Pros & Cons of Cloud Video vs. On-Premise Storage for Security Systems

High-resolution video surveil­lance is a must for many businesses. You want to see what’s happening in and around your property without worrying about pixelation or blurred images. But, unless you’re watching on a monitor hooked up to a high-res camera in real-time, you’ll need to invest in the storage archi­tecture for your surveil­lance equipment. 

With more and more video data available, what do you do with it? Do you store it on-site and have a room full of servers to support your growing collection of videos, or do you send it off into the cloud and let someone else worry about server space? Both approaches have their own set of advan­tages and disad­van­tages, and choosing the right one depends on various factors. 

Below, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each option to help you determine if on-premise or cloud storage is right for your business. We’ll also explain how a hybrid option, like the one offered by Bates Security, gives you the best of both worlds.

Cloud Video Storage

Cloud video storage refers to storing recorded video footage from security cameras on remote servers hosted by a third-party service provider. Here are some of the advan­tages and disad­van­tages of using cloud video storage for security systems.

Pros:

Scala­bility

Cloud storage offers excellent scala­bility, allowing users to increase or decrease their storage capacity as per their require­ments. With cloud storage, there is no need to invest in additional hardware or worry about running out of storage space.

Redun­dancy and Data Security

Cloud storage providers typically implement robust security measures, including data encryption and backup systems. This ensures that video footage is protected against theft, physical damage, and natural disasters. In addition, cloud storage solutions often offer redun­dancy, meaning that data is repli­cated across multiple servers, minimizing the risk of data loss.

Reduced Upfront Infra­structure Costs

Cloud storage elimi­nates the need for businesses to invest heavily in on-premises storage infra­structure. This can lead to signif­icant cost savings in terms of hardware, mainte­nance, and IT personnel. However, there are monthly fees involved, as we’ll explain in the cons below.

Cons:

Depen­dence on Internet Connection

One of the signif­icant drawbacks of cloud storage is its reliance on a stable Internet connection. If the internet goes down or experi­ences disrup­tions, users may be unable to access their video footage. This can be a signif­icant concern, especially during critical moments when immediate access to the footage is essential.

Monthly Costs

Cloud video storage typically involves a subscription-based model, where users pay a monthly fee based on their storage needs. Over time, these costs can add up, making it a less cost-effective solution compared to on-premise storage, especially for long-term use.

Privacy and Data Ownership

Storing video footage in the cloud means entrusting sensitive data to a third-party service provider. While reputable providers prior­itize data security, concerns regarding privacy and data ownership still exist. Users must carefully review the provider’s terms and condi­tions and ensure compliance with applicable data protection regulations.

On-Premise Storage

As the name suggests, on-premise storage involves storing video footage locally on dedicated servers or network video recorder (NVR) devices within the premises. Let’s examine the advan­tages and disad­van­tages of on-premise storage for security systems.

Pros:

Increased Data Control

With on-premise storage, users have complete control over their video footage. They can manage access permis­sions, implement security measures tailored to their specific needs, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Relia­bility

On-premise storage elimi­nates the depen­dence on an internet connection for accessing video footage. As long as the local infra­structure is in place, users can reliably access their recordings, even during internet outages or disrup­tions.

Cost-Effec­tiveness

Although on-premise storage requires an initial investment in hardware and infra­structure, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Users don’t have to pay a monthly storage fee or worry about increasing storage costs as their needs grow.

Cons:

Mainte­nance and Upkeep

On-premise storage systems require regular mainte­nance and updates to ensure optimal perfor­mance and data security. This respon­si­bility falls on the users or the IT department, requiring technical expertise and time investment. It’s important to select a trust­worthy partner for your video service that can provide ongoing mainte­nance, as it will relieve the burden on IT personnel.

The Cost of Scaling

Scaling on-premise storage infra­structure can be a complex and costly process, involving additional hardware purchases and system upgrades.

Vulner­a­bility to Physical Threats

On-premise storage systems are suscep­tible to physical threats such as theft, vandalism, or damage due to fire or natural disasters. Adequate security measures, such as secure storage rooms and backups in off-site locations, are essential to mitigate these risks.

How to Make the Right Choice

The choice for on-premise storage often arises from the desire for increased control, robust data security, and effective cost management. Consid­er­a­tions such as hard drive capacity, the nature of recorded content, and file sizes play a crucial role, especially when employing the FIFO (first in, first out) method for managing video recordings. 

At Bates Security, our experi­enced profes­sionals can guide you through these factors, ensuring your security system aligns seamlessly with your specific needs and budget constraints. We’re proud to offer a hybrid solution that combines the best of on-premise and cloud storage technologies. This custom approach allows clients to strike a balance between cost-effec­tiveness and preserving critical footage when needed.