Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, making up 98 per cent of all businesses in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Factors such as economic shifts, consumer behaviour, government policies, and competitive pressures are causing accelerated adoption of digital technologies, leading to a growing concern over security. Over 84 per cent of companies in APAC are willing to migrate to cloud-based solutions if it ensures greater security.
Zooming into security, traditional on-premises video surveillance systems, while effective, often come with high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance burdens. With the region’s growing demand for flexible, scalable and cost-effective solutions, cloud-based video surveillance systems are quickly becoming the preferred choice.
Here’s why cloud solutions are transforming security for SMEs.
Lower upfront costs, higher long-term value
In APAC, where many SMEs are growing rapidly but still working within limited budgets, the ability to avoid hefty upfront investments is crucial. Cloud-based video surveillance systems allow businesses to bypass the upfront capital expenditures on hardware, infrastructure and installation. Businesses can consider adopting a predictable operating expense model through cloud subscriptions, spreading costs over time.
In the long run, this shift to the cloud also removes the need for continuous maintenance and costly hardware upgrades, as these updates are handled automatically. As such, a reduced financial burden will help SMEs to focus on other parts of the business and growing their operations, while freeing up finances for investing in other strategic initiatives.
Maintenance-free and always up-to-date
The APAC region is known for its fast-paced development in technology, and SMEs here are looking for solutions that require minimal upkeep. Traditional systems, which require regular hardware maintenance and periodic software updates are expensive and time-consuming.
In contrast, cloud systems are managed entirely by the service provider. This means automatic updates and maintenance are included, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
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In Hong Kong, for instance, where seamless solutions are in high demand, cloud-based systems provide businesses with peace of mind by ensuring their video surveillance is always updated and secure, without the need for dedicated IT staff.
Moreover, cloud systems offer built-in network security measures and disaster recovery features, reducing the need for businesses to invest separately on cybersecurity solutions.
Seamless scalability as your business grows
As businesses expand, so do their security needs. One of the significant advantages of cloud-based systems is the scalability they offer. SMEs can quickly add new cameras, new locations or new users without the need for complex installations or new hardware.
This is a huge benefit in cities such as Jakarta or Manila, where commercial sectors are rapidly expanding. The flexibility of the cloud allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands and ensures that scaling up doesn’t come with expensive IT investments.
Another key benefit is access to advanced features like AI-powered analytics, which can be deployed on-demand without upgrading physical hardware. Cloud-based systems give SMEs the ability to tap into cutting-edge technology that would otherwise be financially out of reach, ensuring companies stay ahead of the curve as they grow.
Hybrid harmony — best of both worlds
For businesses already using on-premises systems, the switch to cloud-based surveillance can seem daunting. However, a hybrid model provides an ‘off-ramp’ from on-premises infrastructure to cloud.
By combining cloud-based features with existing on-premises infrastructure, businesses can migrate gradually and without disruption. It eliminates the need for a complete overhaul of the infrastructure, allowing cameras and other hardware to be upgraded gradually as they reach the end of their lifecycle.
Many SMEs in APAC face strict local regulations (e.g., China’s PIPL, Singapore’s PDPA, or India’s Data Protection Laws) that require keeping certain data on-premises. Hybrid solutions allow businesses to meet these requirements while still leveraging the cloud for operational efficiency.
The hybrid approach also allows integrators to tackle challenges like data integration, bandwidth requirements and security concerns in a phased manner. Working closely with cloud service providers, integrators can also optimise network configurations and implement robust security protocols to ensure seamless integration.
With comprehensive training and support, vendors working closely with their partners will make it easier for end-users to adopt new cloud-based systems while maintaining their current operations.
Advanced security features for peace of mind
Cloud-based video surveillance systems provide a level of security that traditional systems often lack. Advanced features such as end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication, and automated security updates ensure that businesses are protected against modern cyber threats. These features are essential for SMEs to protect their data and ensure compliance with increasingly strict data protection regulations.
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In addition, cloud-based systems offer enhanced redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities, keeping critical data safe and accessible even in the event of hardware failure. Comprehensive audit trails and access logs also improve accountability, making it easier for businesses to comply with data protection regulations.
These advanced features provide SMEs with enterprise-level security at a cost that fits their budget.
Instant intel
Real-time situational awareness is crucial for business owners. Cloud-based video surveillance systems provide instant alerts, enabling rapid responses to potential security threats. With advanced AI algorithms, these systems can distinguish between routine events and genuine security risks, reducing false alarms and allowing businesses to focus on verified threats.
By providing real-time insights and proactive alerts, cloud-based systems not only improve security but also optimise resource allocation, allowing SMEs to allocate their time and personnel more efficiently, leading to better business outcomes.
Unlocking the true value: Maximising ROI
For small businesses, the return on investment (ROI) in cloud-based video surveillance is easily measurable. Lower hardware costs, reduced maintenance and enhanced security all contribute to a significant ROI.
Additionally, integrating cloud-based systems with other business operations such as point-of-sale systems or access control helps streamline processes, improve customer service, and allows business owners to make data-driven decisions that contribute to overall business efficiency.
In conclusion, cloud solutions are not just transforming the way SMEs operate; they are fundamentally reshaping how businesses approach security. By offering scalability, cost-efficiency, and advanced protection, cloud technologies enable SMEs to stay agile while safeguarding critical data and assets.
As cyber threats become more complex and regulatory requirements evolve, cloud-based surveillance provides a robust framework that helps SMEs not only mitigate risks but also reach growth milestones faster than their competitors.
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The post From ground to cloud: New horizons for SME security in APAC appeared first on e27.