The best cloud-based security camera systems for business (2023)

More and more business leaders are reporting rises in theft as part of their annual report. The National Retail Federation’s National Retail Security Survey states that retail crime cost businesses approximately $100 billion in 2022, up from $90 billion in 2020. To reduce theft and drive revenues, businesses are investing in cloud-based security camera systems.

However, choosing the wrong cloud-based security camera system can be costly. In fact, some cloud security camera companies have been labeled “hostage as a service” businesses by IVPM due to the long contract lengths, lack of customer support, and closed architecture.

In this article, we review 15 cloud-based security camera systems for business to help you decide which is the best video surveillance solution for you.

See how Solink’s cloud-first video surveillance system can improve the security of your business.

What is a cloud-based security camera system?

Companies love to cash in on the newest buzzwords. This has led to terms like “Cloud” and “AI” being used loosely in recent years by security camera companies to build their brand. However, many of these cloud-based security camera systems barely take advantage of cloud technology. To understand this, let’s begin with the basic definition of cloud computing.

Wikipedia defines cloud computing broadly as “the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user.”

This definition is more geared towards companies like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure that operate as the backbone for software as a service (SaaS) companies, including video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) companies. However, just because a security company relies on cloud computing does not mean they offer a true cloud-based security camera system.

Indeed, some companies will define their surveillance or security service as cloud video surveillance just because it is enabled by the cloud. The fact remains that these simpler systems don’t have the features or characteristics that a business should expect in their cloud-based security camera system.

At Solink, we don’t believe offering cloud video storage or being able to access your security feeds remotely is enough to be labeled cloud-based video surveillance. We go further in our definition of cloud-based video surveillance.

The best cloud-based security camera systems have the following characteristics:

• Always on: Cloud computing should enable your security camera system to have zero downtime. This includes letting you know about problems with individual security cameras or other connected systems.
• Always compatible: The cloud is fundamentally an interconnected network of different systems and services. If your security camera system does not function within this greater network of services, then is it truly part of the cloud? Solink brings a technology agnostic approach to development. The Solink platform can work with most security cameras on the market and your other systems, from access control to POS systems, to provide new insights for business management.
• Always available: Cloud systems should be available at any time of the day, from anywhere. For cloud-based security camera systems, this means being able to perform remote monitoring of your premises and any key metrics.
• Always up to date: Cloud-based security camera systems keep themselves up to date with the latest patches. This protects your business from cybersecurity threats, without any user input. It also means a regular flow of new features to drive even more return on investment (ROI).

What are the advantages of a cloud-based security camera system?

The best cloud-based security camera systems can bring a lot of value to businesses. In fact, working with the right cloud security camera system company can pay for itself several times over through cost and time savings, improved security, and the potential to drive more revenue.

Here are some of the ways that cloud-based security camera systems drive return on income (ROI).

Save and share

Once your video is stored in the cloud, you can effortlessly share it within your organization or with law enforcement, if needed. Simply send the URL to those who require access to the clip using email. The Solink platform streamlines this process through its automatic save and share system.

Remote monitoring

Accessing your data from anywhere proves invaluable, regardless of the number of locations you manage. While useful for businesses of all sizes, remote monitoring becomes crucial for larger organizations. Solink facilitates real-time access to your data from any location. You can conveniently view video footage capturing ongoing events and gather data from interconnected systems.

Everything in one place

Businesses have recognized the indispensability of data collection, yet many find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available. While they acknowledge its potential to enhance organizational efficiency, deciphering and implementing data insights can prove challenging.

Simplifying data processes is achievable by consolidating as much data as possible within a unified platform. Solink’s cloud video security platform precisely accomplishes that objective. By integrating video footage with data derived from other systems, not only does it elevate security measures, but it also reveals valuable business insights.

Moreover, combining data with video empowers you to witness actual occurrences, as data alone may not present the complete picture. For instance, exception-based reporting can signal potential theft or decreased productivity, but only paired video footage can provide the underlying reasons for such anomalies.

Proactive monitoring

Cloud-based security camera systems effectively alleviate the mental burden of constantly monitoring your business. Through the utilization of diverse statistical models, motion search, and other camera AI features, Solink can promptly alert you to potential issues.

Whether you seek to be informed when someone enters the backroom, notice a decline in store sales, or observe a drop in service speed, Solink proactively notifies you of these concerns before they escalate.

With Threshold Notifications, you can establish predefined limits for your core metrics and receive SMS or email notifications as soon as your core metrics deviate from your desired parameters. This empowers you to stay informed and take timely action.

Off-site cloud video storage backup

Cloud video storage does have certain drawbacks. It relies heavily on a stable Internet connection and consumes a significant amount of bandwidth, which can be a disadvantage. Additionally, the costs associated with cloud video storage can be prohibitive.

However, leveraging cloud video storage as a backup solution alongside local network storage is an excellent option. By securely storing your important videos in a reliable cloud storage solution, you can retain them indefinitely. Cloud-based accessibility to these videos also unlocks additional advantages associated with cloud-based security camera systems.

Solink addresses these considerations by integrating network-attached storage (NAS) with cloud video storage. This seamless combination of storage solutions not only helps reduce expenses but also enhances system resilience. The storage appliance provided by Solink offers a hassle-free experience and comes with full warranty coverage.

Moreover, it helps ensure that your security system aligns with regulatory requirements, for those industries with stringent compliance standards.

Constant improvements

Traditional security systems typically remain unchanged throughout their lifespan once purchased. In contrast, cloud security camera system companies continuously evolve and improve their solutions over time. For example, Solink recently introduced Location Management. This new feature significantly simplifies the process of locating and auditing specific individual locations or groups of locations for large organizations.

By embracing cloud video security solutions, businesses benefit from ongoing advancements and innovative functionalities that enhance their security measures and operational efficiency.

You can track all of the recent updates to the Solink platform here.

Simple and free security updates

Cybersecurity is an integral part of physical security. One of the biggest disadvantages of going to a non-cloud-based security camera solution is that they don’t receive free, automated security updates.

Over time, as hackers discover exploits to these systems, a business’s video feeds become vulnerable. Solink sends security updates to your system to keep your business and its data secure.

Health checks

Solink’s cloud-based security camera system operates continuously, ensuring it remains online at all times. Equally important, it ensures the availability of your other systems. Solink achieves this by regularly checking if your cameras are online and unoccluded. When an issue is found, Solink promptly notifies you so you can quickly bring your cameras back online.

Moreover, Solink conducts regular health checks on all your devices to proactively identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities, ensuring a robust and secure system.

AI capabilities

Storing your security camera footage in the cloud opens up possibilities for utilizing advanced AI capabilities. Cloud computing provides the necessary computing power for features that go beyond the capabilities of a single laptop. Cloud computing unlocks the following features, among many others.

Scalability

Cloud-based security camera systems provide unlimited scalability. Here are three ways that cloud video security scales with your business:

• Number of sites: The cloud is limitless, so you can easily bring another site online.
• Number of users: It is easy to add new users, as well as give them a customized level of access to protect certain data from those who do not need to see it.
• Number of connected systems: The POS is the most common connected system on Solink, but we can connect to many other systems including scheduling software and access control. When you have new systems come online, Solink will work to add them to your custom dashboard.

15 best cloud-based security camera systems for business

It’s hard to make a list of the best cloud-based security camera systems. There are many out there, and they don’t all cater to the same industries, offer the same experience, or provide the same value.

We’ve taken a mix of the offerings by the cloud security camera companies recently rated by IVPM, some early startups, a few solutions targeting the residential market with offerings sometimes used by small businesses, and one classic network video recorder (NVR) system as a comparison point.

Here are the 15 best cloud-based security camera systems for business:

Advantages and disadvantages of Solink

Here are some of the main differentiators of Solink’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• An easy-to-use platform that can be learned on the fly and used by various roles across an organization
• Constantly shipping new features such as Camera Linking, Threshold Notifications, and Location Management
• 24/7 support via in-app chat, email, or phone, as well as an extensive help center
• Best-in-class mobile experience on both Apple and Android along with Apple TV and web apps
• Substantial ROI through time-saving, improved revenue generation, and reduced costs and theft
• The highest level of network security and data protection
• Quick installation and hands-off hardware that is fully managed and maintained by Solink
• Hundreds of integrations, including POS systems, access control, and scheduling software
• Video alarms, with both self-serve and managed options for verification
• No-term contracts that make it a flexible solution for businesses
• Real-time alerts for core metrics and daily digest emails for summaries of all your data
• Technology-agnostic platform that works with most security cameras and connected systems
• All-in-one solution that can source and install your security cameras

Advantages and disadvantages of Verkada

Here are some of the main differentiators of Verkada’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• All-in-one security providers that sell all of the hardware and software required for a security system
• Facial recognition (note that this may have legal implications in some jurisdictions)
• Closed system that isn’t compatible with third-party security cameras
• Zero POS integrations and few other integrations
• Less support options and no 24/7 support
• Cloud-enabled security system
• Mobile app

Read: Solink vs. Verkada comparison.

Advantages and disadvantages of Eagle Eye Networks

Here are some of the main differentiators of EEN’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• The ability to use natural language (such as “orange hoodie”) to search videos, although the accuracy still has room for improvement
• Data and POS integrations
• Mobile app

Read: Solink vs. Eagle Eye Networks comparison.

Advantages and disadvantages of Rhombus

Here are some of the main differentiators of Rhombus’ cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Closed camera system that requires you to purchase their cameras
• POS and other data integrations
• Mobile app

Advantages and disadvantages of Ivideon

Here are some of the main differentiators of Ivideon’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Offers access control services related to cloud-based security camera system
• Provides facial recognition capabilities (check legal implications in some jurisdictions)
• Sells hardware separately to the public, alongside its subscription business
• Functions as an all-in-one hardware and software shop

Advantages and disadvantages of Milestone

Here are some of the main differentiators of Milestones’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Self-serve system for XProtect offered through Amazon AWS
• Able to use with existing IP security cameras
• No video alarm services

Advantages and disadvantages of Meraki

Here are some of the main differentiators of Meraki’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Offers data integrations but not POS integrations
• Open platform for third-party security cameras
• Mobile app

Advantages and disadvantages of Avigilon ALTA

Here are some of the main differentiators of Avigilon ALTA’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Some questions about the ease of use of the platform
• Has data integrations but not POS integrations
• Offers video alarms
• Mobile app

Read: Solink vs. Avigilon comparison.

Advantages and disadvantages of Genetec Stratocast

Here are some of the main differentiators of Genetec Stratocast’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Native access control integration allows remotely unlocking and locking doors
• UX/UI is often criticized as hard to use and out of date
• No-term contracts provide flexibility to customers
• Mobile app

Advantages and disadvantages of OpenEye

Here are some of the main differentiators of OpenEye’s cloud-based security camera system solution

• Data and POS integrations
• Easy-to-use platform
• Mobile app

Advantages and disadvantages of Spot AI

Here are some of the main differentiators of Spot AI’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Geared towards very small companies with one to few locations and lacking the required features for enterprise customers
• Compatible with most IP cameras, but not necessarily analog cameras
• Unproven track record as a very new company
• Some AI features such as motion detection
• Sells cameras and NVRs

Advantages and disadvantages of Nest for business

Here are some of the main differentiators of Nest’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Able to purchase new cameras and other hardware easily from eCommerce and brick and mortar stores
• No reporting or data visualization capabilities
• Not designed for businesses
• No POS or data integrations
• Offers cloud video storage
• Easy to use

Advantages and disadvantages of Frontpoint for business

Here are some of the main differentiators of Frontpoint’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Able to purchase new cameras and other hardware easily from eCommerce and brick and mortar stores
• No reporting or data visualization capabilities
• No POS or data integrations
• Not designed for businesses
• Offers cloud video storage
• Easy to use

Advantages and disadvantages of Blink for business

Here are some of the main differentiators of Blink’s cloud-based security camera system solution:

• Able to purchase new cameras and other hardware easily from eCommerce and brick and mortar stores
• No reporting or data visualization capabilities
• Not designed for businesses
• No POS or data integrations
• Offers cloud video storage
• Easy to use

Advantages and disadvantages of Big Dog

Here are some of the main differentiators of Big Dog’s non-cloud-based security camera system solution:

• No security updates leaves systems vulnerable to hackers
• Lack of advanced AI capabilities
• No cloud video storage
• Rigid system packages

Solink is the best cloud-based video surveillance company

Solink brings together all of the features businesses come to expect in a cloud-based security camera system solution.

• Motion and event search helps you find more theft in less time.
• Video alarms better protect your business at night while massively reducing the risk of false alarm fines.
• Camera health checks make sure your cameras are online and unoccluded, while security updates protect you from cyberthreats.
• The regular release of new features means the ROI keeps increasing year over year.

To see what makes Solink the best cloud-based security camera system company, sign up for a demo today.