What’s the difference between a VMS and VSaaS?

The main difference between a video management system (VMS) and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) lies in the deployment method. A VMS is hosted on local servers, while VSaaS is hosted in the cloud. Each deployment option provides unique benefits, so choosing between the two depends on your organization’s requirements and objectives.

Choosing between a VMS and VSaaS depends on your organization’s requirements and objectives. Learn how each differ and the key characteristics that make both great options.

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What is a video management system (VMS)?

VMS software has traditionally been installed and hosted on on-premises servers. This allows organizations to control how they deploy, manage, and maintain their video surveillance application and infrastructure.

Organizations that want to take a hands-on approach to video system management and maintenance usually choose a VMS. They have their own strategies to manage cybersecurity, handle major updates, oversee infrastructure lifecycles, and more. All these factors can be dictated by site or industry requirements or by company policies.

What are the benefits of a VMS?

A VMS comes with robust feature sets and built-in analytics that streamline video tasks. On-prem video surveillance is often associated with high scalability and reliability. Because some open-architecture VMS solutions have been around for a long time, they support many third-party devices, systems, and IIoT sensors. VMS software also allows organizations to develop custom integrations and applications using a software development kit (SDK).

In a VMS deployment, teams will need to install a software client on their desktops or laptops, and they may also have access to the platform via mobile and web-based applications. Video recordings are generally stored on local servers, making it easier to comply with data storage regulations, but the cloud may sometimes be used for added storage and redundancy.

Budgets are usually forecasted and allocated in lump sums. These capital expenditure (CapEx) investments help maintain and expand the organization’s video infrastructure and deployment.

Video management systems installed on-premises use existing local networks to manage, monitor, and record from IP-based security cameras.

What to consider when choosing between VMS and VSaaS

Both VMS and VSaaS help organizations manage video surveillance cameras and strengthen their physical security. Operators can use either type of platform to monitor live camera feeds, retrieve video archives, and manage camera configurations. Both deployment types offer enterprise-level scalability and reliability, with features optimized for on-premises or cloud environments.

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Both VMS and VSaaS are good options—so what should you consider when choosing between the two?

Your site requirements

Do you have the space and resources to install and maintain physical servers across your various sites?
How do bandwidth and connectivity measure up across your different locations?

Your company policies

Is your organization moving or planning to move toward the cloud?

Do your current policies and operations dictate that all video be kept on corporate servers and networks?

Are you looking for ways to strengthen data governance and comply with evolving regulations?

Your budget structure

Do you have the flexibility to put both CapEx and OpEx budgets toward physical security investments?

Would a subscription-based service alleviate budget constraints and allow you to evolve your security?

Your current and long-term goals

Do you want to reduce hardware costs in the next five years?

Do you want to find new ways to enhance your cybersecurity strategy?

Do you want an SDK to accommodate specific customizations and business applications?

Your available resources

Does your IT team have the capacity to manage and maintain a growing video surveillance deployment?

Are you ready to outsource some of these tasks using cloud services?

Once you’ve answered these questions, consult the table below to see which deployment approach meets your organization’s needs.

How do the offerings compare?
VMS	VSaaS
Purchase a one-time perpetual software license	Sign up for monthly or annual subscriptions and cancel at any time
Use CapEx budgets to purchase, install, and maintain your solution	Ensure predictable costs using OpEx budgets to keep your solution operational
Maintain full control over system management and maintenance	Get new sites up or transition existing sites to the cloud with ease
Handle upgrades and system improvements on your own terms	Outsource updates and maintenance and reduce hardware footprint to lower costs
Ensure performance and recording in locations with limited or no bandwidth	Scale cloud storage up or down as needed and enhance archive redundancy
Choose from a broad list of supported third-party integrations	Get upgrades, on-demand training, and support included in the subscription fee
Comply with policies requiring video to stay on local servers and networks	Easily access your system via web and mobile apps with an internet connection

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Can a VMS and VSaaS work together?

The short answer is yes; a VMS and VSaaS can work together in a single, centralized video surveillance deployment. This flexibility is a major advantage, as it ensures your organization isn’t locked into any one deployment model.

However, not all providers offer this versatility. That’s why it’s essential to choose a provider with on-premises video management and cloud video surveillance solutions that are designed to work together seamlessly.

With a hybrid-cloud video surveillance strategy, you might deploy an on-premises VMS at one site and VSaaS at another, and you can still manage everything from a centralized control room. You can also connect existing non-cloud cameras to your VSaaS using cloud-managed appliances, or add cloud cameras to separate sites and connect them back to the VMS in your security operations center.

Direct-to-cloud devices, edge appliances, and on-premises systems come together seamlessly in a hybrid deployment, alongside automated and remote updates and management.

The true benefit of deployment flexibility is that nothing is off limits. You can start with an on-premises video management system today and transition to VSaaS at your own pace. As your needs evolve, you’ll be free to pivot between cloud video surveillance and on-premises video management, while maintaining standardized security protocols across your facilities.

Your team may also consider adding cloud-managed appliances at specific locations to enhance edge processing and analytics and to simplify maintenance. You can scale resources up and down at any time to support changing security and business objectives.

VMS vs. VSaaS: Finding the right video surveillance strategy

When it comes to the question of VMS versus VSaaS, the right choice will depend on your organization’s priorities and needs. That’s why considering deployment flexibility is so critical to your decision. A platform that supports on-prem or cloud surveillance, or a mix of both, lets you choose the deployment model that works best at each location. It also lets you pivot between VMS and VSaaS and scale your system as your business needs evolve.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a VMS and VSaaS?

A VMS runs on-premises, while VSaaS runs in the cloud. The main difference between a VMS and VSaaS is where the data is stored and managed: on local servers versus in the cloud. In a hybrid deployment model, you can install VMS and VSaaS systems at different sites and still manage them all as one system.

Is VSaaS better than a VMS?

VSaaS and VMS are both great options, each providing specific benefits. Whether VSaaS or VMS is better depends on your needs. VSaaS offers ease of deployment, reduced IT maintenance, and predictable recurring costs, while a VMS provides impressive scalability, strict on-premises data control, and one larger upfront investment.

Can I switch from a VMS to VSaaS?

Yes, you can switch between a VMS and VSaaS as your needs and priorities change. The easiest way to do this is by choosing a provider that offers cloud and on-premises video surveillance systems designed to work together. This gives you full deployment flexibility, allowing you to gradually transition from a VMS to VSaaS or move between on-prem and cloud video surveillance deployments at any time.

Does VSaaS cost more than a traditional VMS?

A VSaaS or a traditional on-prem VMS can help manage costs in different ways. VSaaS reduces upfront hardware costs and maintenance requirements, and it offers predictable subscription fees. A VMS helps businesses leverage their existing investments and CapEx budgets. Choosing between a VMS and VSaaS shouldn’t come down to costs alone. Consider your needs and goals when making the decision.

Can VSaaS integrate with existing security cameras?

Yes, VSaaS can integrate with most existing cameras when built on an open architecture. This lets you choose the devices that best suit your needs or reuse existing cloud-connected hardware. Some older cameras can’t connect to the cloud, but you can install cloud-managed appliances to connect such cameras to the VSaaS solution.