NVR vs Cloud Storage: Where Should Your CCTV Footage Live?
Every CCTV system generates enormous amounts of video data that must be stored reliably and retrieved quickly when needed. For Jamaican businesses, the choice between local NVR storage and cloud-based storage involves balancing cost, reliability, internet bandwidth, and data retention requirements. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach will help you design a storage strategy that works for your specific situation.
Local NVR Storage Explained
A Network Video Recorder stores footage on internal hard drives located on your premises. Modern NVRs support multiple surveillance-grade hard drives, with total capacities ranging from 2TB to 48TB or more. The primary advantage of NVR storage is that it operates independently of your internet connection. Even during an ISP outage, your cameras continue recording locally. There are no monthly storage fees, and playback speed is fast because data is retrieved from a local device. For most Jamaican businesses, a properly configured NVR with a pair of 4TB drives provides 30 to 45 days of continuous recording for an eight-camera system at 1080p resolution, which is more than sufficient for the majority of security incidents.
Cloud Storage Options
Cloud CCTV storage uploads footage to remote servers managed by a third-party provider. Leading options include Verkada, Eagle Eye Networks, and Arlo Business, as well as manufacturer cloud services from Hikvision and Dahua. Cloud storage eliminates the risk of losing footage if your NVR is stolen or damaged during a break-in or natural disaster. It also enables easy access from any device without configuring port forwarding or VPN connections. However, cloud storage requires a reliable internet connection with adequate upload bandwidth, which can be challenging in some areas of Jamaica. A single 2MP camera recording continuously can consume 3 to 5 Mbps of upload bandwidth, and most Jamaican internet plans do not offer enough upload capacity for more than a few cameras streaming to the cloud simultaneously.
Hybrid Storage Strategies
The most practical approach for many Jamaican businesses is a hybrid model that combines local and cloud storage. In this configuration, cameras record full-resolution footage to a local NVR while simultaneously uploading event-triggered clips or lower-resolution streams to the cloud. This ensures you have high-quality local recordings for detailed review and a cloud backup of critical events that survives even if the NVR is compromised. Some systems can also upload all footage to the cloud during off-peak hours when bandwidth demand is lower, ensuring complete cloud backup without affecting daytime network performance.
Cost Comparison
NVR storage involves a one-time hardware cost, typically JMD 60,000 to JMD 200,000 for the recorder plus JMD 15,000 to JMD 40,000 per hard drive. Once purchased, there are no ongoing storage fees. Cloud storage, by contrast, operates on a subscription model ranging from USD 5 to USD 30 per camera per month, depending on the provider and retention period. For a 16-camera system, cloud storage can cost USD 80 to USD 480 monthly, which adds up significantly over the lifespan of a system. However, cloud providers handle all maintenance, firmware updates, and hardware replacement, reducing your operational burden.
Making the Right Choice
For budget-conscious Jamaican businesses with standard security needs, local NVR storage remains the most cost-effective option. Invest in a quality NVR from a reputable brand, use surveillance-rated hard drives like WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk, and maintain a regular backup of critical footage. For businesses in high-risk areas, those handling sensitive assets, or organisations that require guaranteed footage retention regardless of on-site events, a hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds. Whichever path you choose, establish a clear data retention policy and test your backup and retrieval processes regularly.
