As the quality of video security systems rapidly improves and the volume of video data companies collect increases, storing this sensitive but critical data locally is no longer feasible. While the benefits of the cloud are alluring, companies may balk at the thought of moving their video footage to a potential shared server they can’t see or physically access.

When done right, migrating your video data to the cloud mitigates these risks, and by not considering a move now, businesses run an even bigger risk of getting left behind.

Why should companies transfer their video data to the cloud?

There is an abundance of business advantages in the cloud — it’s agile and cost-efficient, and with little to no hardware maintenance it’s easier to upkeep than traditional on-premise servers. Cloud architecture is built to scale with processing and storage needs, meaning organizations can scale up (or down) as needed, and without the concern of outdated software/hardware.

The cloud also enables a future where video data from surveillance is used to unlock business opportunities like demographic-targeted promotions and automated lighting based on room occupancy. To do this, companies need to invest in cloud solutions that allow them to analyze this data in real time and easily integrate with other existing interfaces. Video stored for traditional surveillance purposes, for example, can now be used to track customer behavior and inform staffing decisions, turning raw video into an asset that contains hundreds of potential data points.

Diving in headfirst — how companies can get started on their cloud migration today

Businesses need to develop a roadmap that outlines clear processes, milestones and goals for a successful outcome. Companies should consider the following when developing their own roadmaps to ensure the smoothest transition process possible:

  • Get buy in and set expectations upfront: One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is underestimating what the cloud is and failing to get the necessary stakeholders on board before the migration starts. To illuminate the value of cloud storage solutions, IT teams should employ a gradual wp-contentroach to migration, moving sections of video data at a time to avoid disrupting day-to-day operations. Show, don’t tell, your corporate board why cloud service adoption is an absolute must by demonstrating the cloud in action and how it’s helping certain functions today.
  • Seamless migration will mean moving video data in stages: This will give companies greater flexibility and agility by minimizing disruption to daily operations, and gradually introduce stakeholders to new architecture. It also enables IT teams to make minor adjustments and iterate along the way. Companies can test how cloud migration affects wp-contentlication performance and educate employees on new processes and technologies as adoption is rolled out in phases.
  • Extra layers of security enables faster adoption: High regulatory requirements and strong encryption methods make the cloud significantly more secure than on-premise infrastructure. Because video data packages are encrypted during the move from on-premise servers to the cloud, companies can expedite cloud migrations knowing they are protected end-to-end. Thanks to the built-in security and scalability found within cloud servers, enterprises can confidently move business-critical wp-contentlications with rapid turnaround times.

The value sitting idle inside video data is just waiting to be unlocked, and a migration to a cloud-based solution is the quickest way for businesses to access it. Don’t wait for permission to kickstart cloud migration — start embracing the cloud today to take advantage of the value added and cost-effective features the cloud has to offer.

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