Cloud Security Systems: What Businesses Need to Know Before Making the Switch

Over the last several years, the security industry has been moving more and more toward cloud-based systems — for access control, video surveillance, alarms, and monitoring. For many businesses, Cloud Security Systems work extremely well. For others, it may not be the right fit without careful design.

The challenge is that cloud security is often sold as simple — without explaining the tradeoffs, long-term costs, or risks. That’s where businesses end up feeling let down.

This article explains:

• Why the industry is shifting to the cloud

• The most common concerns we hear from customers

• Where cloud works best — and where it doesn’t

• What to watch out for before committing to a platform

Our goal is simple: We want to install the right solution for your business, so that you never feel let down by your security system.

Cloud security didn’t become popular by accident. Businesses today want access to their systems from anywhere, easier management across multiple sites, faster updates, and less on-site hardware to maintain.

With modern Cloud Security Systems, access control and security camera systems are no longer tied to a single server sitting in an IT closet. Updates happen automatically, users can be managed remotely, and systems can scale more easily as businesses grow.

For many organizations, this shift removes complexity and improves reliability… when it’s designed properly.

This is the most common pushback we hear when we talk about Cloud Security Systems. Many businesses have it in their head that: “Cloud equals ongoing costs, and on-prem equals one-time costs.”

In reality, almost all security systems have ongoing costs — they’re just not always obvious. Traditional systems often require server replacements every few years, software upgrades, IT maintenance, and expensive service calls when things break.

Cloud systems typically replace unpredictable costs with planned, consistent fees that cover software, security updates, remote access, and platform support. The real question isn’t monthly fees vs. no fees… it’s planned costs vs. surprise costs.

Cloud video works very well in many environments, but there are specific situations where a cloud security camera system can introduce real limitations if it’s not designed carefully. This doesn’t mean “don’t use cloud.” It means design matters.

Below are the most common scenarios where we slow down and look deeper.

1. Command Centers and Live Monitoring Environments

If your business or site has an onsite command center or security operations room where staff are actively watching cameras live, cloud video can present challenges.

In many fully cloud systems, video is sent over the internet, processed, and then sent back. This can introduce latency (delay between real life and what you see on screen). Even a 10–20 second delay can be unacceptable for active monitoring. This is why many command centers still rely on hybrid systems that keep live viewing on the local network.

2. Real-Time Video Analytics and Alerts

Video analytics are one of the biggest selling points of cloud video, but expectations may not always match reality. In some cloud systems, the alert process takes time.

In real-world conditions, alerts may arrive 10–20 seconds late. For reviewing footage later, this isn’t an issue. But for active theft prevention or safety-critical operations, it is often better to use cameras that perform analytics on the device, sending alerts directly over the internal network.

3. Large Single-Site Deployments

Cloud Security Systems scale very well across many sites, but very large, single-site deployments (hundreds of cameras) require careful planning.

When hundreds of cameras are installed at one location, upstream bandwidth becomes critical. In these cases, a Hybrid Security System often makes more sense: local recording keeps heavy video traffic on the local network, while the cloud is used for access, management, and redundancy.

4. Environments With Limited Internet

Cloud video depends on connectivity. If a site has limited upstream bandwidth or frequent outages, relying entirely on the cloud increases risk.

In these situations, local recording ensures video is not lost and alerts still function internally. Cloud access can still be used once connectivity is restored.

One of the biggest risks in the security industry is “vendor lock-in.”

Open Architecture means your system works with a wide range of hardware. You can use existing cameras, choose the best devices on the market, and mix technologies. Most importantly, if you are unhappy with the platform, you aren’t forced to throw away your hardware.

At Spotter Security, we advocate for open platforms. Whether it is Access Control or video surveillance, we work with partners like Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo to ensure you have flexibility for the future.

An open architecture security system is designed to work with a wide range of hardware. In simple terms, open systems give you choice.

With an open architecture system, you can use existing cameras, choose the best devices on the market, and mix different technologies. Most importantly, if you are ever unhappy with the platform, you aren’t forced to throw your hardware in the garbage.

A closed architecture system is built to work only with the manufacturer’s own hardware. That usually means their cameras only, their card readers only, and their accessories only.

While closed systems offer tight integration and simple support (one company for everything), the downside shows up years later. If the manufacturer raises prices or stops supporting devices, you may have no alternatives. Because everything is locked to one ecosystem, switching platforms can mean replacing cameras, readers, and controllers.

Our goal isn’t to push open or closed systems. It’s to make sure you don’t feel boxed in later. That’s why we take the time to understand your current setup and future plans.

At Spotter Security, we are fit-focused. We work with platforms that are reliable and built to support long-term growth.

For example, Brivo is a strong cloud access control platform well suited for multi-site businesses. Similarly, Eagle Eye is a cloud video platform built around open architecture. We also work with platforms like Avigilon Alta, OpenEye, and Alarm.com, depending on the application.

Before choosing any cloud platform, ask yourself these questions:

1. How many sites do we have now — and in the future?

2. Do we need live monitoring or just review?

3. Who will manage the system day-to-day?

4. How important is flexibility long term?

5. What happens if we outgrow this system?

A short conversation can usually answer these questions quickly.

Too many businesses waste money on security solutions that let them down. The right system — cloud or not — should make you feel confident, not uncertain.

If you’re considering Cloud Security Systems or want a second opinion on your current setup, we’re happy to help you talk it through. No pressure. Just clear answers.