After years of working with retailers, franchise operators, Certified Solution Providers (CSPs), and security integrators, I’ve seen a consistent theme emerge time and time again: organizations are looking for ways to make their security systems more connected, more efficient, and easier to manage as they grow.

That’s why I was excited to co-moderate March Networks’ recent webinar with our partners from KORONA POS, KISI, and NetWatch Inc. We explored how cloud video surveillance is helping businesses extend and enhance their existing security infrastructure — bridging the gap between traditional systems and the connected, data-driven operations of tomorrow.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, the message is clear: the future of surveillance is aboutflexibility, and that includes the ability to connect your current systems to the cloud when and how it makes sense for your business.

Here are five key reasons why organizations are embracing the cloud today.

1. Modern Demands Require Modern Flexibility

Traditional NVR-based systems remain a trusted and proven foundation for many organizations. In fact, most of our customers continue to rely on them every day to keep people and property safe.

But as businesses expand or distribute operations across multiple locations, the need for faster access, centralized visibility, and remote management is driving demand for cloud and hybrid solutions.

If you’re using older, on-premise systems (especially those from competitors), you may already be familiar with the challenges of:

  • Limited access to video when you’re offsite
  • Storage caps that force early deletion
  • Manual updates and maintenance requirements
  • IT teams stretched supporting multiple systems

March Networks’ award-winning CloudSight platform addresses those pain points by connecting cameras directly to the cloud by offering centralized visibility, smart alerts, and advanced analytics while still complementing existing hardware.

Bottom line: Legacy systems continue to do their job well, but the cloud adds new agility and scalability for today’s business demands.

2. Cloud is More Than Security; It’s a Business Strategy

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that cloud surveillance is only about enhancing security. In reality, it’s just as much about improving business operations as it is about protecting your assets.

Forward-thinking organizations are leveraging cloud video to:

  • Identify operational inefficiencies
  • Strengthen loss prevention across locations
  • Enhance customer experience
  • Simplify compliance reporting
  • Support employee training and accountability

With March Networks Searchlight Cloud, businesses can integrate video with POS data, access control, and operational analytics. That means you’re not just reviewing footage, you’re gaining insights that help you run your business more efficiently.

For example, you can quickly flag refund abuse, review staff performances, or analyze health and safety incidents in minutes rather than hours.

Industry data shows:

  • Cloud video can reduce investigation times by 2–3x (Industry Benchmarks)
  • IT maintenance costs can be reduced by up to 40% (Industry Report)
  • Compliance improves through secure, centralized video access

The takeaway: When cloud becomes part of your overall business strategy, it supports both security and performance goals.

3. Integration Is the New Standard

Integration is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation in today’s connected business environment.

During our webinar, KORONA POS and KISI demonstrated how integrated systems can deliver better insight and efficiency.

  • KORONA POS enables surveillance to be tied directly to transactions so managers can instantly review the footage associated with refunds, voids, or discounts.
  • KISI’s cloud access control connects physical access points with centralized video platforms, making it easy to manage permissions and respond to events across multiple sites.

When these systems work together, businesses can quickly investigate issues, validate events, and identify training or operational opportunities.

The takeaway: With integrations on the cloud, it’s no longer just surveillance; it’s actionable intelligence that gives you a bird’s-eye view across all your operations.

4. Managing Multiple Locations Has Never Been Easier

For multi-site businesses, maintaining consistent visibility and control across dozens—or hundreds—of locations can be challenging with purely on-premise systems.

That’s where cloud and hybrid architectures deliver real value.

With a cloud-connected approach, you can:

  • Add new sites remotely, without shipping or installing heavy hardware
  • Apply consistent policies and configurations organization-wide
  • Roll out updates automatically, reducing IT workloads
  • Monitor performance and alerts from a single dashboard

And for customers using KISI’s centralized access control or March Networks CloudSight, these systems integrate seamlessly with existing cameras and recorders, creating a bridge between the technology you have today and the flexibility you need tomorrow.

In other words: you don’t have to choose between on-prem and cloud. You can have both, and migrate at your own pace when you’re ready.

5. The Market Is Moving and Cloud Is Leading the Way

Industry data makes it clear: the transition to cloud is well underway.

  • The global cloud video surveillance market will more than double by 2034 (from $7.56B to $15.83B) (8.6% CAGR).
  • 30% of enterprises plan full migration to cloud video by 2026 (Markets and Markets).
  • Organizations adopting hybrid and cloud models are reporting faster ROI, improved collaboration, and lower IT overhead.

But this shift isn’t about abandoning traditional systems; it’s about expanding what they can do.

By combining proven NVR and camera technology with cloud connectivity and analytics, customers can evolve at their own pace, choosing the right balance between performance, security, and scalability.

The takeaway: The future of video surveillance is connected. March Networks is leading the way to help customers transition smoothly, without losing the reliability and performance they trust today.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Hybrid, and It’s Here

Every business is at a different stage in its modernization journey. Some are fully cloud-connected; others are exploring hybrid options that complement their existing NVR infrastructure.

No matter where you are on that path, the goal is the same:

  • Faster access to insights
  • Seamless integration between systems
  • Simplified operations at scale

With March Networks, you don’t have to choose between legacy and innovation. You can build on what’s already working—while gaining the flexibility and intelligence of the cloud.

And with trusted partners like KISI, KORONA POS, and NetWatch Inc., the ecosystem is ready to help you get there.

Explore Your Next Step

If you’re ready to modernize your security strategy and gain better control over your business, here’s how you can learn more:

About the Author
Tony Seep is an experienced security technology collaborator at March Networks, where he works closely with integrators and end-users to deliver scalable, high-impact surveillance solutions. With a deep understanding of cloud architecture and retail operations, Tony helps businesses align security with operational efficiency.