Navigating the Future: The Evolution of Security Integrators in a Cloud-Driven Physical Security Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of physical security solutions, the integration of cloud technology has accelerated rapidly. With the decrease in network costs, increase in performance, and elevated security protocols, a technology transformation that once saw serious push-back within recent memory has since turned the corner with cloud adoption now embraced by users at record rates. In fact, according to the new Genetec report, State of Physical Security 2024, “In the 2023 survey, 44% of end users indicated that over a quarter of their physical security environment is cloud or hybrid-cloud compared with 24% in the 2022 survey.”  

That’s some serious growth in cloud adoption! 

As businesses increasingly embrace cloud-based solutions, security integrators find themselves at the forefront of innovation that demands adaptability, expertise, and a forward-thinking approach. This is a lot easier said than done for a community of organizations that are currently navigating the challenges of staffing, supply chain, price increases, and the constant need to make sure their employees are trained on new offerings in the midst of an already busy deployment schedule.  

So, if I’m a security integrator why would offering a cloud solution or service to my customer’s matter?  

Is it really worth it? 

Well, as businesses increasingly recognize the advantages of cloud technology, security integrators find themselves in a unique position to provide innovative and effective physical security solutions.  

Let’s dive into the 5 benefits cloud solutions provide for security integrator organizations.  

1. Flexibility and Scalability  

The right cloud solutions offer unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Security integrators can leverage these benefits to tailor security systems to the unique needs of each customer. Whether an organization is expanding, restructuring, or simply evolving, cloud-based security solutions can seamlessly adapt, ensuring optimal performance without the constraints of traditional on-premises systems. Typically, the best cloud solutions security integrators can offer, utilize an open-platform, avoiding vendor lock-in issues common for some cloud physical security offerings. 

2. Total Cost of Ownership 

Cost and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) are value measurements for cloud infrastructure. Many organizations begin building a business case for cloud adoption by conducting a thorough cost analysis. TCO is an important differentiator when comparing traditional on-premises video surveillance systems to ones that include cloud. Centralized storage typically requires expensive upfront costs, utility costs like power and cooling, and perpetual maintenance such as managing software releases, patches, and bug fixes. It also requires capacity and performance planning, as well as technology refresh cycles. 

Security integrators can help their customers avoid hefty upfront costs associated with on-prem hardware, maintenance, and upgrades. Security integrators can operate on a managed service provider model, offering subscription-based services that help their customers plan for the long-term, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ultimately enable the security integrator with a recurring revenue stream. 

3. Enhanced Security and Reliability  

Cloud-based technology has significantly improved over the past few years, providing security integrators with the peace of mind that the solutions they’re offering their customers are completely secure. Cloud-based surveillance systems are backed by advanced encryption and security protocols, ensuring the integrity of the video. Cloud solutions can offer offsite data protection to users looking for increased redundancy that on-prem systems in a centralized location do not offer. If you take a closer look into different cloud solutions, some vendors will even offer immutability. This feature is the ultimate protection against ransomware and other cyber threats. Immutability means that stored video cannot be modified or deleted (maliciously or accidentally) for a user defined retention time.  

4. Integration with AI and IoT  

Cloud-based video surveillance systems can seamlessly integrate with the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics. Security integrators can leverage these capabilities to offer customers intelligent insights, such as predictive analytics, facial recognition, and object tracking. This level of sophistication goes beyond traditional surveillance and opens up customers to a whole new level of surveillance use cases. Keep in mind with new data– heavy use cases come more capacity limitations on traditional storage hardware. Cloud storage offers customers a flexible approach to AI capabilities that scales up or down based on the amount of video data generated.  

5. Future-Proofing Your Business 

The shift towards recurring revenue models for cloud services is a strategic move for security integrators aiming for long-term success. Gone are the days of completing a project and walking away. End users are looking to develop a close relationship with their local security integrator. By adapting the business to a managed service approach, security integrators can unlock numerous benefits, including consistent revenue streams, enhanced customer loyalty, adaptability to technological advances, and ultimately a competitive edge.  

Adopting cloud solutions as a security integrator is less about adjusting to the technology shift and more about providing best-in-breed, comprehensive, physical security solutions that empower customers to navigate the modern world of physical security with confidence. 

 At first glance this evolution may seem complex, but for those security integrators ready to adapt, the future of cloud technology holds immense potential for innovation and growth. Those who embrace the shift are poised not just to survive but to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.