The world has become increasingly digitized, signaling a drastic shift in how we work, with many organizations quickly moving from an office-based environment to a hybrid one. Now, with hybrid ways of working becoming standard, leaders are focusing on digitally transforming their businesses to adapt to and compete in the new normal. The cloud has already revolutionized how we live and work, and it is poised to have an even greater impact in the future. One area where the cloud is having a transformative effect is security. With its many benefits – including speed, efficiency, and scalability – cloud computing has become the new "tech" normal and the future of physical security.
The rise of cloud security solutions
In recent years, cloud computing has become increasingly popular as more businesses realize how much easier it is to use than traditional methods of storing data. This trend has led to the rise of cloud-based security solutions. Traditionally, a physical access control system will have an on-site server and a connected computer or workstation with software that manages the systems. While this set-up remains popular, many systems are now moving to hybrid deployments with both on-premises and cloud components. These hybrid security technologies allow businesses to interact with their software and server via the cloud. Ultimately, allowing companies to manage their site security, including managing and creating credentials, managing alarms, and disarming doors, without being physically on site. As the use of cloud services continues to grow, so will the need for cloud security solutions.
The cloud is revolutionizing the way businesses operate
The cloud is having a profound impact on businesses all over the world. Thanks to cloud-based services, companies can operate more efficiently and effectively than ever. Cloud computing allows users to access applications and data stored online rather than having to download them onto their computers. Organizations of all sizes benefit from increased flexibility and scalability by enabling businesses to store data and applications remotely. What's more, the cloud is also helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Perhaps most importantly, the cloud enables businesses to be more agile, responding quickly to market changes and customer needs.
For businesses with a hybrid or fully cloud-based access control system, they are not tied down to one specific location, such as an in-house workstation. Using a cloud-based solution, they can easily add or remove users from their system as needed. They can even grant temporary access to visitors or contractors no matter where they are in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility is vital in today's fast-paced business world, and it's no wonder that an increasing number of businesses are turning to the cloud to power their operations. The cloud is truly revolutionizing the way businesses operate, and it is poised to have an even bigger impact in the years to come.
Cloud technology can be accessed from anywhere in the world
The growth of cloud technology has transformed the way we work. No longer are we tied to a single location to access our files and applications. This flexibility has made it easier for people to travel and work at the same time and is especially poignant for businesses with multiple branches. Cloud-based security solutions, such as the Gallagher SMB app, provide businesses with the freedom to manage their security from anywhere, all from their smartphone. From one app, users can arm and disarm multiple sites, manage unlimited users, control doors, and receive alarm notifications. This also removes the need for 24/7 dedicated security staff.
As cloud technology security solutions continue to evolve, it is likely that even more people and businesses will take advantage of its many benefits.
Cloud technology is affordable and scalable
Cloud technology is growing at an incredible rate, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. That means there is no shortage of opportunities for companies looking to take advantage of this new technology. In today's business world, it's more important than ever to be able to scale quickly and efficiently. That's where cloud technology comes in. Cloud-based solutions are designed to be highly scalable, so you can easily add or remove users as your business grows. For access control, this means moving to the cloud can decrease the costs of upgrading hardware and reduce the total cost of ownership. Connecting on-premises hardware and software to the cloud allows access control installations to become faster, easier, and more convenient, with the added benefits of regular updates without taking manual action.
The cloud is the future of security
The cloud has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It provides a secure, scalable, cost-effective way to store data and applications. And as the cloud continues to evolve, it will become even more essential for businesses of all sizes, particularly in the world of physical security and access control.
Trish Thompson, Research Centre of Excellence Lead at Gallagher Security, explains that "although the cloud brings very real benefits to security, there is always going to be a mix of enterprise and cloud security as different deployment types and migration paths suit different parts of the electronic security market. Residential and small business security is most likely to be deployed now as a fully cloud-native solution. The security systems within these segments are much less coupled and integrated with other systems, making a smooth and single-step transition possible. At the other end of the scale, within the enterprise market, I think we are more likely to see hybrid solutions for a significant period. These deliver some immediate benefits of cloud for contained workloads or targeted functions while the customer works through the more complex tasks of de-coupling and migrating the myriad internal business systems and processes that typically exchange data with and between security systems."
Trish further predicts, "as we see cloud solutions really maturing, they will bring the swift feedback mechanisms, the data analytics and eventually the AI (artificial intelligence) that will move security from a more static, responsive, and rules-based approach to a very fluid and dynamic "sensing" environment that can more effectively predict potential threats before they occur. This is a longer-term journey which will involve many converging technologies including the cloud."
There's no doubt that cloud technology is transforming the world of access control. Thanks to their cost-effectiveness, scalability, and increased security, cloud-based solutions are quickly gaining popularity among security managers. As the world becomes more connected, the cloud will become an increasingly essential part of keeping people and businesses safe and secure.