In my work with organizations deploying video security solutions, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of cloud technology.
The emergence of cloud-based, hybrid, and Video Security as a Service (VSaaS) platforms has fundamentally changed how businesses approach video security, offering unprecedented flexibility and scalability while reducing traditional barriers to adoption.
For integrators, these technologies offer valuable business opportunities and service models that can enhance traditional project-based businesses with additional recurring revenue streams.
Breaking Down the Cloud Barrier
The biggest barrier to VMS in a virtual environment has traditionally been bandwidth. However, we’re continuing to see customers and their integrators overcome bandwidth issues and be less intimidated by it. This progress has much to do with the increased IT department involvement with security systems.
As companies better understand the capabilities of modern network infrastructure, they’re finding that cloud solutions are viable tools for integrators to offer when expanding on traditional on-premises deployments.
Today, operations of all size can choose from multiple deployment models. VSaaS platforms offer a completely cloud-based approach, eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure and providing a streamlined, subscription-based service. Hybrid solutions combine local and cloud resources for clients seeking to leverage existing investments.
This range of options allows businesses to design systems that align perfectly with their specific needs, considering factors such as existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and budgetary constraints. This flexibility creates opportunities for integrators to develop tailored solution portfolios that address client needs while building sustainable, long-term customer relationships rather than one-off projects.
The shift toward cloud-based solutions has been accelerated by significant improvements in cybersecurity measures as well. Leading cloud providers now offer robust security protocols, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, often exceeding the capabilities of traditional systems.
This enhanced security posture, combined with the distributed nature of cloud infrastructure, provides inherent resilience against hardware failures, natural disasters and other potential disruptions.
One of the most significant advantages of cloud-based systems is the elimination of traditional storage limitations. Businesses no longer need to overbuild on-sight capabilities to handle the peaks and aging of a surveillance system. They can limit their on-premises investment by leveraging cloud resources.
Cloud storage can be dynamically adjusted based on needs, ensuring that video data is always available when needed.
Flexible, Modern Video Security Solutions
VSaaS platforms and cloud-hosted VMS solutions are redefining how security operations implement video security in a mobile-first world. Each approach offers distinct advantages: VSaaS platforms provide turnkey solutions where the manufacturer handles software management, ideal for clients seeking simplicity, though with more streamlined feature sets.
In contrast, cloud-hosted enterprise VMS platforms deliver robust capabilities and extensive customization options, but require security teams to manage their own software updates and maintenance. Despite these differences, both solutions enable crucial remote access capabilities – particularly valuable for critical infrastructure like airports, where immediate access to live video data can be essential for rapid decision-making.
For facilities preferring a hybrid approach, modern architectures enable them to leverage both on-premises and cloud resources effectively. This model allows users to maintain critical infrastructure locally while taking advantage of the cloud’s scalability and advanced features. Users can strategically deploy cloud resources where they make the most sense — whether at the corporate, regional, or local level.
Cloud integration opens doors to advanced analytics and business intelligence tools that integrators can deploy to transform video data into actionable insights. Retailers can analyze customer behavior patterns, manufacturers can optimize production lines, and cities can improve urban planning, all through the same system that provides their core security functions.
By offering these advanced capabilities, integrators can differentiate themselves in a competitive market while addressing client needs beyond traditional security applications. This expansion into business intelligence creates new revenue streams and deepens client relationships.
In the cloud, organizations can easily integrate their video security systems with other business tools, from access control to enterprise resource planning systems. This interconnectivity creates a more comprehensive operational picture and enables automated responses to security events, improving both efficiency and effectiveness, allowing integrators to develop more complete security ecosystems for their clients.
Driving Business Value with Video Security
The economic advantages of cloud-based video solutions are compelling. VSaaS platforms shift costs entirely to a predictable operational expense model, while hybrid solutions allow organizations to optimize and extend the life of existing investments with cloud benefits. This shift from capital to operational expenditure gives integrators flexibility when discussing budget considerations with clients, particularly those who prefer to minimize upfront investments in favor of predictable monthly costs.
For integrators, these solutions create new opportunities for recurring revenue through remote monitoring, maintenance, and managed services. The ability to troubleshoot and support systems remotely reduces the need for costly on-site visits while improving response times and customer satisfaction. This shift from project-based work to ongoing service relationships helps build stronger, more sustainable business models.
Additionally, the remote management capabilities inherent in cloud platforms enable integrators to monitor system health proactively, addressing potential issues before they impact performance. This proactive approach improves customer satisfaction while reducing the operational costs associated with emergency service calls and unplanned truck rolls.
Cloud-hosted VMS and hybrid solutions offer significant advantages in future-proofing organizations against evolving technology needs. As requirements for AI, machine learning, and video analytics continue to grow, these platforms provide the flexibility to scale computing and storage resources on demand, while allowing integration of new capabilities and third-party applications.
While VSaaS platforms excel in ease of use and simplified management, their feature sets are typically constrained to the manufacturer’s software capabilities. Users requiring advanced analytics or custom integrations may find cloud-hosted VMS or hybrid solutions better suited to their expanding needs.
Whether companies choose VSaaS for its simplicity and scalability or hybrid solutions for their flexibility, these platforms are helping build more efficient, intelligent, and resilient security operations. As bandwidth concerns continue to diminish and IT teams become more involved in security decisions, we can expect to see even greater adoption of these transformative technologies.
For users and integrators alike, the future of video security lies in these flexible, scalable, and open VMS platforms.
Matt Fishback is global alliances manager of Milestone Systems.
