FAQ dropdowns
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
How does Cloudview work?
Cloudview is a cloud based visual data platform that captures crisp HD visual data, optimised to work efficiently over any network, from fibre to remote mobile deployments in environments with limited network coverage.
• Cloudview’s edge devices connect up to 8 IP cameras per device.
• Visual data is analysed by the Edge Device for event triggering (people or vehicle detection or motion).
• Once an event trigger has occurred the recorded event is encrypted and sent to Cloudview’s British based cloud servers for storage (30 days as standard).
• Once stored, visual data can be used and managed from anywhere using most leading internet browsers including Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge (subject to authorised access and GDPR compliance).
What are the benefits of Cloud based storage for visual data?
Some reports suggest that adopting a cloud based solution in a small business with one location, the total cost of ownership savings over five years can be up to 30% and for a large business with one hundred locations, the total savings can be 40% or more.
Overall there are many benefits of a cloud based platform including:
• Reduction in hardware and maintenance costs by removing the need for local storage and minimise costly on-site installations and support visits.
• Remove the threat of loss of visual data due to hardware malfunction or theft.
• Should a local NVR or DVR be stolen then not only has the recorded footage been lost but the data stored is now compromised. Cloudview provides world-class bank-level encryption and frequent updates ensure the integrity and availability of visual data to assist GDPR compliance for our clients.
• Access to recorded footage 24/7 from anywhere simply using an internet enabled device.
• Flexibility and scalability of the system. As your requirements change a cloud-based platform can adapt to suit.
• Unifiying a camera network into a platform that acts as a single pane of glass to see all your relevant events anywhere, anytime.
Can I use my existing cameras?
Yes. Cloudview technology has been designed to integrate seamlessly with most leading IP camera brands. Cloudview eliminates the need for expensive and disruptive replacements so existing infrastructure and equipment can be upgraded in a centrally managed data framework.
What happens if I get more cameras?
The Cloudview platform is scalable across multiple sites, equipment types and brands and is applicable for 1-1000s of cameras. As your enterprise grows the Cloudview grows with you. Conversely, if your camera network streamlines, Cloudview can scale down to suit your new requirements.
Can I record to the cloud and to a local NVR?
Yes. If you wish to record visual footage 24/7 locally but also store important/critical events to the cloud then an NVR will be required alongside the Cloudview platform.
Can I remove the local NVR completely?
Yes. By recording and storing event-based footage only, there is no requirement for local on-site based storage and thus a NVR can be removed completely.
How do I access my visual data?
Visual data is available 24/7 from any internet enabled device and can be accessed via a Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari browser. Access to visual data within the platform will be determined by the authorization profiles set up by your administrator.
Where is the visual data stored?
All visual data processed through Cloudview’s Edge Eevice are stored safely within AmazonWS (Amazon Web Services) datacenters based in London. Cloudview is a British company with British technology, secured safely in Britain.
How long is the visual data stored for?
As standard visual data is stored for 30 days within the Cloudview platform. Should a customer require longer term storage, the Cloudview platform offers the flexibility for longer storage subject to contract agreements and GDPR compliance. Speak to one of our representatives for further details.
Data Protection
How secure is Cloudview?
Cloudview provides the most secure cloud visual data platform in the industry. Cloudview is built from the ground up: British made technology with military grade data security at its heart. With the protection of your data and individual privacy at its core, Cloudview’s remote video surveillance system simplifies data compliance. You choose user permissions, camera functionality and data retention periods to suit your corporate governance policies, safe in the knowledge your GDPR obligations are met.
Cloudview holds IS027001 certification and is audited regularly to ensure compliance with the highest GDPR standards.
How does Cloudview enable me to be GDPR compliant?
As a company providing visual data management services for customers, Cloudview is a ‘Data Processor’ (in running Cloudview’s business operations we are also a Data Controller). As a Data Processor, we can remove the myriad of responsibilities related to Processing visual data under the GDPR from our clients, so they can focus on being Data Controllers of visual data. Click here to read full details of How Cloudview helps organisations with GDPR compliance - 2021
How is access to the system secured?
Cloudview enables multiple methods to ensure your data stays secure. From Password policies to dual factor authentication (2FA), via SMS, email, and also includes the ability to manage single user sessions.
For example Cloudview’s password policies allow you to set them based upon your internal company policy. You can set passwords to expire at a certain date or choose the length of time they are valid for. Passwords can be LOW (Min 6 alpha numeric), MED (Min 8 alpha numeric), or HIGH (Min 10 alpha numeric) complexity. Speak to one of our team to find out more.
Technical | Recording
How is recording triggered?
• Camera is live 24/7.
• When the Cloudview Edge Device detects a person or vehicle or Movement on that camera feed, it triggers immediate recording of the event.
• The recorded footage is then encrypted and sent directly to the Cloudview platform and stored securely for 30 days (standard).
Can Cloudview record 24/7 instead of only when motion is detected?
Cloudview has been specifically designed to be an event-based cloud solution that records events and uploads them to the cloud securely. By doing so, we dramatically reduce the costs to the end user by only uploading and storing event footage. The system does also allow live view of cameras for up to 5 minutes per request.
Can I save a specific event recording for longer than 30 days?
Yes. If an event has been recorded that requires storage for longer than 30 days, then a user (with correct authorization level) can move the specific event footage into a long-term folder, which is stored for 1 year.
Should a customer require longer term storage for all recordings, the Cloudview platform offers the flexibility for longer storage subject to contract agreements and GDPR compliance. Speak to one of our representatives for further details.
Do I have to install a Cloudview Edge Device to record video to the cloud?
Yes. Cloudview’s encrypted edge device is connected directly with your IP cameras. The Edge Device detects people and vehicle or motion events to trigger a recording and sends the encrypted footage directly to the Cloudview platform.
Can I record audio with the Cloudview platform?
As standard, Cloudview records and stores video only, without audio. For bespoke projects, audio recording can be implemented. Speak to one of our team to find out more.
Technical | Internet
What internet upload speed is required to send video to the Cloudview cloud?
Cloudview is optimised for excellent transfer of data. As an example, a fully populated CVR device (with 3 cameras, each running analytics) only requires 2.5Mbps per camera.
Can I use a cellular connection to send video to the Cloudview cloud?
Yes. Cloudview has deployed a number of cost-effective solutions to areas where only a 3G/4G connection was available. Speak to one of our team to find out more.
What happens if the internet connection fails?
In the event of network disruption, Cloudview’s CVR provides edge-based failover redundancy. Video is recorded locally within the CVR and when a stable network connection is resumed the encrypted recorded footage will be uploaded to Cloudview’s cloud servers.
Technical | Installation
How easy is Cloudview to install?
Cloudview is the easiest cloud video surveillance system to install on the market. We provide a simple installation user guide and offer full installation support to all our partners. Speak to our team to find out more.
Do I need to do any port-forwarding to setup Cloudview cloud recording?
No. For standard installations no port-forwarding is required to be set up in the router for Cloudview recording.
Can I set up the cameras and/or DVR/NVR with the Cloudview Edge Device before I install it at their location?
To maintain the high security of the Cloudview platform, installation of cameras and CVR must occur on site. However, the configuration of the cameras and the analytics can be performed remotely.
Who is responsible for updating the Cloudview system?
Cloudview performs regular automated updates and at times to cause minimal disruption to our customers. Customers and partners are notified by email detailing time, date and updates being performed prior to the update taking place.
Who owns the Cloudview Edge Device?
The Cloudview platform is owned, maintained and supported by Cloudview. The Edge Device is owned by the customer.
Technical | Specifications
What browser is used to access the Cloudview system?
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Safari are all compatible with the Cloudview system. Further browsers are currently under review and will be added shortly.
Will I receive alert notifications when an event occurs?
When logged in to the Cloudview platform, notifications within the system alert the user that a new event has been recorded.
Does Cloudview support HD recording?
Yes. The Cloudview platform is optimized for recording events at 720p as this provides excellent quality footage whilst keep data storage costs to a minimum. For bespoke projects, higher HD recording can be made available but please be aware data storage costs will increase as a result.
What changes will Cloudview make to my NVR?
There are no changes required to your NVR. If you require local storage or constant local live view in addition to cloud recording, then the NVR can be left in situ.
What is the maximum Frames Per Second (fps) rate for recording to Cloudview?
Cloudview is configured and optimised for 15fps (Frames Per Second).
When exporting video, how will the video be encrypted?
All video stored within the Cloudview system is protected by bank level encryption with frequent updates to ensure the integrity and availability of visual data. When required, footage can be exported as an MP4 file but this is no longer protected by the encryption of the Cloudview platform and its protection becomes the responsibility of the user. Original footage within the Cloudview platform remains encrypted.
Support
Do you offer technical support?
Yes. We provide technical support to both our partners and end users of our Cloudview platform.
Who do my customers go to for support?
All customers with an active Cloudview license can receive technical support from their installer (and certified Cloudview partner) or directly from the Cloudview technical support team.
Will I have access to system health information, and will I be notified if a camera goes off-line?
When logged in to the Cloudview platform, users will be able to see the health status of their surveillance system, identify which cameras are on/off line and take the necessary course of action.
Compatibility
What hardware is directly compatible with Cloudview?
Cloudview’s technology integrates with market leading manufacturers and specialises in utilising existing infrastructure and equipment, eliminating the need for expensive and disruptive replacements. For seamless integration, Cloudview requires all cameras be ONVIF compliant.
If you have a specific product compatibility request, please speak directly with one of our team.
Do the cameras have to be IP cameras?
Yes. In order to provide a future proofed solution, that is scalable to ever changing end user requirements, Cloudview is designed to work with IP cameras only.
What is your policy regarding API?
Please contact our team to discuss your requirements.