Salient Systems highlights the ever-rising demand for video storage architecture for a range of applications

Historically, storage has been a challenge for video system designers and installers, with requirements rising along with camera resolutions. The addition of big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), integrated systems and IT applications to the mix have multiplied storage needs exponentially.

Another thing contributing to increased storage demands is the expanded use of video surveillance for more than just security. Video deployments are growing rapidly because organisations recognise the value of video data for a wide variety of purposes, including operational efficiency, situational awareness, risk mitigation and even marketing and merchandising.

Wide application of video surveillance

“Right now, video is the most prominent big data application in the world, and these applications are having a direct impact on storage technologies,” said Brandon Reich, Vice President of Security and IoT, Pivot3, Austin, Texas.

“While storage has always been an essential part of any video surveillance system, in the current market, it is critically important,” he adds.

Efficient video storage

Since data is so valuable, the process of storing it becomes one of the most important components of a system"

“Since data is so valuable, the process of storing it becomes one of the most important components of a system,” Reich said, adding “When it comes to video storage, there are myriad ways to save video, but many of these solutions are not designed for the complexities of video surveillance deployments or cannot handle the rapid rate in which video is recorded.”

According to IHS Markit, the global enterprise and IP storage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 24 percent between 2016 and 2021. However, the demand for high-resolution images, and the associated storage requirements have held back overall market growth.

Affordable high-resolution cameras

The combination of high-resolution cameras becoming more affordable and the growth in data storage in general has created increased demand for reliable, affordable video storage solutions.

“End users and systems integrators alike are primarily looking for reliable, high-capacity, surveillance; purpose-built drives that support multiple cameras; enhanced vibration; 24x7 availability; and firmware to maximise streaming and frame rate performance,” said Jessica Burton, Global Product Marketing Manager, Seagate Technology, Cupertino, Calif.

Factors affecting video storage platforms

According to Brian Carle, Director of Product Strategy, Salient Systems, Austin, Texas, there are several factors affecting storage platform selection: scalability, speed, storage management, fault tolerance, reliability, and cost.

For more distributed or lower camera count systems, the scalability and speed that comes with platforms such as storage attached networks (SANs) are generally unnecessary.

Video storage technologies

Most storage technologies provide a suitable speed for the needs of video surveillance"

Brain said, “Most storage technologies provide a suitable speed for the needs of video surveillance. The notable exception is tape systems, which may be considered for deployments requiring low-cost, long-term, onsite storage such as some deployments in the cannabis industry.”

He adds, “If real-time access is required then tape may not be ideal. Accessing archived video on tape may require a manual import process due to the latency associated with robotics accessing a tape which contains the appropriate data.”

Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Higher resolutions and frame rates mean higher storage requirements. That’s an unavoidable truth that has given rise to a number of innovations, including compression algorithms and deployment of video analytics in an effort to alleviate storage requirements and concerns.

Jessica Burton said, “While having onboard analytics capabilities is not new, there is one big change. Built-in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are becoming capable of ever more complex recognition and analysis with greater accuracy and speed. This allows them to solve problems and suggest potential solutions very quickly.”

Data interpretation using deep-learning algorithms

Burton adds, “Video is a complex form of data, and interpreting it requires systems capable of running deep-learning algorithms. So bringing the power of AI closer to the source of data is important.”

She further said, “As data analysis applications shift from being centralised in cloud data centres to being out at the edge, developers are putting AI directly onto the systems that support cameras, video recorders and the video servers in the field.”

Importance of choosing right storage architecture

When it comes to choosing a video storage solution, a main factor that integrators should consider is the architecture upon which it is built.

“This is not a one-size-fits-all marketplace; it’s not even a one-100 terabyte solution-fits-all marketplace,” said Tom Larson, Vice President, BCDVideo, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, adding “Integrators need to understand the end user’s needs and deliver the proper solution. But to do so effectively, they need to understand what the pros and cons are of each architecture.”

There are three primary architectures to draw from, which include distributed, centralised and hyper-converged.

Centralised storage architecture

Centralised storage is a server-based system with SAN or scaled network attached storage (NAS)

Distributed storage consists of servers with storage contained within the chassis. This model offers cost and performance benefits, but is not a high-availability solution.

Centralised storage is a server-based system with SAN or scaled network attached storage (NAS), with the benefits being that all servers and storage are in one location, making it easy to service and the solution can be easily scaled. The drawback is the higher price and requirement of a robust network.

Hyper-converged architecture

The hyper-converged model utilises servers within the cluster to eliminate any single point of failure. This is the only architecture that can ensure access to the archived video, and like the centralised model, hyper-converged storage can be easily scaled and requires a robust network.

When designing and specifying a system, security integrators should make sure customers know the maximum capacity required to record a system 24/7 at full resolution, what will be necessary to support additional cameras in the future, and how that will be accomplished.

Optimal use of video storage, bandwidth

“After the ramifications of capturing everything in real time at full resolution are understood, the integrator has the opportunity to discuss technology that will allow the user to save storage space and bandwidth, such as record on motion, record on schedule and bandwidth throttling,” said Mark Espenschied, Director of Marketing, Digital Watchdog, Cerritos, California.

Mark adds, “Just like all your other data, consider what needs to be saved and what is not critical to be retained. With NAS devices and cloud storage, you could back up everything forever. But do you need to do that?”