Why SaaS Presents a Golden Opportunity for Security Installers

Until recently, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that the explosive growth of cloud computing was something that wasn’t significantly relevant to your business. However, traditional security is getting an upgrade with the rise of software-as-a-service (SaaS), a software distribution model that utilizes the cloud. For installers, adding SaaS to your product offerings will be a business-changing move, making your services more scalable, adding value beyond security, and opening up new growth opportunities.

A growing opportunity

According to MarketsandMarkets Research, the SaaS market is forecast to be worth billions, with the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) market alone expected to grow at a rate of f 16.1 percent from 2024 to 2029 — reaching $10.7 billion in just five years. Due to its simplicity, both in use and installation, plus flexibility and scalability, SaaS is gaining increased attention from security teams and installers would do well to take note of its many benefits. 

Flexibility and scalability

One of the key arguments for moving to a SaaS security solution is the flexibility and scalability that it offers. End users can add new sites and devices as their needs evolve without investing in additional server space. They don’t need to plan years ahead to understand their storage requirements, nor do they have to pay upfront for the additional storage space. There is no need to delete potentially important archive footage, which could be needed later, to make space. With SaaS, additional computing power and space can be bought as needed, providing a more cost-effective way of storing and analyzing video and other data. 

Easy integration for comprehensive surveillance

Speaking of which, SaaS-based surveillance systems can easily integrate with other security solutions such as access control and alarms, to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use security ecosystem. Installers can offer the entire end-to-end solution, increasing opportunities for upselling. 

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides a rich data source that can augment video footage, access and perimeter control, fire alarms, and more. With SaaS, adding IoT devices is relatively simple. For installers, giving the option to extend security capabilities through connected devices provides more value. This gives end-users more control over their solution as they can scale whenever their sites or number of devices change. Again, this provides a differentiation in the market for installers.

Greater business value

Bringing every source of data together in a single place unlocks valuable business intelligence, operational insights and efficiencies, for end-users. This offers value beyond traditional security while also saving time and money. Expanding into other areas of the business is a logical next step, both in terms of additional revenue avenues but also in cementing the case for your security solution in a tight economic climate. If your system can provide intelligence such as heat-mapping and occupancy counting that supports other business areas like sales and operations, then you’ll have more stakeholders who will want to invest in your services long-term. 

Expanded market opportunities

Moreover, with every data source in a single place, it becomes easier for security professionals to monitor anything from a single site to hundreds of locations or large, complex environments. By offering SaaS products, installers expand their potential target markets to various organizations and industries that require robust, user-friendly security. 

RELATED: ACaaS & VSaaS: Are They the Future of Security?

That also includes organizations that need a way to access footage and event alerts remotely. In today’s hybrid world, having a solution which supports remote access with appropriate user permissions and cybersecurity can help an installer stand out. 

Easier updates

Everything is handled remotely on the cloud, and that extends to upgrades — there’s no need to travel to an end-user’s site to update their systems. SaaS providers will handle all necessary updates, including new features that keep your systems aligned with developments and innovations in the market, plus vital cybersecurity updates that protect systems from the latest threats and vulnerabilities. 

Recurring monthly revenue

Finally, by offering a SaaS solution, installers receive recurring monthly revenue. Instead of large one-off projects, you’ll have the opportunity to build your relationship with customers longer term, increasing the likelihood of a customer staying with your business for several years and creating greater avenues for you to cross-sell other services and products. Having predictable revenue can also be helpful for your own growth and planning purposes as you’ll know how much capital you can commit to other business-related activities. 

Elevate your business

Providing a SaaS offering will ultimately elevate your business through the additional value created for customers, further growth opportunities through adding devices, recurring revenue, expanding into other functional areas, and by showing customers that you are innovative and ready to move with the times. All installers need to pay attention to the SaaS momentum happening today or risk getting left behind.