A 30,000 View

Cloud-based video: the journey and its future course

  • By Martin Gren
  • Mar 18, 2024

Today it seems like the cloud is everywhere. In the security industry, cloud-based video and access control solutions are certainly big trends. But how, and why, did the journey toward cloud-based video begin? And where is it headed?

The Right Elements, the Wrong Timing
When the first network camera—the AXIS NetEye 200—was launched in 1996, its performance was on par with the available bandwidth at the time; but the technology had a way to go to meet the needs of the security industry. At that time, dial-up networking typically took around 17 seconds to transmit a VGA image. While the capability was exciting, and the possibilities promising, the results were not ideal. Improvements were required.

The late 1990s saw the emergence of Software as a Service (SaaS), offered by Application Service Providers or ASPs, like Hotmail and RocketMail. At that point, using webcams with dial-up networking produced a slow stream that equated to a series of still images. Additionally, camera configuration was a challenge, so a better way of communication was required. Unfortunately, high-speed internet was still in its infancy, so it was too early to accommodate IP video.

Tech Advancement Spawns Viable Solutions
As we approached the new millennium, things were about to change. High-speed internet finally provided what was needed for network video success, especially for security and surveillance use cases. For Axis, this meant the introduction of a new breed of camera: the AXIS 2100 Network Camera. In addition to providing a direct network connection (no PC required) with the ability to operate as a standalone via LAN connection or modem, it was the first camera with VGA resolution at a good framerate (10 fps) and at a reasonable price. Accordingly, it was easy to configure and deploy—meeting user needs.

On the heels of these advancements, the first cloud-based video solution was introduced by Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica. The company pioneered a hosting plan that included the cost of the IP camera—and subscriptions were sold to small businesses. While profitability was encouraging, scalability issues forced Telefónica to discontinue the service. That set the stage for cloud video offerings and many Telcos followed suit. Most of them failed because their business models combined small business and residential sales under the same roof.

Pioneers Meet Heightened Expectations
It was not long before a second wave of hosted video startups decided to modify standard cameras and their firmware to connect them to the cloud. Dropcam and CameraManager were among two of these pioneering companies. Initially the challenge with cloud-based video was bandwidth, but the problem was solved as broadband became ubiquitous. And, until around 2008, standard (PAL or NTSC) resolution was acceptable, so the combination worked.

However, once flat HD TVs began to appear in living rooms, people expected better quality from surveillance cameras too. Fortunately, timing coincided with a new H.264 compression method, so better image quality with less noise was now possible. Later came smart compression methods such as Axis Zipstream technology.

With the emergence of cloud service providers like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, businesses no longer had to make major investments in servers and other infrastructure. This was a huge step forward and enabled startups to provide cloud-based video solutions. Even better, these servers were often free of charge for upload since most traffic using the cloud are downloads. Cameras upload data continuously but download data rarely. Of course, uses and pricing models have since changed.

Ecosystem Poised to Elevate Video
Today, cloud video, better known as Video Software as a Service or VSaaS, generally means one of two things.

1. Cameras that are direct to the cloud.

2. A local server where the cameras are connected to the appliance, which is then managed through the cloud.

Either way, the popularity of VSaaS is being driven by some clear benefits, among them flexible storage, scalable systems and remote access.

So, what is next for cloud-based video beyond the obvious conveniences? A demand for higher-quality video and related data for AI models, computer vision applications and business intelligence—coupled with the ongoing evolution of today’s IP cameras with greater processing power and deep learning capabilities—is driving new innovative cloud platforms and hybrid architectures. What’s more, edge computing is creating opportunities whereby real-time actions occur at the edge and only meta data needs to be transferred to the cloud for storage and potentially deeper analysis via new cloud-based analytics.

A Positive Forecast for the Future
A symbiosis between technological elements is creating opportunities for hardware manufacturers, software developers, and system integrators—ultimately introducing new innovative solutions for end-users. Furthermore, these collaborations are driving new developments in cloud-based video.

The evolution over the past two decades has been significant and it’s pushing cloud-based video into the mainstream. Overall, it is fair to say that the haze has lifted and the future forecast for cloud solutions is bright and clear.

This article originally appeared in the March / April 2024 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.