Camio - Experts & Thought Leaders

Migrating to the Cloud is an inevitable and irreversible trend in video surveillance. Compared to the conventional NVR architecture, the Cloud is far more scalable, flexible and a cost-effective medium. This article argues that end user should definitely consider, if not outright begin on, moving their video surveillance to the Cloud. According to statistics from a renowned research firm, 85 percent of businesses worldwide are already making use of cloud technology to store information. Furthermore, 67 percent of enterprise infrastructure has become cloud based in 2020, while 94 percent of the Internet workload will be processed in the Cloud by 2021. Migration to the Cloud It’s clear that end users have migrated a lot of their business operations to the Cloud. So, why not security and video surveillance as well? In fact, the numbers show that they are already doing this. According to Eagle Eye Network, the video surveillance-as-a-service (VSaaS) market has reached US$ 1.8 billion by 2020 and is expected to grow at an 18 percent CAGR through 2024. The figures provide indisputable support for the argument that VSaaS is the future of video surveillance. This article strongly believes that the end user should switch to the Cloud, in the rare event that they haven’t done so already. Remote monitoring from virtually anywhere Video surveillance-as-a-service (VSaaS) breaks away from the traditional NVR architecture Video surveillance-as-a-service (VSaaS) breaks away from the traditional NVR architecture. Essentially, VSaaS allows video data to be monitored from virtually anywhere. Remote management is also allowed, whereby the cameras can be configured, updated or maintained over the air, reducing the instances of site visits. As Alen Zukich, the Chief Product Officer (CPO) of CamCloud puts it, “Once businesses make that shift to the Cloud and can access and manage all their enterprise video surveillance data from the Cloud, it’s unlikely they will go back. This is reflected in the incredibly low churn rates (cancellations) of our business customers.” Cloud capability in COVID-19 period The remote monitoring capability of the Cloud is especially useful during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in millions across the globe to work from home. “When the pandemic forced office closures and everyone was working from home, security managers with VSaaS systems installed could still fully monitor the cameras and manage access to their buildings, without having to be on-premise in security rooms and SOCs,” said Tom Buckley, Co-Founder of Qumulex. Benefits of the cloud infrastructure “The adoption has increased tangibly throughout the pandemic months. We are feeling it on the number of inbound requests and converted accounts. We attribute it to the deeper realisation of the benefits of the cloud infrastructure, especially in the multiple sites surveillance case,” said Viachaslau Hrytsevich, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 3dEYE. Viachaslau Hrytsevich said, “Cloud fits perfectly into the remote work scenario, where end users and security guards work from home. Cloud is popular due to the ability to solve the shortcomings of regular local VMS and NVRs, like higher security, accessibility and reliability.” Enhanced scalability and flexibility in an OPEX model The recurring expense of VSaaS ensures that the end user is paying only for what they need and use" Have what it takes to purchase NVRs, servers and other on-site equipment? This cost can be too burdensome for most users. Not a problem under VSaaS, which shifts users to an OPEX model that ensures the kind of flexibility not allowed in the NVR architecture. As Tom Buckley explains, “The recurring expense of VSaaS ensures that the end user is paying only for what they need and use, and further enables them to expand or contract at any point, the number of devices on their network, without having to factor in additional servers, client licenses, and load balancing." Tom adds, "It becomes very easy to add additional cameras, or to replace aging existing cameras with the latest technology from the many leading video surveillance camera vendors.” TCO reduced to set up video surveillance The total cost of ownership (TCO) of setting up video surveillance is significantly reduced. This is especially the case for enterprises with multiple locations. “If you have an enterprise with dozens or hundreds of locations, an on-premise solution requires the deployment and maintenance of hardware and software, and each location. VSaaS removes that complexity and overhead,” explains Alen Zukich, adding “In a multi-location enterprise with many locations, the benefits of cloud (VSaaS) architecture are compelling.” Accessibility to more available analytics Needless to say, video analytics are needed by more and more users, in order to meet their business requirements. Cloud allows users to access almost an infinite number of analytics, which are otherwise too expensive and resource consuming, to be run on NVRs. Not only that, cloud allows users to choose analytics that they truly need and for the length of period that they need it for. The Cloud provides elastic processing capability, so you always have the processing power needed" Tom Buckley stated, “The Cloud provides elastic processing capability, so you always have the processing power needed. The user can purchase the analytics they need, for the video streams in which they need them, for the period of time they need them. In essence, renting analytic capability." He adds, "As such, if the user wanted to deploy an analytic for a short period of time (for example, deploying a people-counting analytic for a special event), the user could purchase that capability for that time period from the analytic vendor.”  Cloud-based video analytics Tom further said, “There are thousands of cloud-based video analytics available from a wide range of vendors. The systems integrator could handle this on behalf of their customer, bundling cloud-based analytics for the user and adding it to the monthly recurring cost, or the user could choose on their own to find and deploy analytics to meet their specific requirements.” In the end, VSaaS allows the user to access a wide range of analytics to extend their video surveillance usability. According to Carter Maslan, Co-Founder and CEO of Camio, “VSaaS facilitates fast improvements in AI and machine learning for analytics that bring intelligence and actionable insights to video surveillance. The real-time data and communication of VSaaS moves the security industry from passive evidence collection to proactive security – a huge step toward more effective security operations.”   

Security is more-than-ever linked to consumer electronics, especially in the residential/smart home market. CES 2018 in Las Vegas is therefore brimming with news that will have a direct impact on the security market, today and especially looking into the future. Products for the future of security   CES is a giant trade show for consumer electronics with 2.75 million net square feet of exhibitor space and featuring more than 3,900 exhibitors, including 900 startups - in contrast, ISC West has some 1,000 exhibitors. During the week-long show welcoming 170,000-plus attendees from 150 countries, more than 20,000 new products are being launched. The products incorporate ingredient technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G that will also be familiar elements as the future of the security industry unfolds. Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES, and many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. Key security technologies at CES 2018 Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES. For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? At CES, Johnson Controls is announcing support for Apple HomeKit now offered in their DSC iotega wireless security and automation solution. Consumers can manage both their security system and also other home automation abilities using Apple’s Home app, or Siri on their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Interlogix is announcing new features and components of its UltraSync SmartHome system, including hands-free voice control, high-definition cameras, an LTE cellular module and soon-to-be-released doorbell camera. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined Developments in crime awareness ADT has a high profile at CES, including the launch of its ADT Go mobile app, equipped with 24/7 emergency response from ADT’s live monitoring agents and backed by Life360’s location technology, providing emergency response, family connectivity, safety assistance and crime awareness.  ADT is also unveiling a video doorbell and expanding its monitoring to cybersecurity. IC Realtime is introducing Ella, a cloud-based deep-learning search engine that augments surveillance systems with natural language search capabilities across recorded video footage. Ella enables any surveillance or security cameras to recognise objects, colours, people, vehicles and animals. Ella was designed using the technology backbone of Camio, a startup founded by ex-Googlers who designed a simpler way to apply searching to streaming video feeds. It’s a “Google for video:” Users can type in queries such as “white truck” to find every relevant video clip. Smarter homes and smarter computers Do-it-yourself smart home security company Abode Systems announces iota, an all-in-one system giving customers more freedom and flexibility to build out and monitor their smart home. The new form factor has a built-in full-HD resolution camera enabling customers to see and hear what’s going on in their home 24/7 while a built-in gateway supports hundreds of devices to make homes more convenient, safer and more secure. There is also support for Apple HomeKit. Highly programmable and high-performance platforms will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market  The Z-Wave Alliance will host 30-plus leading smart home brands in the Z-Wave pavilion at CES. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience. Sigma Designs unveils its 700-Series Z-Wave platform, including numerous performance and technology enhancements in energy-efficiency and RF performance. Personal protection in attendance Self-defence product company SABRE will debut a combination pepper spray with dual sound-effect personal alarm that “alternates between the traditional wailing sound and a primal scream, while a strobe blinks 19 times per second to disorient assailants.” SABRE’s Modern Fake Security Camera includes “sleek, realistic design to deter would-be thieves.” Chip maker Ambarella is introducing the CV1 4K Stereovision Processor with CFflow Computer Vision Architecture. The chip combines environmental perception with advances in deep neural network processing for a variety of applications, including video security cameras and fully autonomous drones. At CES, applications will focus on automotive uses, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), self-driving, electronic mirror and surround view systems. The highly programmable and high-performance platform will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience Extending home security and efficiency  The Ring whole-house security ecosystem creates a “Ring of Security” around homes and neighbourhoods. Products include “Stick Up” indoor/outdoor security cameras, integrated LED lighting, a “Ring Alarm” integrated bundle for $199 including a base station, keypad, contact sensor, and Z-Wave extender. “Ring Protect Plans” include 24/7 professional monitoring. The “Streety” phone app, from Vivint Smart Home, extends home security into the neighbourhood. Streety makes it easy for neighbours to monitor neighbourhood activity through a network of shared residential cameras. They can keep an eye on kids, cars and property through live video feeds and use recorded video clips to investigate incidents. A new device making its debut at CES is the Walker “commercialised biped robot,” from UBTECH Robotics, which provides a complete home butler service and is designed to ease the day-to-day operations of a busy home or office. The varied of functions includes video surveillance monitoring, security patrol monitoring, motion detection and “instant alarm,” as well as dancing and playing games with children. The company says Walker will “bridge the gap between technologies that were once only available in scientific research institutions and everyday people.”