Best 7 Cloud-Native Video Security Tools Protecting Infrastructure Projects

Modern infrastructure projects – from large construction sites to public sector facilities – face evolving security challenges. Traditional CCTV systems often fall short in preventing theft, vandalism, and safety incidents. In fact, construction site theft alone causes over $1 billion in losses annually. Cloud-native security solutions are changing the game for infrastructure professionals by offering AI-powered threat detection, remote monitoring, and scalable deployment without the need for onsite DVR/NVR equipment. Below we highlight 7 of the best cloud-native video security tools for protecting infrastructure projects. Each solution leverages the cloud for real-time intelligence and easy scalability across sites, and we outline key strengths and limitations to help decision-makers find the right fit.

1. Alpha Vision + Axis Integration – AI Surveillance Supercharged by Axis Hardware

Alpha Vision + Axis combines Alpha Vision’s cloud-native “Physical AI” platform with Axis Communications’ renowned cameras for a comprehensive security solution. This integration delivers unparalleled video clarity and advanced AI analytics in one package, ideal for large-scale infrastructure projects that demand both durability and intelligence. Axis’s high-end cameras provide up to 40× optical zoom and full 360° panoramic coverage to spot fine details and eliminate blind spots. The cameras’ rugged, weatherproof, and vandal-resistant design ensures reliable operation in harsh outdoor conditions – perfect for construction sites, critical infrastructure, and expansive campuses.

Alpha Vision’s cloud platform turns these cameras into smart sentries. AI features include Magic Search for instantly finding video clips by object or behavior, real-time Intrusion Alerts for unauthorized entry, License Plate Recognition (LPR) for vehicle monitoring, and an AI Inspector that flags safety or compliance violations (like missing PPE) automatically. Routine monitoring is handled by AI so staff can focus on responding to incidents. The integration also enables live audio intervention – security teams can talk down intruders via network speakers, giving real-time warnings to deter threats before they escalate. This proactive approach turns surveillance from passive recording into active threat prevention.

Beyond intelligence and deterrence, Alpha Vision + Axis is built for enterprise-grade compliance and convenience. The solution is fully TAA and NDAA compliant, meeting strict government requirements. It is 100% cloud-native, with no on-premises DVR/NVR needed. Deployment is plug-and-play: install Axis cameras preloaded with Alpha Vision firmware, and they auto-connect to the cloud for instant setup. Updates to AI models and security features roll out automatically via the cloud, so the system is always up-to-date. Crucially for growing projects, the platform is highly scalable and cost-efficient – adding a new site is as simple as mounting new cameras and connecting them online, with no costly infrastructure upgrades as you expand. This reduces IT overhead and makes it feasible to secure dozens of locations under one system.

Why it’s ideal for infrastructure projects: The Alpha Vision + Axis combo is battle-tested across construction sites, government facilities, property management, and corporate campuses. For example, a construction project can rely on Axis’s superior imaging to monitor progress and catch intrusions in wide-open areas, while Alpha Vision’s AI sends instant alerts for perimeter breaches or unsafe worker behavior. Public sector and enterprise users benefit from the integration’s compliance, as well as features like license plate tracking for facility entrances. In short, this solution pairs top-tier camera hardware with cutting-edge cloud AI, resulting in intelligent surveillance that actively prevents incidents and scales easily to protect any size project.

2. Cisco Meraki MV – Enterprise Cloud Cameras

Cisco Meraki MV offers cloud-managed cameras with built-in storage, eliminating NVRs. Known for easy deployment (QR-code setup) and centralized management, it integrates seamlessly with other Meraki IT gear. Features include up to 4K recording, basic motion/people detection, and APIs (MV Sense) for third-party integrations. Its single cloud dashboard lets teams manage cameras, Wi-Fi, and network devices together, making it popular for multi-site infrastructure projects.

Limitations:

• Premium Cost: High hardware and licensing fees plus recurring subscriptions.

• Internet Dependent: Cloud features pause if connectivity drops.

• Basic Analytics: Lacks advanced AI like PPE or complex object detection.

• Closed Ecosystem: Only supports Meraki hardware; vendor lock-in risk.

• Advanced Use Complexity: APIs and deeper features require IT expertise.

3. Arcules (Milestone) – Scalable VSaaS with Hybrid Flexibility

Arcules, from Milestone Systems (Canon), is a cloud VSaaS platform built for multi-site scalability. It supports two modes: via a gateway appliance for most ONVIF cameras, or direct-to-cloud with select Axis models. This hybrid design lets firms reuse legacy cameras while gaining centralized cloud management. Arcules provides web/mobile access, AI features (motion, people counting), and integration with Milestone XProtect for mixed environments. It’s well-suited for rapidly outfitting many sites under one cloud interface, with optional local storage for compliance or bandwidth control.

Limitations:

• Gateway Needed: Most cameras require on-site gateways unless using certain Axis models.

• Reduced Real-Time AI: Cloud analytics limited when storing locally on gateways.

• Narrow Direct Support: Direct-to-cloud only works with select Axis cameras.

• Retention Limits: On-camera storage is short-term; longer retention drives cloud costs.

• Bandwidth Heavy: Large deployments may strain networks and increase data fees.

4. OpenEye Web Services (OWS) – Hybrid Cloud with Local Control

OpenEye OWS combines cloud management with local recording via NVRs or new cloud cameras with on-board storage. This hybrid model ensures reliability for sites with unstable internet while enabling centralized monitoring, health alerts, and remote updates across unlimited sites. OWS supports many third-party IP (and analog via encoders) cameras, offers basic AI/motion analytics, and provides an open API for integrations. It appeals to infrastructure operators needing cloud access without giving up on-prem resilience.

Limitations:

• Complex Setup: NVR deployment and networking often require integrators.

• Hardware Reliance: Local recorders/cloud cameras add maintenance and failure points.

• Learning Curve: Rich features can overwhelm non-expert users.

• Licensing Costs: Charges per camera/sensor can drive up expenses.

• Limited AI/Modules: Analytics less advanced; lacks built-in access control or alarms.

5. Camio – AI Analytics for Existing Cameras

Camio is a cloud-native AI platform that turns standard cameras into smart security sensors. Known as a “video search engine,” it lets users query footage in natural language (e.g., “person near excavator at night”) and get results in seconds. Camio supports custom AI detectors, real-time alerts, and integrations with tools like Slack or VMS systems. Deployment is flexible: cameras connect directly to the cloud or via on-site gateways for edge processing, reducing bandwidth by up to 70%. Open APIs and support for nearly any camera brand make Camio a cost-effective way to add AI without replacing hardware.

Limitations:

• Not a Full VMS: Requires pairing with existing NVR/VMS for recording.

• Setup Effort: Custom detectors/alerts may need tuning or integrator support.

• Cloud Reliance: Needs reliable internet; outages limit cloud AI functions.

• Ongoing Costs: Subscription fees scale with cameras and analytics use.

• Variable Accuracy: Depends on camera quality, placement, and site conditions.

6. Ambient.ai – Contextual AI Threat Detection

Ambient.ai overlays existing cameras and VMS to detect threats and abnormal behaviors in real time. Instead of facial recognition, it uses context and motion analysis to identify events like perimeter breaches, tailgating, objects left behind, or unsafe actions. It comes with hundreds of pre-set “threat signatures” and integrates with access control and VMS platforms for correlated alerts. Delivered as a cloud or hybrid service, it meets enterprise security standards (SOC 2, encryption, SSO).

Limitations:

• Not Standalone: Requires existing cameras and VMS; adds intelligence only.

• Narrow Feature Set: Focuses on core threats; lacks some industry-specific analytics.

• Tuning Needed: May produce false or missed alerts in complex environments.

• Premium Cost: Aimed at large enterprises; smaller projects may find it expensive.

• Privacy Concerns: Still analyzes behavior, requiring careful compliance management.

7. Ivideon – Global Cloud VMS

Ivideon is a versatile cloud VMS used by SMBs and enterprises, supporting a wide range of cameras via gateways or Ivideon-ready models. It offers facial and license plate recognition, POS monitoring, IoT integrations, and flexible storage (cloud, hybrid, or on-prem). The platform provides real-time alerts, role-based access, and an intuitive web/mobile interface for managing sites of any scale.

Limitations:

• Data Origin Concerns: Russian roots raise privacy/geopolitical trust issues.

• Not NDAA-Compliant: Unsuitable for many U.S. government projects.

• Limited Local Support: Fewer integrators in some regions vs. U.S.-based rivals.

• Feature Costs: Advanced analytics/retention require paid subscriptions.

• Performance Limits: Dependent on internet; may struggle in very large or remote deployments.