Most business owners recognize the importance of installing cameras and implementing access control systems to safeguard their personnel, assets, and operations.
But when it comes time to upgrade or install a new system, one big question usually pops up:
Should we opt for a traditional security system or a cloud-based solution like Verkada?
At first glance, a DVR or NVR system might seem like the more affordable, familiar route. But today’s cloud-powered systems are more than a trend—they’re changing the way businesses think about security altogether.
Let’s take a look at what really separates cloud-based systems from the old-school setup, how they compare in cost and control, and what businesses like yours are saying after making the switch.
First, What Do We Mean by "Traditional Security"?
Traditional business security systems typically use DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) or NVRs (Network Video Recorders) connected to cameras that store footage locally, usually on a server or hard drive located within the building.
This setup remains standard, and for a while, it was the only available option. You wire everything in, set up a closet full of gear, and hope nothing goes wrong. If you want to check footage, you often have to be on-site or go through a slow, outdated portal with clunky controls. Sound familiar?
While these systems can work, they often come with hidden costs in IT labor, downtime, and limitations in how easily you can access or manage your footage.
So What Makes Verkada Different?
Verkada is a cloud-based physical security system that brings your cameras, access control, and environmental sensors into one innovative, web-based platform.
There’s no clunky server to maintain. Each camera stores video locally and also syncs it to the cloud for remote access, allowing you to check live footage, search past events, or unlock a door from anywhere using your phone or laptop.
What sets Verkada apart isn't just where the data lives; it’s how easy it is to use.
- Want to share a clip with law enforcement? Send a link in seconds.
- Want to see who entered the warehouse after hours? Pull up a face-match search in the dashboard.
- Need to manage multiple locations? Done. One login, one system.
And because Verkada handles software updates automatically, you don’t need to babysit the system or rely on your IT team to patch vulnerabilities every few months.
Where the Two Systems Differ
Here’s where things start to separate. Comparing Verkada vs traditional security, it’s not just about hardware. It’s about how each system impacts your daily operations, security posture, and long-term cost.
1. Remote Access That Actually Works
With traditional systems, checking footage often means either being on-site or logging into a clunky platform that feels like it was built in 2005. If you’ve ever had to dig through hours of blurry video with no real search tools, you know what we mean.
Verkada gives you fast, real-time access from any internet-connected device. Whether you're on a laptop at home or using your phone in an airport, you get complete visibility and control.
2. Built-In AI Tools Save You Hours
One of the biggest time-savers? Verkada’s innovative search features. You can search for motion in a particular zone, look for a specific face, or even track a license plate across multiple cameras. Traditional systems can’t do this without adding expensive third-party software or manually watching footage for hours.
3. Easier Scaling Across Multiple Locations
Traditional systems were built for one building at a time. But what if you manage multiple stores or offices?
Verkada lets you monitor every location from one central dashboard. That kind of scalability just doesn’t happen with older systems unless you start bolting on custom IT solutions, and the costs pile up fast.
4. Lower IT Involvement and Maintenance
Here’s a hidden cost people forget about: your IT team’s time. Traditional systems often require network configuration, server patching, manual backups, and ongoing troubleshooting.
Verkada takes nearly all of that off their plate. There’s no server to maintain. Software updates happen automatically. And if something goes wrong, you deal directly with Verkada’s support team—no third-party vendors or finger-pointing.
But What About the Cost?
Let’s talk dollars and sense. Cloud-based systems like Verkada do cost more upfront. That’s true. But when you add up the total cost of ownership (maintenance, IT time, replacement hardware, and missed footage), many businesses find the numbers even out pretty quickly.
When we compare Verkada vs traditional security across a five-year span, we’ve seen plenty of businesses save money. Why? Fewer system failures, no surprise support bills, and better performance that helps prevent losses in the first place.
Do Traditional Systems Still Make Sense for Some Businesses?
Yes. There are still scenarios where a traditional system might be the better fit. For example:
- Remote areas with unreliable internet may need local-only systems
- Highly restricted networks with strict air-gapping policies might not allow cloud systems
- Short-term use cases where an existing DVR already covers basic needs
However, even in these cases, many businesses are starting to adopt a hybrid approach, utilizing Verkada where it adds value and retaining traditional systems where it makes sense.
What Business Owners Say After Switching
We’ve worked with dozens of companies that moved from outdated DVR setups to Verkada’s cloud-based system. The feedback is nearly always the same:
- “I can’t believe how much time we used to waste checking footage.”
- “I finally feel like I understand what’s happening across my buildings.”
- “Our team actually uses the system now. Before, we avoided it unless something went wrong.”
It’s not just about having cameras. It’s about having a system that fits the way your business works.
How AIS Helps You Choose the Right Fit
Here at AIS, we’re a Verkada-certified partner, but we also understand that no system is a perfect fit for everyone. That’s why we start with your needs, not our product catalog.
We’ll walk your site, talk through your operations, and help you compare Verkada vs traditional security in the context of your team, your goals, and your budget. And if we think you’re better off with a hybrid solution, we’ll tell you that too.
Not ready for a complete switch? We can help you add cloud functionality to your existing system without ripping everything out.
See How Verkada Works in Action
Want to explore what cloud security actually looks like before making a decision? Start here: Top 10 Verkada Features Business Owners Love (And Use Daily).
Or, if you want help comparing pricing and features directly, schedule a Free Security Consultation with us today!
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