Top 4 Debunking Cloud Myths
Despite becoming more mainstream for Debunking Cloud Myths, many still believe popular misconceptions about the technology. Cloud-based solutions have exploded in the past 10 years. From single-location businesses to large enterprises, companies are migrating to the cloud at an increasingly steady rate. According to the International Data Commission (IDC), worldwide spending in 2019 on public cloud services and infrastructure saw an increase of 23.8% in the last year. Even though these numbers tell us that the cloud is becoming mainstream, many security end users, dealers, and integrators are still reticent to make the jump from traditional, on-premises solutions.
Cloud solutions can be secure, simple, and cost-effective – so why aren’t more users taking advantage? Common misconceptions have created skepticism about cloud solutions. Here are just a few of these myths:
Myth 1: The Cloud Is Insecure
The greatest misconception surrounding cloud is that it’s inherently insecure. Cybersecurity is the top driver for every leading service provider and they are backing this priority with significant financial and technology investments designed to protect their customers as well as themselves. From end-to-end encryption and 24/7 cyber monitoring to two-factor and bio authentication, the industry is moving fast to stay ahead of threats.
Compared to on-premises systems protected by an individual company’s internal cybersecurity and data privacy efforts, a reputable debunking cloud myths service provider would typically have significantly more resources and experience. Add 24/7 monitoring along with the extensive systems and staff to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, cloud service providers can know about a potential security threat long before local system operators would.
Other disruptive threats, such as theft or failure of NVRs, access control servers or controllers, can be eliminated with cloud-based solutions.
Myth 2: The Cloud is Complicated and Proprietary
Debunking cloud myths solutions is less complicated than on-premises systems that typically require NVRs, application servers, and controllers. In turn, most cloud solutions have fewer components and are intentionally designed for simpler installation and easier maintenance. Typical challenges such as remote access are addressed with plug-and-play technologies that work within most networks.
Because the cloud requires less hardware, it becomes simpler to scale a cloud solution as needs change. Thanks to its plug-and-play nature, whether you need one camera or 1,000 cameras, one door or 1,000 doors, setup and scale with the cloud is simpler. Cloud solutions are by nature simpler to maintain. Once
devices are connected, users can be notified by alerts instantly when there are issues and perform remote diagnostics as well as troubleshooting on demand. Dashboards can deliver system-wide device, user, and network status with detailed reports, all from a single web browser interface. With 24/7 monitoring and maintenance by the debunking cloud myths service provider, cyber-attacks can be thwarted in real time, eliminating significant costs.
Although uncommon, some cloud service providers are delivering solutions that prevent customers from being “locked in” to proprietary technologies or a single vendor who may or may not be in business in the future. There are solutions today that can be repurposed to work with other systems and not only with a designated vendor.
Myth 3: The Cloud is A Bandwidth Killer in Debunking Cloud Myths
Contrary to popular belief, many cloud-based security solutions operate without transporting “data-heavy” video traffic to the cloud. Thanks to technological advancements, video data can be stored in the camera or gateway device and only transmitted to the cloud on demand. Important data such as status and usage only require a small amount of bandwidth to provide powerful monitoring and maintenance features. An alternative “hybrid mode” is an option for some cloud-based systems and combines on-device and cloud-based storage options. It is customizable to individual requirements. For example, hybrid mode can be programmed to send video to the cloud only if it detects a person or transfers events like bookmarked video every evening. These are powerful bandwidth-saving tools available today.
More advanced cloud solutions include low bandwidth video “scrubbing,” providing users with the ability to rapidly search through video from a large number of cameras in one low bandwidth interface. Using features such as this significantly reduces bandwidth requirements as events of interest can be found quickly and high-bandwidth HD video be transmitted only when requested.
Myth 4: Cloud Means Expensive
eliminating hardware components like NVRs, access control application servers, and controllers, as well as software components like VMS and access control management software, makes the cloud less complicated, also makes it less expensive to purchase, and install and maintain. In addition, the subscription-based model offers end users options for managing the costs of the solution over its lifetime. A cloud-based solution may reduce many other hardware, software, installation, maintenance, networking, and cyber security expenses. It may also eliminate access control cards (when using mobile authentication) as there is no need to keep an inventory of cards on hand.
Debunking cloud myths solutions are inherently designed to allow scaling – both up and down – which helps manage costs. On-demand cloud cameras and access readers can be added or removed. With a cloud solution, for example, a system can start with two cameras and doors then gradually add on as needs change, or start with 100 cameras across 50 locations and gradually decrease. Ultimately, the cloud ensures you are only paying for what you use – which is not always possible with traditional systems.