Homeowners and businesses know that security is of the utmost importance. They want to be able to find a way to ensure their property is safe whether they are away from home or the store is full of customers. One of the best methods of improving security is through the use of security cameras hosted in the cloud. These cameras can offer some great benefits when compared with analog cameras.
What Are the Benefits?
For starters, when you have an IP camera, it is possible to access and administer the device from any location. This means that you could check on what’s happening in your home while you are on vacation. You could check on the security of your store while you are sitting at home. They will typically feature digital zoom as well, which can make it easier for you to get a closer look at what’s happening.
The best of the cameras also offer progressive scanning, and this means that the images taken from the video are higher quality, even if the subject happens to be in motion as the time. This can make all the difference when you are trying to identify someone. As long as you have a connection to the Internet, you can also send videos and images quickly and easily. They will generally offer two-way communication and the ability to send alerts.
An IP camera is generally easier to set up as well, since there are fewer cables and fewer things that can go wrong. Since you are using the cloud, saving data is easier as well, and you do not need to worry about filling up a local hard drive and later deleting footage that you may find you need.
One of the only disadvantages is that they can use a lot of bandwidth. However, when you consider the pros of using these types of security cameras compared to their counterparts, the additional cost for more bandwidth is a small price to pay. The benefits are helping IP cameras replace analog around the world. It’s a good solution for your home as well as your business.
Choosing the Right Vendors
While it is easy to see all of the different benefits that using these cameras can offer, you really do need to make sure that you are working with the right vendors and hosts for the job. Not all are equal, and you do need to research the ins and outs of any company that you are considering. The following are some of the top vendors in the field today, and a bit about each of the companies.
Cloud hosting services for cameras and security can differ in their approach and what they offer. One of these may be the right choice for you, but always do your own further research so you can be sure you are making the right choice for your needs. Keep in mind that the costs for these services will differ as well based on the programs and packages you choose.
ADT
ADT has always been a top name when it comes to security, but they offer far more than just alarm systems. They have a variety of IP cameras from which you can choose, and they have stellar and reliable service. They offer wireless cameras, indoor color security cameras, dome cameras, and more, and they can have their professionals install them and get things set up for you easily. They can work well for both your home and your business.
After the cameras are installed and start recording, all of the information goes from the camera to their servers, where it is stored. You are then able to watch the videos from a connected television, their website, or mobile devices with Internet access. They utilize data encryption to ensure safety of the videos, and will send email notifications if there are signs of trouble. They will also contact the proper authorities in the event of an emergency.
Axis
Axis is one of the leaders in security solutions, and they can offer a range of video surveillance and access control to give customers the unique solutions they need. They typically work with businesses and have options for a variety of different industries including retail, banking, education, healthcare, and industrial. They can work with small stores and offices, as well as large businesses that could need hundreds of cameras.
The company has domed cameras, fixed cameras, thermal cameras, and more. For those who want a solution for their business, Axis is certainly one of the best choices on the market today. They’ve been instrumental helping many companies change over from the old analog system to the digital world.
D-Link
A vendor that has some of the top cameras in the business is D-Link. They have a slightly different solution. Instead of having a vendor or host do the monitoring, you will be able to do it all on your own. They have a number of different security cameras and options for the home and business that will help to record every minute of the day or night.
The systems can allow users to play recorded footage and to view live footage while still recording. They have high-resolution cameras that offer far better footage than the older CCTV options. Users can set them up to record at certain times, when they detect motion, or continuously. You will need to use your own hard drives with these systems though, unless you decide to work with a cloud host and simply use the D-Link cameras. This is something that you will need to consider carefully. If you are simply setting up recording for a home or small business, and you know that you will not need to keep old footage after you review it, then this could be a good, cheap option. Even though you will have to buy some hard drives, you do not have to worry about recurring subscription and monitoring fees.
The setup also happens to be very simple, and you will not need to have any specialists come to your home or business to do it. Simply connect the recorder to the same network where you have your cameras. The device will detect the cameras, and then you are ready to start recording footage.
You can download the app and watch from mobile devices for remote viewing, just as you can with ADT services. You can also enable and disable recording remotely. Some other highlights of the app include pan and tilt for live video, as well as pinch zoom.
Other Options
These are three of the top options when it comes to IP camera cloud hosting vendors, but they aren’t the only options, as mentioned. New companies are entering the field as cloud security options are growing. Take the time to look at some of the different choices you have, check the costs and the features, and then make your decision.