Though the cloud is starting to become more and more popular in the security industry, the benefits of the technology are still often overlooked. When people think about cloud, they tend to experience a level of uncertainty, referring to questions like “Is it proven?” “Does it perform like on-premise solutions?” “What are the risks associated?”
This kind of thought process is understandable — and typical when it comes to adopting any new technology — but in reality, taking a step back can help make things seem clearer. As so many businesses currently address a threat landscape unlike anything they’ve seen, leaders are tasked with thinking differently about how best to protect their facilities — and that means shifting their mindset to incorporate new technology platforms that push the envelope on innovation.
This is where the true value of the cloud comes in. Several of the cloud’s benefits can easily be seen through “-ilities,” with each term representing a different way that users can take their security and business operations to the next level — especially during unpredictable times.
Scalability
One of the most important features of cloud architecture is that it is built to scale. This is a critical consideration for businesses that expect to grow or change over time (and quite honestly, what business doesn’t expect that?). As processing, storage and camera needs change, the cloud’s scalability enables organizations to increase or decrease usage without worrying about outdated software or hardware.
Flexibility
While we typically talk about cloud flexibility as it relates to scalability, the term can also apply to the cloud’s ability to give organizations flexibility when it comes to system access. On-premise solutions are more rigid in that they can typically only be controlled through a specific location, whereas cloud-based systems facilitate remote access from any device and at any location. This level of flexibility therefore promotes enhanced security efforts and increased response times to potential threats.
Usability
Cloud technology simply makes life easier for security and business professionals. Various types of systems and data can be incorporated within a single platform, such as video surveillance, access control and analytics, and displayed in a user-friendly fashion. With features such as reduced setup time and efficient customization, the cloud’s intuitiveness can benefit businesses in more ways than one.
Visibility
Aside from visibility in a physical sense (which is enhanced through “-ility” #3), the cloud also allows leaders to seamlessly view their connected security operations. The cloud enables organizations to turn raw data into actionable business insights, delivering valuable information through one common operating picture. This then encourages proactivity when it comes to addressing vulnerabilities and allows for smarter decision-making overall.
The list could go on and on, but scalability, flexibility, usability and visibility are a few of the most important benefits (and “-ilities”) that the cloud provides. Each word demonstrates the significant value of the technology and the impact it can have on the operations of today’s modern businesses.
