To gain further insights into cloud video security user preferences for edge storage, asmag.com and Micron have partnered on a new survey: “Edge Storage in Cloud-Based Video Security Applications.” This survey explores user preferences for data retention, endurance requirements and overall edge storage habits.
Cloud adoption is gaining momentum in video security. Benefits such as cost savings, remote monitoring and scalability have prompted video security users to migrate to the cloud. This, however, does not negate the importance of edge storage within a cloud architecture. Edge storage plays an important role to reduce network bandwidth consumption and incorporate with cloud as a hybrid model for reliable storage solutions.
To gain further insights into cloud video security user preferences for edge storage,
asmag.com and Micron have partnered on a new survey: “Edge Storage in Cloud-Based Video Security Applications.” This survey explores user preferences for data retention, endurance requirements and overall edge storage habits.
This survey polled asmag.com’s reader database of global physical security professionals. 65% of responses came from Asia, followed by 12% for Europe, 7% each for the Americas, Middle East and Africa, and 2% for Oceania. System integrators accounted for the biggest majority at 26%, with 21% distributors, 19% service/solutions providers, 15% manufacturers and 13% installers.
Here are pertinent findings from the survey:
Cloud-based video security gains momentum
When asked whether they are currently offering cloud-based video security solutions, a majority of respondents, 62%, said yes. Of the 38% who aren’t, 47% of them said they will offer cloud video security in the next 12 months. In other words, we expect roughly 80% of respondents to offer cloud-based video security in a year’s time.
The data confirms the accelerating shift of video security to the cloud. It aligns with an
earlier asmag.com Cloud reader survey, where 42% of respondents stated they were already undertaking cloud projects for clients, with an estimated 7 to 10% scope increase for such projects.
Our
2023 Technology Index further strengthens this point as security channel players ranked cloud video security as highly mature and suitable for their businesses, highlighting its adoption. The benefits of the cloud – reduced upfront costs, lower total cost of ownership, remote management and scalability – are driving this shift and this survey confirms this trend.
On-premises storage adoption remains dominant
The survey revealed a strong preference for on-premise storage adoption, with 65% of respondents opting for NVRs and in-camera storage. Cloud storage, on the other hand, was chosen by 35%.
This may be due to several reasons. One key reason is compliance. Government and industry regulations may require end-user entities (especially those considered critical in nature) to store video footage on-site. Costs will also play a role. While both NVR and in-camera storage are viable on-premise storage options, the latter boasts lower storage acquisition costs as it eliminates the need for additional hardware and cabling.
Memory card as primary in-camera edge storage
In-camera storage plays a prominent role in cloud video security systems, serving as primary storage to reduce bandwidth consumption and lower storage acquisition costs. The cloud storage can be leveraged as a backup or used to extend storage capacity as needed.
Our respondents indicated a preference for memory cards for in-camera edge storage, with a high 60% adoption rate among respondents. Several features make memory cards appealing to both manufacturers and users alike. Their removable feature offers greater flexibility during project implementation, enabling cards to be swapped between compatible cameras and easy video retrieval for further investigation and analysis. Additionally, their small footprint and high capacity makes memory cards a good cost-performance option for video security and offer high availability in camera storage design.
Flexible storage solutions to balance cost and performance
Our survey revealed that a significant portion (45%) of respondents retain footage for 30 days, aligning with common practices in the Asia-Pacific region where majority of our respondents are located. Another 45% requires at least 60 days of storage retention, highlighting the need for high-capacity in-camera storage solutions.
As for storage endurance – that is, the acceptable number of years of recording on their chosen storage medium before needing replacement – a large majority, 70%, require long lifetime storage of up to 10 years or higher, indicating users are looking for more durable storage solutions in their video security applications.
Overall, the results underscore the importance of flexible storage solutions to address diverse needs in the cloud video security market. Memory card manufacturers, like Micron Technology, are responding to this demand by introducing a wider range of high-endurance microSD cards, with capacities ranging from 64GB up to 1.5TB to enable extended recording times and storage of high-resolution video footage.
Conclusion
The survey clearly shows that cloud video security is gaining in popularity and is poised for widespread adoption in the coming years. It is equally evident that respondents recognize the importance of edge storage alongside these cloud-based solutions. Memory cards are a popular choice, favored for their flexibility of use and role in reducing network bandwidth strain.
Furthermore, the survey data indicates varying requirement for data retention and storage endurance. This underscores a crucial need in the industry for higher capacity and reliable storage solutions to ensure the hybrid cloud-edge approach meets the demands of today’s video security applications.
Learn more about edge storage solutions in video security.
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