Optimizing Storage Costs for Video Surveillance Systems

Storage Solutions for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

Generally, there are five types of storage solutions for an SMB:

1. Standalone Network Video Recorder (NVR)

The video stream generated by an IP camera is transmitted and stored in an onsite standalone NVR system, which consists of dedicated embedded hardware with built-in surveillance-specific software and storage media, typically hard disk drives (HDDs).

2. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

The video stream generated by an IP camera is transmitted and stored in an onsite NAS system, which is a file-level computer data storage system with add-on surveillance software, typically using HDDs as storage media.

3. PC-based Recorder

The video stream generated by an IP camera is transmitted and stored in an onsite PC-based recorder. This recorder typically uses off-the-shelf PC hardware with built-in or customer-installed video management software and hard disk drives as storage media.

4. Cloud Storage

The video stream generated by IP camera will be transmitted and stored onto a remote cloud storage space, typically available as a subscription service from various public or private cloud vendors.

5. Edge Storage

The video stream generated by an IP camera is stored in the IP camera itself, using a flash-based microSD memory card. This minimizes the need for continuous use of the network to transmit data to central on-site or offsite/cloud locations.

While the above five scenarios are typical system designs, they are not the only system designs. Project-specific requirements can lead to many hybrid approaches that span multiple types of storage and management options.

Storage Requirements for SMB

To simulate a TCO model for an SMB use case, we analyzed three scenarios:

Scenario 1: Convenience Store

Typically, a small retail shop can require up to 4 IP camera units to cover critical areas (checkout counter, storage, entry, goods) with at least 2-4 weeks of recorded video archives.
Configuration: 4 channels of 1080p IP camera connections with 30 days storage capacity (1TB storage capacity required).

Scenario 2: Gas Station

Generally, a gas station can require up to 8 IP camera units to cover critical areas (fuel dispensers, office, shop, checkout counter, etc.) with at least 2-4 weeks of recorded video archives.
Configuration: 8 channels of 1080p IP camera connections with 30 days storage capacity (2TB storage capacity required).

Scenario 3: Small/Medium-Sized Office Buildings

In certain cases, up to 16 IP camera units may be needed to cover critical areas (reception desk, warehouse, public office area, parking lot, etc.) with at least 2-4 weeks of recorded video archives.
Configuration: 16 channels of 1080p IP camera connections with 30 days storage capacity (4TB storage capacity required).

Edge Storage-Based Systems: Better Benefits, Value

In addition to cost benefits, edge storage is easy to deploy, manage and scale because on-site recording systems are not required. Because primary video footage is stored locally in the camera, these systems require less network bandwidth and avoid cloud storage costs, offering better scalability and TCO compared to cloud-only storage solutions. These benefits make edge storage a preferred choice for many system integrators and end customers. Additionally, because video stays in the camera/on-premise, privacy concerns associated with cloud-based storage are reduced.

Table 2 provides a side-by-side overview of total solution costs and benefits for various storage solutions. Generally, while a cloud-based management system is highly effective and is beneficial for SMBs, project-by-project specifics may require a combination of these systems to achieve an optimized solution.

How to Select the Right Edge Storage Solution

As edge storage grows in popularity, selecting the right solution is important. Some items to consider are:

Storage Capacity

Is the edge storage solution able to store up to 2 weeks, or even 1 month, of video archives at the target resolution with the chosen compression techniques? In today’s video surveillance industry, 1080p resolution is a basic requirement for an IP camera (4K is on the way). With continuous recording of high-quality surveillance video, a higher-density storage device will be needed to meet data storage and archiving requirements.

Endurance and Quality

Will the edge storage solution have the rigor and design longevity to last three or more years in the field? Typical surveillance solutions need to be ruggedized, even all-weather resistant. To reduce maintenance and decommission costs during service years and to help control TCO, a high-endurance device with surveillance-grade edge storage is critical.

Remote Manageability

Does the IP camera support direct remote management, live viewing, video playback while being fully optimized with an onboard memory card? Because no additional NVR or gateway connection is needed between an IP camera and remote applications, an IP camera should be capable of supporting remote management and live/archived video streaming from a mobile app or a web portal. In addition, active alert notifications are required.

VSaaS with Edge Based Storage

See the benefits of enabling edge-based storage in VSaaS applications and the value proposition of Micron’s surveillance-grade edge storage solutions.

Spotlight: VIVOTEK Surveillance-Grade Edge Storage Solution

VIVOTEK, a global leading IP surveillance solution provider, offers IP surveillance solutions optimized with Micron’s industrial microSD card. Targeted at SMB surveillance-grade edge storage solutions, this system offers:

• Full IP camera product portfolios: VIVOTEK offers a wide range of high-quality IP surveillance camera solutions that cover all SMB use cases – from indoor to outdoor, HD to UHD quality, and equipment with advanced features.
• Viewing/managing anytime, anywhere: VIVOTEK’s VIVOCloud service enables users to remotely monitor and manage VIVOTEK IP cameras from a mobile app/web portal on a smartphone or personal computing device. VIVOCloud can support up to 16 connected IP cameras with key features such as easy setup, shared devices, timeline playback, push notification, fisheye dewarp, etc.
• Surveillance-grade microSD card: Micron’s industrial microSD cards are specifically designed for IP video surveillance workloads. The cards offer storage densities up to 256GB, which enables more days of video stored at the edge. Additionally, the cards support over 3 years of high-quality, continuous, 24x7 video recording5 in a wide range of temperatures and environments.
• Predictive maintenance: With integrated technology that enables the microSD cards to self-monitor and report card usage information and expected useful life remaining, users will receive an alert notification from the VIVOTEK IP camera6 in advance if replacement is necessary.

Smart, Reliable, Secure

Edge storage-based solutions are an excellent, low TCO choice for SMB use cases. For your next security project, consider implementing an edge storage solution with Micron’s surveillance-grade edge storage solutions.