Your Guide to Cloud CCTV (+FREE 90-Day Cloud CCTV Trial)

Written by Liam Hearne | Jun 26, 2024 5:30:00 AM

Did you know that businesses with cloud-based CCTV systems experience up to 50% fewer security incidents than those relying on traditional setups?

Let's explore how cloud technology enhances surveillance capabilities, providing unparalleled access, storage, and scalability. Discover the advantages of real-time monitoring, easy integration with existing cameras, and the peace of mind that comes with cutting-edge security solutions.

entrust IT is currently offering a 90-day, no-strings-attached Cloud CCTV Pilot. There is no need to change your cameras—use our system and experience the future of CCTV. Don't like it? No problem, we'll remove it at no charge. Please call 0330 002 0045 to learn more.

CCTV - A Brief History

What Are The Three Different Types of Cloud CCTV We Use Today?

These three systems for uploading footage to the cloud are “Direct to Cloud”, “Hybrid Cloud” and “Cloud Connectors”, respectively. Let's look at the benefits and drawbacks of these systems:

Direct to Cloud

A cloud security camera streams footage directly to a server in a cloud environment. It can use a huge amount of bandwidth and usually requires you to open up ports on your network. Also, if your internet connection fails, the cameras won't be able to record to the cloud portal.

Hybrid Cloud

This is where you have security cameras with built-in storage, but you back up CCTV footage to the cloud. The camera records to the built-in hard drive when there are events. This means you only stream footage and take up bandwidth when you are reviewing events on the CCTV system. If the internet connection is interrupted you still have footage available as the cameras store their footage.

Cloud Connectors

Cloud connectors use almost any security camera that connects to your network locally. This device then processes the images, uploads them to the cloud portal, and stores them locally. If the internet connection is interrupted you still have CCTV footage. This solution offers an excellent upgrade path for businesses looking to move to cloud recording. But, there is still a single point of failure if the cloud connector fails, and you are limited to the hardware of the cloud connector. So to scale or upgrade the system past a certain point could be costly.

What Are The Benefits of Cloud CCTV

Cloud CCTV storage offers a list of advantages over more traditional storage options:

Footage can be accessed by administrators at any time from anywhere with the internet.
Improved security, as data is encrypted and can't be tampered with physically, since it isn't stored on-site.
Cloud-based CCTV systems are constantly patched and upgraded. In many situations, they can be monitored and maintained remotely, saving you expensive technician call-outs.
Storage space is essentially limitless, removing the fear of overwrites whilst also saving you physical space
Cloud CCTV saves on the expense of storage and scales cost-effectively if your camera network is expanded

How Do You Access and View Footage... ...Instantly and Easily is The Answer

One of the stand-out features of Cloud CCTV is the convenience it offers. With a connected smartphone app, you can seamlessly store, retrieve, and share surveillance footage, 24 hours a day, wherever you are.

This ensures on-the-go security without the need for manual check-ins, providing real-time peace of mind. The benefits of this approach are substantial:

Traditionally, businesses use CCTV reactively, reviewing recorded footage only after an incident has occurred. In contrast, cloud-based real-time access allows for proactive monitoring of your premises, potentially preventing security breaches altogether.

Artificial Intelligence is Making CCTV Smarter

If you aren’t actively monitoring your feeds at any time, the inclusion of AI within your cameras means action can be automatically taken before a threat materialises. The AI built into some CCTV cameras can visually assess activity within your perimeter with motion detection and can send an alert to your device within seconds.

Motion Detection: Modern CCTV systems can detect motion within their field of view and alert the owner or manager when there is movement. This means that businesses can be alerted to potential threats in real time, allowing them to take action before any damage occurs.

Smart Searching: Cloud CCTV systems can analyze video footage and highlight specific events, such as a person entering a restricted area or a vehicle arriving on-site. This makes it easier for businesses to find the footage they need quickly, saving time and effort in investigations.

Footfall Tracking: Gain the ability to track the number of people entering and exiting a location, providing valuable data on customer flow and behaviour. This data can be used to optimize store layouts, improve customer experience, and increase sales.

Facial Recognition: Cloud CCTV systems can use facial recognition technology to identify individuals and track their movements. This can be useful in identifying known criminals or tracking the movements of specific individuals.

ANPR: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a technology that can read and store the license plates of vehicles entering and exiting a location. This can be useful in identifying suspects and tracking their movements.

Night Vision: Modern CCTV cameras are equipped with infrared sensors that allow them to capture clear images even in complete darkness. This means that businesses can remain secure 24/7, even in low-light environments.

Future Proof Your Business

Cloud CCTV offers enhanced efficiency and control, with the flexibility to scale according to your security needs. This technology is set to become even more standardized in the coming years, coinciding with advancements in internet infrastructure and remote storage, making these systems more efficient and secure. The beauty of cloud CCTV is that it allows you to leverage these new features without the need to replace your existing CCTV hardware.

Embracing cloud CCTV is not just about keeping up with technological trends; it's about future-proofing your security strategy. Real-time access and proactive monitoring capabilities represent a significant shift from the reactive methods of the past. By integrating cloud-based solutions, you can ensure your premises are better protected and more responsive to potential threats.

If you're looking to upgrade your workplace security but don't know what system is right for you then you're in luck. We are currently offering a no strings attached 90-day CCTV pilot. Experience the future of CCTV security that utilises the power of AI to defend your business from threats proactively, the best part is that you don't need to change your current cameras. To learn more please do not hesitate to get in contact at 0330-002-0045 or email us at sales@entrustit.co.uk.

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