Why Cloud Managed Video Surveillance is Better than Cloud Recording

April 18, 2019

We believe that a cloud-managed video surveillance solution combines the best elements of local recording and cloud recording and eliminates some of the pitfalls. For you, this means having the performance and reliability of a dedicated on-site recorder but with the labor savings of managing recorders and users from a secure centralized location. How convenient!

If you caught our video management solution intro blog, then you know that OpenEye works with any existing camera system (including analog, IP, and wireless security cameras) using already installed coax cables. But, besides the cost and time savings, what makes this solution better than cloud recording (which is what most people think of when they hear “cloud” and “video surveillance” in the same sentence)?

1. Recording Reliability Even When the Internet is Down If connectivity is a concern, local on-site system recording ensures video is recorded even when internet connectivity is lost.
2. Data Security
   
   If ensuring that your video does not leave the premises (without user intervention) is important to you, then a cloud-managed solution may be your answer. It allows users to record locally and only transmit video for remote viewing or export.
3. LAN Performance
   
   An on-premises recorder can drastically improve performance when users access video primarily on the local area network (LAN). Why? Because video can be streamed entirely over the LAN without utilizing bandwidth through the internet connection.

• Benefits:
  • Reduced latency while viewing the live video (latency is far more noticeable when a user is on location).
  • Less load on the internet bandwidth; which is especially important if your site has POS data, slower internet speeds, and/or large camera counts.
• Total Cost of Ownership
  
  When looking at the total cost of ownership for cloud recording it can become expensive quickly, making cloud video management more viable than cloud video recording.
  • Here’s why…The average user only views and exports an extremely small percentage of their recorded video but then absorbs the cost to move and store all of their recorded video in the cloud. But why do that when most of it will never be used? Higher speed internet packages and monthly cloud recording fees add up fast, especially as more cameras are installed and you evaluate the recurring cost over multiple years.
• Bandwidth Limitations
  
  Also, cost prohibitive is an internet connection with enough uplink bandwidth to record 16+ streams of megapixel video to the cloud. In locations outside of major metropolitan areas, internet service providers may not even offer an option that provides enough uplink bandwidth. This often translates into sacrificed video quality (through reduced video resolutions and frame rates) to get video data into the bandwidth available.
• Future Upgrades and Compatibility
  
  The custom nature of many cloud recording systems makes it hard to upgrade and change devices over time. Having a dedicated on-site box allows more potential for upgrading technology as needed because it allows for more flexibility in integrating with third-party hardware and technology providers.
• Local Access
  
  Many businesses that purchase security solutions do not have another PC system on-site for use by employees or managers. The local console of an on-site recorder allows users to log in and search video for events and export those clips without the need for an additional PC. It also restricts users to only security functions vs. an open PC that can be used to browse the internet and must be managed and patched for security.
• Remote Troubleshooting
  
  An on-site recorder provides a bridge to the local user’s network to manage and monitor cameras. If a camera stops working, the installer can access the camera to troubleshoot remotely and, depending on the recorder model, even power cycle the camera in an attempt to bring it back online so a technician doesn’t have to go on-site to fix it. This can result in significant savings on system maintenance over time and improved uptime.
• Retrofit Option for Existing Systems
  
  A hybrid recording option that supports IP and includes a built-in encoder for standard analog and TVI cameras can provide a path to retrofit existing analog installations, with the option to add IP video and cloud connectivity, that might otherwise be cost prohibitive if users were required to replace all their cameras and rewire the installation.

That last bullet was a mouthful but we hope you get the picture! As always, we’re available to answer any questions you have or come out for a free quote.