If you have a lot of video surveillance footage, the best way to do this is by storing it in the cloud because it allows unlimited storage limits. At the same time, these unlimited cloud-based video surveillance storage capabilities come with one downfall – cost.
It can be pretty expensive to store your video surveillance footage in the cloud, so we have come up with some suggestions for improving cloud-based storage for your organization using maximization of your footage, data management, formatting, resolution control, and comparison shopping.
Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is Cloud-Based Video Security?
First, we want to ensure everyone understands cloud-based video security because it’s a fairly new concept, even though cloud storage technology has been around for several years.
You’ve probably already had experience with cloud storage using other systems, primarily because of the increase in remote workforces due to Covid-19.
Cloud-based video storage is similar to cloud storage for a business in that all recordings and backed up in the cloud, and everything can be managed from one central location.
How Long Do You Need To Keep Videos?
How long to keep your video surveillance question is always a common question. The Data Protection Act classifies video surveillance as clips that can be used to identify people. Because of this, video storage should be taken very seriously and has specific protocols and standards.
In the first initial step, you will need to find out how long your client needs to store the video because the longer you store it, the more it will cost due to the high volume of data required for storage.
The second thing to understand is that legal requirements, storage budgets of your client, data retention policies, and internal security requirements will dictate the retention periods of video storage.
Sometimes the amount of time you must store recordings depends on data retention laws that govern the process. For example, an automated data lifecycle management system can eliminate outdated video files to keep a system healthy.
Video Format Resolution Choices
With the different video formats these days, some of them require an immense amount of data to store and, therefore, will increase the cost of storage.
When looking at cloud-based storage options, think about how your organization will use the video in the future. If a video was made for casual use, consider using a more low-resolution format option.
On the other hand, if you have security officers that need to zoom in on license plates or people’s faces, consider using a higher-resolution video format.
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Requirements for Storage Space
Storage space is a significant factor to think about. If you’re unsure how much storage space you need, look at your current storage space and then calculate from there.
Getting the most accurate quotes for cloud-based video surveillance storage requires your and your team’s review and predictions ahead of time for what you will need.
Other storage space needs will depend on what resolution you need your cameras to run at, how many video surveillance cameras you have, how long you need to store the footage, and how long your cameras run each day.
Compare Costs of Multiple Providers
You will find during your research that storage providers vary significantly in cost, especially if you need substantial cloud-based video surveillance storage.
Be sure to start your cost estimates around storage tiers that will function well enough to hold the constant streams of inbound data from videos.
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Cyber Security
Cyber security is a crucial topic in the Information Technology (IT) cloud-based storage world, and it is just as important in the video surveillance storage world as well.
There are serious financial, legal, and reputation risks associated with leaked videos and data breaches. This is why organizations that store video footage constantly focus on marketing their operations’ integrity and security networks.
Several things, such as firewalls, video encryption, port forwarding, and network infrastructure, play a vital role in protecting cloud-based video surveillance storage systems. When these infrastructures are originally put into place, it requires the expertise of a seasoned technology firm to get it correct.
With the above said, some companies have rigorous policies that stop video data from leaving a corporate network or storing it on a server outside their company.
Other companies simply choose not to take the risk whether or not their strict policies come before using public cloud-based storage. Even if video storage can be stored locally on a server housed within an office instead of the cloud, privacy and security issues remain a concern for many.
Can You Use Video Storage For Other Uses?
The final thing to think about when looking for a cloud-based storage solution is whether you can use the storage system for something other than video surveillance and security.
For example, retail stores have gotten creative in today’s modern world. They use their surveillance video to learn about traffic patterns in their store and figure out how to optimize product placement for increased sales.
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Cloud-Based Storage Is Still Growing
Cloud-based video surveillance has come a long way, but it is still considered an emerging approach to storing video surveillance footage.
Until the cloud can overcome the bandwidth challenges, it won’t be able to offer the most affordable way to store video. The higher costs become challenging for smaller businesses who need can’t afford the luxury of cloud-based storage costs.
For more information on how C&C Technology can help, go to our website and talk to an expert today!
Last Updated on January 20, 2023 by Josh Mahan
