Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information. All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new categories…
The chicken or the egg. Not asking which came first in this case, just which one you like better. In the world of security systems, which came first between wired and wireless was answered long ago. But the question of which is better remains. Let’s start with a quick overview of how each of these…
Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…
Your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind when installing a security system, and that includes your pets as well. When researching a security product that suits your needs, consider the ways that this technology can help your pets stay safe too. We have detailed some of the most common hazards as well…
A fire detection system is a good idea for your property, and many insurance companies offer discounts based on your level of protection. While not required in your private residence, the law does require automatic fire detection in a wide array of other facilities. Local Building Code Requirements Your state’s building code will spell out…
A doorbell is a pretty self-explanatory tool—you press the button outside, and a chime goes off inside, alerting the homeowner that someone is at the front door. Like everything else, though, today’s technology has brought even the humble doorbell into the limelight as an indispensable tool for convenience and security. Pros and Cons of Wireless…
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments a person can make. You upgrade your home in many ways—a fresh coat of paint, a landscaping project, or possibly adding a security system. If you go a step further and invest in rental properties, you have to do all those things and more to…
It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city. But Are They Working? This simple question has no simple answer. According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related crimes…
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there is a fire reported in the United States every 23 seconds. If a fire occurs in your home or business, you want to be notified right away. You might be asking yourself, so how does this work? How can I ensure I am protected at all…
There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe? It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting times…
Internet speed is a precious commodity in today’s connected homes. Internet speed is responsible for how quickly or slowly data moves from the internet to the application on your computer. Things like your mobile phone, television, computer, gaming system, and even appliances use the internet. And your home security system probably does too. The average…
Different Security Camera Resolutions and Which is Right for You Welcome to the 2020s—it’s finally time to pull the trigger and get a home security camera. Now what? There are a baffling number of cameras and resolutions available on the consumer market, but the math behind figuring out what you want in a security camera…
Cloud-based solutions often have a predictable subscription model with low upfront hardware costs and minimal ongoing IT demands. On-prem systems may seem cheaper initially, but costs pile up over time with server maintenance, manual updates, IT support, and hardware replacements. Over 5 years, cloud typically wins in both cost-efficiency and value delivered.
With cloud-based security, notifications and live video are instantly accessible via smartphone or browser. You can view the situation, lock down doors, or contact authorities in real time. On-prem systems require someone to be physically present or logged into a secure network, which can cause critical delays during emergencies.
Cloud-based access control gives you detailed audit trails and user access logs in real time. You can quickly add, remove, or change permissions—even for specific timeframes or doors. On-prem systems require more manual intervention, and reporting is often limited or outdated, increasing the risk of unauthorized access slipping through the cracks.
With cloud security, the vendor takes care of updates, backups, cybersecurity protocols, and uptime monitoring. Your internal team can focus on strategic operations rather than system upkeep. On-prem solutions put all responsibility—security, backups, redundancy—on your team, which can be both costly and risky if something’s missed.
Cloud systems offer unmatched agility. You can roll out new features, onboard users, reconfigure access rules, or connect new devices almost instantly—no need for site visits or system reprogramming. On-prem systems are harder to reconfigure and scale, often requiring technician visits, downtime, and hardware limitations that slow you down when agility is key.