What is Cloud NVR? The Benefits of a Cloud-Based Security Camera System

Video security and monitoring is currently experiencing a boom. Did you know that the video surveillance market in the U.S. generated $18.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $37.3 million by 2030? That represents an anticipated 12% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030.

The demand for camera security systems has prompted a number of technological advancements. Systems now offer higher-quality cameras, as well as network video recorders (NVRs). In particular, cloud NVR has been welcomed as an alternative to traditional recording and storage systems due to the cloud’s flexibility, remote access functionality, and minimal network maintenance. 

This guide will explain what a cloud NVR system is, its benefits, and the features you should look for in a provider. Read on to learn more.

What is cloud NVR? How does it work?

Before we talk about cloud NVRs, it’s best to start with the basics of what an NVR is and what it does. An NVR is a computer system that records and stores video footage on a hard disk, a mass storage device, or cloud storage. NVRs connect with digital cameras, also called internet protocol (IP) cameras, to create a surveillance system. 

NVRs have no camera capabilities themselves and don’t process video. They receive camera footage through a network data connection, typically via an Ethernet cable. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras, the Ethernet cable does double-duty by providing power to the camera and transferring data to the NVR. A number of cameras—anywhere from one to as many as 25, typically—can connect to a single NVR unit, creating a security camera system.

What makes cloud NVRs different?

Not all NVRs are cloud NVRs. Traditional NVRs usually store local recordings on a hard drive. Cloud NVRs store their data remotely in cloud storage through an internet connection. Instead of a physical NVR device, cameras plug into an edge gateway device, reducing bandwidth needs. Cloud NVRs offer all the traditional benefits of cloud services, including managed infrastructure maintenance for IT teams, customizable applications, regular updates with the most up-to-date technology, and remote access from anywhere 24/7.

From DVR to traditional NVR, and now cloud NVR

Video surveillance has come a long way since the days of grainy CCTV footage, where you could barely make out what was happening. Digital video recorders (DVRs) were another innovation that came before cloud NVRs.

DVRs—the same technology consumers have used for recording and playing back TV shows—are wired systems that connect to analog cameras. While still used today for some security systems, they’re considered outdated technology because many DVRs use coaxial cables and don’t support remote viewing. DVR systems are also less flexible because analog cameras need two connections—one for power and one for data—which limits camera placement. (That’s why PoE/IP cameras are handy; they only require one cable.)

Then came traditional NVR systems, which were a step up from DVRs. The cameras and connection were better. However, there are still some problems with traditional NVR systems. For one, traditional NVRs store footage on hard disks instead of cloud storage. If you manage multiple sites, each one will need its own NVR. And while some traditional (or “on-premise”) NVRs  allow you to access footage remotely, it may require logging into your network via a virtual private network (VPN) to view streams. 

By contrast, cloud NVRs make it possible to gain remote access to footage without a VPN. Simply log into a cloud-based dashboard, and your camera streams are available for monitoring.

What are the benefits of a cloud-based security camera system?

Cloud-based NVRs have several distinct advantages over DVRs and traditional NVRs. These benefits include:

Low maintenance

With DVRs and traditional NVRs, you need to maintain hard drives, servers, cables, and more. IT teams also need to maintain software upgrades. Cloud NVRs eliminate the need to maintain and update software; IT only needs to manage cameras. 

Remote access 

Built on legacy technology, DVRs do not allow remote access to footage. Traditional NVRs may offer remote access capabilities, but often only through a VPN. With a cloud NVR, you can access your camera streams and videos anywhere, anytime, from any device.

Cost-effective 

Both traditional NVRs and DVRs require a high upfront cost for installation, setup, and storage capacity—and then there are ongoing maintenance costs. There are lower implementation costs and very little maintenance for IT with cloud-based services, making them more cost-efficient in the long run.

Scalability

Both DVRs and traditional NVR security solutions are difficult to scale. They require a complex infrastructure to maintain and run the risk of failure if a hard drive crashes. Additionally, you can’t upgrade to higher-quality wi-fi enabled cameras with a DVR system because it will only work with analog cameras. Cloud NVRs allow you to expand to more cameras or multiple sites quickly due to a flexible cloud architecture.

How the Rasmussen Group gained greater visibility and increased safety

The Rasmussen Group comprises 10 operating companies supporting diverse construction and heavy equipment functions, including heavy haul, concrete production, dump truck operations, asphalt paving, and gravel production. The company uses cloud-based Samsara Site Visibility to ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency across its diverse construction sites. By enabling remote monitoring, Site Visibility saves time and provides real-time insights into site activities and hazards without requiring in-person visits.

Now, with a cloud-based NVR security camera system that allows for remote viewing, the company can easily monitor what’s happening across multiple sites. The AI-based system sends alerts for detected motion, vehicles, or people in specific zones, allowing the company to respond proactively to safety and security incidents. John Ross, Driver Development Specialist at JMT Trucking, one of Rasmussen's companies, uses Site Visibility to enforce safety protocols efficiently. "Just yesterday, I was able to personally observe a driver who was not wearing the mandatory protective equipment while outside of his truck," Ross shared. "With Site Visibility, I promptly shared the footage with the individual and immediately coached him on the proper use of personal protective equipment to ensure safety."

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What features should you look for in a cloud NVR solution?

Today’s cloud NVRs offer many features designed to reduce the time spent monitoring, searching through, and sharing video recordings. Look for these features when evaluating cloud surveillance solutions.

Ability to export and share video clips

Say you detect an unauthorized person on your site. You’ll want to notify your security team quickly, as well as potentially executives and external authorities. Look for the ability to export and share clips from your surveillance cameras. 

Cloud library

Video surveillance systems generate lots of data. To make room for new footage, your system may automatically delete old data (for example, after 30 days). To keep the footage you need, look for a solution that offers cloud archiving and lets you save selected or important clips to a cloud library indefinitely.

Third-party integration

What if you already have a camera system? Not to worry; a big benefit of cloud infrastructure is its flexibility. Look for a partner like Samsara that integrates with most third-party cameras. You shouldn't have to rip and replace the camera infrastructure you’ve already invested in. Instead, those cameras can benefit from a cloud NVR without another big upfront investment.

Advanced video management system (VMS) features

An advanced video management system (VMS) offers features that help you gain actionable insights and get the most of your security camera system. Not every traditional NVR or cloud NVR solution offers advanced VMS features, so make sure to look for:

• Customizable real-time alerts: Set up alerts based on motion, people, inactivity, or clothing.

• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI makes it possible to automatically identify relevant activities in a camera stream through motion detection, people detection, clothing detection, and more.

• Intelligent search tools: You no longer need to search through endless video playback. Find what you need faster by searching by date, time, people detected, and more.

• Remote access: There’s no need to be on-site to view footage and investigate issues. Check video streams from home, on the go, or from a different state or region.

• iOS and Android apps: Mobile apps help you stay connected. Find out if your provider has apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.

Try Samsara’s cloud NVR solution for free

Samsara’s Site Visibility solution is a reliable, flexible security camera system that captures high-quality footage. Our cloud NVR allows customers remote access to footage anytime, from anywhere. Our intelligent VMS offering brings powerful AI to any third-party IP security camera for enhanced worksite visibility. Search for specific incidents faster and spend less time monitoring footage using intelligent detections and alerting. With Samsara’s Site Visibility solution, you can:

• Monitor all locations remotely with cloud-based technology.

• Gain actionable insights with AI-enhanced camera streams. 

• Use intelligent search tools to spend less time investigating incidents.

• Integrate existing, third-party camera infrastructure.

• Track your fleet, equipment, sites, and more via a single dashboard with Samsara.

To learn more about how Samsara can help you enhance business security and reduce operational inefficiencies, click here.