Shyla Chatlani, EMEA Sales Lead at Rhombus tells SJUK why organisations are prioritising cloud-based systems.

What are some of the main advantages of moving to the cloud, particularly for the security industry?

The unification of systems is essential for security. From my experience, a lot of customers have three or even five different platforms which cannot necessarily become unified through an on-prem system.

Cloud-based options are the pathway to streamlining your workflow and creating greater efficiencies.

The second key benefit of moving to the cloud is adaptability. The amount of technology and software that is released every year is astronomical.

I work in tech and I can barely keep up! It makes sense to move to the cloud to improve your flexibility and move with the times.

The third key advantage is, of course, user experience. We see a big difference between on-prem systems and cloud-based systems and the way in which the person operating the system views it.

Those individuals will either consider the system a chore they often avoid or as a seamless, integral part of their role within the organisation.

I think sometimes people who work in the technology industry forget that those who are using their video management systems (VMS) do not necessarily work in tech, meaning that some on-prem systems are not always user friendly.

Cloud-based systems remove the need for multiple interfaces, making it easier to train your personnel.

The final key benefit to cloud-based systems is innovation; when you have an on-prem system, it’s difficult to innovate at a rapid pace.

Updating these technologies is a slow task, requiring manual work. However, with cloud-based systems, updates are remote and completed smoothly.

What would you say to a security leader unsure of whether to embrace cloud technology?

The first thing I would ask is why? The cloud has been a very mystified word and concept, especially in the physical security industry.

So, I would query: What is the opposition? And depending on that answer, I would ask: What does the cloud mean to you?

Most cloud-based systems today work in conjunction with on-prem systems, which I think many people tend to forget.

Part of the hesitancy to transition to cloud-based systems stems from the human tendency to question or avoid change.

Historically, the security industry has been on-prem, however, we are now accessing our bank accounts, retirement funds, family photos and more all through the cloud.

We’ve changed organically in all those areas and are reaping the benefits daily. Why are we still trailing behind in the physical security space?

My approach comes from a place of trying to understand exactly what the hesitation is and try to discuss any resistances, rather than pitching any type of sales to security leaders.

Most of the time, prospective customers come to their own realisation through the discussion.

How does the integration of AI with cloud-based systems enhance security even more?

The security industry is migrating from being reactive to proactive.

Having an employee sitting in a control room trying to keep track of hundreds of viewpoints from many different cameras at once is arguably not that effective.

There is a high chance they could miss an incident as it is happening.

AI can be infused into the control room process. It allows companies to detect suspicious behaviour or activities.

Within a cloud-based VMS, AI has the potential to cut down on time spent searching for specific scenarios, as keywords can be searched for.

Additionally, there is that possibility for AI to alert users as certain events are happening, allowing for the correct individuals to be notified and a response to be initiated.

AI’s ability to be proactive is only going to get better.

However, it’s important to emphasise to the industry that AI is not a fix-all.

It can sometimes be perceived as this, but we need to set expectations and educate the industry to make informed decisions when using AI, especially when there is an element of life safety.

How do you think AI and cloud-based systems will evolve even further into the future?

I believe all industry experts are striving to evolve AI within VMS, but I do think that there is an element of responsibility on manufacturers and integrators.

We should continue to have open, consultative discussions with our customers around AI, as well as with each other.

Our customers trust us to recommend the best solution for them and their organisation, therefore it is vital that we stay educated, curious and collaborative.

Overall though, I don’t think we can accurately predict how AI will evolve.

As someone in the tech space, I think it’s acceptable to say that! This time last year, no one could have predicted we’d be where we are now.

So in another year or even further beyond, I’m sure we’ll see even more exciting developments happening. It’s crucial to be open and flexible to changes and evolutions as they come, otherwise we run the risk of falling behind.

You will be speaking in an upcoming webinar with SJUK. Can you tell us about some of the main takeaways listeners will gain?

During the webinar, I will be highlighting what makes Rhombus stand out within the cloud-based video industry.

I will discuss the nuances of our organisation, as there are many different options within the cloud-based video technology market, but I believe Rhombus is truly unique.

Additionally, I will be exploring open platforms and how customers can integrate the solutions they are using today with the new ones they invest in.

The second part of the webinar will see me go into demo mode! I will be showcasing Rhombus’ web-based cloud solutions; the visual nature of our product means it’s more effective to show than simply tell.

Additionally, I will be recommending how to use some of our AI features. I look forward to presenting in this webinar – if you haven’t signed up yet, reserve your space now and discover the potential of AI and cloud-based systems!

This article was originally published in the July edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.