Cloud-Based Video Management Systems

Cloud-based security surveillance solutions are not quite new on the market, however, many companies continue to rely on the „classical technology” they are accustomed to, because they have a sense of uncertainty to make the leap from the local system, they know well, to a video cloud-based system.

The current trends show that traditional video solutions are phased out in favor of the flexibility offered by cloud-based solutions, which are increasingly preferred today, when installing a new setup.

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What is a video security cloud-based system (Vsaas)

Cloud video surveillance, often referred also as Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS),  refers to a fully hosted, cloud-based video management system, distributed across multiple data centers (in the cloud) and delivered as a service. This service typically includes remote viewing, management alerts, video recording, storage, video analytics, cybersecurity, etc.

There are three fundamental types of VSaaS: Managed, Hosted, and Hybrid – which depend on where the video is stored.

Managed video is when the video is still stored on-site as it traditionally has been, but managed in the cloud. In other words, Managed VSaaS keeps the video storage on-site while offering remote cloud management and secure remote monitoring, a method that saves significant bandwidth. Can be used both with Cloud TV cameras with SSD or local special NVRs (“cloud” recorders).

Hosted video is when the video is stored in the cloud, not on-site, as well as managed in the cloud. This type of VSaaS offers, effectively, unlimited video storage capacity, because capacity is not limited by hardware on-site and can be expanded by purchasing more space in the cloud.

If the internet connection is temporarily interrupted you still have footage available as either the cloud cameras store their own footage, or the system is provided with an on-premise gateway /bridge, that can temporarily hold recordings for a limited time and then upload when reconnected to the cloud. It is intended for those who set up a new system, or fully replace an old video system as it is often less expensive to set up a cloud-based surveillance system.

Hybrid video is when the video is stored on-site and partially in the cloud and it offers similar features as Hosted Video Systems, secure remote monitoring, and cloud management. This solution provides cost savings across the board and allows you to continue to use the existing „old” IP cameras which will be connected at an on-premise gateway ( cloud connector) often with extensive built-in storage capabilities.

The main benefits are:

  • The cloud connectors can connect with almost any IP security camera already installed on the local network, so it offers an excellent upgrade path for businesses looking to move to cloud recording.
  • The local storage provides resiliency to internet speed fluctuations or outages, and, even can provide an inexpensive route when long-term storage is required or the budget is limited.
  • There is better bandwidth management;

However,  there is still a single point of failure if the cloud connector fails, and you are limited to the hardware of the cloud connector. Also to scale or upgrade the system past a certain point could be costly.

Benefits of VSaaS

Remote accessibility and ease of use

A cloud-based video solution provides, from the start, native remote accessibility, and offers full operational capabilities from anywhere, without any performance or functionality difference than operating on-premises.

Most legacy on-premises-based video surveillance systems continue to use the old-style „client-server architecture”, and usually provide those „old-fashion” difficult-to-learn user interfaces. Instead, the Cloud-based video solutions provide standardized browser-based, intuitive, and modern user interfaces, much easier to understand and set up.

Increased Performance & Scalability

The processing power that you often cannot afford on-premise is always available in the cloud, with the ability to scale up as needed,  as the cloud is infinitely scalable. You can customize your system’s performance, storage and capabilities quickly and easily, rather than having to commit to buying expensive equipment, and incomprehensible software support plans.

Cloud & Video-analytics Technology

Cloud-based surveillance provides resources and capabilities that are otherwise out of reach for most companies. Now, at affordable prices, a customer can choose anything from general analytics like people counting, directional line cross or object missing, to highly specialized analytics technology like appearance search or facial recognition.

Many today cloud-based systems allow you to choose to apply analytics either in the video management software or the individual IP cameras, so you can pick and choose from best-of-breed analytics on a per-camera basis.

In short, video in the cloud opens up a whole new world of analytics capabilities.

Security of Data

With a  cloud video solution, there is no need to configure servers for remote connectivity, no need to expose ports to the outside, and no network vulnerabilities. Also, there are no local hard drives being damaged by vandalism, fires, floods or other natural disasters. The files and footage will be backed up on the cloud regularly, no frames missed.

Rolf Control Acces offers solutions encrypted end-to-end only from prestigious cloud providers. In short, all data at rest, and data in motion are encrypted, ensuring the security of the network and the data. This means that your data cannot be intercepted while you are transferring it from your local network to the cloud.

Customer Service and Support and higher reliability

Here is the real benefit of a cloud video solution: superior customer service and support.

Unlike most on-premise-based surveillance systems, which may have 8-72 hours for live technical support, most cloud-based systems have support available 24/7, and there is no need for an expensive on-site visit.

Unlike most on-premise-based surveillance systems, cloud service support is most of the time highly specialized, and even if it is a serious problem, it can be easier escalated.

Every update and upgrade is regularly done and fully automatic, so no time and money is wasted anymore.

Budgets flexibility and predictability

As a VSaas offering, users purchase recurring licenses in addition to the hardware, which offers the flexibility of monthly or annual subscription-based billing, that falls right into the Op-ex budgets, a great advantage, taking into account that Cap-ex budgets are increasingly scrutinized and trimmed, year by year.

Also, Subscription-based services provide flexibility, as TV cameras can be added or removed at any time, and cloud storage capacity for video and analytics functions can be adjusted on a per-camera basis at any time.

Typically Cloud licenses cover an all-in-one solution that includes the following:

  • Video management software (VMS) – and all automatic updates
  • Cloud storage and archiving;
  • Local on-camera storage;
  • Server access;
  • Customer support;
  • Advanced features and analytics (vendor-dependent);

Conclusion

It is getting progressively easier to convert the old video systems to a cloud-based network, so even if you don’t have the budget to buy all new equipment, making an intermediary step ( hybrid systems) can still be advantageous for the business.

With increased reliability, remote access, and the ability to customize nearly every aspect of the surveillance system while keeping costs down, cloud-based surveillance systems are going to continue to grow very fast, becoming the standard for most businesses, … and for good reasons.

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