Tag: ava cameras

  • Is physical security a priority for 2025? Our recommendations for choosing security cameras for any scenario

    Is physical security a priority for 2025? Our recommendations for choosing security cameras for any scenario

    As an IT service provider, digital security is a big focus for our business. However, it’s important to also plan for physical security when it comes to protecting your business’s technology and data. Especially in spear phishing attacks (which are attacks targeting a specific individual) there is no better treasure trove of data than a device used by someone with considerable access to company data.

    Physical theft can still present a cyber security risk which is why even cyber security frameworks such as NIST cover physical security as a topic. As such, we have a dedicated team that addresses physical security including the installation and maintenance of security camera systems.

    We have several vendors we work with, with a range of prices to fit any budget. Below are the Good, Better, Best options for security camera systems with Valley Techlogic.

    Beyond choosing a brand, there’s also considerations for the types of cameras to select for your particular business. There is no one size fits all, all three of our preferred vendors have a range of products that can cover different scenarios. Such as low light options, cameras that can capture license plates, cameras packed with AI features such as searching for specific objects or individuals, low profile cameras and more.

    Below our 10 questions you should ask when reaching out for a quote for cameras:

    1. What are the primary goals for installing the system? Is it for theft prevention, monitoring employee activity, or ensuring customer safety? Clearly defining your goals helps narrow down the system features you need.
    2. What type of cameras will you need for your location? Dome, bullet, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), or hidden cameras? Different camera types suit different needs and locations.
    3. What resolution and image quality do the cameras provide? Does the system offer high-definition (HD) or 4K resolution? Clear image quality is crucial for identifying details like faces and license plates.
    4. Is the system scalable? Can you add more cameras or integrate with other security features as your business grows? Can you use them in tandem with existing cameras?
    5. What is the storage capacity and method? Does the system use local storage (DVR/NVR) or cloud storage? How long can recordings be retained, and what are the costs?
    6. Does the system have remote access capabilities? Can you monitor cameras in real-time from a mobile app or web browser? How secure is remote access?
    7. What are the power and connectivity requirements? Are the cameras wired, wireless, or PoE (Power over Ethernet)? How reliable is the system’s connectivity?
    8. Does the system include advanced features? Features like motion detection, night vision, facial recognition, or AI-based analytics can greatly enhance functionality.
    9. What is the total cost of ownership? Consider upfront costs, installation, maintenance, subscription fees for cloud services, and potential upgrades.
    10. What support and warranty are included? Is there a warranty on the cameras and system components? What is the availability and quality of customer support?

    If you’re considering a security camera system in 2025, Valley Techlogic can assist. Our technicians have experience recommending cameras to perfectly meet your needs and we also provide expert installation services. Reach out today to learn more.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • Security Camera Buying Guide for Businesses in 2023

    Security Camera Buying Guide for Businesses in 2023

    We may be alone here, but it seems like the interest in security cameras has climbed over the past year. Perhaps it’s because the technology has vastly improved over the last decade and our clients are ready to swap out slower, inefficient models that capture lackluster video at and are expensive to maintain for newer models that capture crisp clear video and have increased features to make reviewing that video much, much easier.

    If you were unaware, the grainy surveillance footage you’re used to seeing is quickly becoming a thing of the past. If you’re a fan of crime dramas, you may have seen the police officers in those show ask to have a video unrealistically “enhanced” to show the suspects on screen from original footage that starts out barely visible. Now, that sort of technology is in some cases a reality.

    Instead of starting with grainy footage, the cameras we have available for our customers have clear easy to view footage of a wider area than you would have been able to get in the past (meaning less cameras to buy to cover the same square footage). These cameras are also backed by software enhancements that enable you to search through the footage to find a specific time, an object such as a license plate, or even specific people.

    You can learn more about the AVA powered camera systems we offer here. The best thing about the AVA solution is it can pair with your existing cameras, allowing you access to many of these benefits without buying new cameras.

    That brings us to the pros and cons of buying a new camera system for your business:

    • Pro: Enhanced Features, obviously we just spent some time going over the features you’ll stand to gain from a new camera system. Another feature you may not have considered is reduced storage costs; many camera systems now store data in the cloud meaning you will not have to pay for onsite storage (which can add up if you tend to save your footage for a while).
    • Con: Cost, obviously the cost of a new camera system can be quite expensive, but perhaps less than you may think. As technology has grown and cameras have become more ubiquitous, the costs have also dropped.
    • Pro: More Options to Fit More Spaces, if you have old school bullet style cameras only you may be surprised at the range of options and styles available now. We still recommend the bullet style for outdoor use as it’s very obvious that a camera is in place to potential intruders, but for in office use a more discreet camera might make more sense (and you can look at our chart on camera styles below).
    • Con: Installation, going through the installation of any kind of equipment can bring up unforeseen issues. Problems with wiring or getting the placement exactly right for the location it’s being placed. There is of course the expense of the installation too, which in some cases can rival the cost of the cameras themselves. Every situation is different and it’s best to have your specific setup reviewed by a technician to get a clear estimate.
    • Pro: Better Able to Work in a Variety of Conditions, older cameras often didn’t handle interference or poor lighting very well. Today’s cameras can adjust for poor lighting or poor visibility and some cameras even offer night vision for poorly lit areas of your building.
    • Con: Software Costs, of course for AI or software backed cameras you will encounter a software cost for utilizing those features. We feel it’s more than worth it considering how much more useful your cameras will be for your business and should be considered part of the cost of maintaining your security in your business.
    • Pro: More Integrations, as our AVA page illustrates, many of today’s camera systems also integrate with sensors that can monitor for odors or liquids, and even specific sounds (such as screaming or a gunshot).
    • Con: There really aren’t any additional cons outside of the expense and going through the installation process, once your new camera system is in place you will wonder how you ever got by without it.

    Here is a brief overview of the types of cameras that are now available on the market:

    While we recommend the AVA solution the most for our clients, we have camera system options for businesses of all shapes and sizes. We would be more than happy to provide a custom estimate for your business, reach out today to schedule a walkthrough with one of our security camera experts.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, an IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.