Cloud has become a major topic in video surveillance. In fact, for many, cloud video surveillance is not just a trend, but the de facto practice in the industry. This note takes a look at what’s driving cloud video and what verticals can benefit the most.
Cloud has become a major topic in video surveillance. In fact, for many, cloud video surveillance is not just a trend, but the
de facto practice in the industry. This note takes a look at what’s driving
cloud video and what verticals can benefit the most.
Cloud video surveillance refers to the recording and processing of video in the cloud, which is offered to the user for a monthly fee. The user, then, does not have to purchase expensive equipment required in an on-premises video surveillance system. The transition to cloud has been
accelerating at a rapid pace. According to Novaira Insights, there were over 2 million cloud-connected cameras in the U.S. by the end of 2022, and this is forecast to grow to over 25 million in 2026.
Industry experts agree with the notion. “A general trend in the industry is the increased adoption of cloud-based technology solutions. Cloud technology is becoming increasingly prevalent across all industries, and security cameras will follow suit with more cloud-based options that allow security and operations teams to remotely manage and secure premises and assets,” said Alex Kazerani, Corporate VP for Cloud Video Security and Access Control at Motorola Solutions.
“The pandemic accelerated the move to cloud across all business processes, and moved cloud video surveillance to the forefront for many users. Cloud solutions greatly simplify the traditional networking issues encountered with traditional VMS platforms. Things like DDNS, port forwarding and configuring email servers for notifications are all simplified and in many cases eliminated completely,” said Tom Buckley, Co-Founder of Qumulex.
According to Katherine Balabanova, CRO and Board Director at 3dEYE, the major benefits of cloud video surveillance can be summarized as follows:
Initial cost savings: Cloud-based solutions eliminate the need for upfront hardware and software investments, ongoing maintenance, and software licensing fees. This cost-effectiveness appeals to businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises;
Total cost of ownership (TCO): The
pure cloud minimizes customer exposure to maintenance, allows easy adoption with existing or new installations, and provides the best TCO in comparison to other types of VSaaS architecture;
Scalability: Cloud-based video surveillance allows for scalability, enabling organizations to add or remove cameras, storage, users and sites without the limitations of physical infrastructure. This is particularly attractive to enterprises with multiple locations or those experiencing rapid growth;
Simplified management: Ease of management is another merit, whereby users can access and control their cameras, footage, and analytics through web-based interfaces or mobile apps, eliminating the need for complex on-premises software installations;
Enhanced security: Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats. Pure cloud VSaaS has lowest attack surface amongst VMS and hybrid clouds. By removing on-prem servers, bridges, NVRs and by cameras connecting directly to the cloud, it minimizes exposure to potential attacks.
Industries that can benefit
Indeed, the above benefits make cloud video surveillance appealing to end users large and small, across a variety of vertical markets. “The move to cloud video surveillance is happening across verticals, and with all sizes of installations. The users we see moving the quickest to the cloud are those with multiple locations, such as retail chains, multi-family housing, and larger school districts, all of whom want to be able to manage the enterprise regardless of where their corporate security teams are located,” Buckley said.
“As for the types of users transitioning to cloud-based video surveillance, it spans across various industries and verticals. While small businesses can benefit from the cost savings and simplified management offered by cloud solutions, large enterprises are also making the shift due to the scalability, flexibility, and advanced analytics capabilities provided by cloud platforms,” Balabanova said, adding cloud video can also benefit the following Industries that commonly adopt cloud-based video surveillance: healthcare, transportation, hospitality,
manufacturing, government and public sector.
De facto standard
For the longest time video surveillance users have relied on the on-premises architecture, which has served its purpose well. Yet with the emergence of cloud-based solutions, users are increasingly drawn to the cost-effectiveness, flexibility and scalability offered by cloud, which has increasingly become the de facto solution employed by end users. With this, continued growth and demand of cloud video can be foreseen for the mid to long term.
“The trend will not only continue but is quickly becoming the standard. The ability to manage all cameras and locations truly remotely from any device with a browser, the simplified networking and storage, the ability to connect with cloud-based analytics, the unlimited scalability of storage and processor power, all make cloud the more compelling choice. VSaaS software has also caught up with, and in many cases has surpassed, the feature set of traditional on-premises VMS software,” Buckley said.