Page 10 - Security Today, May/June 2025

A C C E S S C O N T R O L
Built for Today,
Ready for Tomorrow
By Charles Nguyen
depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security
Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that
and operational effi ciency. While many organizations fo-
cus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment
size, let us review some of the long-term considerations
that can signifi cantly impact a VMS’s utility and fl exibility.
OPEN ARCHITECTURE
When selecting a VMS, open architecture is a key factor to con-
sider. Unlike proprietary systems, which can limit device com-
patibility and stifl e future upgrades, an open architecture VMS
allows for greater fl exibility and adaptability. This enables orga-
nizations to integrate various cameras, analytics tools, and other
devices, ensuring they can choose the best technologies for their
specifi c needs without being confi ned to a single vendor.
Closed systems can quickly become obsolete as technology
evolves, forcing organizations to either stick with outdated solu-
tions or face the infl ated cost of transitioning to a more adaptable
solution. When switching to a closed system, businesses may also
have to rip and replace their current cameras and other hardware,
as these systems often do not support devices from varied brands.
Open architecture VMS platforms support integration with
various third-party systems, making it easier for businesses to
scale and enhance their surveillance infrastructure as needed.
This freedom to choose devices is critical when different sites have
varying requirements.
HYBRID APPROACH
Organizations today often require fl exibility in deploying their
VMS, especially when dealing with multiple locations or varying
site requirements. Hybrid deployments, those that combine on-
prem and cloud technologies, offer the best of both worlds.
On-prem servers may provide the processing power and storage
needed for larger sites or headquarters. Smaller or remote sites can
benefi t from fully cloud-hosted systems. Hybrid approaches allow
businesses to scale their infrastructure according to their current
needs. This gradual modernization ensures that the system can grow
alongside the organization, making it easier to integrate modern
technologies or expand into cloud services when the time is right.
RELIABILITY AND UPTIME
Reliability is crucial when choosing a VMS, especially for orga-
nizations that consider video surveillance mission critical. Down-
time or missed recordings can have profound consequences, from
operational disruptions to missed security events.
A VMS with built-in redundancy features such as failover
archiving and load balancing helps ensure continuous monitor-
ing, even during hardware or software failures. Combined with
automatic resource management, these features can keep systems
operational under various conditions, minimizing the risk of los-
ing important video data.
1 0 KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A VMS
Does this VMS support a wide range of third-party cameras, sensors,
and analytics tools, allowing me to choose the best technologies for
my needs?
• Can I gradually modernize my infrastructure and keep my existing
investments without disrupting operations or overhauling the entire
system?
• Does the VMS include essential cybersecurity tools like encryption,
multi-factor authentication, and automated patch management to
protect my system from threats?
• How does this system ensure that my organization follows regional
privacy regulations?
• Does the VMS offer deployment fl exibility, allowing me to choose
between on-premises, cloud, or hybrid models based on my spe-
cifi c requirements?
• Can this system easily expand to accommodate more cameras, in-
creased storage, or more technologies like video analytics as my
organization grows?
• How does the VMS enable real-time communication and automated
workfl ows to ensure fast response and coordination during security
events?
• Can the VMS unify video, access control, ALPR, and other security
systems into a single platform, simplifying monitoring and manage-
ment for my team?
SCALABILITY AND MOBILITY
As organizations grow, their video surveillance needs will also
evolve. A scalable VMS allows for easy expansion, whether add-
ing more cameras, increasing storage capacity, or integrating new
technologies such as video analytics or sensors.
Scalability ensures that the organization continues to benefi t
from its fi rst investment without replacing the entire system as
needs change. A good VMS will also offer API or SDK support,
enabling custom integrations that extend the system’s functional-
ity beyond basic video surveillance.
A modern VMS should provide secure remote access via a web
app, allowing users to watch video, manage access control, and
quickly respond to alarms with real-time communications from
any device with a browser. This ensures better coordination and
faster incident resolution.
CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity
and data privacy are paramount concerns for any VMS. To miti-
gate risks, a robust VMS should offer built-in cybersecurity tools
such as encryption, multi-factor authentication and automated
patch management for both the VMS and video cameras.
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