Cloud-based solutions: A strategic advantage

Rishi Lodhia, Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA, Eagle Eye Networks explains how a cloud-based solution with AI can transform your security management and increase your bottom line.

Cloud-based systems provide measurable benefits, including reduced theft, faster response times, lower insurance premiums and improved decision-making.

Managing security across multiple locations or complex operations has traditionally been expensive and difficult to scale.

Cloud-based solutions built on a consumption model, like Eagle Eye’s Complete offering, are changing how businesses approach security management by accelerating AI adoption and offering flexible, scalable options.

These solutions operate on a pay-per-use basis, allowing businesses to adjust their security needs without the burden of heavy upfront investments.

Where hardware is needed, Eagle Eye offers a full operational expenditure (OpEx) model, ensuring the entire system, including cameras and infrastructure, remain fully consumption-based.

This approach reduces capital expenditures (CapEx), aligns costs with actual usage and helps businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency and grow their bottom line.

Cloud-based solutions give businesses direct access to data and applications over the internet, reducing or even eliminating the need for costly on-site infrastructure.

With fewer hardware requirements, companies can cut down on maintenance costs and reallocate time and resources to more strategic priorities. A key benefit of cloud-based security is its cost efficiency.

Traditional security systems often require substantial upfront investments in hardware, installation and the ongoing expenses of maintaining and upgrading outdated equipment.

In contrast, cloud solutions streamline these processes, offering a more flexible and affordable alternative.

In contrast, as mentioned above, cloud solutions typically operate on a subscription model. Businesses select a plan that fits their needs and pay only for what they use.

This approach lowers initial costs and reduces ongoing expenses. In addition, cybersecurity and feature updates and maintenance are all managed by the cloud provider, ensuring the end user always has the latest technology without incurring additional costs.

Why scalability is important to growing businesses

Scalability is another key benefit of cloud-based security. As companies grow, their security needs change. Whether a business is expanding its physical footprint, adding employees or entering new markets, it’s essential to ensure that security systems keep pace.

Cloud solutions facilitate easy adjustments, enabling businesses to add or remove cameras and modify services based on current requirements.

For example, a retail chain can swiftly and economically extend its current cloud-based security system to a new location and likely reuse existing cameras and infrastructure, significantly reducing overall costs while ensuring all locations can be centrally managed.

Advanced security features further strengthen the capabilities of cloud-based systems. Many solutions incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for functions such as face matching and behaviour analysis, allowing security teams to monitor and proactively respond to potential threats.

AI-powered security cameras can detect unusual behaviour patterns, alerting personnel before incidents escalate. This proactive approach enhances safety and reduces potential losses.

Cloud-based systems provide real-time alerts and monitoring capabilities that are critical in security management.

Security staff receive immediate notifications about suspicious activities, enabling prompt action in emergencies. This functionality proves invaluable in cases of theft, vandalism or unauthorised access.

Cybersecurity best practices protect information and assets

The leading cloud solutions incorporate strong encryption and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from cyber-threats and insider threats.

As businesses increasingly rely on digital assets, safeguarding this information is essential. Providers like Eagle Eye Networks invest heavily in cybersecurity, offering robust protections that often exceed what individual companies can achieve.

Companies can measure the return on investment (ROI) from cloud-based security solutions by tracking key performance indicators.

Metrics such as reduced theft, faster incident response times and lower insurance premiums provide tangible evidence of the financial impact of transitioning to cloud-based systems.

Additionally, companies can analyse improvements in operational efficiency. Remote access enhances productivity, allowing managers to oversee their premises from anywhere.

This capability leads to better decision-making and significant time savings.

Many businesses have successfully transitioned to cloud-based security systems, realising substantial benefits.

For instance, a mid-sized retail company in Germany faced challenges with its outdated surveillance system.

After implementing a cloud-based solution, the company experienced a substantial reduction in theft within the first year.

The ability to monitor multiple locations in real time allowed management to respond quickly to incidents and improve overall security.

Cloud security is ideal for transportation

Similarly, London Ambulance Service adopted a cloud-based system to protect bunkered fuel tanks across its estate as part of a loss prevention strategy.

The solution has provided the ambulance service with a true cloud experience, enabling reliable and secure monitoring of their sites with access to both live and recorded video from anywhere with an internet connection.

Implementation of the cloud solution has mitigated the cost and complexity of procuring and maintaining a traditional on-premises server-based solution.

These examples illustrate how companies across various sectors can leverage cloud-based security solutions to tackle their unique challenges and improve their security posture.

Cloud-based security solutions will continue to advance. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) will enhance monitoring and control capabilities, allowing businesses to connect various security devices and systems for a more comprehensive approach.

Combining access control systems with video surveillance creates a holistic view of security incidents, improving response times and overall safety.

Improved data analytics will also empower companies to gain deeper insights from their security data.

Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast amounts of information generated by security systems, helping businesses identify patterns and trends that inform future strategies.

This data-driven approach positions organisations to stay ahead of potential threats.

As cyber-threats continue to evolve, the emphasis on strong cybersecurity measures within cloud solutions will grow.

Businesses must ensure that their cloud security providers, like Eagle Eye Networks, meet high standards of cybersecurity, protecting both physical and digital assets.

Regular updates, compliance with industry regulations and transparent reporting will become increasingly crucial as companies navigate modern security complexities.

For businesses concerned about the financial and operational challenges of transitioning to cloud-based systems, it’s important to consider options that facilitate this shift without necessitating extensive upfront investments or full system replacements.

Some providers offer solutions designed to integrate with existing security infrastructure, which minimises disruption during the transition.

Organisations can retain their current systems while upgrading to cloud technology, making the process smoother, more manageable and economical.

In addition, subscription-based pricing models can help organisations spread costs over time, enabling businesses to gradually enhance security capabilities while staying within budget.

Cloud-based security solutions offer a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. Their benefit – including cost efficiency, scalability, advanced features and operational efficiency – make them essential for effective security management.

By embracing cloud technology, companies can enhance their security posture, adapt to evolving threats and support sustainable growth in an ever-changing landscape.

Enabling proactive security management

Eagle Eye Complete delivers a comprehensive video surveillance solution that adapts to the evolving needs of modern businesses. With advanced AI capabilities – such as licence plate recognition and Smart Video Search – this system empowers organisations to make informed decisions and enhance their security measures, all supported by a straightforward subscription model.

Eliminate large upfront investments – Eagle Eye Complete features an affordable pricing structure. Businesses can start with a nominal setup fee, eliminating upfront costs associated with some other surveillance systems. This approach allows you to align security investments with operational budgets, ensuring predictable monthly expenses without unexpected financial burdens.

Enjoy comprehensive coverage – Eagle Eye Complete includes a Lifetime Repair & Replace program, providing peace of mind to end customers and resellers. If equipment fails outside of warranty, you won’t incur additional costs for repairs or replacements. This feature protects investments and simplifies budget management, allowing you to concentrate on core business operations instead of unplanned expenses.

Scale with your business – as your business grows, so do your security needs. Eagle Eye Complete allows for seamless integration and scalability. You can transition your existing VMS to the Eagle Eye Cloud easily.  gaining access to leading analytics and AI features that streamline security operations. The system adapts to your unique requirements, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

How it works

Eagle Eye Complete combines innovative hardware and cloud-based services to deliver an exceptional surveillance experience:

• Connect with the Eagle Eye Bridge: This device links your cameras to our cloud data centres, ensuring reliable data transmission and analysis. The Bridge provides on-premises buffering, bandwidth management and video encryption to enhance security and performance. Or…
• Manage data with Cloud Managed Video Recorders (CMVR): CMVRs tackle bandwidth challenges by offering local storage solutions. This capability enables secure video transmission even during peak usage, ensuring your surveillance system operates smoothly regardless of network traffic

When you purchase a Bridge or CMVR under our Complete pricing model, you unlock savings on camera subscriptions. Enjoy simplified pricing for all resolution and retention requirements (up to 4MP and 60 days of cloud retention) – a unique offering exclusive to the Complete model.

Eagle Eye Complete goes beyond basic surveillance by incorporating advanced analytics and AI-driven tools that help organisations monitor their environments effectively.

Features such as motion detection, event alerts and data analytics provide real-time insights, enabling proactive security management.

You can customise the system to fit your specific security needs, whether for a single location or multiple sites.