Choosing the Right Solution

Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years.

With this shift underway, more cloud solutions have entered the market. It can be challenging to choose the one that’s best for your organization. Here are a few top considerations that can help.

Must Haves for Your SaaS Solution
Whether an organization is looking at VSaaS or ACaaS solutions or wants to invest in a unified PSaaS solution, a few key criteria should remain top of mind. These factors won’t only help your organization transition to the cloud with ease, but you can do it while capitalizing on existing investments and staying adaptable as new changes come up.

Open architecture. An open architecture solution gives your organization the flexibility to keep existing devices and systems. You can also choose to swap them out and select the vendors and devices that best suit your application and budget. Whether it’s access control readers, video cameras, intercoms, or intrusion sensors, you decide which brands and solutions work best. An open architecture also ensures that your organization can add new technologies and consider different system integrations.

Deployment flexibility. A hybrid-cloud solution provides the ultimate deployment flexibility because you decide exactly how you want to set up each system and site. You may have sites that are fully on-premises, some sites that are fully cloud-hosted, and other sites that are connected to the cloud with edge devices or cloud-managed appliances. You can convert one site over to the cloud at a time or trial new cloud-based features and applications when opportunities arise. Also, whether you have system components at the edge, on-premises, or in the cloud, your team manages everything from a centralized security solution.

Investment protection. Having the option to add cloud-managed appliances can help you modernize older access control or video surveillance systems by facilitating a connection to the cloud. Using cloud-managed appliances, you can easily swap out older on-premises servers and bridge sites to central security operations. This allows you to keep existing cameras, access control readers, and other sensors, and streamline system maintenance through cloud management using an intuitive SaaS solution.

Cybersecurity and trust. Choosing a SaaS solution that has been built with cybersecurity and privacy in mind can make all the difference. This provides advanced cybersecurity defenses and default privacy protection alongside numerous built-in tools to enhance risk mitigation and compliance. The vendor should be forthcoming about all certifications and compliance standards.

These include self-assessments, third-party audit reports, and documentation about data, sub-processors, and network security.

Ask These Questions to Get the Most from a SaaS Solution
Open architecture. Can the SaaS solution work with various devices and vendors to ensure it won’t become obsolete? Can we choose solutions that best fit our physical security deployment and support our desired outcomes?

Proven scalability. How easily can the system scale to accommodate future growth or changes in our organization? Can the SaaS solution support a growing number of devices across global sites alongside increased processing demands?

Unified security operations. Does the solution allow us to seamlessly manage and operate with other security systems and infrastructure? Can it manage all physical security systems across our sites, whether cloud or on-premises, to simplify operations?

Maintenance and management. Is there a way to simplify system management and automate maintenance tasks to better optimize our IT and security resources? Does the SaaS solution allow us to outsource system health monitoring and optimization to channel partners?

Data security and privacy. Does this system give us all the necessary tools and measures to uphold data and privacy compliance across our organization? What is the system’s track record for reliability and uptime, and what measures are in place for backup and disaster recovery?

Upgrades and innovation. How easily can the system be upgraded to incorporate new features or technologies without significant disruption? Will we get continuous access to the latest capabilities and features when they’re released?

Cost structure. Is the pricing model flexible enough to accommodate future changes in the organization? Does the SaaS solution allow us to purchase connections that can apply to cameras, readers, or other sensors?

Partner support and trust. What level of support and guidance can we expect before, during, and after our deployment from the SaaS provider and channel partner? Are there signs that we can trust this vendor and that they will continue to support and develop the solution in the future?

Investing in a Forward-thinking SaaS Solution
In the search for the right SaaS product, focus on choosing an open and unified PSaaS solution. You’ll have the flexibility to start with VSaaS, AcaaS, or other physical security solutions in the cloud while enabling new features when you’re ready.

Considering a hybrid-cloud deployment and using cloud-managed appliances can further streamline the transition to the cloud. Not only can your organization accommodate existing infrastructure, requirements, and policies, but you’ll be able to centrally manage all your systems and sites, whether cloud, edge, or on-premises, from one intuitive cloud-native platform.

With this level of freedom and adaptability, you can evolve your physical security deployment in any way you choose. It also ensures you remain confident and in control no matter the requirements or opportunities that come up later on.

This article originally appeared in the November / December 2024 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.