10 Compelling Benefits of a Software as a Service Model for Video Management Solutions

If you’re currently weighing up your options in terms of a new video management solution for your CCTV surveillance monitoring environment, let’s take a look at some convincing reasons why Software as a Service (SaaS) is the way to go. 

1. Reduced time to benefit: starts making your life easier, faster

For remote monitoring, sites are almost always distributed in some way so there is a requirement to pull together all the information for configuration, alerting and reporting in a central place. This naturally lends to some form of cloud component. As a SaaS application, your chosen video management solution assures quick set up and easy deployment that eliminates common, lengthy delays experienced with traditional  VMS deployment. Because the application is already installed and configured in the cloud, it’s a simple matter of plugging into your existing environment, in order to transform your video surveillance system into an intelligent system that benefits you and your clients. 

2. Cost effectiveness: no capital outlay with low, predictable costs

A subscription fee is charged per camera, per month. Because you’re only paying for what you need, there are no wasted costs. You’re not buying any hardware so there is no big capital outlay for you to make, nor do you have to buy licenses in bulk, so you can simply add on more cameras as necessary without massive additional expense.

• No associated maintenance costs for you to manage
• Fees are financially inclusive and affordable

3. Technical support on tap, with a Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Your subscription is also your ticket to technical support with the technology provider you’ve chosen. This means access to support in line with your SLA – technical assistance on-demand, without having to keep the skills in-house or pay for an additional troubleshooting service. Your business will also benefit from factors like guaranteed uptime, fail-over plans – all of the things that vendors have to do to make sure that you get the service you pay for. 

4. On-going technological development and access to expertise

With Software as a Service, the technology provider is responsible for developing and upgrading the solution and making it available to their customers automatically through updates. The costs and time/effort associated with upgrades and new functionality/version releases will be much lower than the traditional model that usually forces you to buy an upgrade package and install it or pay for specialised services to get the environment upgraded. This means that as long as you’re a subscriber, you’ll have access to the latest technology, and you’ll get the new functionality as soon as it’s released. This allows operators to continuously enjoy the latest version of the software, executed by the vendor, without the responsibility of maintaining the system internally.  

5. Infinite scalability without breaking the bank

Cloud-hosted Video Analytics as a Service solutions, can deliver the scalability required for large physical deployments that see hundreds of cameras delivering video feeds. Auto scaling features of cloud platforms can be used to run analytics on demand, making it possible to run compute-intensive video analytics jobs and enable timely action on the videos captured. Add more cameras to the video management system quickly and affordably, whether it’s one or one hundred cameras, the cloud gives you the flexibility to scale your business with predictability of costs. 

6. Integrates with everything you already have

Generally, Software as a Service solutions live in the cloud and APIs make it possible to integrate the VMS application with just about any other hardware and software. In comparison with the traditional model that requires additional servers and/or software to make it work. This means you don’t have to replace what you already have, you only need to enable the new SaaS solution and the SaaS provider will take care of server capacity planning and integration into existing systems.Even better, you have the flexibility to scale your use up and down based on specific requirements.

7. Compliance, security and governance comes baked in 

Data governance and security is something most organisations struggle with. Your software provider will be able to confirm that their software meets regulatory and data protection requirements and that they are responsible for maintaining and managing security and compliance. This is easier and cheaper than keeping the skills in-house, or outsourcing this specific function. 

8.Delivers flexibility like never before.

A cloud-based VMS is accessible from any device, mobile or desktop through a web-based application. This means that it can be used from anywhere, at any time by anyone with authorised access. Your business will also benefit from the flexibility to manage an infinite number of sites and cameras, thanks to the scalability that’s possible with a SaaS model.

9. Built for performance and functionality. 

SaaS providers ensure that their applications are built for speed and optimal performance. This includes bandwidth utilisation, and due to auto-scaling features you’ll have all the power you need to run video analytics and other resource-intensive tasks as and when you need. 

10. Customisable to your specific, unique requirements.

When it comes to choosing technology for your business, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all”  solution. Partnering with a vendor that offers a choice of cloud, on-premises or a hybrid deployment means that you can get what you need, based on your actual requirements, rather than having to fit your requirements to the solution itself. The right video management solution will be integratable as well as customisable, offering granular configurability that suits your exact needs in terms of alerts and usability.

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