Video Surveillance: Open vs. Proprietary
Safety is one of the few things in the world that is truly priceless. So, when it comes to deciding between an open platform or a proprietary-based security and/or video surveillance , how do you decide? While on the surface, it may seem like they both accomplish the same goal, the inner workings of each are where you will find the differences between the two.
Proprietary Systems: Pros & Cons
Proprietary platforms have been around for quite a while and for good reason. When you limit the amount of access to your security surveillance system, you also somewhat limit the chance of potential breaches. Proprietary systems often coordinate exclusively with the company that manufactured the equipment, software, and the system itself, all of which make for a great match and terrific compatibility.
While proprietary systems may look attractive from afar, the closer you get is where you will discover its disadvantages. First, there is a limited base of service and upgradability, which is dependent upon your manufacturer and service provider. A proprietary system typically can only be repaired by the same company that installed the system (using their replacement parts), which can be much more expensive than an open platform system. That also means they exclusively control the price, service rates, and response times.
Another drawback comes when the user experiences a software crash. New upgrades in technology happen all the time, and with a proprietary system, getting those new updates becomes much more difficult.
Open Platform Systems: The Future is Now
The future is evolving towards open platform systems all the time. Open platform systems are designed to integrate with a wide range of equipment and software. The number of qualified service technicians who can work on open platform systems is much higher and they are more readily available than their proprietary counterparts. Built to allow integration and interchangeability, the upkeep of your open platform system is much more budget-friendly than that of proprietary systems.
But, what happens when you decide you want to part ways with your surveillance system and move to something else? Maybe there are features you need but are not available with your current system.
No worries.
Typically, open platform systems can be easily switched and you can seamlessly transition to new equipment or a different system altogether. You shouldn’t have to replace all components of your current system unless you want to.
Migrating to or installing an open platform system opens the doors to nearly limitless capabilities. The upgrades to your security system become more accessible and frequent. Your safety and security are never compromised since security protocols for open platform systems are secured the same, if not better, than any other system in the industry.
For your video surveillance system, IP cameras can run on most video management platforms depending on 1) architecture (whether it is an open type) 2) age of the cameras and 3) recording device specifications. Essentially, Midwest Alarm Services simply installs new software, programs the cameras into the system and a new platform is up and running.
The bottom line is that you should never have to compromise your safety or security when it comes to wanting the best security platform for your business. In the long run, an open platform system gives you greater flexibility and control over your system without leaving you to the whims of the manufacturer or installing company.