Even though the rising number of tech startups in Southeast Asia—currently at over 120,000—and the subsequent technological advancements in the region have made founders more wary of cyber threats, businesses are still vulnerable to all kinds of security risks offline. Cloud-based video surveillance options offer smarter, cost-effective monitoring solutions to prevent physical threats in and around the workplace.
Brick-and-mortar companies face common risks, including theft, vandalism, unauthorised access, terrorism, and arson. A traditional way of providing business protection in Southeast Asia has involved using security guards or installing CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV) video surveillance options. While CCTV can help deter crime, provide evidence for cases, control access, and enable quick emergency responses, it has its downsides.
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For one, they are very costly to install, maintain, and upgrade. Secondly, they are vulnerable to damage, the elements, poor positioning, low image quality, tampering, and hacking. Moreover, they require constant human monitoring and coordination with security guards, which leaves gaps in ensuring workplace protection. Video surveillance options that are cloud-based provide an effective alternative.
Factors supporting the rise of cloud solutions for SMEs
Southeast Asia’s public cloud market should reach USD 20.29 billion in 2025. Statista Research notes that the region will have an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.11%, reaching USD 40.83 billion by 2029. There are several factors contributing to the rise of cloud solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):
Digital transformation
Governments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have launched initiatives to support cloud tech innovation. As the region’s digital transformation accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, businesses had to adapt to the changes digitalisation brought. Everyone started focusing on online threats from cybercriminals.
Unfortunately, SMEs are also in danger from offline threats and need video surveillance options that are flexible, scalable, and capable of saving large amounts of data without incurring high storage and maintenance costs. Due to infrastructure limitations and the slow digitalisation push, startups can benefit from cloud solutions, a growing industry in ASEAN that offers unique benefits.
Benefits of cloud-based video surveillance
SMEs can benefit immensely from cloud-based video surveillance systems because founders can review their security status anytime and anywhere. Secondly, they are cost-effective because there is no need to install expensive hardware on the business premises. These savings are particularly useful for emerging startups with insufficient cash flow to pay for business protection tools and daily functions.
Budding companies require approaches, systems, and tools to grow their operations. Unlike CCTV, which would be more expensive as the business grew, cloud solutions are scalable and easier to personalise to suit one’s needs. Installation is also simpler and cheaper, and some technicians can help the company set up the cameras and learn how to operate the system.
Additionally, cloud-based solutions integrate well with other security systems and alarms. They enable real-time remote workplace monitoring, sending out alerts on detecting motion in an unauthorised area.
Another crucial element is that cloud solutions collect and store data securely on online servers. This means the business can store as much footage as its subscription allows, making it easily accessible when needed. The data receives end-to-end encryption in transit and at rest, and other security features like multi-factor authentication exist.
It also enables AI-powered analytics tools to review data, provide insights into the current state of video surveillance protection, and recommend possible fixes. In case of hardware failure, cloud-based video systems offer data recovery options, ensuring no protection gaps and speedily detecting human tampering.
Use of subscription models
Startups with limited budgets and evolving space needs can benefit from signing up for cloud video surveillance services. They offer various subscription models at cost-friendly prices and have scalable infrastructure to meet the business’s expanding needs. Furthermore, the service providers save the customer’s time by performing all of the periodic product updates and handling any maintenance issues.
Necessity of using cloud solutions to benefit startups
Using cloud-based video surveillance for business protection in Southeast Asia should no longer be considered a luxury but a strategic tool in the digital age. The world’s leading cloud computing companies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, have set up data centres in ASEAN for a reason. These companies, as well as regional startups, understand that cloud solutions are the future.
Startups in Southeast Asia should adopt cloud-based video monitoring solutions since they are easier to scale, operate better and more cost-effectively than traditional systems, and can enhance workplace productivity. Leaders must note the legal and ethical issues of where cameras can be placed and used. Moreover, they must follow regulations on data safety and limit data access to thwart cybercriminals.