The increasing popularity of cloud technology has led to more sophisticated applications, as seen in modern cloud-based security systems. Many households already benefit from commercially available smart doorbells and cloud-operated home security systems, and now businesses are adopting these technologies as well.

Cloud technology offers significant advantages, but to ensure the security and reliability of cloud-based security systems and cameras for commercial use, businesses should seek out enterprise-grade solutions.

This article will provide comprehensive information on cloud-based security cameras for businesses.

What are cloud-based security cameras?

A security camera system that is connected to the internet and directly uploads footage from IP cameras to a cloud server is referred to as a cloud-based security camera system. This type of system differs from analog tape-based CCTV systems, DVR systems that record to a local hard drive, and NVR systems that record to a network drive on the premises.

The name is advanced but cloud-based security cameras are actually simpler and less expensive than older technologies. IP cameras are relatively inexpensive to produce, and the cloud-based system requires less hardware.

Cloud-based cameras are somewhat more vulnerable due to their online nature, but choosing a reputable provider can offset this risk with gains in productivity and capabilities. Additionally, businesses can safeguard against outages by backing up their cloud-based security storage with local storage.

What are the reasons to use cloud-based security cameras?

Offers centralized remote access

The recorded video footage from your business can be accessed anywhere because cloud-based security systems push it to the cloud. From a user’s perspective, all footage from all cameras is equally accessible, just as if it were all on one giant server or hard drive at your main location.

The simplicity of cloud-based systems also enables them to empower more teams: from HR to IT to operations.

Cloud-based security systems enable businesses to access their recorded video footage from anywhere because the footage is stored in the cloud. This means that all the footage from all cameras can be accessed equally by the user as if it were all stored on one large server or hard drive at the main location.

You can access it from anywhere with Wi-Fi, whether at your main building, home, or on a plane as you fly to meet a client. This simplified access also enables cloud-based systems to support multiple teams, ranging from HR to IT to operations and beyond.

Reduces the risk of data loss

If all the security footage is stored close to the security cameras, it is easier for someone to access and destroy that footage. However, with a cloud-based system, the footage is uploaded to the cloud in real-time. Additionally, no one can break into the cloud provider’s server farms as easily as they could break into a security closet.

Local storage management can be challenging, but streaming video from multiple cameras to the cloud can also strain the best uplink and be costly. A hybrid approach can help alleviate these problems.

Simplifies saving and sharing of footage

Back in the days of analog tape, it required a lot of manual effort and time to locate the specific footage and then properly label and store it. Even sharing and copying footage was a time-consuming and complicated process, especially for larger or longer files that needed physical media for distribution.

Although the introduction of DVR and NVR-type systems improved the situation, it was still challenging to extract and share the appropriate footage. Additionally, larger or longer files still required physical media for making and sharing copies. With certain systems, sharing the correct footage only takes a few clicks.

Reduces dependency on expensive hardware

Years ago, surveillance camera systems depended on a costly combination of numerous cameras and various pieces of expensive hardware, all of which had to work together. Even the most high-quality cameras were rendered useless in the event of a malfunction in the video storage hardware.

As the central hardware became outdated, it became increasingly unstable and susceptible to cyber attacks or exploitation. Cloud-based systems do not rely heavily on a central unit or DVR. Even the need for the middle layer for transmitting the footage from the camera to the cloud is reduced. Sometimes, cloud-based systems can even update the cameras’ software.

Improves camera health monitoring

If you need to respond to a security incident, your long-range cameras with a broad field of view, detect the suspect but without enough detail to take any action. The perpetrator then passes by a closer-range camera and even looks directly at it, which would have provided clear images, but unfortunately, that camera is not functional. In this situation, you are left with no evidence.

Traditionally, the only way to know that a camera has failed is to wait until someone notices that the camera is not working. This approach leaves too much room for security systems to fail their primary purpose. With cloud-based IP camera systems, the system can continuously monitor and analyze the camera’s health; automatically notifying you when an issue arises that requires attention.

How are cloud-based security cameras different from traditional cameras?

Traditional security camera systems are suitable for handling occasional security breaches or isolated incidents. But, customers are typically required to purchase all the hardware and software from one vendor, and the setup process can be intricate. On the other hand, cloud-based security camera systems offer artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that enable security teams to make informed daily decisions that enhance physical operations and promote safer and more intelligent workplaces.

A traditional camera installation service with DVR systems heavily relies on upfront work: Installers must configure security cameras, deploy storage servers, and manually install operating software throughout the security system. With cloud-based security camera systems, there is little to no upfront work. It needs nothing more than a bridge to connect the system to the cloud.

To wrap up

Cloud-based security camera systems for business offer continuous protection that is simpler to control than a conventional video security network, thanks to remote access and added security features such as multi-factor authentication.

To know more about cloud-based security cameras, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.