Cloud-based security systems are security solutions that are hosted and delivered over the internet, rather than on your own premises. This means that you don’t have to worry about the installation, maintenance, or upgrading of the security equipment, as it is all handled by the service provider. You can access and control your security system from anywhere, using any device, as long as you have an internet connection.

Traditionally, security systems were installed and managed on-premises, meaning that you had to buy and maintain the hardware, software, and network components yourself.

However, with the advancement of technology and the rise of cloud computing, cloud based security systems are slowly taking over the security sphere.

Main Features of Cloud Based Security Systems

Cloud based security systems offer many advantages over traditional security systems, such as:

Remote Video Access

Cloud based security systems allow you to access and view your video footage from anywhere, using any device from your web browser or mobile app. You can also receive notifications or alerts when motion or activity is detected, or when a specific event occurs, such as a door opening or closing, or a person entering or leaving your premises. You can use remote video access to monitor your business operations, ensure compliance, verify incidents, or provide evidence.

Remote Monitoring

Cloud based security systems allow you to monitor your security system from anywhere, using any device. You can check the status of your devices, such as cameras, sensors, locks, or alarms, and see if they are online, or malfunctioning. You can also adjust the settings of your devices, such as the resolution, frame rate, or sensitivity, and test or troubleshoot them remotely. You can also monitor the activity and behavior of your users, such as employees, customers, or visitors, and see who accessed your premises.

All-In-One-Place Solution

Cloud based security systems provide you with an all-in-one-place solution for your security needs, meaning that you don’t have to deal with multiple vendors, contracts, or invoices. You can get everything you need from one service provider, such as the hardware, software, network, storage, and support. You can also access and control everything from one platform, such as the web portal or mobile app. You can use the all-in-one-place solution to simplify and streamline your security management, reduce costs and complexity, or improve efficiency and convenience.

Unlimited Video Storage

Cloud based security systems offer you unlimited video storage, meaning that you don’t have to worry about running out of space or losing your video footage. You can store your video footage on the cloud, rather than on your own premises, and access it anytime, anywhere. You can also choose how long you want to keep your video footage, from days to months to years, depending on your security and compliance needs. You can use unlimited video storage to store and retrieve your video footage, comply with regulations or standards, or archive or backup your data.

Firmware Updates

Cloud based security systems provide firmware updates, meaning that you don’t have to worry about updating or upgrading your security devices yourself. You can receive automatic firmware updates from the service provider, which are delivered over the internet, without requiring any intervention or downtime. You can benefit from the firmware updates, which can improve the functionality, security, or performance of your devices, fix bugs or errors, or add new features or capabilities. You can use firmware updates to keep your security devices up to date, secure, or optimized.

AI Capabilities

Cloud based security systems offer you artificial intelligence capabilities, meaning that you can leverage the power of machine learning, computer vision, or natural language processing to enhance your security. You can use AI capabilities to analyze your video footage, detect objects, faces, or emotions, recognize people, vehicles, or license plates, or generate insights, reports, or recommendations.

Top 5 Cloud Based Security Systems in Canada

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 5 cloud based security systems for businesses in Canada, based on their features, pricing, customer service, and reviews.

Here they are:

Avigilon Alta

Avigilon Alta is a cloud-based security system that provides high-resolution video surveillance and advanced analytics for large-scale and multi-site installations. It offers the following features and benefits:

  • It supports a wide range of cameras, including 4K, thermal, and fisheye, and provides live and recorded video from indoor and outdoor cameras.
  • It allows users to access and control the system from any device, using a web browser or a mobile app, and provides a unified dashboard for managing multiple sites and locations.
  • It integrates with other systems, such as access control, fire alarm, and intercom, and provides a cloud-based video wall for displaying multiple video feeds on a single screen.
  • Avigilon Alta can encrypt and password-protect the video data using a digital signature to verify the authenticity and integrity of the video evidence.

Something to look out for when getting Avigilon Alta is that it has limited compatibility with third-party cameras and devices, resulting in higher costs to switch complete systems out.

Alarm.com

Alarm.com is a cloud based security system that provides smart home integration and automation for residential and small business customers. It offers the following features and benefits:

  • It offers professional monitoring and emergency response services, and notifies users of any suspicious or unusual activity via text, email, or phone call.
  • It supports a variety of cameras, including video doorbells, outdoor cameras, and indoor cameras, and provides live and recorded video from them.
  • It integrates with other systems, such as voice assistants, smart speakers, and smart TVs, and allows users to control them using voice commands or gestures.

A consideration when getting cloud-based security from Alarm.com is that they rely on third-party providers for hardware which means the quality and reliability of the system hinges on the provider used.

Brivo

Brivo is a cloud-based security system that provides access control and video surveillance for commercial and enterprise customers. It offers the following features and benefits:

  • It supports various types of credentials, such as cards, fobs, PIN codes, and mobile credentials, and allows users to assign and revoke them remotely and instantly.
  • It integrates with various cameras, including IP, analog, and wireless, and provides live and recorded video from them, as well as video verification and alerts.
  • It offers identity management and visitor management features, such as facial recognition, biometric authentication, and guest invitations, and allows users to track and verify the identity and activity of the people entering and exiting their facilities.

Brivo systems offer predefined packages and plans, and may not allow users to modify or add features or functions to suit their needs, so it is best to consider this when picking a security system.

Milestone XProtect

Milestone Xprotect is a cloud-based security system that provides video management and analytics for medium and large-scale installations. It offers the following features and benefits:

  • It uses an open platform architecture, which allows users to choose from a wide range of cameras, devices, and integrations, and customize their system according to their needs and preferences.
  • It provides a comprehensive video management software, which allows users to view, record, search, and export video from multiple sources and locations, using a desktop client, a web client, or a mobile app.
  • It offers various analytics and intelligence features, such as motion detection, object recognition, license plate recognition, and people counting, and provides insights and alerts on the video data.

Milestone Xprotect has a greater complexity and learning curve that requires training and skills to install, configure and operate. Getting a reputable security service provider can help you secure your site effectively.

OpenEye

OpenEye is a cloud-based video surveillance management system that provides cloud video and web services for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers the following features and benefits:

  • It uses a hybrid cloud approach, which allows users to store and access video locally or in the cloud, and provides backup and redundancy for the video data.
  • It provides a web-based interface, which allows users to view, manage, and monitor the video from any device, using a web browser, and provides a dashboard and reports for the video data.
  • It offers various alerts and notifications, such as health monitoring, motion detection, and event triggers, and sends them to users via email or text message.

OpenEye’s surveillance management system offers limited storage, which can be expanded by paying an extra fee.

Conclusion

When picking out the best cloud-based security system for your business, assess your needs and consult a reputable security company to pick out the system that suits your budget and needs. Spotter Security offers installation, management and maintenance of cloud-based security systems to help secure your business. With over 20 years of experience in business security, Spotter Security makes sure that your cloud-based security system is installed properly and works reliably.

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Written by : Carlo Di Leo

At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.

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