It seems everything is moving to the “cloud.” What is the cloud? Should I use it for video storage? Is it secure and safe? What are the weaknesses?
Let’s take a look at cloud video storage and cloud cameras and see what you think…
What is the Cloud?
The “cloud” is nothing more than servers (hardware and software) that are owned by another company, running in another location, that you connect to over the internet. You can use servers and programs that another company has already purchased by simply paying a monthly fee.
What are the Benefits and Costs?
When you are using cloud video storage, the big benefit is that you do not need a DVR/NVR, which is the single biggest cost of a video system ranging anywhere from $2000-$10,000+, before you add in the cost of cameras. Most companies either charge for the cameras and you pay a monthly fee for recording/live access, or they roll the entire project into a monthly payment. Either way, the cost is very low compared to buying a system with a DVR/NVR.
The company that has been providing cameras for cloud video the longest is Axis video systems. They do not do the actual video hosting service, so one of the companies I recommend is Secure-I. If you find a good provider, the installation is quick and painless. All you need is a good internet connection. You will be able to view live and recorded images from any PC or smart phone connected to the internet.
What are the Weaknesses?
Cloud cameras can be more expensive. Axis makes an excellent camera, but they tend to cost more than other IP and mega-pixel cameras with the same features. The picture quality that is being recorded to the cloud is poor by industry standards, so you when you need to look at the recorded video, you may be very disappointed. Cloud cameras record over your internet connection to an off-site server, so you are using your internet upload bandwidth for you camera system. I recommend no less than a 2MB upload speed for a camera system of 8-10 cameras, depending on activity.
Is my Video Safe and Backed Up?
Using a good hosting provider means your data is secure and backed-up to other locations so you have no fear of losing your data in the “cloud”. You can buy storage for as long as you need but typically video cloud storage is only a few days and can get pricey for long period of time. To overcome the low resolution issues, most cloud solutions offer the ability to record locally on a NAS hard drive which also creates another copy of your data…I recommend doing this is possible, the cost is not prohibitive.
What to Do?
Cloud video recording is a great concept but is having difficulty gaining mainstream usage. Because of the internet upload requirement and resolution of the cameras, a cloud camera system is not good for a large camera system, or a client that needs a true mega-pixel camera environment. Larger systems, longer storage, with 640×480 resolution could run a $100-$200+ a month just for the storage cost.
You may want to consider taking that monthly and finding a provider that can offer a lease program for an NVR…
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