Trad Vs. Cloud: Which Security System Is Best For You?
There's a lot of security systems available. If you're looking for options, you can start by deciding whether a traditional "trad" or Cloud-based system is best for you. There's pros and cons to both. But, in general, traditional systems have a wider price range while Cloud-based systems are simpler to use.
Advantages of Cloud-based systems
- Online data storage
When physical components fail, users, fobs, codes, settings, and activity history are preserved online. - Longer Life
With ongoing updates, Cloud-based systems improve over time. - Convenience
Login remotely from multiple mobile devices and PCs.
Advantages of traditional systems
- Doesn't require Internet
Some locations don't have reliable Internet. - No subscription fees
There's freedom in owning a system outright. - Granular network options
For IT professionals, manually set IP addresses and ports
If your organization provides financial or IT services and needs to meet federal regulations, a Cloud-based system can work for you. But, since your installer will have remote access to your users, building credentials, and surveillance video, just verify they have a system in place limiting which team members can view this information. Ideally, they'll maintain a balance between service and security.
Controlling access to data on a traditional system is more complicated. Even though, by default, there's no remote access, the data can be widely distributed. That's because, in order to service a traditional system, technicians carry laptops with software containing your users, alarm codes, and more.
For a side-by-side comparison of traditional and Cloud-based systems, review the chart below.
