A Video Management System, also known as Video Management software, is a component of a security camera system that in general, collects videos from camera and other sources, records/stores that video to a storage device and provides an interface to both view the live video and access the recorded video.
Traditionally, the video management is majorly done by CCTV cameras installed at required places and a live or recorded feed from the cameras is being projected on the owner’s electronic devices like a desktop or even a mobile phone. While this system is hugely popular and serves its purpose of providing security completely, yet there has been a switch that is taking place in this world of video management system. More and more large companies are beginning to shift from traditional systems to cloud based video surveillance systems.
Here, we will discuss the difference between the two types of systems and why organisations are inclining more towards the cloud based systems.
CCTV stands for closed circuit television and is a type of video surveillance that leverages a DVR. The ports available on the recorder limits the number of cameras that can be used with a particular system. The footage from these systems can be stored locally or can be accessed remotely also. The CCTVs are complex to install and have limited functionality.
Cloud Video systems act similar to a traditional CCTV system but the difference is that the footage is being directly sent to the cloud. This system uses IP cameras which means that no hard drives are required. Since this system runs on cloud, internet connectivity is required for it to run.
Below are the differences between the two based on various parameters :
- Cost Difference : Since traditional systems require a lot of hard drives to be present and a wide range of hardware, servers etc., the installation becomes complex with them and subsequently, the cost increases. Cloud systems provide easy installation as there are only cameras to be fixed. When you want to add more cameras to your traditional video system, you must purchase more hard drives and servers too. This exponentially increases the cost of the traditional systems. Cloud systems on the other hand, have a monthly subscription but they don’t depend on hardware.
- Centralized Console : Managing multiple locations and cameras is difficult in traditional video systems because remote access is not possible and managers should be present on site to monitor. Cloud systems allow access from a centralized console making it easier to manage.
- Less IT Resources : As more hardware is required in traditional systems, this requires extra IT resources dedicated for maintenance, system management and security updates. Cloud systems requires much less IT resources compared to traditional ones.
- Better video analytics and tools : The software used in traditional systems is outdated and old. This does not go in sync with modern times when the software should be crisp. Cloud based systems offer the latest software and thus is a better video analytics system. The software used in cloud systems is automatically updated at regular intervals, provided end to end encryption and also has AI like features ike object recognition etc.
In conclusion, modernising all the traditional systems is in vogue these days. All the small and large business organizations are opting to upgrade their software and systems. Then how can video analytics be left behind. It is a very important factor in ensuring the security in all the aspects. When security comes into the picture, it is crucial that the software that is used is up to date and also has the scope of improvement in future without much of an overhead. Therefore, it is better to opt for cloud based video surveillance system for your business.