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This post compares locally-hosted and cloud-hosted surveillance systems, outlining the benefits of each, when to choose them, and real-world case studies of successful implementations by SVTech.
Introduction
At SVTech, we guide businesses in selecting and setting up surveillance systems tailored to their needs and budget-whether that means local or cloud hosting. Here’s a concise breakdown of the key differences between local and cloud-hosted surveillance solutions:
What is Local Hosting?
Local hosting stores and manages video footage on your own devices, giving your business full control, enhanced privacy, and flexibility to customize your surveillance system. With rising privacy concerns and subscription costs, many prefer this option for tailored analytics and potential long-term savings.
What Is Cloud Hosting?
Cloud hosting stores and manages surveillance footage on secure remote servers for a subscription fee, allowing users to access live feeds and recordings from anywhere with internet access. This solution offers convenience, scalability, centralized management, advanced analytics, and automatic updates-eliminating the need for businesses to manage their own IT infrastructure. However, it relies on stable internet, uses significant bandwidth, and entrusts data security to the provider.
For example, TP-Link offers a ubscription service that provides cloud video recording, AI detection, and enhanced notifications for TP-Link IP cameras.
Which Should I Choose?
We help to set up both locally-hosted and cloud-hosted solutions because we understand that the benefit of each solution can be realized by different business needs.
| Local Hosting | Cloud Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher upfront, lower long-term | Lower upfront, ongoing fees |
| Data Control | Full control | Limited control |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Provider handles it |
| Scalability | Limited by hardware | Limited by budget |
| Reliability | No internet needed, hardware risks | Needs internet, less hardware risk |
| When to Use | ✓ You want long-term savings and full data control ✓ You need continuous recording ✓ You can manage hardware and updates | ✓ You prefer lower upfront costs ✓ You want minimal maintenance ✓ You’re okay with subscriptions and internet reliance |
Customer Success Story
Local Hosting
Building Trust: How a GP Protected Patient Data by Going Local with Surveillance
The Challenge
A General Practitioner wanted a cost-effective surveillance system for their clinic, prioritizing enhanced monitoring, data security, and avoiding recurring subscription fees.
The Solution
SVTech evaluated their current setup, recommended compatible cameras and local storage within budget, and optimized their network for coverage and stability. We also provided staff with easy-to-follow training and maintenance guides.
The Outcome
With our tailored local storage solution, the GP clinic achieved:
Cloud Hosting
A Recipe for Success: How Cloud Surveillance Empowered a Small Café to Focus on Customers, not I.T.
The Challenge
A popular neighborhood café wanted a flexible, low-maintenance surveillance system to enhance security and monitor customer behavior, without tying up staff resources or investing in long-term hardware. Planning for future expansion, the owner preferred a subscription-based solution with minimal disruption and easy scalability.
SVTech was approached to deliver a system that prioritized security, ease of use, and operational flexibility.
The Solution
SVTech recommended a cloud-based surveillance system, installed and configured for optimal coverage. We provided an easy-to-use dashboard and simple training to ensure the café staff felt confident using the new system.
The Outcome
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