Cloud computing creates many advantages, for example providing more reliability and saving the end user the upfront cost for setting up servers or storage devices. These benefits can now be extended to different areas of physical security, for example access control.
Cloud computing creates many advantages, for example providing more reliability and saving the end user the upfront cost for setting up servers or storage devices. These benefits can now be extended to different areas of physical security, for example access control, whereby the user can just pay a monthly fee to have their doors secured.
That is the argument presented by
Galaxy Control Systems titled “Understanding Cloud Services for Access Control.”
According to Galaxy Control, running things in the cloud carries several unique benefits, including spread of cost over a longer period of time, reliability, safer and more effective backup of data, and increased cybersecurity.
For end users of access control, these features translate into real advantages, the biggest would be lowered upfront cost. “In the past, new access control installations required a large capital expense at the start to buy all the hardware, software, cabling and installation labor to deploy a complete system. For medium-sized installations, the total budget could easily be in the range of US$50k to $100k, which is easily enough to have a budget impact,” Galaxy Control said. “In contrast, using a cloud-based access control system would shift the cost from a front-loaded capital expense to a more manageable recurring monthly operational expense, starting as low as $30 a month depending on the size of the project.”
Fewer equipment also means faster deployment speed. “For common small installations, with only 4 or 5 controlled doors, it could potentially be as simple as setting up a WiFi router – and that may be the only IT infrastructure you need for access control. Without the need for local servers, operating systems and software, installation becomes much faster and easier,” the company said, adding other advantages include accessibility, improved reliability and security, and minimal required IT support.
The user, then, should base their decision whether to use cloud-based access control on various factors. According to Galaxy Controls these include:
- Up-front cost: Even smaller systems can require an up-front capital investment. If the business case allows, the use of a cloud-based access control system will shift most of the capital requirement into a monthly operational expense instead. In most cases, a multi-year agreement will be required.
- IT staffing: If the current IT staff has the capacity to accept new tasks, then this may not be a significant factor. If the IT staff is already fully occupied with important tasks, or there is no IT staff at all, then going with a cloud-based access control system removes the need for any additional internal IT support.
- Need for accessibility and reliability: Cloud-based systems deliver advantages over traditional systems with regard to accessibility and reliability. And, it is important to note that in a cloud-based system, remote users have exactly the same functionality available to them as internal users. Evaluating how important these factors are to the organization’s operations will give further insight into how much weight these factors should receive in the decision process.
“If the decision is to proceed with a cloud-based implementation, work with a well-established company to choose the right level of security and the right data center locations,” the whitepaper concluded.