In the modern age of security, cloud-based systems are transforming how businesses and individuals monitor their premises. These advanced solutions leverage cloud storage to offer scalable, flexible, and remotely accessible options for enhancing security measures.
What is cloud-based CCTV?
By integrating with the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud CCTV provides real-time data and analytics, making it easier than ever to oversee operations and respond swiftly to incidents. Cloud-based CCTV is a surveillance camera system with remote server storage for camera footage.
Unlike traditional CCTV systems users do not need to purchase or maintain the conventional storage hardware, such as network video recorders (NVRs) on site. Upgrades to the video surveillance management software are provided automatically via the cloud ensuring users always have the latest capabilities of the system.
CCTV with cloud storage works by using the latest cameras or connectors to stream footage using the internet. Some security cameras will stream the footage directly to the cloud but this takes up a lot of bandwidth so you may need to increase the number of ports on your network and you could lose footage if your internet connection fails.
Hybrid security cameras, like Avigilon Ava cameras, have built-in camera storage but then back up the recorded footage to the cloud. Cloud connecters meanwhile allow you to use your existing IP cameras but gain the advantages of CCTV cloud storage.
The key benefits of using cloud-based CCTV
Flexible & Scalable
Cloud-based CCTV allows users to have flexible and scalable security systems without the cost and maintenance of NVRs. Instead, you have the benefit of improvements to the video surveillance software automatically. With advanced systems like Avigilon Alta Video Cloud Storage, you can minimise bandwidth disruptions by scheduling back-ups when network activity is low and set the maximum streaming quality.
Available on any device
The views from your CCTV cameras are available anywhere and at any time from any mobile device with an internet connection. This means users can manage several sites with ease. You will need to install an app if you want to view the footage easily on a smart phone. The Alta Aware app mirrors its web client allowing you to view live video, triage alarms and manage security.
Choosing Cloud CCTV is ideal if you have multiple sites that you would like to link to a single security system. Equally it would be suitable if you have a small site and limited space for an NVR but still need the most advanced surveillance technology.
Real-time Alerts
You can make your surveillance system more proactive than a conventional CCTV system by receiving real-time and customised alerts. These alerts can be programmed for specific AI-based rules, such as a person crossing a perimeter boundary, out-of-hours movement detection or facial recognition that can be used to match against a watch list, for example for a retailer to identify a known shoplifter.
Secure Storage
Cloud video surveillance is extremely secure as onsite recorders can be susceptible to physical threats, like theft and damage.
Faster Investigations
Cloud CCTV offers smart, intuitive search tools that can transform time-intensive review of surveillance footage into fast answers, empowering security operators.
What is cloud-based access control?
Adopting cloud-based access control means users can manage doors and gates remotely via an internet-connected device. Additionally, everything from employee credentials to relevant access information is stored entirely digitally, making it less susceptible to corruption or physical damage.
Cloud access control is often adopted by businesses with a high number of employees as it can be scaled up easily. It offers a quick and efficient means of editing door schedules and distributing access permissions on the go from a single software device. Users can also manage their entire database from any web browser, on any device, wherever they are.
Benefits of cloud-based access control
Like with CCTV, the benefits of cloud-based access control systems come from the ease of scalability and of the control of multiple sites. Administering the system is straightforward allowing users to add and remove access credentials entirely through their digital platforms.
Additionally, organisations can save costs due to automatic system-wide updates. Other key features of cloud-based access control are:
- Instant access alerts and warnings
- Live occupancy monitoring
Further Cloud-based security options
Intruder alarm systems can now be linked to a dedicated control app on a smart device. This allows for remote management and control of the system, including being able to set and unset the alarm. Additionally, cloud-based intruder alarm systems mean installers can maintain and support organisations remotely reducing the need for costly on-site visits.
Smart sensors, such as the HALO, can provide monitoring in areas where privacy is a concern, such as hotel guest rooms or changing rooms. When installed with CCTV there are features, such as abnormal noise detection, that can support security. It is easier to manage a large number of these devices if they are connected to the cloud.
Looking to the Future of Security
If you are looking to future proof your security systems then examining the cloud options available should ensure their reliability in the long-term. We offer solutions from Motorola Solutions. If you are based in Bristol or elsewhere in south-west England, contact us to find out more.
