In recent research conducted by Genetec, it showed that 44% of end users reported that more than 25% of its physical security setups are now in cloud or using a combination of cloud and on-premises solutions.
Organisations have began to expect a cloud option as an alternative or addition to their on-premises physical security infrastructure.
Cloud deployments
Businesses have began to review their costs, concerns and approach to migrating to the cloud and hybrid-cloud deployments.
The deployments are gaining traction across the physical security industry.
In Novaira Insight’s latest annual report on the market for video surveillance, it shows that there has been a rapid pace in the transition to the cloud.
Josh Woodhouse, Lead Analyst, Novaira Insights commented: “Most of these deployments use a hybrid architecture combining a primary tier of local storage with cloud-based video management and system administration.”
Hybrid-cloud deployments allow organisations to keep their existing infrastructure and systems and deploy additional cloud applications in sites or applications where its needed or desired.
This allows companies to transition to the cloud gradually without having to replace pre-existing infrastructure immediately, saving the companies time and money.
This allows a transition to the cloud gradually, at their own pace, without having to rip and replace everything.
Selecting the suitable choice for a business
Technology should be seen as a tool to achieve objectives rather than dictate strategies.
Rather than being constrained by a singular approach, deployments should be in line with each unique business goal.
An open ecosystem allows a company to select solutions based on their needs rather than location, by choosing either on-premises or in the cloud.
Genetec claims organisations can unify, upgrade, scale and deploy systems faster, streamline processes and strengthen a companies cybersecurity in new ways.
Businesses with numerous locations need to consider each site’s unique requirements.
Companies may run its headquarters physical security systems on local servers and networks but then may select a full cloud deployment for smaller remote sites.
Some other locations may need cloud connectivity with added storage on site.
Regardless of how many systems are running on local servers or connected to the cloud, organisations can divert them back to a central headend, enjoying a seamless experience where all systems can be accessed from one platform.
Transformation for business growth
As the purchase process and technical integration of on-premises, cloud and hybrid-cloud systems come together, security systems integrators can consider a new approach.
Companies should reconfigure business models to support subscription services.
This can seem daunting for businesses but the benefits can be substantial.
Long-term contracts and increased sales
Offering long-term contracts for hosted services provides integrators with a stable and predictable monthly recurring revenue that helps complement income from project sales.
Costs associated with customer acquisition and setup are reduced while building ongoing revenue streams.
This can give you the freedom to expand your service offering and capture new opportunities by selling new value-added services that go beyond the traditional ways of selling on-premises systems.
Visibility into user adoption can allow you to sell more and help users close the consumption gap.
Customers that remain satisfied and loyal over the long term help businesses further expand their use of the solution
Genetec suggest that companies can cross or up-sell services such as user training and enablement, system health monitoring, system integrations to expand your customers’ ecosystem and more.
Having a solid stable of clients delivering recurring monthly revenue can also increase the valuation of a business.
Whether a business is looking for growth financing, planning for the future sale of a business or looking to reinforce financial footing, building a new stream of predictable, repeatable and reliable income offers financial value.
Extending value beyond security
While selling and deploying security systems is essential, future opportunities lie in helping to enhance customer operations.
Systems integrators can become trusted advisors, offering insights into productivity gains and operational efficiencies.
By focusing on customer needs and tailoring services, integrators elevate their role from service providers to strategic partners.
Hosted systems can help reshape your customer relationships from transactional or commoditised to monetising expertise.
This extends business value beyond its ability to repair cameras, wire doors or update software to one of increased customer engagement.
This kind of value that isn’t easily replaceable and sets a business apart from competitors, creating differentiation so that businesses don’t only have to compete on price.
With a hosted solution that’s easy and fast to deploy, manage and maintained by the provider, businesses can reduce overhead costs, staff training and truck rolls through remote customer support.
As a result, businesses can allocate more time to new business possibilities, including new projects, services, consultation and customer engagement.
These benefits also allow businesses to spend time developing greater expertise in it’s customers’ processes.
Using this knowledge, businesses can tailor services towards potential productivity gains for its customers and turn them into more sales.
This makes sure that the customers get the most out of the technology that is available and that they have already purchased.
Staying ahead of the technology curve
In a cloud-based system, fixes and upgrades are continuously pushed by the software provider as soon as they are ready for release.
Businesses can control the update and upgrade the schedule that best suits its customer to ensure a seamless and unintrusive experience.
Deployment time can be much more flexible and there’s no need to update each server or device individually.
This approach that enables rapid break/fix response and facilitates system resiliency.
Genetec claims that it is easier to practice good cyber hygiene on hosted systems.
System hardening, cybersecurity configuration and data management are critical but also very time-consuming.
Partnering for success
A reliable and supportive SaaS manufacturer partner can help to evaluate whether a fully hosted or hybrid model is the best solution for each individual business.
Choosing a software partner that offers unified, open-architecture and scalable solutions would mean more success for a business.
The ideal partner will also allow a choice in the cloud deployment that works best for the clients.
It will give businesses the option of selecting either a true cloud system, with no servers on-premises or a hybrid model that helps to move clients to the cloud at their own pace.
The future of physical security
As the physical security industry undergoes a profound shift, systems integrators must adapt to thrive in this new landscape.
By embracing cloud and hybrid solutions, integrators can unlock new revenue streams, enhance customer relationships and stay ahead of technological advancements.
With the right partnerships and a forward-thinking mindset, systems integrators can navigate this transformation and take advantage of new opportunities being presented by evolving technology.
