Cloud CCTV Guide: What it is and how it can benefit your business
In the modern age of security, cloud-based CCTV systems are transforming how businesses and individuals monitor their premises. These advanced surveillance solutions leverage cloud storage to offer scalable, flexible, and remotely accessible options for enhancing security measures. By integrating with the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud CCTV provides real-time data and analytics, making it easier than ever to oversee operations and respond swiftly to incidents. This article explains the technology behind IP camera cloud solutions and its benefits.
What is cloud-based CCTV?
Cloud-based CCTV is a surveillance camera system with remote server storage for camera footage. This means that unlike traditional CCTV systems users that use local storage you do not need to purchase or maintain the conventional storage hardware, such as network video recorders (NVRs) on site. Upgrades to the video surveillance management software are provided automatically via the cloud ensuring users always have the latest capabilities of the system.
CCTV with cloud storage works by using the latest cameras or cloud connectors to stream footage using the internet. Some security cameras will stream the footage directly to the cloud but this takes up a lot of bandwidth so you may need to increase the number of ports on your network and you could lose footage if your internet connection fails.
Hybrid security cameras, like Avigilon Ava cameras, have built-in camera storage but then back up the recorded footage to the cloud. You only need to stream footage and take up bandwidth on your network if you are reviewing events on the surveillance system. If the internet connection is disrupted you will not lose the footage as it is being stored on the security cameras.
Cloud connecters allow you to use your existing IP cameras but gain the advantages of CCTV cloud storage.
The key benefits of using cloud-based CCTV
Flexible & Scalable
Cloud-based CCTV allows users to have flexible and scalable security systems without the cost and maintenance of NVRs. Instead you have the benefit of improvements to the video surveillance software automatically. With advanced systems like Alta Aware Cloud Storage you can minimise bandwidth disruptions by scheduling cloud back-ups when network activity is low and set the maximum streaming quality.
Available on any device
The views from your CCTV cameras are available anywhere and at anytime from any mobile device with an internet connection. This means users can manage several sites with ease. You will need to install an app if you want to view the footage easily on a smart phone. The Alta Aware app mirrors its web client allowing you to view live video, triage alarms and manage security.
Choosing Cloud CCTV is ideal if you have multiple sites that you would like to link to a single security system. Equally it would be suitable if you have a small site and limited space for an NVR but still need the most advanced surveillance technology.
Real-time Alerts
You can make your surveillance system more proactive than a conventional CCTV system by receiving real-time and customised alerts.
Secure Storage
Cloud video surveillance is extremely secure as onsite recorders can be susceptible to physical threats, like theft and damage.
Investigate faster
Cloud CCTV offers smart, intuitive search tools that can transform time-intensive review of surveillance footage into fast answers, empowering security operators.
Keeping CCTV data secure
Cloud CCTV is extremely secure as data is transferred with end-to-end encryption and automatic updates sent as required to protect the system. It also removes the risk of physical threats associated with an onsite NVR and local camera storage. Ensure you install a fully compliant cloud storage system, such as Avigilon Alta Aware, to be certain data privacy is always maintained.
By storing your footage in the cloud you have a robust backup for your video recordings. The Avigilon Alta solution is built on a hardened Linux platform, so cyber security is designed into the product from the start, not added as an afterthought.
The Avigilon Alta Cloud Solution
The Avigilon Alta Cloud solution is based around its Alta Aware Cloud video management system and the Avigilon Ava CCTV cameras that come with built-in AI video and audio analytics. Alternatively you can take advantage of the cloud but retain existing cameras by using an Avigilon Ava cloud connector which means you can easily connect your third-party cameras and sensors to the Alta Aware cloud-based platform. With the Avigilon Alta Cloud solution you can:
- Add new surveillance cameras and integrate your CCTV system quickly
- Respond quickly to incidents on your site or among staff
- Manage your security system more easily with easy remote access to camera feeds
- Help security teams be more proactive with always-on analytics
Alta Aware is a powerful cloud-based AI video management system (VMS) which is suitable for both large, distributed enterprise installations and small deployments, Alta Aware analyses all the video feeds from all your Avigilon Ava and third-party cameras all the time and in real-time. It identifies objects and events, sending instant alarms based on rules and unusual activity detection. With Alta Aware, you can also quickly search by event, object, and similarity to find a specific person, vehicle, or event of interest through countless hours of video within seconds or minutes.
We can help you connect Alta Aware to your existing sensors, access control systems, dashboards, external viewers, or communication systems to get a comprehensive overview of your security situation and ensure you can safeguard and protect people, your building and your property more effectively. What’s more, Alta Aware, equipped with integrated machine learning capabilities, helps you manage all your devices and security across sites with a simple web-based interface and Android and iOS apps accessible from anywhere without additional plugins or configurations.
Features of Avigilon Alta Aware
- Always-on pro-active analytics
- Fast investigations with Smart Search
- Alta Aware Line Crossing Feature
- Occupancy counting
- Number plate recognition/ Vehicle detection
- Flexibility to get the best camera views
- Motion detection
Additionally, with two-factor authentication, and a proactive focus on ensuring the system remains as secure as possible, you can be confident in the security of your Avigilon Alta deployments. As the administrator for your Alta Aware deployments, you have complete control over who can access your system — there are no default passwords, and Avigilon Alta personnel can only access your deployments if you give express permission and enable that access from within your deployment.
We offer bespoke CCTV systems to meet your needs
To find out more contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud-based CCTV?
Cloud-based CCTV is a surveillance camera system with remote server storage for camera footage. This means that unlike traditional CCTV systems users do not need to purchase or maintain the conventional storage hardware, such as network video recorders (NVRs) on site. Upgrades to the video surveillance management software are provided automatically via the cloud ensuring users always have the latest capabilities of the system.
How does cloud CCTV work?
CCTV with cloud storage works by using the latest cameras or cloud connectors to stream footage using the internet. Some security cameras will stream the footage directly to the cloud but this takes up a lot of bandwidth so you may need to increase the number of ports on your network and you could lose footage if your internet connection fails. Hybrid security cameras, like Avigilon Ava cameras, have built-in storage but then back up the recorded footage to the cloud. You only need to stream footage and take up bandwidth on your network if you are reviewing events on the surveillance system. If the internet connection is disrupted you will not lose the footage as it is being stored on the security cameras. Cloud connecters allow you to use your existing IP cameras but gain the advantages of CCTV cloud storage.
What are the key benefits of using cloud-based CCTV?
Cloud-based CCTV allows users to have flexible and scalable security systems without the cost and maintenance of NVRs. Instead you have the benefit of improvements to the video surveillance software automatically. With advanced systems like Alta Aware Cloud Storage you can minimise bandwidth disruptions by scheduling cloud back-ups when network activity is low and set the maximum streaming quality.
Cloud video surveillance is extremely secure as onsite recorders can be susceptible to physical threats, like theft and damage.
Cloud video surveillance systems are also available anywhere and at anytime from any mobile device with an internet connection. This means users can manage multiple sites with ease.
Choosing Cloud CCTV is ideal if you have multiple sites that you would like to link to a single security system but equally it would be suitable if you have a small site and limited space for an NVR but still need the most advanced surveillance technology.
You can make your CCTV system more proactive than a conventional CCTV system by receiving real-time and customised alerts.
Is cloud-based CCTV secure?
Cloud-based CCTV is extremely secure as data is transferred with end-to-end encryption and automatic updates sent as required to protect the system. It also removes the risk physical threats associated with an onsite NVR. Ensure you install a fully compliant cloud storage system, such as Avigilon Alta Aware, to be certain data privacy is always maintained.
By storing your footage in the cloud you have a concrete backup.
Can I access my cloud CCTV footage from anywhere?
Cloud CCTV footage can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. You will need to install an app if you want to view the footage easily on a smart phone. The Alta Aware app mirrors its web client allowing you to view live video, triage alarms and manage security .
What happens if my internet connection goes down?
If you have cameras with embedded storage you will not lose footage if the internet connection fails and the CCTV system will continue to function.
How much does cloud-based CCTV cost?
There is an ongoing cost to subscribing to the cloud storage CCTV system. However, this has the advantage of spreading the cost of the cameras and the software over time rather than buying new CCTV IP cameras and NVRs. If you have existing cameras you can connect to the cloud using the cloud connectors. Contact us to find out more about the costs.
How long is footage stored in the cloud?
There can be a variety of duration lengths for how long you can store footage depending on the cloud storage plan required.
Is cloud CCTV compliant with privacy laws?
Yes the cloud CCTV developers ensure the systems comply with data protection and privacy laws. The Avigilon Alta system is compliant with GDPR requirements.
What kind of maintenance and support does cloud CCTV require?
The advantage of cloud CCTV for users is that all updates are provided automatically and support can be provided remotely. Our engineers will provide support on site if required.
How can I ensure I select the right security camera?
We can help you select the right security camera. There are a range of cloud CCTV camera options within the Avigilon Ava range but we can also use other IP camera models and connect them to the Avigilon Alta if needed.
I already have IP cameras, are you able to integrate legacy CCTV systems?
If you have existing IP security cameras we can integrate them into the Avigilon Alta platform by using cloud connectors. All these cameras can then take advantage of the cloud. Legacy analogue systems can be upgraded into IP platforms by installing encoders.
I have a number of sites, can these be centrally managed from one location using cloud CCTV?
Yes cloud surveillance is ideal for managing your security systems from a central location.