Cloud-Based Video Surveillance

August 16, 2021

In today’s world of video surveillance, employers have a lot of options on how to keep their employees safe and their property protected.  We are seeing a shift in the video surveillance industry, which is following the IT industry, with cloud technology adoption. 

  • Camera Options and Video Analytics

Since cloud solutions have not been in the marketplace as long as their on-premises counterparts, the camera selection isn’t nearly as vast. You will still find good quality cameras, ranging from 2MP to 4K, both indoors and outdoors models. Cloud-based cameras do typically come with analytics already included in their cameras, such as people counting, heat maps, trip lines, etc. This is a great feature for those customers that would like to take a more proactive video surveillance approach with their school or business.

  • Maintaining the System

Traditional on-prem camera systems require software updates to the VMS (Video Management Software) as well as firmware updates to the cameras themselves. With the on-premises solutions, you will need to manually apply software updates as they are released. If a customer isn’t actively monitoring the software and firmware updates, security patches or software features will not be up to date on the system. However, cloud-based software is typically automatically updated from the manufacturer, as the software is stored on the cloud. The user is alerted after a camera or software update is performed.

  • Accessibility of the Camera Software

For cloud-based software, only internet access is required for each camera. The cameras can be in multiple customer locations and you will be able to access each camera from a single dashboard. The video data is stored first locally at the camera and then uploaded through the internet to the cloud. So even if you lose internet temporarily, your video is still recorded. Cloud solutions are a great solution for multisite customers who want to access video from a centralized location.

  • Cloud Camera Equipment

With a cloud solution, you will be purchasing the camera and licenses. A yearly license is required for the camera to be operational after the original installation. Multi-year licenses are available for most cloud solutions. Unlike the traditional on-prem solution, there will not be a store NVR or server required to purchase or maintain.

  • Integration

Along with the video analytics provided by cloud solutions, some manufacturers also offer a door access solution that is accessed through the same dashboard as the cameras. This type of integration allows for ease of use for the individual responsible for monitoring the system. Other manufacturers will also integrate the camera system into their exiting IT dashboard. This allows for the cameras, wireless access points, switches, and firewalls to be shown on a “single pane of glass.”

As the product line for the cloud solutions continue to become more robust, customers should consider what options work for them. Heartland and its team of Physical Security Engineers can not only help design a current solution but can help strategize and plan for migrating your traditional on-premises solution to the cloud.

Matt Hinz
About the Author

Matt Hinz
Engineering Services Manager - Cabling and Physical Security

Matt has been in the cabling and physical security profession for over 15 years. He focuses on consulting with customers to ensure the safety of their employees and assets. He manages the cabling and physical security team across all Heartland locations.

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