The need to use the cloud to store and save data has gained much popularity. Businesses and individuals are investing in the new trend to tap into its benefits. Security footage is no exception, as it’s one of the leading benefits of the concept. What makes it more revolutionary is that it is a VSaaS.
What is VSaaS?
VSaaS stands for video surveillance as a service, a cloud-based solution for accessing, storing, and managing video footage. Traditionally, the footage was stored and collected through a physical on-site device like an NVR. VSaaS eliminates the need for physical devices; everything is sent directly to a secure cloud via your internet connection.
However,VSaaSis a service provided by third parties, meaning you’ll have to pay a fee in exchange for accessing the cloud and the features. But with many video surveillance companies in the market, you should choose the best VSaaS solution provider.
Essential factors to consider when choosing a VSaaS provider
- Experience and knowledge
The level of knowledge and experience will determine the quality of the VSaaS solution you’ll get. You research the period the provider has been operating and their success rate.
- Cost
Your budget will influence the best and ideal VSaaS provider for you, and you need to hire the one that charges a reasonable price. You can compare prices from different providers to have a price insight. However, don’t settle for the cheapest one as the low price could be due to poor service.
- Technology and platform
The provider’s technology and platform should match your cloud objectives and the IT environment on your premises. Therefore, they should be able to customize their services to descend with your specific issues.
- Operational efficiency
A provider must provide operational efficiency to cover complex and remote areas in your property. Also, they need to have the ability to create prompt alerts for faster emergency response and improve general security.
- Understand your needs
Before moving onto the cloud, you must know the business needs and strategies. It helps and acts as a checklist when deciding the best VSaaS provider. Identify your needs and minimum requirements and pick the best VSaaS solution provider.
Ensure your staff is trained to implement the VSaaS to avoid mistakes. You can have a plan with the VSaaS to provide your team with training and the necessary tools.
- Vendor’s Reputation
You need to know the vendor’s reputation from past and current clients. You can get the information by checking the reviews on their website or feedback from the clients. Also, check their credentials to ensure you work with a registered or insured provider.
Benefits of VSaaS
- Easy installation and maintenance
Installing a traditional surveillance system is a long and tedious process. It entails establishing software, wiring the cameras to a physical device, and manually configuring each camera. Also, you’ll need to conduct manual maintenance practices and updates that will take time and money.
VSaaS is more convenient as it involves minimal hardware installations and configurations. Also, the updates are done automatically through the cloud, allowing you to get better results hassle-free.
- Flexibility
Since the recordings are in the online cloud, the system is a flexible storage option. It is scalable as you can expand the storage space depending on your needs by paying the provider. Unlike traditional methods, cloud-based systems can hold unlimited data without running out of space.
- Saves money
Subscribing to VSaaS is cheaper and will save you money in the long run. A traditional system requires huge investment for the hardware, including cameras and professional installation costs. Also, you will spend on regular maintenance and require technical support.
But with a cloud-based system, you’ll need to pay for the camera and the VSaaS plan. You won’t be spending on maintenance and updates as you can automate the process. The prices are flexible, and you can choose one that fits your budget.
- Reliable back up
There is a high risk of losing footage using traditional systems. That’s because the physical device can have defaults, get lost, be destroyed, and more. But if the recordings are automatically stored in the cloud, there will be minimal chance of losing your security footage.
- More secure
The most secure way of storing your recording is using a cloud-based system. The servers have high cyber security features that remove data vulnerability. Cloud-based systems allow you to input passwords and restrict data access effectively.
- Centralized remote access
Remote access makes management easy and flawless. If your business operates in multiple locations, you must have access to data from areas. VSaaS makes the task seamless, as you can view all the connected cameras from any internet-connected device.
VsaaS- Do’s and Don’ts
- Don’t assume all systems are plug-and-play
A plug-and-play is a camera and recorder connected to a central-management server without the need to set up an IP address, forward ports, or change firewall configurations. They are reliable, cost-effective, and save time to set up. However, some VSaaS systems require more arrangements, and you need to identify their needs.
- Do consider image quality
You need to invest in image quality for your systems. It increases visibility and will enhance security in your business or home. You’ll be able to see the details of the intruder or the unusual activity, and you can present it as evidence.
- Do verify which cameras are compatible with the system
Some cloud-based systems require proprietary cameras, while others work with various tools. Do research to ensure that your cameras are consistent with the technologies of the VSaaS provider.
VSaaS cons
Despite being the best solution, VSaaS has certain drawbacks. For instance, you need a reliable internet connection to transmit the footage to the cloud. If the internet connection is disrupted, you might lose the video. Also, it requires huge bandwidth to the cloud software, which can increase the monthly costs.
Further, you’ll need to sacrifice the quality of the footage due to bandwidth constraints. However, the quality of services will vary from provider to provider, meaning if you work with a professional vendor, the above issues will not stress you.
Final thoughts
VSaaS is ideally beneficial in enhancing security and efficiency in operations. It enables you to watch, monitor, record, and store video footage. Also, it solves the issues associated with traditional surveillance systems, such as limited data storage. But before that, you need to understand the above information for optimal VSaaS results.
