From CCTV to NVR, VMS, and VSaaS, video surveillance has come a longway. Understand the differences between these different technologies and how the industry continues to evolve with the transition to the cloud.

From CCTV to NVR

Video surveillance has come a long way. It all started with traditional CCTV. Originally used for military and government purposes, these systems were widely used in public spaces and private residences by the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were clunky, closed-circuit systems that required constant monitoring. Then Network Video Recorders (NVRs) came along, digitizing footage for clearer, more flexible recording. Footage could now be stored digitally, streamed over IP networks, and recorded remotely.

The VMS revolution

The landscape changed quickly with the rise of Video Management Systems (VMS). As the industry transitioned from analog to digital, Video Management Systems (VMS) emerged to centralize and manage video feeds. Released in the early 2000s, Omnicast™ VMS offered more scalability, flexibility, and ease of use than anything else on the market. The introduction of Federation in 2013, created the ability to have a global view from a single location - increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and facilitating the standardization of security operations.

Beyond just recording video, a modern VMS can integrate live feeds from security cameras using advanced video analytics. This lets security teams work more efficiently with remote viewing and smarter incident response. 

Embracing the cloud with VSaaS

Today, cloud-based video surveillance systems with advanced capabilities are further revolutionizing the industry. Known as Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS), these cloud-based  solutions combine the reliability of on-premises systems with the agility of the cloud. Solutions that can support a hybrid-cloud deployment allow organizations to use the cloud where it makes sense for them. This ensures that your infrastructure stays adaptable in a constantly evolving environment.

Want to deepen your understanding? Learn the fundamentals or discover advanced VMS concepts right here.

Sure, video surveillance is a vital piece of the security puzzle. But it doesn’t work alone. Discover how situational awareness, rapid response, and unification fit into your overallsecurity strategy.

Advanced monitoring

Video surveillance—whether through CCTV, NVR, or VMS—is more than just recording footage. Think of it as the frontline of your security system, delivering reliable recording and built-in redundancy. Its advanced monitoring capabilities organize task management and boost efficiency. Plus, an intuitive interface and quick search tools can help your operators feel more in control.

Augmented operator response

Modern surveillance isn’t static. It allows your team to act instantly when incidents occur. Automated incident response can trigger alerts and guide operators with pre-programmed actions. This ensures a swift, coordinated reaction. Dynamic incident storyboarding can also help recreate events in real time.

Together, these innovations encourage fast decision-making, keeping your operators one step ahead.

Precise investigations and unification

Investigations demand precision. A modern solution lets your operators find critical evidence fast without endless manual scrubbing. By uniting video surveillance with access control, IIoT devices, and other systems, it can give you a comprehensive view of your environment.

Such a unified approach helps streamline investigations, turning fragmented data into actionable insights.

Today’s video management systems don’t just secure buildings. They have the power to transform entire cities and communities. Learn how smart surveillance can be robust enough to secure everything from an entire city toyour local café.

Greater clarity

Advanced video analytics can sift through footage in seconds, flagging anomalies and potential threats before they escalate. This not only protects individual sites but also supports large-scale crime prevention. City planners and security teams get the clarity they need to keep their communities safe.

Crime reduction

The ultimate success? Using video systems to drive social change, crime reduction, and peace of mind.

Impact at scale

This helps boost operations, customer satisfaction, and refine security policies. All while keeping entire cities and industries running smoothly. 

Cloud deployments are reshaping security. But is the cloud—or hybrid-cloud—the right fit for your needs? Let’s unpack how flexible video management solutions can enhance your security infrastructure.

Choose the right approach

Cloud and hybrid solutions offer unique benefits. Cloud deployments simplify maintenance and scalability while hybrid systems balance flexibility with on-premises control. Whether you decide on a traditional VMS or VSaaS, understandingthese solutions can help you weigh the costs, benefits, and challenges of each option.

Cybersecurity, privacy, and maintenance

The cloud is more than just storage. It’s about securing your data. Advanced encryption and robust cybersecurity measures protect your assets. Built-in privacy features also ensure compliance with evolving regulations. What does this mean for your IT team? Streamlined maintenance that reduces downtime, hardware headaches, and lowers costs.

Reaping the benefits

Moving to the cloud delivers three critical benefits: Enhanced security through encryption, reduced hardware maintenance, and high redundancy by storing data in triplicate. Not sure where to begin? Start with a hybrid deployment and prioritize vendors who focus on cybersecurity. This ensures a smooth transition.