Why the future of cloud is hybrid
Find out why organizations are moving towards hybrid-cloud security with insights from our 2024 State of Physical Security Report.
For the fourth year in a row, our team conducted the State of Physical Security Survey. From this, we gathered insights about cloud adoption to gain a deep understanding of industry trends, challenges, and most importantly, what end users and channel partners are planning. This year, we gathered responses from 5,554 individuals around the globe.
Cloud adoption in the physical security industry has been gradual but is now accelerating. The perceived cybersecurity risk of cloud is diminishing as organizations gain a better understanding of cloud architecture. There’s a big shift toward having physical security applications in the cloud. In 2023, 44% of end users indicated that over a quarter of their physical security environment is cloud or hybrid-cloud, compared with 24% in 2022.
Why hybrid-cloud deployments are becoming popular
Despite the move to the cloud, hybrid architectures that blend on-premises and cloud-based solutions will suit most organizations best. Many companies envision a hybrid blend for their physical security deployments.
As they optimize their infrastructure investments, they recognize that a hybrid option will enable them to save costs and increase efficiency. From our research, respondents said that:
- In 2022, 58% used on-premises security, and 42% opted for cloud or hybrid
- By 2023, 33% used on-premises security, and 67% opted for cloud or hybrid
These findings highlight a preference for flexibility among users who explore cloud technology for enhanced infrastructure optimization.
“By utilizing cloud solutions, we can leverage the expertise of cloud service providers’ professional teams to monitor and maintain our physical security applications, thereby alleviating the burden on our internal teams.”
End user respondent
A hybrid-cloud deployment provides greater agility and flexibility. You can increase or decrease cloud-based storage and processing as needed, remotely access video and data, and even federate on-premises systems into your cloud-based solution.
Hybrid-cloud security systems won't be the same for everyone. The beauty of a hybrid deployment is that your organization can optimize your physical security installation to best fit your unique needs. No matter how your security infrastructure evolves, having a hybrid-cloud deployment allows you to remain adaptable and take on innovative technology and integrations.
EBOOK
How cloud-managed appliances ease the transition to cloud
Did you know you can keep using existing on-premises infrastructure and edge devices? Many organizations are exploring cloud-managed appliances for this very reason.
Some have made significant past investments in edge cameras, IIoT devices, and other infrastructure hardware that may not be cloud compatible. And while they’re interested in cloud services, they aren’t ready or able to divest those assets.
If this sounds familiar, you can use cloud-managed appliances as a bridge to the cloud. This allows you to quickly modernize deployments while benefitting from your on-premises, edge, and cloud-based components.
These appliances are not only quick to deploy, but they also offer you centralized control of all your systems and hardware. From one location, you can easily manage security tasks and monitor system health. All updates are pushed to the appliance, which gives you access to continuous innovation and simplifies maintenance.
Cloud adoption by organization size
Cloud-based video surveillance systems were initially adopted fastest by both small and larger organizations that have distributed sites and a small number of cameras—such as fast-food restaurants and retail bank chains.
Results from the 2023 survey indicated that this is changing. A greater number of large enterprise organizations that have over 100,000 employees are now adopting cloud-based video surveillance systems.
Over the next 5 years, survey respondents from various organization sizes predict that hybrid-cloud deployments will continue to gain popularity.
Is cloud adoption influencing OPEX budgets?
The 2023 survey also indicates that OPEX budgets continue to grow. 62% of end users expect budgets to increase or remain flat into 2024, and only 15% expect budgets to decline.
While organizations are planning their expenditures moving into 2024, it’s important to note that many cloud solutions are charged on a recurring basis. With that in mind, the increase in OPEX budgets could partially be tied to the growing interest and adoption of cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions. This might also be reflective of the IT departments’ ongoing influence on the purchase of physical security solutions.
Access the full report findings to learn more about:
- How organizations are dealing with cybersecurity risks
- The challenges organizations worldwide are currently facing
- Which type of technologies are quickly being embraced by the industry
Cloud or on-prem? Benefit from both with Security Center SaaS
Cloud-managed appliances help you achieve a robust hybrid-cloud architecture while adding layers of flexibility, scalability, redundancy, and efficiency across your physical security deployment. Security Center SaaS is our new open and unified software solution offered as a service—giving you access to enterprise-grade capabilities while easing the transition to cloud.
