Every second, surveillance cameras capture stories—some mundane, some life-changing. With video surveillance becoming more and more prevalent in homes and businesses, how we store this endless stream of footage matters more than ever. From protecting against theft to meeting safety protocols, the right storage solution is important in keeping your data secure and accessible. 

But with so many options—cloud, local, and hybrid—how do you decide what’s best? This article from our team at EMCI Wireless breaks down the benefits and limitations of each option. Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to make an informed choice for your home or business.

The Role of Storage in Video Surveillance

When we talk about storage for video surveillance, we’re not suggesting you clear a shelf in the back room or throw a hard drive into a closet labeled “security footage.” Storage in this context is far more sophisticated—and far more important.

The choice of storage solution can make or break how a surveillance system functions. Consider retention periods: most businesses hang onto footage for 30 to 90 days, but a hospital or casino might need much longer due to stricter regulations. Then there’s video quality—because while ultra-clear, high-resolution footage is great for catching details, it eats up storage space faster than your favorite streaming app.

This is where the numbers tell a story. The global video surveillance storage market is expected to grow from $9.5 billion in 2024 to $12.6 billion by 2029, with a steady annual growth rate of 5.7%. Cloud storage capacity alone will exceed 150 Exabytes (EB) in 2024, growing at a staggering 50% annually. However, despite the obvious advantages of cloud integration, only 35% of surveillance data is stored in the public cloud today. The rest is stored on dedicated cloud systems or traditional on-premises IT setups.

This means many businesses are still balancing the need for security and accessibility with the cost and scalability of their storage systems. The demand for storage is growing, but adoption is uneven. For small businesses, the public cloud offers an affordable, scalable solution. Larger organizations with stricter requirements often lean on hybrid or on-premises options. Whether you’re managing a mom-and-pop shop or a sprawling corporate campus, the right storage system isn’t just a choice—it’s the foundation of an effective surveillance strategy.

Cloud Storage for Video Surveillance

Let’s clear this up: “the cloud” doesn’t mean your data is floating somewhere in the sky, tucked in next to the rain and sunshine. Cloud storage simply means your video footage is kept on remote servers that you access through the internet. Instead of housing everything on your property, you’re essentially renting space on someone else’s high-powered computer system.

This setup works wonders for businesses with multiple locations or those that need extra space without a lot of hassle. Have one office in New York and another in Texas? Cloud storage makes it easy to access and manage footage from both spots. It’s also great for businesses anticipating growth—if your storage needs increase, you can just upgrade your plan without lugging in new hardware.

That said, there are some pros and cons to leveraging cloud storage solutions for your video surveillance footage. 

Pros of Cloud Storage 

Cloud storage comes with plenty of advantages, especially for businesses that need flexibility and convenience. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Scalability: As your storage needs grow, you can easily upgrade without adding new hardware or running out of space.
• Remote Access: Check your footage from anywhere with an internet connection, perfect for managing multiple locations or staying connected while traveling.
• Reduced On-Site Equipment: Less hardware on-site means fewer maintenance issues and less clutter.
• Disaster Recovery: Your data stays safe from theft, fires, or other disasters that could damage on-site equipment.

Cons of Cloud Storage

While cloud storage offers plenty of perks, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:

• Bandwidth Dependency: A slow or unreliable internet connection can make accessing your footage a frustrating experience.
• Latency Issues: Large files or high-resolution footage may take longer to load or retrieve.
• Ongoing Costs: Subscription fees for storage and bandwidth can add up over time, especially for businesses with extensive storage needs.
• Security Concerns: While providers work to safeguard your data, online storage always carries some risk of hacking or breaches.

On-Premises (Local) Storage for Video Surveillance

On-premises storage takes your surveillance data off the internet and keeps it close to home—literally. With this approach, footage is stored on-site using DVRs, NVRs, or dedicated servers, giving your business full control over your data.

This setup is a favorite for organizations that prioritize privacy and security, such as banks, hospitals, or government facilities. By keeping data physically on the premises, businesses can create a closed system, reducing exposure to online risks. While it requires more equipment and maintenance, local storage gives you the reins.

Pros of Local Storage 

Local storage puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing your surveillance data. Here’s why many businesses choose this option:

• Full Control: Your data and hardware stay on-site, giving you complete ownership and the ability to access footage without involving third parties.
• No Bandwidth Dependency: With everything stored locally, there’s no reliance on an internet connection, so your system keeps running even if the Wi-Fi drops.
• Enhanced Security: Physical control over your servers means less exposure to online risks like hacking or breaches.
• Cost Efficiency Over Time: After the initial investment, you won’t face ongoing subscription fees, making it a long-term budget-friendly choice.

Cons of Local Storage

While local storage has its perks, it’s not without its own unique set of challenges. Here are some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Scalability: Expanding your storage often means buying additional hardware, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
• Vulnerability to Physical Damage: If your site experiences a fire, theft, or hardware failure, your data could be at risk.
• Maintenance Requirements: Servers and other equipment need regular updates, monitoring, and occasional repairs, which adds to the workload.
• High Initial Costs: Setting up a local storage system requires a significant upfront investment in hardware and installation, which can strain a budget.

Hybrid Storage for Video Surveillance

These days, “hybrid” is a buzzword in everything from cars to work schedules—and for good reason. It offers the best of both worlds by blending two approaches into one solution. In video surveillance, hybrid storage combines the reliability of on-premises systems with the flexibility of cloud storage.

This setup is popular among organizations that need extra layers of security or want to split their data between frequently accessed footage and long-term archives. By using a hybrid system, businesses can store sensitive data locally while leveraging the cloud for scalability and redundancy.

Pros of Hybrid Storage

For many organizations, hybrid storage is the sweet spot. It gives you the best of both on-premises and cloud systems. Here’s why it stands out:

• Flexibility: You get the control of local storage and the scalability of the cloud, creating a setup that adapts to your needs.
• Redundancy: With data backed up in both locations, you significantly lower the chances of losing footage, whether from equipment failure or natural disasters.
• Optimized Costs: Frequently accessed footage can stay on-site for convenience, while less-used data is moved to the cloud, balancing cost and accessibility.
• Scalability: Need more storage? The cloud makes it easy to expand without needing extra hardware.

Cons of Hybrid Storage

We’d be remiss, however, if we didn’t discuss some of the challenges that come with these combined storage solutions. Consider these potential downsides:

• Complex Setup: Combining local and cloud systems takes thoughtful planning and careful integration.
• Higher Costs: You’re paying for both local hardware and cloud services, which can make this option more expensive upfront and over time.
• Maintenance Needs: Both components require attention—local systems need physical upkeep, while cloud systems may involve subscription management and internet bandwidth considerations.

How to Choose the Right Storage Solution

As we suggested earlier, determining the best storage solution for your video footage is a big part of your overall surveillance strategy. If you are working on your business case or thinking through the best options, consider the following factors before making a decision.

• Budget: Weigh the upfront costs of hardware or setup against ongoing expenses like subscriptions or maintenance.
• Scalability Needs: Think about how your storage requirements may grow as your business or surveillance demands increase.
• Accessibility Requirements: Decide whether you need remote access or if storing footage locally will meet your needs.
• Data Sensitivity: Consider any regulations or security requirements that dictate how and where footage must be stored.
• Reliability: Look for a solution that minimizes downtime and offers backup options to protect your data in case of system failures.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Storage Solution

Choosing the right storage solution involves understanding your specific needs and challenges. To narrow down your options, ask yourself these important questions:

• How much footage do you need to store, and for how long? Consider the volume of video your system generates and whether you need short-term or long-term storage.
• Do you need access to footage from remote locations? Think about whether you need the flexibility to view footage while traveling or managing multiple locations.
• What is your organization’s disaster recovery plan? Identify how you’ll protect your data in the event of equipment failure, theft, or natural disasters.
• How much bandwidth is available for cloud-based systems? If you’re considering cloud storage, evaluate your internet connection to handle the upload and retrieval of large video files.

Video Surveillance Storage Recommendations Based on Size of Business

The size of your business plays a big role in choosing the right storage solution. For small businesses, cloud storage may likely be the smarter choice—it’s affordable, scalable, and doesn’t require investing in hardware. 

Medium-sized businesses might benefit from a hybrid setup, combining local storage for frequently accessed footage with cloud storage for long-term archiving. Larger businesses or enterprises often prefer on-premises solutions to control their extensive data completely. 

The right choice comes down to how much footage you generate, your access needs, and your budget for setup and ongoing expenses. Tailoring your solution helps it grow with you.

EMCI Wireless: Supporting Your Surveillance Storage Needs

Choosing the right storage for your video surveillance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—EMCI Wireless is here to help. Whether you’re considering cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid setup, our team works with you to find the solution that fits your needs.

We offer personalized consultations to understand your goals, system integration to get everything up and running, and ongoing support to keep things working just the way you need them. No matter the size of your business, we’re ready to help you protect what matters most.

Let’s talk about how we can help with your video surveillance and storage needs. Contact EMCI Wireless today to get started! From Clearwater to St. Petersburg to Tallahassee to Miami, we’re here for you.