Why open platform cloud technology is a smart choice for your business

Transition at your own pace

One of the primary benefits of choosing an open platform, cloud-based security system is that it gives you an easy path to adopt cloud-based security solutions at your own pace. Since open platform systems work with other solutions, moving to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ll need to rip and replace your entire system at once – you can continue using existing hardware, like cameras and readers, until they reach the end of their life cycle. For example, if your video security cameras still meet your needs, you can adopt an open platform, cloud-based video management system (VMS) and migrate your hardware over time. This combination of on-premise hardware and a cloud-based VMS is referred to as a hybrid system.

Gradually moving to the cloud via a hybrid system can help mitigate the cost of the transition while allowing you to take advantage of some of the capabilities of a cloud-based system. You’ll gain remote access to your VMS to monitor your sites from anywhere, end-to-end encryption of data and metadata, and scalable cloud storage. You’ll also reap the benefits of automatic software updates, which help maximize uptime and minimize the amount of time you spend maintaining your system. Depending on the system you choose, you may also gain features such as AI-powered video analytics systems, enhanced video search capabilities and operational insights. 

By choosing an open platform system when transitioning to the cloud, you’re able to make the change at a pace that works for you – and your budget – while immediately benefiting from the capabilities of a cloud-based platform.

Create a security ecosystem that works for you

A security system can be as unique as the business it serves. An open platform system offers more flexibility by allowing integrations with other technologies to create a comprehensive security ecosystem that meets your needs. This applies to hardware, like video security cameras, access control readers and sensors, so you can use your preferred solutions even if they are from another brand. 

An open platform system also allows you to leverage third-party software applications that help you do your daily job. This may include the applications you rely on for visitor management, tenant experience, workforce management, event monitoring, parking solutions, emergency notification and response, and more. 

Giving yourself the flexibility of an open platform allows you to use the hardware that suits you best and the applications that help you streamline your daily operations in conjunction with your cloud-based system.

Future-proof your security deployment

Choosing open platform cloud solutions not only allows you to make the most of your security system today, it allows you to change your system and take advantage of new technologies in the future. Upon deployment, cloud-based systems provide automatic software updates that help keep your system’s features and capabilities up-to-date as long as you use it. With an open platform, you gain additional future-proofing because you also have the flexibility to change to a new VMS or access control software provider without a complete overhaul. 

For example, if you implement a cloud-based video security system that is not open platform and down the road you want to change your VMS or access control software, you will not be able to migrate your cameras to that new, third-party system. Essentially, you are locked in to using solutions from that one provider and will need to rip and replace the entire system if you want to change your software. 

With an open platform cloud system, if your needs change in the future and are no longer being met by your VMS or access control system, you can continue leveraging your hardware and connect it to other open platform software. By making sure your cloud-based security system is open platform, you can avoid a dreaded ​‘hostage as a service’ scenario where you are stuck using software that no longer meets your needs, and instead change to the open platform VMS and access control solutions that serve you best. 

Differing definitions of ​‘open’

Cloud-based security systems that label themselves as ​‘open platform’ can vary significantly in terms of just how open they really are. To help make sure you don’t get locked into a system that lacks the flexibility you are looking for, there are a few important factors to consider when selecting cloud-based security solutions.

As a minimum, an open platform should include open APIs and technology partner integrations that allow you to integrate with other security systems. For example, a cloud-based video security system may allow you to integrate with another access control system. However, for maximum flexibility, you should also ensure the system you choose allows you to use third-party hardware, such as cameras, sensors and access control readers. One example of a cloud security system that allows this level of flexibility is the Avigilon Alta solution.

Key takeaways

In summary, choosing an open platform, cloud-based security system offers numerous benefits, including the ability to transition at your own pace, create an ecosystem that works for you and future-proof your deployment. However, it is important to carefully consider the level of openness offered by a system to make sure it truly meets your needs and allows you to integrate with other technologies. By doing so, you can enjoy the flexibility and benefits of cloud-based security without sacrificing the hardware and software solutions that work best for your organization.