Best Cloud Video Surveillance Systems for Multi-Site Businesses (2026)

Quick Summary

Choosing surveillance across multiple sites means comparing where footage is stored, whether existing cameras can be retained, how locations are managed, and how video connects to access control. This Rhombus-authored comparison covers those system-level decisions rather than video management software (VMS) or camera hardware alone.

• Rhombus: Best for buyers planning a phased migration. Our Relay Core can bring compatible existing cameras into the Rhombus Console as sites adopt new hardware.
• Verkada: Best for buyers considering a unified, cloud-managed security platform across locations.
• Eagle Eye Networks: Best for buyers evaluating cloud video alongside Brivo access control.
• Genetec: Best for buyers who need a hybrid approach across camera manufacturers.
• Milestone: Best for buyers prioritizing device choice across on-premises and cloud deployments.
• Axis Communications: Best for buyers standardized on Axis cameras who want cloud-connected management.
• Spot AI: Best for buyers focused on video analytics for security and operational use.
• Avigilon Alta: Best for buyers evaluating cloud video and access control together.

Third-party product names remain the property of their respective owners.

What a multi-site cloud video surveillance system actually includes

A multi-site surveillance purchase covers more than video management software or cameras. You need to know where each site stores footage, whether existing cameras can stay in service, and whether administrators can manage locations through one interface. You also need to check how video connects to access control, such as linking a door event to the footage you review.

Storage and migration choices shape the rollout. A cloud-connected system may keep footage on a camera or local device, send it to cloud storage, or use both. Camera reuse can depend on the model and the way it sends video. For example, our Relay Core documentation describes a path for compatible third-party cameras, but it does not promise that every camera will work.

Compare each provider’s recording location, path for retaining compatible cameras, cross-site administration, deployment cost drivers, and access control workflows. If you are choosing software for cameras you already own, see our cloud video management software comparison. If camera hardware is the main decision, use our business security camera systems comparison.

Rhombus

Best for: Multi-site businesses that want to manage Rhombus cameras and compatible existing cameras in one cloud-managed console while replacing equipment in stages.

What it is: Our platform brings video and cloud-managed access control into the Rhombus Console. For sites with existing cameras, Relay Core (N100) and Relay Lite offer two ways to add third-party streams. Relay Core uses a dedicated device to bring up to 10 compatible third-party cameras per unit into the console. It stores footage on a built-in solid-state drive, with retention depending on drive capacity, resolution, and bitrate.

Pros: Relay Core can discover cameras that support the relevant Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) standard or cameras streaming on the standard Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) port. You can also enter an RTSP address manually. Some cameras need their encoding changed to H.264 before the stream will validate. At a site where those cameras work with Relay Core, you can keep them in service while budgeting for replacements at other locations.

Relay Lite offers a smaller-scale path without separate Relay hardware. Each Rhombus camera can bring in one third-party stream, which remains available on a 24-hour rolling basis. You can place that stream on a video wall. Our DC10 door controller is one option for adding cloud-managed access control to the deployment.

Cons: Relay Core supports up to 10 third-party cameras per unit, so larger sites may need multiple units. Relay Lite needs an existing Rhombus camera for each added stream, and some features require assigning the third-party camera to a Relay Core. Alarm Monitoring is available with Relay Core, not Relay Lite. You also change third-party camera image settings through the camera manufacturer’s interface rather than the Rhombus Console.

Cost drivers: Rhombus is available through authorized channel partners and distributors, with quotes based on the proposed deployment. Ask for a site-by-site plan that identifies compatible cameras, required Relay hardware, storage needs, and licenses before comparing costs.

You can request a live demo to see how a mixed-camera deployment would appear in the console.

Verkada

Best for: Multi-site businesses that want cloud-based camera management and a path to bring compatible existing cameras into the same interface.

What it is: Verkada Command provides cloud-based management for video and access control across locations. According to Verkada’s public product documentation, Command Connector brings supported third-party cameras into Command and may allow a phased migration.

Pros: For buyers who cannot replace cameras at every site at once, Command Connector is worth evaluating after checking compatibility. Verkada says connected third-party cameras receive basic people and vehicle analytics, remote management, and enterprise user administration.

Compatibility to verify: Confirm supported models and network requirements with Verkada before planning a rollout. A reseller’s supported-brand list alone does not establish compatibility for every camera model.

Recording and cost drivers: Verkada records standard-quality footage continuously, while high-quality recording is motion-triggered. Confirm the recording modes for the cameras and retention plan in your proposal. Verkada sells through channel partners and distributors, as we do. Ask a partner how connector hardware, camera licensing, storage, and access control affect the quote for each site.

Eagle Eye Networks (Brivo)

Best for: Buyers who want video surveillance and access control in one cloud-managed suite across multiple sites.

What it is: Following the 2026 merger, Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo offer the Brivo Security Suite under the Brivo name. Eagle Eye Networks’ merger announcement describes one interface for video, access levels, and entry records. For video, buyers can use local Bridge or cloud-managed video recorder (CMVR) hardware. A separate Camera Direct path connects supported i-PRO cameras to the cloud without either device, according to i-PRO’s public product documentation.

Pros: The documented administration tools include System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) group sync, an organization-wide device health dashboard, and delegated regional administration. Those controls may help you assign local responsibility while monitoring sites centrally.

Cons: Camera Direct supports specified i-PRO models, so it does not establish a universal path for reusing existing cameras. Check camera compatibility and the required hardware for each site before choosing an architecture.

Cost drivers: Eagle Eye Networks/Brivo charges a monthly subscription per camera, with storage tiers. Ask for a quote that also accounts for site count and any required Bridge, recorder, or access-control hardware.

Genetec

Best for: Enterprise buyers managing cameras from multiple manufacturers who want a choice of cloud, local, and hybrid deployments.

What it is: Genetec offers three distinct video products. Security Center runs on local infrastructure, Stratocast records video to the cloud, and Security Center SaaS combines cloud-managed video with access control. Streamvault and Cloudlink appliances can connect local equipment to cloud services, depending on the deployment.

Pros: Genetec gives you a path to retain supported cameras rather than replace them solely to change platforms. Its device program distinguishes Genetec Certified, Partner Certified, and devices supported through Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) standards. You should check the exact model and supported functions before assuming an existing camera will work. Security Center also supports centralized management across sites, while Synergis connects video with door permissions.

Deployment consideration: In our assessment, choosing among Genetec’s products, device support tiers, and hybrid configurations calls for careful design with an integrator. Confirm which product, camera functions, and storage arrangement the proposed deployment includes.

Cost drivers: Genetec does not manufacture cameras. Quotes come through integrators, and costs depend on licenses or subscriptions, compatible hardware, storage, and installation. Cloud storage usage can add to the bill.

Milestone (XProtect and Arcules)

Best for: In our assessment, Milestone suits buyers who need broad device choice and can choose between a configurable video management system and a cloud service.

What it is: XProtect runs on-premises or in a hybrid deployment, while Arcules provides cloud video surveillance as a service. Milestone describes a connection between the two for organizations managing cameras across both environments.

Pros: Milestone publishes device compatibility information for XProtect, which buyers can use to check the exact models at existing sites. Milestone says Arcules can connect compatible ONVIF Profile S cameras through a gateway, while some supported cameras connect directly to the cloud. For Milestone Care Plus customers, XProtect Remote Manager adds scheduled reports on system health and inventory across sites. XProtect can also display access control devices and events alongside cameras.

Compatibility to verify: Broad device support does not guarantee that a particular camera will work with every Arcules deployment. Before choosing a migration path, ask an integrator to confirm camera compatibility, gateway needs, and which XProtect and Arcules functions you can manage together.

Cost drivers: Milestone describes Arcules as a subscription sold through certified integrators. Camera count, storage needs, and deployment design affect the quote.

Axis Communications

Best for: Buyers already using compatible Axis cameras who want cloud-connected management while checking which existing devices their chosen configuration supports.

What it is: AXIS Camera Station Edge manages Axis devices without an on-site server and records to camera storage or an Axis recorder. AXIS Camera Station Pro uses a server-based setup with local storage. Both can provide remote access, but cloud connectivity does not put recordings in cloud storage by default.

Pros: AXIS Camera Station Edge supports administration across locations. Axis also offers Secure Entry for video-linked access control using supported door controllers. Confirm the available workflow against current Axis product documentation.

Compatibility to verify: Confirm camera compatibility and storage behavior against current Axis documentation before choosing Edge, Pro, or optional cloud storage. Do not assume that support for Axis devices establishes a path for reusing non-Axis cameras.

Cost drivers: Ask Axis or an authorized seller to identify the device licenses, recording hardware, cloud storage options, and retention requirements for the proposed configuration.

Spot AI

Best for: Buyers who want to evaluate video analytics for operations across multiple sites, alongside security monitoring.

What it is: Spot AI describes its platform as camera-agnostic and offers artificial intelligence (AI) features for video search and operational review. Confirm how those features work across the cameras and sites in your proposed deployment.

Pros: Its camera-agnostic approach may offer a path to retaining existing hardware. Ask Spot AI to confirm support for your exact camera models and recording setup.

Deployment considerations: Spot AI uses an on-site network or intelligent video recorder (NVR/IVR) and offers unlimited cloud storage for saved clips. Spot AI integrates with Avigilon Alta access control. Ask Spot AI to demonstrate the access-control workflow and confirm how recording and cross-site administration work in the proposed configuration.

Cost drivers: Spot AI charges a monthly subscription per camera. Ask for a quote that separates recorder hardware and optional add-ons, such as weapon detection, from the per-camera subscription.

Avigilon (Alta)

Best for: Businesses that want cloud-managed video and access control across multiple sites.

What it is: Avigilon Alta combines technology developed by Ava for video and Openpath for access control. Alta is cloud-native and distinct from Avigilon Unity, the company’s on-premises line.

Pros: Avigilon Alta combines cloud-managed video and access control, making it worth evaluating for a multi-site deployment. Ask for a demonstration of administration and event review across locations.

Deployment considerations: Avigilon Alta does not offer unlimited cloud storage for saved clips. Ask Avigilon to specify saved-clip limits in writing, demonstrate the integrations you need, and test live viewing on your network.

Cost drivers: Avigilon Alta licenses are annual. Request a quote that separates license, hardware, access control, and video retention costs. Confirm warranty coverage for the proposed models and components.

Comparison table

The entries summarize publicly available vendor descriptions, not independent product testing. Confirm model compatibility, supported workflows, and current configurations with each vendor.

How to evaluate a multi-site cloud video system

• Where do recordings live, and what happens when a site loses internet access? Ask vendors to show which footage stays on-site, which footage reaches the cloud, and how long each copy remains available.
• Which existing cameras can you keep during migration? Test representative models before committing to a rollout. Ask whether the vendor needs a gateway, supports your cameras’ video formats, and limits features on reused streams.
• How will you monitor camera health across locations? Have vendors show the view an administrator uses to find an offline camera. Ask whether alerts report the camera’s status or only its gateway’s status. Our Relay documentation notes that disconnect notifications do not work for third-party camera streams.
• What drives cost as you add sites? Request a deployment plan that separates camera and gateway hardware, licenses, storage retention, installation, and ongoing support. Ask which costs change when you keep existing cameras.
• What can video and access control do together? Ask vendors to demonstrate the specific workflow you need, such as opening footage associated with a door event. Confirm which devices and subscriptions that workflow requires.

Frequently asked questions

Can we keep existing cameras during a multi-site migration? You can retain cameras that meet the chosen provider’s compatibility and deployment requirements. Check each camera’s stream format and the provider’s compatibility requirements before planning around reuse. Our Relay documentation describes a path for compatible third-party cameras, but it does not guarantee that every camera will work.

What is the difference between cloud and hybrid video storage? Cloud storage keeps recorded footage in the provider’s cloud. Hybrid storage keeps some footage on a camera or local device and may send selected footage to the cloud. A cloud-managed system can still store recordings locally, so ask where footage resides and what you can view during an internet outage.

How does access control integration typically work? A video system may associate a door event with footage from a nearby camera, helping you review what happened when someone used a credential. Ask vendors which controllers they support and whether the connection covers live events, recorded search, and user permissions.

What drives deployment cost across sites? Camera replacements, local recording hardware, storage retention, licenses, and installation work can all affect a rollout. Ask for a site-by-site proposal that separates equipment and installation from recurring charges.

What should we test before committing to one system? Run a pilot at sites with different cameras and network conditions. Have staff test cross-site search, user permissions, and footage retrieval so you can identify configuration differences before a wider rollout.

Why Rhombus fits multi-site buyers

Rhombus can support a staged rollout when your existing cameras meet Relay compatibility requirements. Our Relay Core and Relay Lite options bring compatible third-party streams into the Rhombus Console alongside Rhombus cameras, so you can plan replacements site by site.

Before planning a rollout, check which cameras work with Relay and which settings still require the manufacturer’s interface. Use a Rhombus live demo to review those workflows and cross-site administration against your requirements.