Page 16 - Security Today, November/December 2023

A Future in the Clouds Converging hardware and software solutions combined with promises of “future proofing” are driving a shift toward cloud-based surveillance operations By Kevin Seo The cloud has become a pervasive term in ev- eryone’s daily work and personal lives – from the explosion of content available on Internet streaming services to remote learning to social interactions. Everyone is living cloud-based lives. The cloud continues to be a major topic of discussion across the security and surveillance industry. The growth of cloud adop- tion is accelerating within the physical security industry in recent years, and this growth will continue to accelerate in the near term, as the cloud continues to evolve. But before the industry looks forward, it is important to look back, even as recently as five years ago. Widespread acceptance of the cloud was hardly a sure bet, with lingering end user con- cerns about the costs of video retention, surveillance system ex- pansion and storage, reliability, limits on bandwidth and data transfer speeds and a lack of data security. The cloud has since rapidly evolved and matured, with its in- creasing acceptance overcoming many of these challenges and negative perceptions. Now, there are clear advantages associated with cloud technologies, including operational efficiency, sys- tem storage and scalability, and enhanced data security through stronger encryption and authentication methods. 16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | SECURITY TODAY COVER STORY