The Buyer's Guide to AI Video Security
Why AI Video Security?
Traditional CCTV systems are passive -- they record footage that someone reviews after an incident. AI-powered systems actively monitor feeds, detect threats in real time, and alert staff before situations escalate. For schools, cities, and enterprises, this shift from reactive to proactive security is transformative.
What to Look For in a System
- Real-time alerting with low false-positive rates (<5%)
- Cloud-based storage with 30+ day retention
- Works with existing cameras (no full rip-and-replace)
- Mobile app for administrators and security staff
- Privacy controls and data governance built in
- Transparent, predictable pricing with no hidden fees
Be cautious of vendors that require proprietary cameras. This creates vendor lock-in and significantly increases your total cost of ownership.
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
- What is your false positive rate on safety alerts?
- Can I keep my existing cameras or do I need to replace them?
- What happens to my footage if I cancel?
- How is AI processing handled -- edge, cloud, or hybrid?
- Can I run a pilot before committing to a contract?
- What does your pricing look like at 100, 500, and 1,000 cameras?
Red Flags
- No pilot program available
- Pricing only available after a sales presentation
- Requires multi-year commitment upfront
- Cannot provide references in your vertical
- No SOC 2 or equivalent security certification
Building Your Evaluation
We recommend evaluating at least 2-3 vendors using a structured scorecard. Focus on total cost of ownership over 3 years, not just upfront costs. Include deployment complexity, ongoing support quality, and integration with your existing infrastructure in your evaluation criteria.
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