Beyond CCTV: The Power of Cloud Video

The advent of closed-circuit television revolutionized how video was viewed, and soon after, its technology became a staple of the video security industry. However, as a solution first developed nearly 100 years ago, its model has become more and more antiquated as new surveillance solutions innovate the market. Despite the modifications to CCTV that have enhanced it over the years, it’s clear that many businesses continuing to leverage this technology need a solution with additional capabilities to keep up with business demands. 

Today, cloud video security provides the flexibility and scalability that past systems couldn’t. With remote connectivity adding to the capabilities of on-site surveillance, and security solutions that can be utilized alongside your platform, such as video analytics, access control, and point-of-sale data, cloud video opens doors to enhanced operations and fortified security in ways that closed-circuit can’t. In this article, we’ll cover how a cloud video surveillance solution can benefit your business and what to consider when taking that next step. 

Meet Your Business’ Needs With Cloud Video Surveillance

Cloud video security adds many additional benefits to CCTV, including remote access and centralized management, diverse deployment options, and cost-effectiveness. Below, we’ll cover these factors in depth so you can best address your business’ security needs. 

Remote Access to The Security System and Video 

Remote access to your cloud video solution should improve operational efficiency and business safety via three key benefits: 

• Easy Access: The power of the cloud should provide you with easy access to your security, both the devices as well as the video, regardless of physical location.  

• Collaborative Across Teams: Whether you’re a district manager reviewing events tied to several locations, a security professional receiving an alert and video verification of critical events on your phone, or part of the IT team making changes to the system remotely, cloud video should keep all your teams informed and efficient wherever they are with remote access. 

• Secure and Protected: A cloud video surveillance platform should have controls in place to ensure the right people have access to only the video, devices, and data they need. 

Before you implement cloud capabilities into your CCTV solution, consider your specific needs in both the management of locations and users and how remote access could create efficiencies and improve both security and business operations.

Flexible Deployment Options That Scale 

When evaluating if your business is ready to take the leap to the cloud, it’s important to consider both your needs today and tomorrow. The cloud should provide the ability to scale security as your business grows, so it’s vital to ask yourself a few questions to ensure you find a solution that can keep up. 

• First, consider your current security footprint. Do you have existing cameras? Do you have other business systems that could be integrated with your video security, such as access control or point-of-sale? Choose a system that can work with your existing infrastructure or previous investments.  

• Next, consider current gaps in your security. Are there locations today where you need more cameras and a recorder that can scale to meet those needs? Are there locations where you have video but lack the analytics to detect events? Are there locations that could benefit from video but a network recorder doesn’t make sense? Choose a system that offers solutions to your unique challenges.  

• Finally, consider what your security might look like tomorrow. What does business growth look like, and how does your security scale to support it? How do you efficiently support the onboarding of new locations? What technology will become critical to your business in the future, and will your security solution and video integrate with it? Choose a cloud solution that is both open and flexible enough to address your needs both today and tomorrow.  

Consider the Cost of Cloud Video 

Any investment in security will be evaluated for cost tradeoffs. Make sure to consider the value of a cloud security solution by analyzing the potential savings in efficiently deploying this security, but also the cost savings over time in managing security via the cloud. 

• Consider the cost of video storage alongside business needs. Cloud storage does come with a cost, so it should be done as efficiently as possible. It also brings some inherent risk or challenges, considering it’s reliant on the internet and bandwidth. Find a system that provides the reliability of local video storage but also additional cloud storage options to support redundant recording of critical events. Also, understand the risks associated with not having video when you need it and choose a solution that provides system health alerts so issues, such as downed cameras, can be resolved as soon as they occur. 

• Consider the investment required today to make the shift to next-generation security. Can you use existing cameras and systems, such as access control? Will you be able to take advantage of powerful analytics with your current devices? Choose a system that gives you more return on your existing infrastructure. 

• Consider the savings you’ll achieve through greater efficiencies thanks to cloud solutions. What work exists today that could be minimized or removed completely thanks to the cloud? What tasks or issues previously required teams to travel or be on-site that can now be done remotely? Choose a system that can address current pain points and that saves your teams’ time. 

• Finally, consider a cloud video solution that can deliver intelligence across your organization to help propel the company forward and improve your bottom line. Assess the power of a video security system when used for loss prevention, marketing, operations, and other sides of your business, adding value across your organization and shifting surveillance from a cost center to a profit center.  

OpenEye’s Cloud Video Security Solutions 

OpenEye Web Services (OWS) delivers a cloud security solution that provides remote access and cloud management while addressing commercial security needs today and tomorrow—thanks to its flexible and scalable architecture. OWS supports any combination of servers and embedded appliances, as well as network and cloud-connected cameras, and gives you the option to record locally or to the cloud based on the events that matter most. Retrofit existing deployments, including both third-party and analog cameras, as well as third-party business systems, providing a low-friction migration path to the cloud to ensure you get the most value out of your security. 

Everywhere Video Security Access that Scales  

From the OWS cloud, you can easily connect to devices to view live video, search events, and manage your system from wherever you are. Add any number of recorders and cloud cameras to a logical location. With no limit on the total locations and devices associated with an OpenEye Web Services account, you can scale as needed, all while providing a streamlined management platform within a single pane of glass. 

Cloud-Managed Local Recording 

OpenEye’s powerful, cloud-managed recorders can support up to 96 cameras, and offer a wide range of options to accommodate varying system load and performance requirements. Cloud “edge” cameras provide an all-in-one recording solution with their own dedicated storage and analytic processing built into the camera—providing additional flexibility and scalability for versatile deployments. 

Enhanced Surveillance via an Open Ecosystem 

Thanks to the open ecosystem, OWS works with existing cameras as well as third-party devices and business systems, such as access control, environmental sensors, point-of-sale, and more—no need to rip and replace. Beyond the freedom of choice, OpenEye provides an easy path to the cloud, without the upfront investment in infrastructure or the downtime associated. With more integrations added each year, OpenEye provides peace of mind in your security investment, meeting your business needs today and in the future. 

Ready to Upgrade Your Video Security? 

See what OpenEye Web Services can do, and learn how our powerful cloud video security solutions increase safety, improve operations, and create more value for your business.