Gaining Appreciation for Cloud-Based Monitoring

I realize that some traditional security professionals turn a deaf ear when they hear term “cloud-based monitoring.” I’d like to believe this is true because they don’t have a full understanding on the great advantages and redundancy that a cloud-based structure can offer. I read an article recently that detailed some thoughts on this subject. Essentially it’s best to start by looking at this structure as software as a service or SaaS.

Although some additional elements exist as telephone service, receivers, etc., essentially the backbone of any monitoring center is the automation software platform. A few well structured platforms offer the great ability to partition and compartmentalize sections of the software. This gives the ability to allow remote users to essentially rent space on the central station platform. Understanding that the basis of a central station is the telephone circuits and subscriber data, it’s pretty easy to see where pointing receiver lines to a central station receiver, managing your data within your own database partition and handling alarms either on a 24/7 basis or during abridged hours, leads to a successful model. A structure as this avoids the necessity for huge capital expenditures, the need for ongoing licensing and support fees, and the necessity for staffing highly skilled IT staff to support the automation. 

This really works!  I did it in the mid-1990s when technology was not nearly as available and friendly as it is today. Structures as this offer small central station a graceful method to streamline without great investment. It also gives proprietary or boutique companies the availability to maintain their uniqueness without breaking the bank. It is no secret that we have many large, highly skilled central stations that operate on world class platforms. In most cases it is nearly impossible to justify an investment to replicate that on a smaller scale. This should not be a reason on why a smaller or smarter operator shouldn’t have the ability to tap into this and compete on any scale they choose. 

Take a look at everything from basic monitoring to remote video monitoring and everything in-between.  Utilizing a world class operation as your cloud makes sense almost all of the time. It is not difficult and it offers a meaningful return on investment (ROI).

 

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About the Author

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Peter Giacalone is President of Giacalone Associates, an independent security consulting firm.

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