This guide compares on-prem vs cloud-based security surveillance, covering cost, scalability, maintenance, and data security. Learn how cloud security camera systems differ from traditional on-prem solutions and which option best supports your business operations. Understanding how these systems compare can help you make smarter decisions that support both current security needs and future growth.
On-prem, short for “on-premise,” refers to a traditional security model where all cameras, recording equipment, and video data are physically located at your business. Instead of sending footage to the cloud, video is captured by cameras and recorded directly onto on-site hardware such as DVRs, NVRs, or local servers that you own and manage.
These files remain inside your facility and are retained based on the amount of storage available. Once storage limits are reached, older recordings are deleted and replaced by newer footage, unless additional storage is added.
Footage is stored on equipment located at your business
You control how video is stored, accessed, and managed
Eliminates reliance on third-party cloud provider
On-prem systems can be purchased outright or financed over time
Financing options allow businesses to spread costs without committing to ongoing subscriptions
Hardware ownership provides long-term control over system assets
Longstanding, widely used surveillance approach
Technology is well understood by IT teams and security professionals
To learn about specific types of security and surveillance cameras learn more here.
Relies on physical storage like DVRs or local servers
Footage is overwritten once storage is full
Expanding video retention requires purchasing additional hardware
Adding cameras or locations requires more servers, storage, and licenses
Processing power must increase as video volume grows
Scaling can become costly and time-consuming over time
Regular hardware upkeep is needed
Software updates are typically manual
Maintenance and repairs for on-prem surveillance often take longer to complete
Troubleshooting falls on internal IT or service providers
Missed updates can leave devices vulnerable to cyberattacks
Surveillance devices can become entry points into the network
Cameras, access control, and alarm systems often operate as separate platforms
Integrating systems can be difficult and expensive
Separate user accounts and permissions for each system
IT teams must manage multiple interfaces and access controls
Servers or DVRs can be unplugged, damaged, or removed
Tampering may go unnoticed without proper monitoring or notification systems
Natural disasters can also cause damage to data
Footage access may be limited to on-site systems
Investigations take longer without remote access
Sharing video often requires manual exporting
Cloud-based security surveillance refers to video monitoring systems where footage is stored in secure, off-site data centers rather than on local servers. When video is stored “in the cloud,” it does not mean it is floating somewhere on the internet. It means the footage is stored in secure, off-site data centers that are managed by a cloud service provider rather than on equipment inside your building. These data centers use large servers designed specifically to store, protect, and back up data following best practices in data security in cloud computing.
In a cloud-based security system, cameras send video over to these data centers, where the footage is saved as digital video files. You access that footage by logging into a secure website or mobile app, instead of connecting to a server at your physical location. Since the data lives outside your building, it can be viewed from anywhere with permission, even if you are not on-site. Using cloud security helps businesses manage systems efficiently while keeping video data secure. Solutions like Verkada cloud-based security make it easier to implement these practices.
Authorized users can view live and recorded video from anywhere using a browser or mobile app, keeping business owners, managers, and security teams connected without being on-site.
Manage all cameras and locations from a single dashboard
Easy to add new offices, stores, or warehouses because you don’t need to install new servers
Software updates, security patches, and performance improvements are handled automatically
Reduces manual updates and IT involvement
Frees up time and resources for other IT priorities
Search, review, and share video clips quickly and securely
Helps businesses respond faster to security issues, insurance claims, or investigations
Systems need a stable internet connection to stream and store video
Live viewing and remote access may be unavailable if the connection is interrupted
Many systems still record locally until the connection is restored
Video data and system infrastructure are managed by a third-party provider
Businesses have limited physical control over where footage is stored
Cloud-based surveillance is highly secure and designed to protect video data through multiple layers of security. Many businesses worry about storing sensitive video footage in the cloud, but modern cloud-based surveillance systems are designed with multiple layers of security.
Video data is typically encrypted both during transmission and while at rest, ensuring that it cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized users. Role-based access controls let administrators determine who can view or manage footage, while secure data centers provide physical protection against theft, fire, or other damage.
In fact, cloud storage can often be safer than on-prem systems, which are vulnerable to hardware failure, tampering, or natural disasters. Most cloud platforms also include automatic backups and redundancy, meaning that even if one server fails, your footage remains safe and accessible. Together, these features give businesses strong protection and peace of mind when relying on cloud-based video surveillance.
In short, on-prem systems prioritize local control, while cloud-based security camera systems prioritize accessibility, scalability, and simplified management.
| Feature | Cloud-based security | On-prem security |
| Access method | Access from devices anywhere | Access on-prem |
| AI analytics | Ai analytics in the cloud, which makes it easier to scale, update and process large amounts of data | Can run AI analytics locally if the hardware is powerful enough, but this often requires high-end servers and software. |
| Updates | Automatic updates | Manual updates |
| Scalability | Add devices without change to infrastructure | Growth is limited by local hardware |
| Backups | Automatic updates | Manual backups required |
Typically purchased upfront, but financing options are available
IT team is responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and replacements.
Costs increase as hardware ages and systems break down.
Long-term total cost of ownership is hard to predict, with potential for unexpected expenses.
You can either finance or pay upfront with this option
Hardware, software, updates, and support bundled together
Fewer surprise expenses over time
Easier to budget for long-term security needs
Choosing between on-prem and cloud-based surveillance depends on your business’s specific needs and priorities. On-prem systems can still make sense for organizations that require complete control over their video data, have limited or unreliable internet access, or operate in highly regulated environments where footage must remain on-site.
For most businesses, especially those that are growing or have multiple locations, cloud-based surveillance tends to be the more practical choice. It provides 24/7 access to live and recorded footage from anywhere, simplifies centralized monitoring, reduces on-site hardware and IT maintenance, and scales easily as needs change. Cloud solutions also make long-term costs more predictable and offer faster, more flexible incident response. While on-prem may suit specific situations, cloud-based systems generally offer greater convenience, visibility, and adaptability for modern business operations.
Businesses evaluating on-prem vs cloud security should consider how often footage needs to be accessed remotely, how many locations require monitoring, and how predictable long-term costs need to be. By implementing cloud security strategies, following cloud security tips, and using managed cloud security solutions, businesses can protect their video data, streamline monitoring, and prepare for future growth with confidence.
If you want to learn more about other cloud-based systems such as communications, document management, and printing, you can explore these helpful resources:
Usherwood helps businesses evaluate and implement both on-prem and cloud-based security surveillance solutions based on their operational needs, budget, and growth plans. Whether you are looking to purchase, finance, or adopt a cloud-based system, our team works with you to assess your current security environment, identify gaps, and recommend the right cameras, software, and monitoring tools. Contact us today for a consultation.