If you’re a small business owner in Camden County, Gloucester County, or the greater Philadelphia area, you’ve likely been told you need a Network Video Recorder (NVR) for your security cameras. That bulky box sits in your back office, requires constant maintenance, and inevitably fails at the worst possible time.
There’s a better way.
Cloud-based video surveillance eliminates the NVR entirely, giving your South Jersey business enterprise-level security without the enterprise-level headaches. Here’s why local small businesses are making the switch—and why you should too.
What is Cloud-Based Video Surveillance?
Traditional video surveillance systems record footage to a physical NVR—a dedicated computer with hard drives that sits somewhere in your building. Cloud-based systems skip the NVR entirely and send encrypted footage directly to secure cloud servers.
Your cameras connect to your internet, and everything else happens automatically in the cloud. No box to maintain, no hard drives to replace, no software to update.
The Hidden Costs of NVR-Based Systems for Small Businesses
That NVR your security company installed might seem simple, but it’s a maintenance nightmare disguised as a one-time purchase.
Hard Drive Failures Are Inevitable
Hard drives have a limited lifespan—typically 3-5 years of continuous recording. When they fail (and they will), you lose footage and face expensive replacement costs. For a small business in Cherry Hill or Haddonfield, that’s an unexpected expense you don’t need.
Cloud-based systems eliminate this risk entirely. No moving parts, no hard drives to fail, no lost footage.
Software Updates and Security Patches
Your NVR runs an operating system and video management software that require regular updates to stay secure. Miss an update, and your system becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks. The 2016 Mirai botnet attack compromised thousands of security cameras and NVRs with outdated firmware.
Cloud-based systems update automatically. Your provider handles all security patches, firmware updates, and system maintenance behind the scenes. You never have to think about it.
Operating System Vulnerabilities
Many NVRs run on Windows or Linux operating systems that require constant patching. If you’re running a manufacturing facility in Gloucester County or a retail shop in Voorhees, you don’t have time to manage IT infrastructure.
Cloud-based systems remove this burden. The operating system is managed by your security provider, not you.
Physical Security Risks
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if someone breaks into your business and steals or destroys your NVR, your footage is gone. Criminals know where to look for that box in the back office.
Cloud-based systems store footage offsite. Even if someone destroys your cameras or breaks into your building, the evidence is already safely stored in the cloud.
The Business Advantages of Cloud Video Surveillance
Beyond eliminating NVR headaches, cloud-based surveillance offers real operational benefits for South Jersey small businesses.
Secure Remote Access from Anywhere
You’re not always at your business. Whether you’re at home in Mullica Hill, meeting a client in Philadelphia, or on vacation at the Jersey Shore, you need to see what’s happening at your business.
Cloud-based systems provide secure remote access from any device. Check your cameras from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with military-grade encryption protecting your connection. No complicated VPN setup, no port forwarding, no IT expertise required.
Multi-Location Management
If you operate multiple locations across South Jersey—say, retail stores in Cherry Hill and Mount Laurel—traditional NVR systems require you to log into each location separately.
Cloud-based systems centralize everything. View all your locations from a single dashboard. Perfect for small business owners managing 2-5 locations across Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties.
Instant Notifications and Alerts
Modern cloud-based cameras include AI-powered analytics that can detect people, vehicles, and unusual activity. When something happens after hours, you get an instant alert on your phone.
Traditional NVR systems can’t do this. You’d need to constantly monitor screens or review hours of footage manually.
Scalability Without Infrastructure Upgrades
Adding cameras to an NVR system often means upgrading the entire NVR—more storage, more processing power, more cost.
Cloud-based systems scale effortlessly. Add one camera or ten cameras without touching your existing infrastructure. Pay only for what you use.
Lower Upfront Costs
A quality NVR system requires significant upfront investment: the NVR itself, hard drives, installation, and configuration. For a small business in South Jersey, that’s often $2,000-$5,000 before you even install cameras.
Cloud-based systems eliminate most upfront costs. You pay a predictable monthly fee per camera that includes cloud storage, automatic updates, and remote access. No surprise expenses, no hardware replacements.
Is Cloud Video Surveillance Right for Your South Jersey Business?
Cloud-based surveillance is ideal for:
- Retail stores in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Haddonfield, or Deptford
- Small manufacturers in Gloucester County’s industrial parks
- Professional offices (medical, dental, legal, accounting) across South Jersey
- Restaurants and hospitality businesses in Burlington County
- Property management companies managing multiple buildings
- Any business with 1-20 cameras that wants reliable security without IT headaches
What About Internet Reliability?
This is the most common concern. Cloud cameras require internet connectivity, but they’re designed with reliability in mind.
Most cloud cameras include onboard storage. If your internet goes down temporarily, footage is stored locally on the camera and automatically uploads to the cloud when connectivity is restored. You don’t lose footage during brief outages.
Bandwidth requirements are manageable. A typical HD camera uses 1-2 Mbps of upload bandwidth. Most South Jersey businesses have sufficient internet to support 5-10 cloud cameras without impacting daily operations.
What About Monthly Fees?
Yes, cloud surveillance involves monthly fees—typically $10-$30 per camera depending on storage retention and features. But compare that to:
- NVR replacement every 5-7 years: $1,500-$3,000
- Hard drive replacements: $200-$500 every 3-5 years
- IT support for updates and troubleshooting: $100-$200 per service call
- Lost footage from hardware failures: Priceless
The monthly fee includes everything: cloud storage, automatic updates, remote access, mobile apps, and technical support. No surprise costs, no hardware failures, no maintenance headaches.
NDAA Compliance: Why It Matters for Your Business
If you’re considering cloud surveillance, make sure your cameras are NDAA-compliant. The National Defense Authorization Act prohibits certain foreign-manufactured cameras due to cybersecurity concerns.
Systems Integrations only installs NDAA-compliant cameras from trusted manufacturers like Hanwha Vision, Vivotek, and Rhombus. This protects your business from potential security vulnerabilities and ensures compliance if you work with government contracts or regulated industries.
Cloud Video Surveillance from a Licensed South Jersey Integrator
Switching to cloud-based surveillance doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or security. It means getting enterprise-level protection designed for small business budgets and operations.
Systems Integrations is a fully licensed security integrator in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware with over 20 years of experience protecting South Jersey businesses. Our team includes a Security Industry Association Cybersecurity-Certified engineer who understands both physical security and network security.
We serve small businesses throughout: – New Jersey: Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic Counties – Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester Counties – Delaware: New Castle County
We specialize in cloud-based video surveillance solutions from industry leaders: – Rhombus: Cloud-managed cameras with AI analytics and unlimited users – OnCloud by Hanwha Vision: NDAA-compliant cloud platform with advanced AI features and seamless integration – Vortex by Vivotek: Powerful cloud management platform with flexible storage options and intelligent video analytics
Every installation includes: – Professional site survey and camera placement planning – Licensed installation by certified technicians – Network security assessment to ensure safe cloud connectivity – Training on mobile apps and remote access – Ongoing support and system monitoring
Common Questions About Cloud Video Surveillance
Q: What happens if my internet goes down?
A: Most cloud cameras include onboard storage that buffers footage during outages. When connectivity is restored, footage automatically uploads to the cloud. You don’t lose coverage during brief internet disruptions.
Q: Can I still view footage if the cloud service has an outage?
A: Reputable cloud providers maintain 99.9% uptime with redundant data centers. In the rare event of a service disruption, footage is still being recorded locally and will be available once service is restored.
Q: How long is footage stored?
A: Storage retention is customizable, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. Some providers offer unlimited storage options. We’ll help you determine the right retention period based on your business needs and budget.
Q: Is cloud storage secure?
A: Yes. Enterprise cloud surveillance platforms use bank-level encryption (AES-256) for footage in transit and at rest. This is significantly more secure than an NVR sitting in your back office that anyone with physical access can compromise.
Q: Can I integrate cloud cameras with my existing access control system?
A: Absolutely. Cloud-based video surveillance integrates seamlessly with modern access control systems like PDK and Feenics. When someone badges into a restricted area, you can automatically pull up the corresponding video footage.
Q: What if I already have an NVR system?
A: We can assess your existing cameras to determine if they’re compatible with cloud platforms. In many cases, we can migrate your existing cameras to a cloud-based system, eliminating the NVR while keeping your camera investment.
Stop Maintaining Your NVR. Start Protecting Your Business.
Your time is valuable. You started your business to serve customers, manufacture products, or provide services—not to troubleshoot security equipment.
Cloud-based video surveillance gives you enterprise-level security without the enterprise-level complexity. No more NVR maintenance, no more hard drive failures, no more missed software updates. Just reliable, accessible security that works when you need it.
Ready to Eliminate Your NVR?
If you’re a small business owner in South Jersey tired of maintaining outdated security equipment, it’s time to explore cloud-based video surveillance.
Contact Systems Integrations today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your current system, explain your cloud options, and provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
Call (866) 417-3787 or visit systems-integrations.com/contact to schedule your free security consultation.
Serving small businesses throughout Camden County, Gloucester County, Burlington County, and the greater Philadelphia area with licensed, professional security integration services.