Evaluate The Physical Security Company Avigilon On Cloud-based Security

Okay, let's talk security. Real security. The kind that keeps the bad guys out and your stuff safe. And let's be honest, when you hear the word “security,” your mind probably doesn't immediately jump to fluffy clouds, does it?

I know, I know. Everyone's going cloud-crazy. Cloud storage, cloud gaming, even cloud-based accounting! Seems like everything's moving to the digital heavens. But when it comes to protecting your physical assets, should your security system be up there too?

Avigilon: Grounded in Goodness?

Enter Avigilon, a company traditionally known for, well, physical security. We're talking cameras, access control, and all those things that make you feel like you're in a spy movie (in a good way). They make really good stuff. And historically, that "stuff" lived in your building. You could pat it, tweak it, and yell at it when it wasn't working right.

But times are changing. Even Avigilon is dipping its toes (or maybe cannonballing?) into the cloud. Now, I’m not saying cloud-based security is inherently bad. But here's my slightly unpopular opinion: Sometimes, the old-school approach is still the best approach.

Think about it. With on-premise security, everything is right there. You control the hardware, you control the software (mostly), and you know exactly where your data is. It's like having a really grumpy, but very effective, bulldog guarding your valuables. He’s right there, on the ground, ready to bark.

The Cloud's Lure...and Potential Pitfalls

Now, the cloud does offer some compelling advantages. Scalability, for instance. Need to add more cameras? No problem, just spin up another virtual instance! Remote access? Check. Want to view your security feeds from your phone while you're on vacation? Easy peasy. Offsite backup? Yep, the cloud takes care of that too.

But here’s where my inner skeptic kicks in. With cloud-based security, you're essentially handing over a large portion of your security infrastructure to someone else. You're trusting that their servers are secure, that their network is reliable, and that they're not going to get hacked by a teenager in their basement.

And let's be real, the internet isn't always reliable. What happens when your internet goes down? Suddenly, your fancy cloud-based security system is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Your bulldog went to the bathroom and left you alone.

Control vs. Convenience

It really boils down to control versus convenience. Cloud-based security is undeniably convenient. It's like ordering takeout instead of cooking dinner. It's faster, easier, and requires less effort on your part. But you're also sacrificing some control over the ingredients and the preparation. You might get a slightly soggy french fry.

With on-premise security, you're cooking your own dinner. It takes more time and effort, but you know exactly what's going into it, and you can adjust the recipe to your liking. You get to decide how crispy those fries are going to be.

I'm not saying that Avigilon's cloud offerings are bad. They're probably perfectly fine. But I do think it's important to consider the trade-offs. Are you willing to sacrifice some control for the convenience of the cloud? Are you comfortable trusting someone else with your security infrastructure?

The Unpopular Verdict?

So, here's my unpopular opinion: for truly critical security applications, I still prefer the grounded, reliable, and slightly grumpy bulldog of on-premise security. Give me physical servers I can kick (figuratively, of course), and direct access to my data. I want to be the one in control, even if it means a little more work.

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. Maybe I’m just resistant to change. But when it comes to keeping my valuables safe, I'd rather be the chef in my own kitchen, even if it means burning the occasional french fry.

And that’s just my two cents. Now, back to yelling at my own (on-premise) security system. Because sometimes, even the best bulldogs need a little… encouragement.