Security cameras are no longer just for banks and government buildings. With an estimated 1.5 million burglaries reported per year, everyone from homeowners to CTOs is adding surveillance systems to protect their property and ensure they are safe from threats.
Security systems range from simple, battery-operated units to sophisticated, multi-camera networks. While basic options are more convenient for homeowners or small business managers, those who are concerned with securing large properties like a corporation or enterprise are faced with a multitude of choices. One of the most essential questions security-minded personnel faces in choosing a system is whether to use a local network or cloud-based options. Of course, this also begs the question: despite the purported benefits, are cloud solutions actually safe from a breach?
What’s the difference?
One of the major differences between a local camera security system and a cloud-based security system lies in its method of storage. Cloud-based systems store footage remotely—on the cloud— and local systems opt for storage on the premise itself using an NDR or DVR. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both solutions. While cloud storage systems offer the benefit of remote surveillance access, they are more susceptible to security breaches and cyber-attacks. Local network options, on the other hand, lack the convenience of remote access and often require much manual follow-up—especially when it comes to the monitoring of large areas. It is rather difficult to choose one system over the over, but thanks to the latest technological advancements, these methods have come together to form the perfect solution—the hybrid cloud video security system.
The hybrid solution
Cloud-managed surveillance systems are increasingly popular; however, many enterprises still want the benefits of a private, local system. In this case, CTOs and other personnel may seek a hybrid cloud solution. Hybrid cloud systems are rather easy to install, requiring only the cameras and a PoE switch. The hybrid cloud offers the benefits of an on-premises, private network alongside the use of public cloud architecture. In this way, enterprises can keep sensitive workloads confidential while utilizing public cloud storage for big data processing and remote access. How does this play into video surveillance, though?
Control over storage options
For one, it means that footage can be stored in two different places. Products such as the hybrid surveillance systems offered by Verkada use the public cloud to monitor when to take video footage and when to take still shots. The footage is saved on the actual camera unit and thumbnails are uploaded to the cloud. Not only is this a safer alternative to full cloud storage, as it provides encryption that keeps footage from being stolen, but it also uses less bandwidth.
Scalability and flexibility
The process of linking additional cameras to an established cloud or hybrid cloud-based network couldn’t be easier. The camera is simply mounted wherever it is needed and it is quickly configured within the network online or through an app. Most hybrid systems, like Verkada’s, are created with the ease of scalability in mind so that adding cameras or users, adjusting permissions or alerts, or even expanding coverage to additional buildings can be accomplished in a manner of minutes.
The bottom line…
In the past, CTOs and IT personnel might have had difficulty in choosing the best security system for their enterprise, but in today’s world, the superior option is rather clear. A choice between an easy-to-use system with remote access and the method that provides better security is no longer needed to be made. Thanks to modern technological advances, hybrid cloud video security systems combine convenience and cyber protection to deliver a one-of-a-kind system that caters to the needs of large corporations. While remote access, strict security, and limited bandwidth usage might have been impossible to find in one system, hybrid cloud options now provide executives all these features and more.
To learn more, contact a professional company, such as Verkada, that specializes in the installation and support of modern video security systems.
