For data storage infrastructure manufacturers like BCD, these forecast patterns remain top of mind, all for reasons you can probably guess—scalability, performance, and ROI are BCD’s fundamental value offerings. When it comes to enterprise deployments, BCD aims to provide purpose-built storage optimised for security and designed to evolve as technology does. However, that doesn’t mean optimising small-scale surveillance projects has taken a back seat for the company. In fact, there are several reasons integrators and manufacturers alike should even prioritise video surveillance solutions for small businesses.  Here BCD outlines some of the points to take into consideration.

Benefits of smaller projects

For one, these deals present a lower risk of falling through. With relatively smaller investments on the table, those smaller projects are more likely to close. When considering the advent of ultra-high-resolution cameras, AI-optimised systems, deep learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), signing more projects today guarantees return customers tomorrow.

Especially considering the heightened demand for specialised surveillance systems, designed for remote and event-based offices and properties, purpose-built infrastructure is perhaps more important than ever. As hybrid and remote work models continue to proliferate, physical security will have less to do with entry management and asset protection and more to do with versatility, flexibility, and mobility. Because physical security remains a critical priority for businesses, as the pandemic has forced so many office models to evolve, keeping a diverse project portfolio will ensure integrators a competitive edge.

For these reasons, BCD aims to design its products with every possible security scenario in mind to present integrator partners with the same level of preparedness.

What smaller projects entail

A diverse portfolio is important for a few reasons—not only do different sized deployments have unique requirements, so also do different environments. In addition, with variables such as weather, perimeter type, the number of entry points, visitor and employee traffic, and remote accessibility subject to change between solutions, designing adaptable and customisable video surveillance systems for small businesses is a must.

First, these deployments can vary anywhere from one to 16 cameras at a single site, meaning on-site storage must accommodate a specific video data diet. But camera count isn’t the only variable to consider. Camera type (i.e., analogue vs. IP) and camera resolution matter as well, on top of preferences regarding search, review, video playback functionality, archival retention time, and budgetary parameters. Whether a business is a mom-and-pop shop or part of a global franchise, each of these variables are bound to differ, which means your portfolio must be able to meet each need head-on.

Luckily, for every possible configuration of specifications a purpose-built video storage option and/or video appliance exists.

Why use network video recorders?

When it comes down to it, whatever a business’s size, the advantages of installing an IP video recording server are numerous. These computer-based devices (also known as encoders), built with real-time messaging protocol (RTMP) are intended to deliver live or on-demand video streams to users whenever and wherever they require it. In the security world, these devices are meant to capture video from one or more cameras and deliver the video via a computer network for both immediate and post-incident review. Whether paired with AI-enabled software or reviewed in real-time by physical operators, purpose-built video appliances deliver instantaneous footage, which can mean a world of difference for detection purposes.

Additionally, servers offer greater customisation, meaning clients can choose any video management software. They also offer greater flexibility and scalability, ensuring clients can easily scale storage and compute if there’s ever a need to add additional cameras, upgrade software, or increase retention times.

Overview of video storage options

BCD’s purpose-built video recording servers set the industry standard for performance, quality, and affordability. The company;s video recording servers include options to support four to 4,000 security cameras, maximizing bandwidth for a variety of software applications and market verticals. But most importantly, BCD's entry-level offerings are designed to be just as reliable as its enterprise systems.

BCD also offers specific design recommendations, but importantly, every solution the company offers, from entry-level to enterprise options, all solutions are optimised using the latest technology and come with BCD’s exclusive software integrations such as Harmonize Bridge for hybrid cloud connectivity.