Security Megatrend: Cloud Computing

Cloud computing platforms and applications are proliferating across enterprises today, serving as the IT infrastructure driving new digital businesses. The cloud is an enabling technology for security integrators, who can provide managed services and the cost and labor advantages of off-site servers to their customers.

In the Security Industry Association’s 2019 Megatrends report, showcasing the major trends and forces at play in the global security industry, the third Megatrend is cloud computing. Here are some highlights.

Stats

According to IHS Markit, the global off-premises cloud service market is forecasted to reach $414 billion in 2022.

Cloud Models

Cloud computing, software as a service and managed services continue to populate the physical security industry. As security providers transition more fully into networked connected devices and IT, embracing cloud hosting will be critical to growth. There are inherent efficiencies, safeguards, scalability and accessibility benefits to this virtual physical security management system solution, especially for physical access control systems.

Prediction

Cloud computing and edge computing will evolve as complementary models with cloud services managed not only on centralized servers, but also in distributed servers on premises and on increasingly reliable and stable edge devices.

Challenges

How secure is the cloud? Does it offer interoperability and integration with other systems, services and processes? How can important video data be segmented to the cloud, without using massive amounts of storage? Now, edge computing is gaining acceptance and may be disrupting the traditional space.

Megatrend Movement

In the 2018 Megatrends report, cloud computing ranked number 8, and for 2019 it jumped to the number-three spot. The convenience and easy ability to add services and manage them cost effectively propelled it to this higher spot. But how wil it shake out in 2020 and beyond as cited concerns play out or intensify?

Get key takeaways on cloud computing, along with information on the other 2019 Security Megatrends, in the full report.