Cloud-based video security – an interesting alternative to on-premises hardware
For a long time, on-premises hardware was the only way to operate cameras, recording and analysis securely and reliably in video surveillance. For several years now, however, the cloud has offered an alternative that is growing in popularity. Both architectures have their merits, which is precisely why a careful evaluation is worthwhile. This article sets out where on-premises video remains the right choice, where the cloud comes into its own, and what questions security managers should ask themselves before making a decision.
CCTV for the municipality of Regensdorf
5 min.
On-premises video: tried and tested, and under your own control
With Video on Premise, the entire video surveillance infrastructure – from the cameras and recorders to the storage – is located on the organisation’s own premises and under its own control. For organisations with strict internal IT policies, established system landscapes or specific requirements regarding the integration of third-party systems, this is a decisive advantage: existing cameras can be integrated, interfaces with other security or building systems are retained, and data sovereignty remains entirely in-house.
From an operational perspective, Video on Premise also proves its worth in certain scenarios: at locations with unreliable or non-existent network connectivity – such as along sections of motorway or in remote industrial sites – local processing ensures that security functions remain operational even if the connection is lost. Furthermore, organisations that have already invested in a large camera and server infrastructure stand to benefit from continuing to operate it effectively, rather than replacing it prematurely.
The price of this control is responsibility: maintenance, patches, replacement and monitoring of the hardware are the customer’s own responsibility – or are handed over to a partner, such as Swisscom Secure Vision, which professionally manages the entire lifecycle.
Cloud-based video security: scalable and with reduced operational overhead
With increasing demands, more cameras, higher resolution and longer retention periods, traditional on-premises video architecture is increasingly reaching its limits. Furthermore, every new site means additional hardware, additional maintenance and an additional risk of local failures. This is precisely where Video Security on Cloud comes in: the intelligence is shifted from the on-premises system to a professionally operated platform, whilst the camera on site continues to perform its task.
For organisations with multiple sites, the benefit is immediately apparent. Instead of having to maintain a separate local system for every branch, every cycle shed and every construction site, control, analysis and updates are managed centrally. New sites or additional cameras can be integrated without the need for major hardware projects, which is a clear advantage, particularly for growing and dynamic companies. Scaling is handled via the service, not via additional server racks.
Resilience is another factor that increasingly favours the cloud. Instead of a single on-premises recorder acting as a single point of failure, a professionally operated platform ensures availability, with appropriate redundancy and monitoring. This is also one reason why even banks – a sector that has traditionally been particularly cautious about cloud solutions – are increasingly turning to cloud-based video security. A key factor here is that data is stored in Switzerland, thereby meeting the high regulatory requirements.
And what happens if the connection is lost? Modern cloud solutions are designed precisely for this scenario. In such situations, recording continues directly on the camera – for example, onto an SD card – and the footage is uploaded as soon as the connection is restored. The data itself is transmitted and stored in encrypted form, the cameras are ruggedised, and sensitive information is never left unprotected on site.
On-premises video or cloud-based video: these are the questions you should ask yourself.
Video security – whether on-premises or in the cloud – is rarely an either/or question, but rather a question of the specific use case. The following points are worth considering when assessing your own situation:
- How many locations are to be covered today and in the coming years, and how likely is further growth?
- How reliable is the network connection at each location?
- How much in-house expertise and capacity is actually available for maintenance, patches and hardware replacement?
- What are the requirements regarding integration with existing third-party systems or internal IT policies?
- Should the organisation itself be responsible for operating the security infrastructure, or should this be outsourced to a specialist partner?
Conclusion: independent advice is crucial
On-premises video and cloud-based video security are not competing concepts for video surveillance, but rather two architectures with different strengths. On-premises solutions are the best choice where full local control, established system infrastructures or limited connectivity are key considerations. The cloud comes into its own when scalability, multiple sites and reduced operational overhead are key considerations. Reputable security providers do not push customers in one direction or the other, but instead seek the best video surveillance solution for each specific use case, regardless of technology or their own interests.
Swisscom Secure Vision also offers a range of options: on-premises, cloud-based and even hybrid – with professional support throughout the entire lifecycle. We’d be happy to work with you to find the solution that best suits your situation.
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