Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
How Does a Fire Alarm Work? Fire alarm systems have two main functions: Alert the occupants of a building to a fire emergency enabling a safe evacuation Notify firefighters of the fire emergency. Options for Fire Alarms Manual Fire Alarms Manual fire alarms, also known as manual pull stations, are a way for people to alert…
How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. Alarm.com does not manufacture security components, like alarm panels and cameras. Instead, its cutting-edge software is integrated into hardware systems provided by highly regarded manufacturers. What sets Alarm.com apart? Alarm.com Products Alarm.com’s partnership…
What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…
Home Security Paired with Home Automation Security vs. home automation is the friendliest rivalry around. Why? Because they play so well together. Security systems used to have a singular focus—keeping unwanted people out of a house. But as technology evolves, security equipment placement throughout the home for protection performs a dual purpose: Helping homeowners with…
Alzheimer’s Awareness Around 75% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, and by…
The International Code Council The purpose of commercial property is for business or retail use, and the International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures. The fire codes vary depending on the type of business you run. For example,…
Smart Home Technology Let’s face it; we are in love with our smartphones. According to Pew Research Center, more than 81% of Americans now own one; that is up from just 35% in 2011. With so much power in the palm of our hand, it’s not surprising that we want to use our smartphone for…
Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…
How can I secure my business? A business security system needs to protect people, property, and assets from theft, crime, and fire at all times of the day and night. The people walking in and out the doors of a business are not only its owners, but customers, employees, vendors, and suppliers who have varying…
What is DIY Security? The development of home security technology using wireless transmission connections and battery power has made it possible for DIY options to enter the home security market. One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY home security is that it is so easy that a person with absolutely zero background on audiovisual equipment…
Why You Should Hire a Professional Security Camera Installer If you are not an audiovisual professional, installing quality, capable home security equipment can be a much bigger ordeal than you anticipated. The DIY home security systems advertised on television look easy to set up and install. The truth is that we’ve received many calls from…
Cloud-based systems allow authorized users to access live video feeds, door controls, and system alerts from any device, anywhere in the world. Whether you’re on vacation, at home, or managing multiple sites, all you need is an internet connection. Traditional on-premises systems often require VPN access or being physically onsite, creating delays in response and inefficiencies in oversight.
With cloud video surveillance, your footage is stored securely offsite in redundant, encrypted data centers. This means no risk of physical theft, damage, or failure of local equipment. On-premises recorders (like DVRs or NVRs) are vulnerable to power outages, hard drive crashes, tampering, or theft—leaving critical video evidence permanently lost.
Cloud-based systems are managed and updated by the provider. Software patches, firmware updates, and new features are deployed automatically—ensuring you always have the latest protections without burdening your IT staff. On-premises systems often require manual updates, which are frequently delayed or overlooked, creating security gaps and vulnerabilities.
Cloud-based platforms are designed with native integrations in mind. You can control doors, monitor cameras, and respond to alarms all from one dashboard. Event linking is possible—for instance, a door forced open can trigger a camera to record and send an alert instantly. On-prem systems are often siloed, requiring multiple logins, separate vendors, and disjointed monitoring.
Cloud systems are inherently scalable. Whether you’re adding one door or five new buildings, it’s just a matter of adding licenses and hardware—no major infrastructure overhaul required. Centralized management allows you to monitor and control multiple locations from one account. On-prem solutions typically require new servers, more IT resources, and duplicate installations for each site.