Page 32 - Security Today, September 2019

The Path to the Future Cloud-based video surveillance is here to stay
BSy Jeff Whitney
ecurity professionals face many challenges in selecting video surveillance systems that address their unique needs. They must compare features, simplicity of use and of sharing video, system reliability and expand- ability, and overall affordability. As the technology
choices have grown, so have the cybersecurity risks and challenges.
Opening the Playing Field
Today’s security industry was shaped by yesterday’s technologies and solutions. Customers were once locked into proprietary surveillance systems from whichever vendor they selected. Open systems gradu- ally came into play, with tape-based analog VCRs replaced by DVRs, NVRs, and video servers. Entirely new firms introduced VMS soft- ware, while analog cameras were increasingly displaced by higher resolution megapixel cameras. Some security brands disappeared through mergers, acquisitions, or being driven out of business entire- ly as open standards-based surveillance systems became the norm.
The next technology shift is already underway. New compa- nies now offer complete cloud surveillance solutions built from the ground up to offer a range of benefits over the traditional systems that they are increasingly replacing. Existing VMS vendors are add- ing cloud-based features to their own offerings.
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Cloud solutions for video surveillance face similar challenges as traditional systems, while adding even more issues to the mix around scalability and cybersecurity. Yet the benefits are worth it.
Surveillance systems that are based entirely in the cloud have become standard offerings from telephone companies, traditional alarm monitoring companies, and a range of new startups. As IoT- enabled cameras connect to the local IP or WiFi network, they then access the cloud to be monitored and administered over the Internet.
Cloud solutions require less dedicated equipment and physical infrastructure than traditional systems, accompanied by reduced in- stallation challenges. The simplicity of the best of this technology results in lower staffing and administrative requirements, simplified system use and increased user satisfaction. Perhaps best of all, cloud solutions offer lower ongoing costs.
Most security professionals are familiar with the home and small business video monitoring that a range of vendors now offer. They bring the ultimate experience in terms of simplified installation and require little to no investment beyond a subscription.
Solutions for Home, Business or Retailer
For a homeowner or small retailer, cloud solutions may prove to suit their needs using a few cameras. The technology grows more complex
CLOUD SURVEILLANCE
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