Why are businesses adopting Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS)?

What is VSaaS?

Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) is a cloud-based approach to video security that sees organizations store, manage and view footage via the internet rather than on-premises servers. VSaaS helps to improve the agility, scalability and cost-efficacy of CCTV operations.

Video Surveillance as a Service vs. on-premises CCTV

As a cloud video surveillance solution, VSaaS enables businesses to stream CCTV footage directly to off-site cloud servers where it’s encrypted, organized and made remote-accessible via web portals and mobile apps, minimizing reliance on costly and complex IT infrastructure.

In comparison, traditional on-premises systems require businesses to install, manage and maintain physical video recorders and local storage devices besides camera hardware, resulting in systems that are costly to build, hard to scale and unable to be viewed remotely.

Why is video security as a service popular?

In recent years, many businesses have transitioned away from costly, high-maintenance physical IT infrastructure towards flexible cloud-based solutions. As of 2026, around 94% of organizations use cloud services and spend 45% of their IT budgets on cloud infrastructure.

By adopting cloud-based solutions like video security as a service, business leaders are able to minimize some of the major operational challenges associated with on-premises solutions. 

VSaaS enables security teams to manage operations from anywhere, add new locations and hardware to CCTV networks freely and minimize the need to maintain physical infrastructure.

The primary driving forces behind VSaaS adoption include:

• Flexibility: VSaaS solutions enable businesses to adjust storage capacities and add new devices across multiple locations freely without altering physical IT infrastructure.
• Remote-accessibility: By adopting video monitoring as a service, security personnel can access live and historic footage from anywhere via secure web portals and apps.
• Cost-efficacy: VSaaS solutions have low start-up and operating costs as the service provider is responsible for maintaining, updating and managing cloud IT infrastructure.

How does Video Surveillance as a Service work?

Video Surveillance as a Service works by replacing physical, on-premises video recorders and storage devices with cloud-based solutions in a typical business video security system.

Video capture in a VSaaS workflow is the same as in a traditional environment; businesses use cameras installed at key locations to capture live security footage. Where VSaaS differs from an on-premises solution is in the storage and management of video footage, with data streamed to the cloud rather than on-site infrastructure to be processed, stored and viewed.

Cameras and sensors

IP cameras and IoT sensors installed at key locations around the facility are used to capture security footage as required. Provided devices are network-connected, existing cameras and sensors can be integrated into the VSaaS system to help minimize upfront deployment costs.

Cloud infrastructure

In a Video Surveillance as a Service workflow, captured camera and sensor data is streamed to a cloud-based hosting platform in real time, 24/7. Typically, data is streamed to the hosting platform over a high-speed internet connection and encrypted in transit to mitigate cyber risks. 

Management software

On arrival at the hosting platform, data is sent to a cloud-based Video Management System (VMS) which acts as the main interface for security personnel. Teams can access the VMS via a secure web portal or mobile app to view footage and manage active cameras remotely.

Video analytics solutions

Many modern Video-Surveillance-as-a-Service solutions offer additional functionality through AI video analytics software. From within the VMS, operators can use AI tools to find footage that meets select criteria and set up automated alerts warning of site-specific security events.

How does VSaaS compare to traditional video surveillance?

While both VSaaS and traditional video surveillance solutions share the same core premise of capturing, processing and storing security footage, the two approaches differ significantly in how they’re deployed, maintained, scaled and accessed by security teams.

Deployment and maintenance

Traditional on-premises video surveillance systems require dedicated local servers, video recorders and storage devices to function effectively. The business is responsible for the cost of installing, maintaining and updating this hardware and housing infrastructure on-site.

In comparison, VSaaS solutions leverage cloud-based infrastructure owned and managed by a third party. For a recurring fee, the business can use this infrastructure to remotely manage security operations; the service provider handles all maintenance and update responsibilities.

Scalability and accessibility

If a business wants to scale a traditional surveillance system, new devices must be physically connected to the IT infrastructure. To add new devices across multiple sites and access footage remotely, the business must deploy its own cloud infrastructure and Virtual Private Networks.

In a Video Surveillance as a Service environment, new devices across multiple sites can be connected to cloud infrastructure as required. The business can adjust data storage plans by contacting the service provider and devices can be viewed / managed remotely as standard.

The benefits of video monitoring as a service

Adopting a video monitoring as a service solution can provide businesses with much more than just a convenient way to manage security operations remotely. By choosing to transition to a VSaaS environment, organizations can enjoy the strategic and logistical benefits listed below.

Centralized management

Extensive networks of cameras and sensors across multiple locations can be connected to the same VMS via a VSaaS solution. Under this operational environment, security personnel can view real-time and historic footage captured across expansive facilities and multiple business locations from a single remote-access portal to manage security operations more efficiently.

Real-time observation

As data is continuously streamed to a centralized management system in Video Surveillance as a Service environments, security staff can both view footage and receive security alerts in real time. With a VSaaS solution in operation, businesses can improve situational awareness and speed response times by enabling staff to identify and investigate threats from anywhere. 

Agile scalability

As businesses are not required to install and maintain physical hardware like video recorders and storage devices in VSaaS environments, operational capabilities can be easily scaled as needs change. To add or remove devices, increase storage capacity or deploy new analytics solutions, leaders can simply contact the provider and request a change to their subscription.

Low cost of ownership

Businesses that leverage Video Surveillance as a Service solutions are only responsible for the costs associated with cameras and sensors and their VSaaS subscription. The provider handles the costs of installing, maintaining and updating IT infrastructure like servers and storage devices, enabling businesses to utilize cutting-edge technologies at low cost.

High integrability

The cloud-based foundation of VSaaS solutions can provide businesses with great flexibility in terms of security system integrations. Teams can integrate wider cloud-based technologies like access control, alarm and environmental sensor systems into security camera networks to power unique automations, e.g. triggered sensors cause cameras to flag and clip footage.

Key considerations for adopting VSaaS

While there are many unique benefits associated with video security as a service, leaders of some organizations may face challenges adopting and managing VSaaS solutions. Primarily, bandwidth, cybersecurity, migration and compliance issues can raise operational challenges.

Bandwidth demands

VSaaS solutions rely on continuous data streams to send information between cameras and cloud management systems. For a Video Surveillance as a Service solution to run effectively, the business must maintain a stable internet connection and fast upload speeds at all times, potentially resulting in high ISP costs for organizations with large camera networks.

Cyber vulnerabilities

While traditional CCTV systems can be shielded from cyber threats by only transmitting data locally, VSaaS solutions are reliant on cloud communications. Cyber risks can be minimized to some extent by ensuring data is encrypted in transit and at rest, but operators can still be vulnerable to interception, as well as data loss if their VSaaS provider suffers a data breach.

Migration challenges

Once operational, VSaaS solutions are typically cheaper to run than traditional surveillance systems, but the migration process itself can be costly. Wiring infrastructure may need to be updated to support modern IP cameras, new cameras may need to be installed and leaders may need to upgrade internet service packages, all of which can raise initial migration costs.

Data privacy concerns

The need for VSaaS solutions to continuously transmit data off-site can introduce compliance challenges for some organizations. Leaders must be able to ensure footage is encrypted and secured against cyber risks to maintain compliance with data privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as well as industry-specific standards and privacy regulations.

What to look for in an effective VSaaS solution

When comparing potential VSaaS options, organizations should consider solutions designed to streamline CCTV management, mitigate security risks and integrate seamlessly with wider security technologies. Below are some key features to look for in an effective VSaaS solution.

Streamlined management

An effective Video Surveillance as a Service solution will enable operators to freely manage cameras across multiple sites from within a single, intuitive web interface. Leaders should be able to add cameras, adjust parameters and view footage from a centralized dashboard that can be secured behind role-based access controls and accessed from secure smart devices.

Hybrid capabilities

An appropriate VSaaS solution for modern high-security environments will provide operators the ability to store high-risk data locally. Hybrid solutions that offer local storage options can help businesses maintain compliance with data privacy laws and safeguard against cloud outages while still minimizing the organization’s reliance on costly physical IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity protections

VSaaS solutions with comprehensive, native cybersecurity features must be prioritized in modern business environments to safeguard against sophisticated threats. Key features to look for include end-to-end encryption at-rest and in-transit, role-based access control and multi-factor authentication log-in protections and platforms built on a zero-trust architecture.

Advanced analytics features

Video analytics software and smart search features can help operators identify anomalies and site-specific threats in live and historic camera footage. Leaders should prioritize VSaaS solutions designed to enhance existing cameras with AI-powered video analytics and speed investigations via AI search tools to improve security awareness and reduce operator fatigue.

Comprehensive integrability 

Integrations between CCTV systems and wider security technologies can help businesses to automatically address significant threats. An effective VSaaS solution will be built on an open architecture and designed to support smart integrations with security sensors, access control systems and alarms to enable operators to create and enact automated incident responses.

Is VSaaS the right choice for your organization?

For businesses with finite space, limited resources or outdated security infrastructure, Video Surveillance as a Service can stand as an effective alternative to traditional CCTV solutions. 

Consider the points below to determine whether VSaaS is the right choice for your business:

• Infrastructural limitations: Businesses without required space to install physical IT infrastructure like servers and data storage devices should consider VSaaS solutions.
• Deployment size: Organizations that operate facilities across multiple locations can leverage VSaaS solutions to manage all CCTV systems from within a single platform.
• Budget constraints: VSaaS enables leaders to plan around a predictable fee rather than variable infrastructure upkeep costs to streamline budget management.
• Scalability requirements: The ability to freely adjust subscriptions and add devices via cloud connections makes VSaaS a good choice for businesses planning to scale.
• Security risk level: Fully cloud-hosted VSaaS may not be appropriate for businesses facing elevated cyber risks, though hybrid solutions may provide required protections.
• Management needs: As VSaaS solutions enable operators to view feeds remotely, they can be beneficial for businesses with smaller security teams / limited resources.

Modernize your CCTV operations with a flexible VSaaS solution

To help streamline costs, simplify management and make use of cutting-edge technologies, many businesses are moving CCTV operations to the cloud. Video Surveillance as a Service provides organizations of all sizes a cost-effective, flexible and accessible way to observe operations for one or more sites remotely while minimizing maintenance responsibilities.

Avigilon provides flexible, secure, feature-rich VSaaS solutions designed to meet complex and variable business needs. Add AI features to existing cameras, build custom integrations with smart sensors and access control systems and manage operations from anywhere via secure smartphone apps; contact our team today to learn more about the Avigilon Alta cloud platform.