcement called upon as and when required.”
This setup allows staff to readily access footage whenever needed, even from remote locations, while also ensuring redundancy and ease of providing necessary evidence to authorities and insurers.
In the background, sophisticated analytics tools running on the cloud data continually enhance security by flagging suspicious activity for operator review and enabling proactive preventative measures.
Tailoring storage solutions to your needs
The optimal storage architecture ultimately depends on your specific requirements and risks. Factors such as the size of the monitored area, the number of cameras, sensitivity of the data, and available budget all contribute to the equation.
Careful assessment can help identify if a fully on-premises, primarily cloud-based, or a well-architected hybrid model is the best choice.
As surveillance technologies continue to evolve, understanding the pros and cons of different storage strategies remains essential for creating highly effective security systems.