Page 44 - Security Today, July/August 2022

The Ongoing Value
of VSaaS
Users pay as they go without a large initial investment in software to get a system up and running
BSy Jesse Crawford
ubscription-based service models are increasing in the security industry. Shifting to video subscrip- tion as a service (VSaaS) or SaaS in general in- volves changing the mindset that one is receiving a service rather than a product. What end users
want is a system that is always current rather than a product that can quickly become out of date or is not functional when it mat- ters most.
CONNECTED TO SOFTWARE
In a traditional model, a business purchases a product, a video surveillance system with cameras and recorders that are con- nected to software. There often is no ongoing service relationship between the end user, channel partner and technology provider. Perhaps there is a software support agreement or an annual fee or add-ons for software updates or technical support. In this case, the installer is largely delivering a product and walking away. Sell- ing and delivering a service is a better, ongoing value proposition to the end user.
With VSaaS, a business can have confidence that the software managing its VMS is always updated to the latest version, which means it maintains the highest level of cybersecurity and feature
44
JULY/AUGUST 2022 | SECURITY TODAY
sets and functionality.
Benefits of the subscription model to end users might include
easy subscription renewal, system software is always current, a lower startup cost and a value-added service contract.
VSaaS enables end users to better budget for the cost of the service and allows for easy renewal of subscriptions.
Software can be kept current remotely on devices in the field. This prevents systems from becoming outdated, lengthening their service life. A cloud-based subscription model also reduces the burden on IT because they are not required to own and manage software. System security is further enhanced by no requirements for opening inbound ports, multifactor authentication, NIST- compliant data encryption and transport layer security.
Because users pay as they go, they are not required to make a large initial investment in software to get a system up and run- ning. Subscription plans often charge per channel, so users don’t pay for more than they need. They are also available at different tiers.
ADDITIONAL VALUE
The level of service a dealer provides leads to additional value being delivered to the end user.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com