No need to replace existing cameras

How To Get Cloud CCTV For Business Without Replacing Your Security Cameras

written on 18 November 2025 by Megan Armstrong

You don't need new cameras to step into the world of Cloud CCTV. Instead, access AI-backed analytics, remote monitoring, robust access controls, and the peace of mind that comes with it - all without the expense of new hardware. Here's how.

Upgrading your video surveillance to the Cloud shouldn’t mean starting from scratch. Yet many cloud CCTV providers force businesses into a costly, restrictive choice: replace all your cameras with proprietary models or accept limited functionality. It’s frustrating, expensive, and unnecessary.

But not all Cloud Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) providers lock you in. SEiNG is a UK-founded cloud CCTV platform that works seamlessly with any ONVIF or RTSP security camera, giving you full flexibility to choose the brands you trust, mix and match across multiple sites, and scale your video surveillance without vendor restrictions. Let’s explore what this means for your business, and how you can get started.

But First, Why Is Cloud CCTV Right For Your Business?

Cloud CCTV goes beyond simply recording your footage. It enhances security, reduces overheads, and gives your organisation smarter, more flexible control over all your sites. Here’s how it delivers real benefits.

Cloud backup
Scalable, compliant Cloud storage
Cloud VSaaS platforms make it easy for you to scale up (or down) secure Cloud storage, no matter how fast you grow.
Safe
Stronger, built-in security
Benefit from cybersecurity at the core, including encryption, built-in access controls, and continuous protection against emerging threats.
Centralised
Centralised multi-site management
View, manage, and control every site and device from a single platform, making nationwide or distributed operations simpler and more efficient.
AI powered analytics
Smarter video through AI insights

Use AI-backed filters, object detection, and intelligent analytics, all so your CCTV can actively deliver insights from your footage.

Accreditiation
Less on-site hardware to manage
Reduce costs, maintenance, and physical footprint by removing unnecessary NVRs and servers. This creates a more sustainable and streamlined setup.
Optimise
Save your IT team time
Automatic updates keep systems secure without manual work, while a managed service like SEiNG handles setup, monitoring, and health checks, removing day-to-day burden from your team.
It's important to note though, that not all Cloud CCTV platforms are built equal. When choosing your platform, you have to consider factors like the level of support you'll be given, whether the data centre is local to you, and if your existing cameras are fully compatible so you don't fall victim to vendor lock-in.

Understanding Vendor Lock-In and How to Avoid It

Vendor lock-in is one of the biggest hidden costs in the cloud CCTV industry. Some Cloud CCTV providers – like Verkada - require you to remove perfectly functional cameras to access full features, replacing them with proprietary hardware. This adds cost, creates e-waste, slows deployment, limits scalability, and makes it almost impossible – or painfully expensive – to leave.

So how can you avoid being held hostage by your Cloud CCTV provider?

Go with a hardware agnostic Cloud CCTV system like SEiNG, designed from the ground up for any camera, rather than a single-brand solution that only supports 3rd party security cameras as an add-on. That way, you’ll be able to take advantage of remote monitoring, seamless multi-site management, and ai-backed tools without any rip & replace, saving significant cost and hassle. Other camera agnostic Cloud CCTV platforms include Eagle Eye and Videoloft; see how they compare with SEiNG here.

Cloud CCTV unlimited cloud storage

Supported Cameras That Give You Choice and Flexibility

SEiNG works seamlessly with any ONVIF or RTSP CCTV camera, giving you the freedom to use existing cameras, choose new ones, or mix and match. Each camera across your sites integrates with SEiNG’s video management platform (VMS), offering UK cloud storage, AI-backed analytics, remote monitoring, and fully managed VSaaS capabilities.

We’ve thoroughly tested a wide range of leading security camera brands with SEiNG. From Axis—where we’re a Technology Integration Partner and have built a dedicated SEiNG agent for seamless cloud connectivity—to Dahua, Hikvision, Avigilon, and many more, you can explore the brands already integrated with our platform here. And if your cameras aren’t listed, we offer a 30 day free trial so you can experience SEiNG with your own equipment.

View tried & tested brands

Is it easy to set up Cloud CCTV with existing cameras?

Maps on SEiNG dashboard

VSaaS providers make setting up cloud CCTV simple, with most solutions offering true plug-and-play installation. If you have multiple devices across multiple sites though, deployment and user training still may take time for your IT team.

As a managed VSaaS, SEiNG’s team handles the installation, configuration, and testing, keeping deployment fast with minimal internal effort required from you. Once your system is live, it’s proactively monitored and maintained, giving you peace of mind while your security runs smoothly — no technical headaches required.

My CCTV Cameras Already Have AI-Analytics or Cloud Storage. Do I Need A VSaaS?

Even if your CCTV cameras have built-in AI analytics or Cloud storage, using a VSaaS platform like SEiNG offers significant advantages:

  • Stay in control of your sites and devices, with everything managed on one platform
  • Keep an eye on your sites from anywhere, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are
  • Gain insights that matter to your business with tailored AI-backed analytics
  • Stay confident in your CCTV system with automatic cybersecurity and feature updates done for you
  • With a managed VSaaS like SEING, stay worry-free with proactive monitoring and troubleshooting that keeps your system running smoothly
  • Keep your footage safe and fully compliant with UK-based cloud storage – even if your cameras are damaged
Cloud CCTV

Upgrade to Cloud CCTV Without Replacing Your Cameras

Upgrading to Cloud CCTV shouldn’t require ripping out working hardware or committing to a closed ecosystem. With a hardware-agnostic VSaaS platform like SEiNG, businesses retain the freedom to choose the cameras they want, scale at their own pace, and modernise their security without unnecessary cost or complexity. Whether you’re using existing cameras or investing in new ones, SEiNG ensures your system remains flexible, future-proof, and easy to manage.

Discover the potential of your existing cameras with our quick 5-minute Cloud CCTV demo.

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