Page 18 - Security Today, November/December 2023

System Scalability Security professionals can easily scale their surveillance infrastructure upwards or downwards according to their needs and to easily accommodate future growth and ex- pansion. Typically, customers have designed and configured their systems according to a site’s footprint, allocating the appropriate number of cameras and devices. But what happens when growth occurs, and a company needs to add more cam- eras? Instead of the answer being, “the infrastructure won’t support those addi- tions,” the cloud simply removes those ap- pliance limitations. Security teams can rapidly deploy and manage their systems without the need for complex and time-consuming network configurations, as well as configure them for a seamless combination of on-premise and hybrid system management. Cameras and all devices can be centrally monitored and many network and system processes can be automated. Professionals can continue to flex- ibly expand and grow their system with a VSaaS type of cloud-based solution. Combining Cloud, Data and Analytics A rapidly growing area within security and surveillance is the combination of the cloud and intelligent data and analyt- ics. Cameras of all types are now being equipped with more advanced analytics, and the role of on-board analytics will continue to expand as users develop new needs for more accurate object tracking or to generate data-driven business insights. In fact, according to research by Gart- ner, the majority of businesses now prefer data-driven decision-making over intu- ition-based decision-making, explaining the projected annual growth of nearly 30% in the data analytics market. Gone are the days when cameras were used solely for physical security purposes. The embedded edge AI capabilities on cam- eras generate a substantial amount of data in the form of metadata. New technologies are harnessing the power of data and analytics. Hanwha Vision’s SightMind software seam- lessly integrates with Hanwha’s AI cameras to transform camera data into actionable “Using cloud-based platforms allows security professionals to collaborate over vast distances and gives them immediate access for sharing surveillance footage with other locations or even with law enforcement for example.” insights that benefit the customer’s organiza- tion.SightMindcancreatewidgetsthaten- able customers to monitor their operational metrics. FLEX AI has the capability to con- vert any static object into data that Hanwha’s AI cameras can comprehend. Many cus- tomers require unique solutions to address their specific business challenges. This often involves the need to train custom objects not included in off-the-shelf AI cameras. FLEX AI is a cloud-based application that allows users to train objects with as few as 20 images. It is all part of the continuing conver- gence of hardware devices and software solutions. Companies today need new solutions fast and they simply need them to work. Increasingly, many are finding those types of solutions in the cloud, especially as cloud-based surveillance continues to offer many cost and time savings benefits. More companies will embrace the cloud on an “as-a-service” basis, creating customized security network infrastructures enabling flexibility, efficiency, lower data costs and scalability – all while being simple enough for the users to manage themselves. The scope of cloud deployments will continue to vary from customer to custom- er, based on their market, unique require- ments, the focus of their operations and budgets, among many other factors. For some,fullycloudenvironmentsworkbest, for others, on-prem is the way to go. Still, for others, a hybrid approach makes sense. There are many applications that can dic- tate when a hybrid approach makes sense. It’s also important to note that the cloud is not a one-size-fits-all solution, even in the future. An ideal scenario is a technological ecosystem where both edge and cloud solutions co-exist. Edge intelli- gence and capabilities have been advanc- ing rapidly, paralleling the progress in cloud technologies. The edge is now capa- ble of performing tasks that, in the past, only the cloud could handle. Leveraging the strengths of both the edge and the cloud allows organizations to maximize the benefits of both approaches. Embracing the ongoing advancements in cloud-based technology is not just a tactical approach. Instead, it signals a commitment to providing a more secure, flexible and in- telligent approach to keeping people, prem- ises, and data safe in an increasingly complex and connected world. Kevin Seo is the president of Hanwha Vision America. 18 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | SECURITY TODAY COVER STORY