The Pro's and Con's of Cloud based security

In this blog we address the pro's and Con's of traditional on site (Hosted) video systems vs. Cloud based systems. While this is centered around Video systems most of it would apply to different cloud based systems such as access control or phone systems as well. While we here at Intuitiv Technology Solutions highly support cloud based technology we realize each client has certain needs and we continue to offer the best solution for your business.

​1. System Installation
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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Deploying a traditional system is a long, complex process. The operating system software must be installed and configured, routers and firewalls must be configured, storage servers must be set-up, the cameras themselves must be installed, and the application software that manages your system must be installed and configured.

​​Cloud Based DVR/VMS

A cloud-based system has a much easier and simplified on-demand deployment.
The on-premise bridge appliance is plugged in and configured. Then cameras are automatically configured as they are plugged in.

2. System Support
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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Having a locally hosted solution is a manually intensive process to support and maintain the on-site hardware and software, updating firmware and configuration changes.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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The process is less intensive and storage hardware and software are off-site ‘in the cloud’, with only an on-site bridge appliance that connects the cameras to the cloud-based VMS, the ongoing support required is done off-site by your service provider. All updating is completed automatically at the cloud level and pushed to the onsite bridge. There is little to no maintenance involved.




3. Total Cost of Ownership
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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High initial cost. Necessary hardware, software, and installation are very expensive. Ongoing costs can include: an annual maintenance fee, router configuration changes, system changes, backups, security patches, IT staff time, space, electricity, central management, redundancy, cybersecurity expertise & support, and multi-site integration.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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When you factor in all of the costs, ongoing monthly subscription costs of a cloud-based service are lower due to the economies of scale from the shared cloud infrastructure and support.

4. Storage Retention Flexibility
​Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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A traditional DVR, NVR or VMS stores the recorded video on-site. The amount of recorded video that is stored is limited by hardware capacity you chose when you purchased and installed your system. Upgrades in camera resolution or a desire to extend the amount of time that you are retaining video will require you to buy additional or replacement hardware and then configure it.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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Many advanced cloud systems offer a flexible combination of on-premise and cloud storage. Regardless of where the video is viewed or stored you have the same access to it. Ask your provider, as some systems have the camera talk directly to the cloud, and therefore cannot store video on-premise. You can instantly increase video resolution or the retention period, without having to purchase new or upgrade existing hardware. Because cloud systems utilize a large shared cloud infrastructure for video storage, they provide tremendous economies of scale and flexibility.


5. Adding and Managing Cameras
​Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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Traditional DVR systems typically support a wide array of varying analog & IP camera choices. Once initial camera wiring is in place, new cameras must be manually connected and configured.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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Advanced cloud systems also typically support a broad array of analog & IP camera choices. With the camera wiring complete, cameras are configured automatically. Built-in dashboards show camera status with instant alerts for camera or internet issues.


6. Bandwidth Management
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System

Bandwidth is required for networked cameras and viewing live video on client PC's as well required is for remote viewing. On-site video recording storage can also require bandwidth.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS

While some bandwidth is required for remote viewing just like a locally hosted system. On-site video storage buffering requires no bandwidth – but the majority of storage is streamed, requiring potentially large amounts of Internet bandwidth. Some cloud based systems have highly advanced bandwidth management to reduce or control bandwidth consumption.



​7. Technology Longevity and APIs
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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Traditional systems become outdated and obsolete faster. They start with a set of robust features, but the core feature set is fixed at the time the hardware is created. You can download firmware updates, but you are limited in your opportunity for technology updates. Updates are typically manual & and require support. APIs are closed and generally require signing an NDA. API functionality is limited.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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As with most Cloud technology – evolution is ongoing and rapid. The solution provider sends automatic technology updates through the internet to your on-site bridge appliance. Your system is continuously evolving which equates to longevity. APIs for analytics, integration, and applications are open and publicly published. Fully functional APIs can be used in other systems.

8. Cyber-Security
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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The need for remote access to videos has resulted in traditional DVRs, NVRs and VMS’s typically being connected to the to the internet by the integrator or installer. A properly configured firewall becomes a necessary piece of hardware. It is your responsibility to then monitor for security vulnerabilities such as operating systems, open ports, on-site vendor software.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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Most advanced cloud-based video management systems do not suffer from the same cyber-security vulnerabilities of traditional systems. There are no vulnerable open ports, no on-site firewalls required, and no on-premise software. No firewall installations are required.
Some cloud VMS vendors have dedicated cyber security teams to monitor new vulnerabilities. These teams can instantly apply security patches via the cloud to the on-premise bridge appliance.

9. Remote Access
Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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With many traditional systems, remote video access was not a priority, but was rather something added on due to customer requests. The quality of video access can be unpredictable, with choppy streaming and poor image quality being the norm. Additionally, encryption of the video stream is rare, creating privacy concerns. Internet browser incompatibilities are also very common.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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Cloud-based systems were designed for remote access. Advanced VMS systems typically have smooth video streaming and ease of access by authorized users.
Additionally, some provide encryption while the video is being stored and while it is being streamed remotely. They can also be used by a wide variety of web browsers and mobile apps are common.

10. Redundancy and Reliability
​Traditional DVR/NVR/VMS System
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Traditional DVRs, NVRs and VMS’s have highly variable redundancy levels from none to adequate. Internal IT support is required to maintain the redundancies. The duplicate servers required for redundancy are often idle, adding to the overall expense.

​Cloud Based DVR/VMS
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Cloud data centers where the video is stored often have double and triple redundancy. The shared infrastructure results in full server utilization and economies of scale.