Glossary
What is video surveillance as a service (VSaaS)?
Definition
Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) is a delivery model in which video recording, storage, viewing and management are hosted by a provider and sold as a subscription. Cameras stream to the provider's cloud, often through an on-site gateway, and users access live and recorded video through a web or mobile app instead of running their own servers.
Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) explained
VSaaS reduces on-site server management, but it depends on upload bandwidth from every site and places recorded video with the provider. Some VSaaS offerings keep a local recorder or gateway as a buffer and upload only selected footage or events.
The alternative is an on-premise VMS, where video is recorded and processed on site. Hybrid models keep video local and use the cloud for remote access and central management.
OrionAlerts
How OrionAlerts handles it
OrionAlerts is not a VSaaS product and does not offer cloud video recording. In the standard deployment, video and AI inference stay on an on-site Nebula OS node. Orion Cloud, the central management layer, synchronizes only health status, alerts, configuration and operational metadata across sites, so raw video does not have to be uploaded.
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Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS): common questions
What is the difference between VSaaS and a VMS?
A VMS is software for viewing, recording and managing video, traditionally run on your own servers. VSaaS delivers similar functions as a hosted subscription, with video streamed to and stored by the provider. The choice mostly comes down to bandwidth, where footage is kept, the cost model and who maintains the system.
Does VSaaS need a lot of bandwidth?
Usually more than an on-premise system, because recorded video has to travel from each site to the provider. The amount depends on camera count, resolution, frame rate, compression and whether the service uploads continuously or only on events. Sites with limited or costly upload links often struggle to support continuous cloud recording.
Is OrionAlerts a VSaaS platform?
No. OrionAlerts is not a cloud recording service. Video is recorded and analyzed on an on-site Nebula OS node, and Orion Cloud synchronizes only health status, alerts, configuration and operational metadata for central management. Multi-site organizations get one command view without uploading raw video from each site.
Related terms
Video management system (VMS)
Software that connects cameras and recorders so operators can view live video, record, play back and export footage from one place.
Read moreEdge AI video analytics
AI video analytics that run close to the cameras, in the camera or on an on-site server, instead of in a remote cloud.
Read moreNVR vs DVR vs VMS
A DVR records analog cameras, an NVR records IP cameras, and a VMS is software that manages cameras and recorders across sites.
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See it on your own cameras
Book a walkthrough of OrionAlerts on Nebula OS, from camera connection to alerts on the dashboard, mobile app and email.