Page 82 - Security Today, September 2017

Reliability, Redundancy and Responsiveness
Access control solutions must be absolutely fail-safe, which begs the question, “With a cloud solution, what happens when the internet goes down?” What might initially seem catastrophic is actually no big deal when using a well-designed, smart cloud solution with local redundancy. If system-wide data is always backed up and stored, on site, by a local node, then loss of internet connectivity only degrades the ability to log into the system remotely and make changes to set- tings. On-site operability remains fully functional. Once internet con- nectivity is restored, all controls are restored and the local node will re-sync with the cloud platform.
What about operating a system, or portions of a system, from a location that has unreliable internet access? Or none at all? Some cloud access control manufacturers now offer GSM modules that connect to the cloud via a cellular connectivity.
As for system reliability and responsiveness, be sure to ask any cloud solution provider about its hosting platform. What sort of infrastructure is in place to deliver consistently fast usability time, to accommodate for spikes in network traffic and possible server at- tacks? If proper attention has been paid to these concerns, then cloud solutions can deliver reliability and responsiveness on par with any stand-alone system, with the added benefit of universal accessibility, and true security.
Enterprise Features and Functions
After passing muster for security and reliability, cloud-based access control must deliver the functionality demanded by sophisticated IT management teams looking for operational flexibility, integration
options and ease-of-use. This is where hosted solutions really excel. But in discussing these capabilities, it is important to differentiate be- tween 100 percent true cloud-based systems versus more traditional IP systems that offer a mobile module. In the case of the latter, phone apps or thin-client, browser-based platforms that allow users to man- age stand-alone systems “from anywhere” typically do not provide full control. There is still the need for an on-site server to deliver the solution’s highest level features.
In a pure cloud solution that has been engineered, first and fore- most, for the mobile user, the user experience is going to be 100 percent the same whether logging in from phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. Many of the features and functions discussed here pertain exclusively to these types of systems.
Let’s begin with flexibility. By definition, cloud systems offer un- paralleled flexibility in how and where they can be accessed. And this benefit isn’t just limited to system administrators. Accessibility means that cloud systems can be more easily supported and serviced by system integrators and manufacturers. For example, cloud systems designed with health monitoring capabilities can alert the system in- tegrator, as well as the in-house IT team, when any problems arise. These might relate to lost connectivity to a controller, power sup- ply status, or even low battery life. Automated communications like these allow dealers to provide support that is proactive, rather than reactive. Plus, if unusual challenges arise that are beyond the normal capabilities of the dealer, with consent the manufacturer can also pro- vide remote consulting and support.
System configuration and integrations are also simplified. When an integrator goes on site to install a system, he can use configuration tools built into the app to facilitate set up. All the tools are right there
ACCESS CONTROL
Don’t mar your 4K image with a <4K Lens
Theia’s Award-Winning 4K Lens Family:
- full 4K Resolution
- 4-10mm & 12-50mm - Day or Night
- Compact envelope
64
0917 | SECURITY TODAY
www.TheiaTech.com +1 (503) 570-3296
Go to sp.hotims.com and enter 73 for product information.
f
f
o
or
r1
1/
/1
1.
.
7
7
”
”i
i
m
m
a
ag
g
e
er
rs
so
or
r
s
sm
ma
a
l
l
l
l
e
er
r