Edge Storage Powers the Future of Cloud Video Security

Cloud-based video security solutions have rapidly become mainstream in the security industry. Nearly two-thirds of security professionals are now implementing these technologies. Behind this cloud revolution lies a critical but often overlooked component: edge storage. As organizations increasingly adopt AI-enhanced cameras and cloud connectivity, edge storage has emerged as a critical component in enabling this technological evolution.

According to research conducted by SecurityInfoWatch.com in collaboration with Micron Technology, 63% of video security professionals across manufacturing, system integration, distribution, and installation sectors are now deploying cloud-based security solutions. This widespread adoption reflects the growing confidence in cloud technology for video monitoring and data management. The industry has moved beyond questioning if the cloud works for security and is now focused on how to make it work best for their specific needs.

The Rise of Hybrid Storage Solutions

While cloud-based security offers tremendous benefits, the survey revealed that pure cloud storage solutions account for only 14% of deployments. Instead, combined approaches dominate the landscape, with 53% of respondents using a model that pairs an on-premises network video recorder (NVR)/Gateway with cloud storage, and 33% employing in-camera edge storage combined with cloud backup. This hybrid approach balances the strengths of both worlds. On-premises storage provides immediate access, reliability during network outages, and reduced bandwidth consumption, while cloud storage offers extended retention, remote accessibility, and simplified maintenance.

Security professionals consistently report that their clients want the security of local storage with the convenience of cloud access — the hybrid model delivers both without compromise. The survey found that edge storage implementation varies across organizations, with 40% of respondents using memory cards for in-camera edge storage. For NVR/gateway storage, 47% use SSD and 41% use HDD. The prevalence of flash storage (memory card and SSD) for both in-camera and NVR applications highlights the growing need for storage solutions that can handle the demands of 4K video and AI processing.

Unlike traditional storage, these advanced memory solutions offer significant advantages:

• Higher capacity: One in five users implements 1TB (20%) or 256GB (19%) storage capacity for in-camera storage, with a third (34%) using more than 1TB.
• Greater reliability: Sixty-four percent of respondents require storage solutions lasting three years or more.
• Consistent performance: This is especially important for AI applications that generate more random write operations.

Meeting Evolving Storage Requirements

The survey revealed most organizations (56%) require 30-day storage retention for their video data, though requirements vary based on industry standards and compliance needs. For companies with 30-day retention requirements, high-capacity edge storage is essential to maintain video quality while managing costs. Modern storage solutions need to balance performance, reliability, and capacity in increasingly compact form factors.

As AI functions become standard in camera systems, storage requirements are evolving in unexpected ways. AI-enabled cameras generate significantly more random write operations — approximately 50% compared to just 5% in standard cameras — requiring storage solutions specifically designed for this workload pattern. This shift is driving demand for industrial-grade memory cards and SSDs that can withstand the rigors of continuous AI processing while maintaining consistent performance.

The rising adoption of advanced edge storage solutions complements rather than competes with cloud storage. The hybrid model allows users to benefit from both the immediate, localized storage of in-camera solutions and the extended storage retention and redundancy offered by cloud services. This approach provides organizations with a resilient system that can continue recording even during network outages while minimizing bandwidth usage and reducing the total cost of ownership.

Building Future-Proof Video Security Systems

When selecting appropriate storage solutions for video security applications, security professionals should evaluate several key factors to ensure optimal performance. Consumer-grade memory cards may be inadequate for the high demands of 24/7 security recording, particularly with AI functionality. Industrial-grade solutions designed specifically for video security offer substantial advantages. For in-camera edge storage applications, consider:

• Recording requirements: Calculate storage needs based on video quality (1080p versus 4K), frame rate, number of concurrent AI events, and retention period.
• Write endurance: Look for cards rated for continuous recording (Terabytes Written rating (TBW)) that match your expected life cycle.
• Environmental conditions: Industrial-grade cards with operating temperature ranges of -25°C to 85°C provide reliability in outdoor installations.
• Health monitoring: Storage solutions with built-in diagnostic tools enable proactive maintenance before failures occur.

Micron's industrial microSD cards, designed specifically for AI-enhanced video applications, offer high capacity (64GB to 1.5TB), supporting up to five years of continuous 24/7 recording. They provide optimized performance for concurrent 4K video recording and up to eight AI capture events every second, industrial-grade reliability with a two-million-hour MTTF rating, and smart management features, including health monitoring and secure remote firmware updates.

The survey findings highlight a clear industry direction: Cloud-based video security is becoming mainstream, but its success depends on robust edge storage solutions. As organizations continue to implement these hybrid systems, choosing the right edge storage technology has become a strategic decision that impacts everything from video quality and system reliability to total cost of ownership.

As the industry continues to embrace AI-enhanced video applications, the demand for specialized edge storage solutions will only increase, making this technology a cornerstone of modern security infrastructure.

To learn more about Micron's industrial-grade storage solutions for AI-enhanced video security applications, visit Micron Technology.

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