1. Review your current video security infrastructure:

a. Make an inventory of your system (i.e., all devices,
software, VMS applications, etc.) and create a blueprint-based
schematic.
b. Where are the pain points? Is excessive staff time
required to locate archived incidents? Are significant incidents
overlooked because your system lacks timely alerting
capability? Do different teams experience different pain points?
c. Are internal politics a problem? Who manages the current
system – IT staff or facilities management staff?
d. What functions must your video security system perform?
Do you utilize general oversight with real-time monitoring vs.
after-the-fact forensic purposes?

2. Determine your business needs:

a. Determine the number and placement of cameras by
editing your schematic (1a) to indicate desired
additions/replacements/relocations of cameras. Future proof
this schematic by indicating anticipated changes and/or
additions.
b. Indicate the specifications desired such as resolution (at
least 3 MP), field of view, low-light visibility, etc.
c. Include environmental requirements such as high/low
temperature constraints and vandal-proof camera features.
d. Include your retention policy by noting how long the camera
footage must be retained or archived.
e. Factor in your compliance obligation by indicating if your
organization is governed by HIPAA, PCI, or other regulatory
mandates.

3. Investigate the three alternatives now available for video security systems:

a. Traditional NVR/DVR system stores footage on servers – NVRs
or DVRs – which are set up for local or remote viewing. For
small installations with few cameras, this may be a desirable,
relatively low-cost choice. Also, these systems may be
appropriate where policy mandates prohibit the use of internet-connected systems.
b. Cloud or vSaaS system – eliminates the NVR/DVR
equipment by placing footage retention remotely in the Cloud.
This solution has the commonplace benefits of any Cloud
solution – ease of management and reduced dedication of staff
resources needed to maintain the system, and reduced storage
hardware requirements and expenses.
c. Hybrid Cloud System – splits its recording duties between
the camera (with its onboard SSD) and the Cloud. Hybrid
Cloud technology is the modern state-of-the-art platform. An
advanced system will provide the following benefits:

• • Enterprise-wide, multi-site system visibility and management from
    single dashboard
  • Streamlined, simplified, centralized searches of recorded/archived
    footage
  • Advanced native analytics make searches for specific objects or
    individuals extremely quick and efficient, greatly reducing the time
    and resources necessary to locate desired footage
  • Unlimited, vendor-provisioned, storage for archival video segments
    (clips) for future retrieval and use, replacing the need for on-premises
    NVR/DVR
    • This feature greatly reduces bandwidth utilization and
      expense
  • Proactive incident alerting allowing real-time response
  • Advanced encryption algorithm-based protection of in-transit and
    at-rest data – as a result, hybrid Cloud technology is growing in
    popularity for HIPAA, PCI, or other regulated industries
  • Unlimited scalability compared to limitation of NVR system channel
    availability
  • Automatic updates of all-inclusive software/firmware features and
    enhancements included with the license
  • 10-year hardware warranty

4. Choose a system topology that best suits your
organization’s needs:

The object here is to get an idea of the total cost of ownership
(TCE) of a new or upgraded system. This can be a daunting
and complicated task which will not lend itself to a simple
apples-to-apples comparison. One must take into account not
only the relevant costs of hardware, software, installation,
maintenance, and staffing, but also the costs of excessive
bandwidth utilization, overcoming security vulnerabilities,
operational inefficiencies, impediments to future system scaling,
and the costs of regulatory compliance.

But it is possible to make a sound, informed decision. Eler
Technologies will help you make the right decision and
structure the best transaction possible. We will design and
deliver a customized video security platform using tools
available today – such as artificial intelligence and Cloud
hosting – that will perform your required tasks efficiently,
effectively, and in a secure environment.

For 25, years Eler Technologies has been deploying innovative
solutions for our customers’ needs – through experience and
on-going education – for all types of network infrastructures.