The Rise of Cloud-Based Access Control: Key Trends and Challenges

As the security industry continues to evolve, access control is increasingly moving toward cloud-based and hybrid solutions. Vertical markets such as property management, small businesses and multifamily housing facilities are the biggest drivers behind this growth thanks to the remote accessibility, scalability and reduced IT burden that cloud-based access control solutions provide. 

Despite this, the question remains: Are more end users adopting cloud-first access control, or is hybrid still the preferred choice? The answer depends largely on the size of the system, industry requirements, and IT infrastructure.

The Current Landscape: Hybrid vs. Cloud-First

Today, there is still a mix between dedicated server solutions and cloud-hosted access control. Those who are making the biggest shift towards the cloud include end users with smaller access control systems. This includes real estate management companies, especially those without an office presence in a building. Businesses managing multiple sites with a small number of doors, between 1-10, also favor cloud solutions because the system is scalable and easy to manage. 

For companies with just a few doors in an office building or a multi-tenant environment, the cloud offers a hassle-free solution. Because cloud-based access control solutions do not require on-site servers or dedicated IT staff, businesses that adopt a cloud solution can enjoy streamlined access control with minimal complexity.

On the other hand, larger enterprises continue to rely on PC servers and VMware applications for their extensive security needs. These large-scale enterprise systems are typically found in airports, hospitals, high-rise buildings, universities, and chemical or petrochemical facilities. For these enterprise level facilities, cloud-based solutions can become prohibitively expensive on a per-year basis. With in-house IT staff capable of managing system upgrades, many enterprise users still prefer to run access control through VMware.

Changing Attitudes

End-user attitudes continue to see the benefits of shifting toward cloud-based access control. Companies are now beginning to recognize the cybersecurity advancements of cloud solutions. For example, many businesses have already migrated applications like Microsoft Office 365 to the cloud, making access control a logical next step.

In addition, more and more digital service providers are moving towards subscription based models. For businesses, this is impacting everything from payroll services and teleconferencing to electronic file storage and computer software. Much like these tools, Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) is a subscription-based model that provides end users customers with regular system updates, credential management, and reporting services, making management of an access control system easier than ever before. As confidence in cloud security increases, adoption is expected to also grow.

The Future of Cloud-Based Access Control

In the security industry, cloud-based access control is set to become the dominant model. When working with a systems integrator that offers a cloud-based solution, it's important to make sure the business has an educated sales and support team and the necessary infrastructure in place to manage these types of solutions. 

Even though challenges remain in storage and bandwidth costs, end users can expect that cloud technology will continue to evolve and system pricing will go down. Hybrid solutions remain prevalent, but cloud-based access control is gaining traction, especially among small to mid-sized businesses. Security professionals can expect the industry will continue to address integration challenges and develop scalable solutions to support the growing demand for cloud security technologies.