Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • The Security Leadership Issue
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Video Surveillance

Eyes in the Sky: Cloud Computing and Video Surveillance

By Robert Kramer
Exclusives Feature Image
March 27, 2012

cloud_surveillanceThe role of cloud-based services is being increasingly accepted and adopted by users in all parts of life. Cloud-based software is provided as a service over the Internet, typically on a subscription basis. It's an alternative to companies purchasing software programs to run on their own computers – and then having to update or purchase new software as new versions are released. With cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), they can simply pay a monthly fee and get the full benefits of using the newest software.

In the realm of video surveillance, a cloud-based system might provide video management software and enable access to video views from any of the company's IP cameras, all connected securely to the system via Internet. Video storage is another cloud-based service useful to the surveillance industry. Archived video from a company's cameras is stored in the cloud; in actuality on a server in another location with access via Internet. This way, the end-user doesn't need to purchase and maintain their own physical data storage devices.

Advantages of cloud-based systems include lower (and more predictable) costs. Using a cloud-based system decreases the need for capital investment. Instead of a one-time expenditure and ongoing maintenance charges, a company is invoiced on a monthly basis. There is no upfront investment in computer servers or software licenses or updates; there is a lower cost of entry. There are no set-up complications, and the system is closer to plug-and-play. IT responsibilities for the system shift to the software vendor, which reduces the need for technical people and potentially eliminates the need for backup systems, factors that are especially attractive to smaller companies. Web-based systems also provide easy access to information for employees working off-site or from home.

The companies providing video storage as a service over the Internet have massive data centers around the world that provide the necessary capacity and 24/7 access. This approach is an emerging trend in the video surveillance arena because of the advantage of lower costs. Cloud-based video storage is a fraction of what network storage devices cost when measured per gigabyte. The economics alone suggest a growing role in the future for this type of storage. The security of video images stored off-site is never a cause for concern as security is a top priority for cloud-based system suppliers.

For video systems, another overarching advantage of cloud-based systems and/or storage is the ability to increase system functionality without increasing system infrastructure. Systems tend to be simpler (and simpler to operate), easily scalable and reliable.

Cloud-based services will open up new customers for IP video systems. Many will be smaller businesses that are less able to invest in a large on-site network infrastructure. Video surveillance customers are specifically being courted now by cloud-based suppliers who have identified security as a vertical market. Monitoring companies and telecom companies are also getting into the space, and it's safe to say the landscape will be very different in a few years. Cloud-based storage is also a trend in the consumer market, which provides larger scale (and lower costs) as consumers seek to store music, movies and other entertainment. Developments in the consumer market often drive changes (and lower costs) in the video surveillance arena.

With storage residing in the cloud rather than on a local server with analytics firmware, the capabilities of edge-based devices like cameras become more important. Analytics processing that takes place inside the camera reduces the need to send vast quantities of raw data over the network. In-camera analytics such as facial matching, people counting and more-complex video motion detection zones increase the usefulness of cameras at the edge and boost overall system functionality in cloud-based systems. Smarter cameras at the edge can also provide video analytics such as virtual tripwires, object left behind, etc. Adaptive technologies enable cameras to provide superior images despite lighting challenges such as backlighting. Variable image resolution technology can enable a less important part of an image (such as the sky) to be coded at a lower resolution to save data file size. In effect, smarter cameras do more at the edge of the network. These features will make network cameras an even more valuable system component and contribute additional functionality to simplified systems that take advantage of cloud-based services.

The various components of a video surveillance system will continue to develop and change as network capabilities, storage and transmission evolve. The advent and increasing use of the cloud as part of a video system is currently a major factor in this evolution.

KEYWORDS: cloud security storage surveillance video

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Robert Kramer is the Product Manager of Security Products at Panasonic.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Security Enterprise Services
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Charles Denyer
Subscribe For Free!
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

  • Duty of Care
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Integrating Technology and Physical Security to Advance Duty of Care

Popular Stories

Pills spilled

More than 20,000 sensitive medical records exposed

Laptop in darkness

Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report shows rise in cyberattacks

Computer with binary code hovering nearby

Cyberattacks Targeting US Increased by 136%

White post office truck

Department of Labor Sues USPS Over Texas Whistleblower Termination

Internal computer parts

Critical Software Vulnerabilities Rose 37% in 2024

2025 Security Benchmark banner

Events

September 29, 2025

Global Security Exchange (GSX)

 

November 17, 2025

SECURITY 500 Conference

This event is designed to provide security executives, government officials and leaders of industry with vital information on how to elevate their programs while allowing attendees to share their strategies and solutions with other security industry executives.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • SEC0421-Edu-FEAT_MAIN_1170x878px

    Gaining a video surveillance ‘edge’ in the cloud

    See More
  • Cloud network security

    Migrating video surveillance to the cloud can improve overall security

    See More
  • 7th generation recycling implement video surveillance

    7th Generation Recycling: a case study in cloud and video surveillance

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • intelligent.jpg

    Intelligent Network Video: Understanding Modern Video Surveillance Systems, Second Edition

  • s and the law.jpg

    Surveillance and the Law: Language, Power and Privacy

  • s in europe.jpg

    Surveillance in Europe

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing