When security professionals plan a system, a key decision is whether to use on-premise or cloud security. The core question is whether to keep the infrastructure for capturing and storing data from security cameras or access control systems on-site or host it in the cloud.
This decision is complex due to the advantages and disadvantages of both cloud and on-premise solutions. It’s essential to evaluate all the key differences between these systems to determine which one aligns better with the security, operational, and financial needs of the business.
This article will help you understand the basic differences between the two systems and provide an in-depth comparison of cloud security versus on-premises across various criteria such as security levels, infrastructure, reliability, maintenance, through-life costs, and more.
Key Differences Between On-Premise and Cloud Security
For managing physical security in commercial properties, organizations can choose between two primary approaches: cloud security systems and on-premise solutions.
On-Premise Solutions: On-premise security, housed within a physical location, typically in the same building as the security systems, involves recorders or servers capturing and storing data from security cameras, access control systems, sensors, and alarms over an internal network. Security professionals can review and analyze this data on-site.
Cloud Security Systems: In contrast, cloud security systems capture and store sensitive data from similar security sources in a secure data center in the cloud. This data is transmitted over the Internet, allowing security teams to access and review it remotely via various fixed and mobile devices.
These basic differences necessitate a detailed comparison of on-premise and cloud security to determine the most suitable solution.
Infrastructure
On-Premise: On-premise solutions require a dedicated infrastructure within the building, including servers or digital video recorders, software to manage this infrastructure, and a network to connect it with the security components. This setup generates energy requirements to power the storage devices and cooling systems. The number of servers needed depends on the number of security feeds, increasing with more cameras and alarms.
Cloud-Based: Cloud security systems eliminate the need for physical servers on the premises. Instead, storage and management systems are housed in the cloud, usually managed by a third party. Depending on the subscription, there’s no limit to the number of security feeds stored in the cloud. Data is transmitted directly from the security source to the cloud via the Internet, accessible on on-premise monitors or remotely on mobile devices.
The primary difference lies in the location of the infrastructure. A cloud solution can free up physical space, which is advantageous for smaller buildings or locations where space can generate additional revenue.
Management and Maintenance
On-Premise: Businesses retaining infrastructure on-premise are responsible for management and maintenance, typically handled by the IT team. This requires team members to have the skills to manage both the infrastructure and internal networks, and it involves regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation. However, this also grants the business full control over their security systems.
Cloud-Based: For cloud-based systems, the hosting company manages and maintains the infrastructure, with costs included in the subscription. Specialist staff handle maintenance, reducing the burden on the business’s IT team.
The key difference is the need for skilled staff to manage and maintain the infrastructure and networks. For businesses with small IT teams, the support burden can be significant.
Connectivity
On-Premise: Connecting on-premise storage devices to security components requires a secure internal data network with sufficient speed, capacity, and traffic prioritization to handle high volumes of data, such as high-resolution video images.
Cloud-Based: Cloud systems transmit data from security devices via public or private Internet connections. Critical security needs may require a private network overlay. While the Internet can handle large file sizes, transmission speeds and image quality depend on the connection type and network traffic conditions.
Connectivity is a crucial factor in deciding between cloud and on-premise security. Network performance, security, and internal networking requirements should be carefully evaluated.
Storage Capacity
On-Premise: Storage capacity for on-premise solutions is finite, determined by the number of connected security components and the volume of data generated. Adding new devices increases storage needs, potentially requiring additional storage devices or data deletion.
Cloud-Based: Cloud security systems offer virtually unlimited storage capacity, determined initially by the subscription type. Adding new feeds or exceeding limits may require a higher subscription. Cost reduction strategies include tiered storage, using lower-cost archives for non-essential data.
Current and future capacity needs should guide the decision. On-premise storage requires balancing deletion and expansion, while cloud storage offers more flexible options.
Reliability
On-Premise: On-premise solutions rely on internal components for uptime, necessitating high-reliability servers, recorders, and network components. Redundancy and proactive maintenance can minimize downtime risks.
Cloud-Based: Cloud security relies on external elements like the Internet and the host system. Internet performance, vulnerable to disruptions, is the primary risk. Private Internet solutions can enhance reliability but add costs. Cloud providers aim for high uptime, which should be verified in service contracts.
Responsibility for maintaining reliability differs: on-premise solutions offer control but depend on in-house support, while cloud reliability depends on external factors.
Disaster Recovery
On-Premise: Disasters affecting on-premise infrastructure can severely impact security. Setting up an alternative system in a temporary location is challenging and time-consuming.
Cloud-Based: Cloud storage is unaffected by local disasters, ensuring continuity of service and data access. However, damage to key cameras or security devices disrupts current feeds. Security staff can access cloud data remotely to maintain monitoring.
Control and Compliance
On-Premise: On-premise storage allows complete control over data, essential for regulatory compliance or protecting sensitive information. Businesses can apply specific policies and processes to safeguard data.
Cloud-Based: Cloud storage may not be permissible under certain regulations or contracts. Compliance should be checked to ensure suitability. A hybrid solution, with compliant data on-premise and other data in the cloud, might be appropriate.
Security Monitoring
On-Premise: On-premise security teams review footage on-site, requiring staff presence for 24-hour monitoring, potentially outside normal business hours.
Cloud-Based: Cloud storage allows remote access to security feeds, increasing flexibility and mobility. Businesses can centralize monitoring for multiple sites, reducing the need for on-site staff.
Scalability
On-Premise: Scaling on-premise systems involves procuring, installing, and configuring additional storage devices, which can be time-consuming and disruptive. It also increases capital costs.
Cloud-Based: Cloud systems can scale on demand, accommodating changes quickly with minimal disruption. Scalability incurs subscription increases but no capital costs.
Long-term scalability considerations are crucial, anticipating changes in business or security requirements.
System Updates
On-Premise: IT teams manage and install updates for on-premise systems, which can be time-consuming, especially across large networks.
Cloud-Based: Cloud providers handle software updates, often included in the subscription, with automatic over-the-air updates enhancing protection against emerging threats.
Customization
On-Premise: On-premise solutions offer extensive customization options, aligning the system with business needs. However, customization demands fall on internal teams.
Cloud-Based: Cloud systems offer fewer customization opportunities, often based on standard packages. Access requirements and internal rules can be set within these packages.
Integration
On-Premise: Legacy technologies in on-premise solutions may complicate integration with modern systems built to open standards.
Cloud-Based: Cloud systems are designed to open standards, simplifying integration with other compatible applications and systems.
Through-Life Costs
On-Premise: Initial capital investment includes equipment, storage media, software licenses, installation, configuration, and validation. Ongoing costs cover software updates, maintenance, and component replacement. Expansion incurs similar costs.
Cloud-Based: Most costs are included in the regular subscription, covering software licenses, updates, management, and maintenance. Expansion requires only a subscription increase. Connectivity costs include broadband and any overlay networks.
Cloud storage can offer cost savings in other areas, such as reduced on-site security staff costs and better alignment of energy consumption with occupancy.
Security
On-Premise: On-premise solutions offer control over data protection but are vulnerable to attacks, damage, or theft. Robust security teams and processes are essential to minimize risks.
Cloud-Based: Cloud storage eliminates on-site risks but relies on cloud providers’ security levels. Data in transit is usually encrypted, reducing theft risk. Private Internet facilities enhance protection but add costs.
Decision-Making
Choosing between cloud and on-premise security requires a detailed analysis of factors including space, Internet reliability, compliance, disaster recovery, scalability, budget, and operational needs. Balancing these considerations against risk helps create a solution providing the highest level of protection for the business.