The development of intelligently integrated, cloud-based management solutions has been a rising trend across major industries for many years. By centralising the collection, analysis and organisation of actionable data within remote-accessible, unified environments, leaders can streamline a wide variety of core processes and positively impact productivity metrics.
These fundamental benefits underline the popularity of X-as-a-Service (XaaS) business models, with around 55% of IT professionals believed to have invested in one or more of these services in recent years. While many businesses may already be well-acquainted with some iterations of XaaS, subscription-based video security plans are a more recent trend.
Reports indicate the Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) market will grow at a CAGR of 18.5% between now and 2028, suggesting many business leaders are at least interested in the potential benefits of VSaaS plans. But is this approach to commercial security really more effective than traditional native video security operations? In some cases, it might be.
What Is Video Surveillance-As-A-Service?
At its core, Video Surveillance-as-a-Service offers businesses the ability to store, access and manage surveillance footage on a secure cloud-based server. The main advantage of such solutions is that internal teams can freely access live and historic surveillance data from any location and at any time. This provides businesses great flexibility in security management.
Business video surveillance usually includes additional security features and integrations, including automated video recording, real-time alerts, cybersecurity tools and integrations with security alarm systems. In essence, if a business requires a flexible approach to commercial security, and lacks the resources to develop native management platforms, VSaaS can be a great solution.
How Does VSaaS Work?
In operation, VSaaS plans work similarly to subscription-based cloud data storage solutions. Cameras installed on the property are linked to an off-site cloud storage and management platform, removing the need for on-premises physical storage devices. Data is streamed to the provider for reporting and monitoring, with internal teams able to access feeds remotely.
VSaaS vendors also handle all maintenance, management and software update processes, affording businesses peace of mind that their security systems will remain free from novel vulnerabilities. Additionally, the cloud-based foundation of VSaaS packages allows for simple scalability, enabling SMEs to expand or reduce operations in line with evolving requirements.
Factors Influencing The Growth Of VSaaS
The growing demand for VSaaS solutions can be directly linked to the increasing adoption of cloud-based services across commercial enterprises as a whole. Data suggests as many as 94% of all organisations on a global scale currently use some form of cloud software, a 14% increase when compared to figures published in 2020. While adoption rates may have been influenced to some extent by the pandemic, leaders remain committed to cloud technologies.
It’s believed large enterprises aspire to move around 60% of their commercial environments to the cloud by 2025. For many, this will likely include existing commercial security solutions. This rising demand for cloud services has not gone unnoticed by providers, with companies like Google and Amazon developing novel cloud zones and infrastructure across the globe.
Entertaining a switch to VSaaS also aligns with many organisations’ needs for cost-efficient and scalable essential services among economic uncertainty. With no requirement to create expensive on-site servers and management systems, and the ability to scale operations as and when needed, VSaaS affords many leaders the flexibility they require in modern times.
The Benefits Of VSaaS For SMEs
The transition from traditional on-premises security management systems to novel VSaaS solutions can bring a number of significant benefits to organisations of all sizes. For SMEs, VSaaS plans may be entertained to reduce workloads shouldered by limited internal teams.
When broken down, the key benefits of VSaaS for SMEs include:
- Optimised data storage – Surveillance systems collect vast amounts of data on a continuous basis, the organisation and management of which can be incredibly time and resource intensive. VSaaS solutions ensure these tasks are performed to a high standard by the service provider, reducing workloads for internal management teams
- Streamlined compliance – Navigating strict data privacy and security management regulations requires constant vigilance from knowledgeable professionals. Under a VSaaS deployment, service providers will ensure all systems maintain HIPAA, FIPS and NDAA compliance, suggesting adjustments if guidelines are expected to change
- Simple scalability – Taking on the expense of developing on-premises surveillance management solutions may be unwise for SMEs planning to scale, with adjustments made to physical systems incurring costs and avoidable downtime. VSaaS solutions can instead be adjusted by providers in direct response to changing business needs
- Remote accessibility – With all surveillance and wider security data automatically stored, managed and made available on a cloud-based platform, stakeholders can access required information from anywhere and at any time. Teams can monitor live security feeds 24/7 from any secure smart device to ensure continuous protection
Physical security will likely always remain a top priority for any business operating out of a physical location. The ability to both monitor key locations and review historical security data forms the backbone of commercial security best practices. However, developing, maintaining and adjusting on-premises security solutions can be incredibly costly and time-consuming.
With many leaders continuing to explore the development of cloud-based business solutions, it’s only natural that security operations have been considered for migration. With the ability to streamline the management, operation and scalability of essential surveillance solutions, VSaaS deployments are only expected to become more popular among global businesses.
