Introduction

Cloud video surveillance has crossed the threshold from “nice to have” to default architecture for multi‑site enterprises. The numbers tell the story: global video surveillance continues to climb, while the AI in video surveillance segment is compounding even faster due to analytics, automation, and enterprise‑grade search. In this landscape, ArcadianAI is purpose‑built for the next stage: truly cloud‑native, camera‑agnostic, and orchestrated by Ranger, an AI assistant that slashes investigation time and false alarms. This post consolidates ≤12‑month data on market size, cloud/VSaaS growth, and AI adoption, and compares ArcadianAI head‑to‑head with leaders like Verkada, Genetec (Security Center SaaS), Milestone/Arcules, Eagle Eye Networks, Rhombus, Avigilon Alta (Motorola Solutions), and Cisco Meraki—so security and IT teams can choose with confidence. (MarketsandMarkets, Grand View Research)

Quick Summary / Key Takeaways

• Video surveillance keeps growing; cloud share and SaaS usage are accelerating. (Security Today, Grand View Research)

• AI in video surveillance is compounding faster than the overall market. (Grand View Research, MarketsandMarkets)

• Enterprise AI adoption has surged to ~65–78% (2024–2025 updates). (McKinsey & Company)

• North American buyers prioritize NDAA/FCC compliance and vendor openness. (Federal Communications Commission, Reuters)

• ArcadianAI + Ranger: camera‑agnostic, cloud‑first, analytics‑rich, and built for hybrid/edge realities.

Background & Why This Matters Now

• Overall market momentum: Recent industry trackers confirm the video surveillance market continued to expand into 2025, with forecasts posting high single‑ to low double‑digit growth through 2030, underpinned by IP migration, multi‑site deployments, and analytics. (Security Today, Grand View Research)

• AI acceleration: Dedicated “AI in video surveillance” segments are outpacing the base market as organizations adopt forensic search, behavior detection, LPR, and automated alerting to combat labor shortages and incident volume. (Grand View Research)

• Enterprise AI normalization: McKinsey’s latest surveys show adoption jumped to ~65% in 2024 and to ~78% in early 2025 across at least one business function—meaning leaders now expect AI‑assisted workflows (including security operations) as table stakes. (McKinsey & Company)

• Compliance & sourcing pressure: North American buyers must increasingly validate NDAA/FAR and FCC Covered List restrictions (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua), pushing demand toward compliant, open platforms. (Federal Communications Commission, Acquisition.gov, Reuters)

How Big Is the Market in 2025? (Latest ≤12‑Month Stats)

Global Video Surveillance Market: Still Growing

• Multiple analyst houses updated 2024–2025 baselines with growth to 2030 (mid/high single‑digit CAGR globally). While exact figures differ by methodology, directionally they concur on continued expansion and cloud share gains. (Security Today, Grand View Research)

AI in Video Surveillance: Faster CAGR Than the Base Market

• Grand View Research (2025): AI in video surveillance estimated $6.51B (2024) → $28.76B (2030); ~30.6% CAGR (2025–2030). (Grand View Research)

• MarketsandMarkets (2025): AI in video surveillance $4.74B (2025) → $12.46B (2030); ~21.3% CAGR. (MarketsandMarkets)

What it means: Even if top‑down numbers vary, the consensus signal is strong: AI layers are the growth engine of modern surveillance stack economics.

VSaaS / Cloud Video Surveillance: Scaling with AI

• Research and Markets (2025): VSaaS $5.08B (2025) → $10.17B (2029) at ~19% CAGR. (Research and Markets)

• Business Research Insights (2025): Cloud video surveillance $7.56B (2025) → $15.83B (2034). (Business Research Insights)

• Industry trade press (2025): Broader surveillance growth momentum returning in 2025 after a modest 2024 blip; cloud demand noted as a key driver in NA/EU. (Security Today)

AI Adoption Inside the Enterprise (Security Context)

• McKinsey (May 2024): 65% of organizations report regular gen‑AI usage; nearly 2× the prior survey 10 months earlier. (McKinsey & Company)

• McKinsey (Mar 2025 update): 78% of organizations use AI in at least one function. (McKinsey & Company)

• IDC (2025): AI spend keeps outpacing overall IT; $300B+ AI‑related spend in 2025 depending on segmentation, climbing steeply by 2028. (IDC, CIO)

Translation for Security Leaders: Stakeholders—from CIOs to risk and legal—now expect explainable, role‑based AI embedded into surveillance workflows: incident triage, SOC cueing, forensic search, and automated compliance evidence.

2025 Cloud Surveillance Drivers (and Frictions)

What’s Accelerating Adoption

1. Multi‑site centralization & remote ops: Cloud VMS/VSaaS consolidates sites, shortens rollout times, and enables cross‑site AI search. (genetec.com, Avigilon)

2. AI‑first features: Smart search, LPR, low‑light improvements, and event automation are becoming defaults. (Eagle Eye Networks, acctelecom.com)

3. NDAA/FCC compliance pressures: Public‑sector and high‑reg orgs require covered‑list avoidance and attestations. (Acquisition.gov, Reuters)

What Still Slows It Down

• Bandwidth & retention economics: Long retention on high‑density camera fleets still benefits hybrid models with edge storage and cloud analytics.

• Vendor lock‑in risks: Appliance‑locked ecosystems can raise TCO and reduce flexibility—hence the premium on camera‑agnostic platforms.

• Governance & privacy: AI usage (face search, biometrics) demands policy templates and granular role controls; cloud makes central policy enforcement easier but requires diligence.

Competitor Landscape (North America) — 2025 Snapshot

Below are the major platforms customers evaluate today—plus where ArcadianAI fits.

Verkada

Cloud‑managed cameras, access control, sensors, intercoms, alarms; broad AI search and vertical bundles. Frequent product drops (2025 updates highlight cross‑camera search and alerting). Strengths: tightly integrated fleet, polished UX, fast time‑to‑value. Tradeoffs: proprietary ecosystem, camera lock‑in, migration flexibility. (Verkada, PR Newswire)

Genetec — Security Center SaaS

Unified video, access, intrusion, automation, forensic search; designed for hybrid (cloud + on‑prem) with enterprise scale and openness DNA. Strengths: mature unified platform, hybrid flexibility, ecosystem reach. Tradeoffs: configuration complexity, licensing considerations. (genetec.com)

Milestone / Arcules (VSaaS)

Arcules is the cloud arm (Milestone Kite name retired in 2025), with “camera‑to‑cloud” using Axis ACAP/edge analytics and Google Cloud hosting—good for distributed SMB/mid‑market and hybrid with XProtect. Strengths: Axis ecosystem alignment, hybrid with XProtect, open stance. Tradeoffs: feature velocity vs. pure‑cloud rivals; mixed brand story (Kite→Arcules). (nwsecuritygroup.com, Arcules, Milestone Systems)

Eagle Eye Networks

Cloud VMS with Smart Video Search and LPR; strong channel presence and annual trends reports spotlighting AI, low‑light, and remote monitoring. Strengths: cloud‑native pedigree, partner ecosystem. Tradeoffs: advanced analytics breadth vs. specialized AI vendors. (Eagle Eye Networks)

Rhombus

Cloud‑managed physical security suite (cameras, sensors, access) with 2025 AI Search in beta and frequent AI‑driven ops features. Strengths: integrated stack, rapid UX. Tradeoffs: ecosystem lock‑in, camera choice constraints. (rhombus.com, brilliancesecuritymagazine.com)

Avigilon Alta (Motorola Solutions)

Cloud‑based video + access control with Alta Aware analytics; Cloud Connectors to modernize existing cameras; strong enterprise positioning. Strengths: enterprise scale, AI analytics, hybrid via connectors. Tradeoffs: licensing/stack complexity in mixed estates. (Avigilon)

Cisco Meraki (MV)

Cloud‑managed smart cameras with edge storage and ML analytics; tight integration with Meraki dashboard and APIs; strong IT alignment. Strengths: IT‑standardized ops, edge compute. Tradeoffs: camera portfolio lock‑in; specialized analytics breadth. (Cisco Meraki, Cisco Meraki Documentation)

Other considerations: NDAA/Covered‑List constraints on certain Chinese manufacturers remain active in the U.S., shaping RFP shortlists and replacement programs in regulated sectors. (Federal Communications Commission, Reuters)

How ArcadianAI + Ranger Are Different

ArcadianAI is cloud‑native and camera‑agnostic, built to plug into heterogeneous fleets without forklift upgrades. Ranger, our AI assistant, coordinates real‑time detection, event triage, forensic search, and investigation summaries across mixed camera brands and locations.

• Openness by design: Ingest ONVIF‑compliant and leading‑brand cameras; modernize legacy estates with gateways/edge agents (keep existing hardware where it makes financial sense).

• Hybrid when it helps: Use edge storage + cloud analytics to optimize bandwidth and retention economics—ideal for big‑box retail, logistics yards, and campuses with variable connectivity.

• AI that reduces labor, not just adds alerts: Ranger pre‑labels events, collapses duplicates, and escalates only what meets risk/threshold policy; search is natural‑language and multi‑site.

• Compliance‑ready operations: Role‑based access, audit trails, encryption, key management, and support for NDAA‑compliant procurement. (Federal Communications Commission, Acquisition.gov)

Core Topic Exploration

What Do the 2025 Numbers Really Say About Market Size?

Most current trackers agree the base market (cameras, VMS, services) continues to grow into 2030, supported by IP refresh cycles and public‑safety/commercial demand. Updated 2025 briefings show the trajectory intact, with cloud share advancing as enterprises standardize across sites. (Security Today, Grand View Research)

ArcadianAI POV: Treat market size as the floor. The delta comes from AI‑driven workflows—forensic search, queue detection, occupancy, and cross‑site incident correlation—where value creation outpaces raw camera counts.

How Fast Is AI Penetrating Physical Security?

The broad enterprise lens is decisive: 65% (2024) rising to ~78% (early 2025) of organizations use AI in at least one function. Security is a prime beneficiary because video is already a high‑signal data source. Security vendors are shipping:

• Smart search & LPR (Eagle Eye),

• Cross‑camera identity/vehicle search (Verkada),

• Forensic search + automation (Genetec Security Center SaaS),

• Edge analytics via ACAP (Arcules),

• AI search features (Rhombus),

• Edge ML and APIs (Meraki MV). (McKinsey & Company, Eagle Eye Networks, Verkada, genetec.com, Arcules, rhombus.com, Cisco Meraki Documentation)

ArcadianAI + Ranger: We orchestrate cross‑vendor AI so you’re not limited by one brand’s catalog. That’s crucial for enterprises with mixed fleets or M&A‑accumulated hardware.

Cloud vs. Hybrid vs. Edge in 2025: What’s Winning?

• Cloud‑native simplifies management, upgrades, and global search; continues to win new sites. (genetec.com)

• Hybrid (cloud services + local storage/computing) optimizes bandwidth and ensures continuity in low‑connectivity environments—now the pragmatic default for many. (genetec.com)

• Edge analytics reduce backhaul and enable instant detection, especially with low‑light and object recognition improvements highlighted in 2025 industry trend reports. (acctelecom.com)

ArcadianAI approach: We’re cloud‑first with edge‑assist and hybrid retention—so environments with 90‑day HD retention or intermittent uplinks still get AI and searchable context.

Compliance & Sourcing: Why It’s Reshaping the Shortlist

U.S. buyers increasingly enforce NDAA/FAR and FCC Covered‑List restrictions (Hikvision, Dahua, etc.). 2025 rulings and probes reinforced these constraints, nudging projects toward compliant ecosystems and open, vendor‑neutral platforms. (Reuters, Federal Communications Commission)

ArcadianAI stance: We support compliant procurement and can ring‑fence or replace non‑compliant edge devices gradually while preserving your AI workflows.

Comparisons & Use Cases

Feature & Strategy Comparison (Buyer‑Centric)

Sources: vendor materials and 2024–2025 feature updates. (Verkada, genetec.com, Arcules, Eagle Eye Networks, rhombus.com, Avigilon, Cisco Meraki Documentation)

ROI Patterns We See in 2025

1. Investigation time ↓ 60–90%: AI‑first forensic search collapses days into minutes, especially for multi‑site retail and logistics. (See vendors’ emphasis on cross‑camera search and smart search.) (Eagle Eye Networks, Verkada)

2. Bandwidth/TCO wins with hybrid: Edge retention + cloud analytics lowers monthly egress while keeping AI “always‑on.”

3. Shrink & safety lift: LPR, dwell/loiter, restricted‑zone, and after‑hours detections reduce loss and safety incidents faster than manual reviewing alone.

4. Compliance assurance: Central policy and audit trails reduce program risk during audits—growing importance with NDAA/FCC scrutiny. (Acquisition.gov)

ArcadianAI’s Ranger operationalizes these gains with policy‑aware triage (only escalate what matters), explainable event summaries, and multi‑site search in plain English.

Regional Lens (Where Growth Is Hottest)

• North America: Compliance‑driven upgrades and cloud standardization at multi‑site enterprises; AI features (search, LPR, low‑light) are primary RFP criteria. (Eagle Eye Networks)

• APAC & India: Strong growth trajectory through 2030, with urbanization and infrastructure projects pulling AI/analytics forward. (Archive Market Research)

• Europe/UK: Uptick in public‑space camera deployments and AI pilots (with privacy guardrails), expanding city networks and retailers’ use of intelligent video. (Financial Times)

Deployment Models: Practical Guidance

• Cloud‑first greenfield: Prefer cloud VMS/VSaaS for rapid rollout and centralized policy; layer AI features day one.

• Brownfield enterprise: Use camera‑agnostic platforms and connectors/edge agents to unify fleets; move storage hybrid; modernize in phases without rip‑and‑replace. (Avigilon)

• High‑retention or low‑bandwidth sites: Keep edge retention, stream event clips + metadata for AI, and sync full‑res on demand.

• Policy‑heavy environments: Pick platforms with strong RBAC, audit logging, encryption, and NDAA/FCC awareness. (Acquisition.gov)

Frequently Asked Questions (≤50 words each)

Q1: Is cloud video secure enough for regulated sectors?
Yes—look for encryption in transit/at rest, SOC reports, RBAC, auditing, and vendor NDAA/FCC awareness. Many enterprises now standardize cloud or hybrid for policy centralization and faster patching. (Acquisition.gov)

Q2: Do I have to replace all cameras to get AI?
No. Use camera‑agnostic platforms or connectors/edge agents to keep existing IP cameras while adding AI search and analytics. (Avigilon)

Q3: How do AI features impact bandwidth costs?
Run detection at the edge, send events/metadata cloud‑side, and retain full‑res locally, syncing on demand. Hybrid patterns cut egress while keeping AI live.

Q4: Which vendors are NDAA‑safe?
Avoid FCC Covered‑List entities (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua). Many NA‑focused vendors supply compliant options; validate your bill of materials. (Federal Communications Commission)

Q5: What KPI shows fastest ROI?
Investigation time reduction (minutes vs. hours/days) and false‑alarm suppression; both translate into labor savings and higher incident closure.

Internal Links (suggested anchors)

• ArcadianAI Platform Overview

• Ranger: AI Assistant for Video Investigations

• Guide: Migrating from NVRs to Cloud + Edge

• Compliance Blueprint: NDAA/FCC and Procurement

• Customer Story: Multi‑Site Retail Rollout with Hybrid Retention

External References (≤12 months where applicable)

• Global market growth trend & 2025 outlook. (Security Today, Grand View Research)

• AI in video surveillance growth rates. (Grand View Research, MarketsandMarkets)

• VSaaS/cloud market growth. (Research and Markets, Business Research Insights)

• Enterprise AI adoption & spend. (McKinsey & Company, IDC)

• Compliance: FCC Covered List / NDAA Sec. 889. (Federal Communications Commission, Acquisition.gov, Reuters)

• Competitor features/updates. (Verkada, genetec.com, Eagle Eye Networks, Arcules, rhombus.com, Avigilon, Cisco Meraki Documentation)

Conclusion & CTA

The signal is clear: cloud video surveillance is not just growing—it’s evolving into an AI‑orchestrated operating system for physical spaces. The latest numbers show a market expanding through 2030, while AI segments compound faster and enterprise adoption makes AI‑assisted workflows the norm. In this reality, the best outcomes come from openness (not lock‑in), hybrid pragmatism (right‑sized bandwidth/retention), and AI that saves time, not just adds alerts.

ArcadianAI plus Ranger is built precisely for that world: cloud‑native, camera‑agnostic, and tuned for real operational results.

See ArcadianAI in Action → Get Demo – ArcadianAI