WyzGuys Tech Talk

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By Logan Bell

One of the biggest security trends of recent times has been the rise of cloud-based video surveillance. In fact, its growth is evidenced by the fact that the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) industry was worth $18.5 billion in 2018, but that figure is projected to reach around $53 billion by 2026, according to Allied Market Research.

This high level of growth can partly be attributed to shifting requirements and demands, which mean that cloud-based surveillance is no longer a luxury feature, but is quickly becoming a necessity. In this article, we will explore precisely why cloud CCTV has displaced traditional on-premises deployment as the new standard.

Understanding VSaaS

First, it is important to explain precisely what video surveillance as a service is, and how it works. Essentially, this refers to cloud-based video surveillance services, which are provided by third parties on a subscription basis, and which utilise cloud technology to expand the potential of CCTV and enhance the experience for users.

By turning to a VSaaS provider, organisations can benefit from cloud storage, rather than storing data on-site using their own equipment. They can also access the footage captured by their surveillance system from anywhere in the world, using any compatible internet-enabled device that has either a web browser or access to the provider’s app.

Some of the advantages associated with VSaaS include lower upfront costs, because software does not need to be purchased outright and storage devices are not required, along with the improved accessibility. Furthermore, data is stored more securely than with on-premises options, preventing many causes of accidental data loss.

The Rise of ‘Smart’ Cities

One of the key reasons why the VSaaS concept is taking off so much is because of its potential to turn cities into smart cities. It is here that some of the most exciting uses and benefits over conventional surveillance become clear.

As an article for BT explains, smart cities are essentially cities that make use of technology to assist authorities with the running of public services, while opening up opportunities for businesses and improving efficiency for citizens. As cloud-based surveillance continues to improve, the possibilities are almost endless.

Imagine a situation where citizens can access real-time information about how far a bus is from their stop, or where drivers can be informed of the best routes to travel if they wish to avoid traffic congestion. Smart cities can also use CCTV to monitor how busy different areas of the city are at different times, so appropriate resources can be allocated.

Modern Business Needs

The needs and demands of modern businesses have also played a major role in boosting video surveillance as a service and turning it into the new standard for surveillance systems. In general, companies need reliable surveillance, swift access to data, and options to perform data analytics, and VSaaS can facilitate all of this and more.

One modern business trend that is especially relevant to the growth of cloud video surveillance is the increased popularity of remote and hybrid work models. Crucially, when businesses move to a VSaaS approach, senior employees have the ability to access surveillance footage even if they are not physically in the workplace at the time.

Taking this concept a step further, remote access also means that a company’s video surveillance network can be accessed from a central interface, from anywhere. This opens up the potential to monitor multiple offices, stores, or premises, without having to physically travel to those locations and access the storage devices at those sites.

In terms of analytics, cloud-based video surveillance offers the potential to use technology to identify facial expressions or to pinpoint who is present in a location, which can also be useful in certain business scenarios.

Safety and Law Enforcement

Another area where cloud video surveillance can be used to great effect is in relation to safety and law enforcement. While CCTV has long been associated with responding to crimes, the cloud-based approach provides opportunities for law enforcement to access footage in real-time and respond to events with knowledge of the live situation.

In addition to this, cloud-based surveillance can be used more generally for the purposes of maintaining public safety, as well as providing valuable information to authorities about the behaviour of individuals in a particular location.

For instance, Cities Today cites several examples of cloud-based video surveillance and video analytics being used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them, in the United Kingdom, Transport for Greater Manchester used CCTV to analyse social distancing behaviour, while in Cannes, France, CCTV and AI were used to monitor mask-wearing.

Final Thoughts

Cloud-based video surveillance services have been around for a while, but the perception has altered in recent times, as consumer demands have shifted. In the past, cloud CCTV services were seen as a nice extra, or as a luxury rather than a necessity, but changes to this attitude are driving the rapid growth of the VSaaS sector.

In particular, modern business needs around remote accessibility and data security can make cloud surveillance a preferable solution to traditional on-site deployment, and it can be more cost-effective too. Meanwhile, the concept of smart cities is also forcing governments and public sector organisations to re-think their approach. On top of this, cloud services can play a role in maintaining public safety and in dealing with problems like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Bio

Logan has over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, working with industry leaders such as Blackberry and Sony. As Head of Product for Cloudview, he uses his extensive product management experience to drive the company forward as one of the leading names in video surveillance solutions.