Cloud-based security services provide a new approach to detecting and mitigating threats, and applying it to video takes this approach one step further. Integrated, intelligent video cloud surveillance solutions are emerging as a go-to solution for organizations seeking to revolutionize the way video and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor data is collected and aggregated in an effort to provide insights for both proactive security measures and business efficiency.
But this isn’t just about the customer; security integrators and IT resellers are poised to gain significant market share when adding cloud-based services to their overall portfolio: Gartner reports that the cloud-based security services market will reach nearly $9 billion by 2020, with small- to medium-sized business (SMBs) demanding more protection as they face mounting security-related threats and business challenges.
What do integrators stand to gain from adding cloud-based video surveillance? We’re breaking down the six main benefits:
RMR. One of the biggest business benefits to offering cloud services is the opportunity to create recurring monthly revenue (RMR), which can allow integrator partners to reliably allocate resources and plan budgets. While this can be a big change for many integrators to shift from “per project” to service-based sales, it can open up a world of possibilities for new markets.
New market possibilities. The SMB market is flush with overworked IT departments as they increasingly manage more sensors, networks and connected devices. Traditional on-premise systems are another added load on these departments for upkeep and continuous monitoring. Reducing this burden can be a potential selling point for these mid-market organizations that integrators can capitalize on, bringing additional value to not only the security teams, but the IT stakeholders as well.
Reduced cost and investment. Integrators have a major selling point for potential customers: reduced initial investment. With on-premise solutions, there are a number of costs associated with up-front equipment investment, not to mention the added cost of IT support and training, which can add up significantly over time. Cloud-based services reduce the total cost of ownership, allowing companies to realize cost savings that can be better spent elsewhere. This is a major advantage for integrators and IT resellers, who are poised to enrich their customer’s investment with additional security-related devices that might not otherwise be in the budget.
Centralized management/remote support. Integrators benefit from being able to remotely manage a client’s support requests, troubleshoot as needed and provide seamless service without the added expense of an on-site visit. A cloud-based service enables users to centrally manage their entire surveillance system, aggregate data and transform it into intelligence, which adds significant value for potential customers. It also combines the visualization of all geographic locations into one global view, giving organizations a comprehensive picture of devices and their status at any given time, which provides an overall picture of system health.
Ease of installation and maintenance. Along with remote management comes the availability of up-to-the-minute software updates and upgrades without bogging down the IT department to conduct them. This means fewer on-site service calls for integrators and IT resellers and significant cost savings for associated travel and hourly wages for technicians. Instead, service-related calls can be done without worrying about timing, staffing, IT connectivity and compatibility.
Increased cybersecurity. Cloud providers, such as Google Cloud Platform, deliver more built-in benefits for keeping critical data safe than on-premise solutions. Servers are physically stored in an offsite data center that is secure and climate controlled, plus there is a vast network of servers to guard against failure. Big Cloud solutions providers such as Google Cloud Platform have already spent big money on enterprise grade infrastructure and security. Security-related services that utilize the cloud capitalize on this level of safety. Traditionally, cloud-based services have been a hard sell to end users; however as more and more companies are shifting to this kind of innovation, it’s easier to relay the benefits of data transmission security and low latency to end-user customers.
While the industry is still learning about the possibilities that the cloud brings to the table, it’s important to note the many advantages it presents to integrators to whom customers look to in order to provide the latest technology innovations that deliver a viable, secure and easy-to-use option for managing video and other IoT sensors. The first step toward this goal is education.
Integrators: Don’t just be a part of the community; lead the way. Arcules will highlight the benefits of its Integrated Video Cloud Service during MIPS 2019 Feb 25-27, in Nashville, Tenn. Click here to find out more and to schedule a demo or one-on-one meeting with the team.
