5 Best Cloud Based Video Surveillance Systems for New York Property Managers
Managing multiple rental properties and commercial spaces in New York presents unique challenges. You must oversee tenant safety, liability, regulatory compliance, and maintenance across different sites. Traditional closed-circuit systems with on-site recording and manual review struggle to keep pace with modern demands. Cloud-based video surveillance offers a smarter, scalable, and more responsive path forward.
In this article, we introduce five leading cloud-based video surveillance platforms ideal for New York property managers. We also show why cloud-first security is rapidly becoming essential in real estate management.
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Why Cloud First Security Solutions Matter in Real Estate Management
Before diving into vendors, it helps to understand why cloud-first security is no longer optional but increasingly imperative for property managers.
Centralized oversight across dispersed properties. In New York, a manager may run sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or even across boroughs. Cloud systems let you view live or historical footage from all camera sites via a unified interface.
Scalability and flexibility. You can scale from a single building to many without major investment in local servers or storage. The cloud video storage market itself is growing very fast — valued at USD 10.28 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 49.75 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~22 %).
Strong demand for VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service). In the U.S., the VSaaS market was valued at USD 16.81 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.99 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~12.1 %). This shows many organizations, including real estate operators, are moving to subscription-style cloud video solutions.
Growing confidence in security and cloud adoption. According to SDM’s 2024 forecast, 71 % of security professionals now offer VSaaS (up 13 points over prior year) and 62 % offer remote video monitoring. Meanwhile, virtually every large enterprise uses the cloud—94 % of organizations with over 1,000 employees already adopt cloud infrastructure.
Increasing security pressures and crime concerns in NYC. Though overall crime is falling, specific risks such as office tower shootings, break-ins, and targeted violence are spiking. For example, in 2025, New York City saw significant decreases in six of seven major felony types, but new security threats remain central to building safety strategy. One high-profile office shooting led corporate tenants to double down on surveillance and armed security in Manhattan towers. These developments push property managers to modernize security systems proactively.
Because of these pressures, property managers in NYC can no longer rely on local DVRs, manual review, or siloed systems. They need real-time alerting, predictive analytics, unified dashboards, and robust remote access—all made possible by cloud-first security.
With that context, here are five strong cloud-based video surveillance systems you should evaluate.
1. Coram
Coram is one of the most compelling all-in-one platforms in the cloud surveillance space, especially tailored to real estate needs.
You don’t need to rip out your existing cameras. Coram’s interface enables you to begin operation within 10 minutes. Its core is a cloud-based AI video surveillance system that transforms your camera feeds into smart, searchable, alerting intelligence.
Key Features
Natural language search. Just type a phrase like “person in red shirt carrying box” or “blue Subaru” and Coram locates matching clips across cameras, eliminating tedious video scanning.
Facial recognition. Coram tracks individuals across multiple cameras while keeping identity data on-premises for privacy.
License plate detection (LPR). Works on existing IP cameras. Even partial plate reads (angle, damage) can trigger alerts if matched to flagged vehicles.
Weapons detection. AI analyzes frames in real time to detect handguns or rifles, sending instantaneous alerts to security staff. This is particularly valuable in high-risk environments or mixed use sites.
Integration of existing infrastructure. Because Coram can overlay onto existing installations, migration cost is much lower.
Scalability and multi-site support. From a single residential building to a broad commercial portfolio, Coram supports growth.
24/7 customer support. Rapid issue resolution is essential in real estate security.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Very fast search and alert responsiveness
Use of existing cameras reduces upfront costs
Scales across buildings
Strong support and ease of deployment
Cons:
Needs stable, high bandwidth internet (in weak connectivity areas, performance may degrade)
Why it’s ideal for NYC property managers: It gives you enterprise capabilities (facial recognition, plate reads, weapons alerts) without having to overhaul your hardware. In dense urban settings where camera count is large and property portfolios are fragmented, Coram brings unified control under one roof.
2. Eagle Eye Networks
Eagle Eye Networks is a pioneer in cloud video surveillance and remains a go-to platform for property managers who need robust cloud infrastructure with flexibility.
Key Features
True cloud video storage (no DVRs or NVRs needed)
AI / analytics modules (object recognition, motion detection)
Broad camera compatibility and integrations
Bandwidth optimization features to avoid network congestion
Best use case: For mid- to large commercial properties or multi-building residential complexes that demand strong analytics and reliable cloud recording across many devices.
3. Verkada
Verkada is a hybrid cloud solution combining on-device storage with cloud synchronization. It blends hardware and cloud software elegantly.
Key Features
Edge storage with automated syncing to cloud
AI analytics (people, vehicles)
Intuitive mobile and web apps
Integration with access control
Best use case: Premium properties or high-end residential/commercial buildings where the client desires high-quality cameras, integrated access control, and polished UX.
4. Rhombus Systems
Rhombus Systems offers scalable and AI-driven cloud surveillance, ideal for property managers handling diverse sites.
Key Features
Central dashboard for multi-site management
AI alerts (loitering, line crossing, intrusion)
Remote access via browser or mobile
Automatic firmware upgrades
Best use case: Multi-family developments or mixed-use portfolios where centralized monitoring matters more than ultra-premium hardware.
5. Ava Security (formerly Vaion)
Ava Security is a cloud native video solution with strong analytics and anomaly detection capabilities.
Key Features
Smart search and incident retrieval
Occupancy analytics and heatmaps (useful in commercial areas)
Anomaly detection that flags unusual behavior
Flexible cloud storage and retention policies
Best use case: High footfall commercial real estate such as retail, plazas, or mixed retail/residential buildings needing advanced behavioral insights.
FAQs
Q1. Can cloud based systems work with my existing cameras?
Yes. Platforms like Coram, Eagle Eye, and others support integration with many existing IP and ONVIF cameras, reducing hardware replacement costs.
Q2. Is cloud storage secure enough for sensitive real estate footage?
Yes. Top systems use encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access, audit logs, and compliance mechanisms. Many enterprises now trust cloud infrastructure for mission-critical systems.
Q3. How much bandwidth is needed?
You need stable, high-speed broadband, especially for multi-camera 4K or HD streams. Some solutions include bandwidth throttling or motion-based uploads to reduce load.
Q4. What about privacy or regulation in New York?
You must comply with relevant laws on video surveillance, data retention, and privacy (for example, not surveilling private interiors without consent). Using on-premises control over identity recognition helps maintain accountability.
Q5. When should I choose hybrid vs pure cloud?
Hybrid (edge + cloud) solutions like Verkada may suit sites with intermittent connectivity or privacy concerns. Pure cloud systems (like Eagle Eye) centralize management but require reliable internet.
Conclusion
The complexities of managing multiple real estate assets in New York demand surveillance systems that are smarter, more flexible, and future-proof. Traditional, local DVR systems simply cannot match the agility required. Cloud based video surveillance is not just a trend—it is becoming the operational backbone for modern property management.
Among the top choices, Coram stands out thanks to its cloud-based AI video surveillance architecture. It merges advanced AI functions—natural language search, facial and license plate recognition, weapons detection—with a scalable, easy deployment model that works over existing cameras. For any property manager juggling multiple sites, Coram provides centralized control, rapid alerting, and analytic depth without a total infrastructure overhaul.
