Why organizations are shifting to hybrid-cloud access control by Simon Cook, Director, New Offerings, EMEA at Genetec
As physical security needs evolve, organizations are rethinking how they manage access control. Traditional on-premises systems require significant IT resources and infrastructure investment, while fully cloud-based solutions may not meet every facility’s needs. Hybrid-cloud access control offers a balanced approach that combines the stability of on-prem infrastructure with the agility and scalability of cloud-based management.
Many businesses are transitioning to subscription-based cloud services to reduce the financial strain of major IT investments. Hybrid-cloud access control enables gradual modernization, applying both operational expenses (OpEx) and capital expenses (CapEx). This financial flexibility allows organizations to align security improvements with business strategy.
Hybrid-cloud access control is an ideal solution for security, flexibility, and scalability. It allows organizations to maintain critical on-prem security functions while benefiting from cloud-driven automation and remote management.
Striking the right balance: On-prem vs. cloud physical security
Cloud-based video management has been available for years, offering IT and security teams the flexibility to manage systems remotely. Seeing the success of cloud video solutions, many organizations now seek the same benefits for access control. However, the capital-intensive nature of access control systems can make full cloud adoption challenging.
A hybrid-cloud model addresses this by enabling organizations to modernize their physical security infrastructure incrementally. Rather than replacing legacy systems entirely, businesses can integrate cloud functionalities with existing access control hardware. This extends the lifespan of current investments while delivering the benefits of cloud technology.
Traditional access control systems need local troubleshooting, setup, and maintenance—tasks that can be complex, especially for organizations managing multiple locations. Cloud-based management simplifies these processes, allowing security teams to make real-time updates, manage user permissions remotely, and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards.
Breaking the myths: Is cloud-based security less secure?
A common misconception is that cloud-based security is weaker than on-prem solutions. In reality, leading cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, offering real-time monitoring, encryption, and automated patching.
For industries with strict regulatory requirements, hybrid-cloud models provide a strategic advantage. They enable businesses to maintain local control over sensitive data while applying cloud-based analytics and automation.
The smart path to modernizing security
On-prem, cloud, and hybrid deployment models each have their place in modern security strategies. As no single approach is superior, organizations should assess factors such as compliance requirements, remote access needs, and available IT resources when selecting an access control model.
Hybrid-cloud access control is practical for most organizations because it offers the flexibility to decide which components remain on-prem and which move to the cloud. Many businesses keep critical security devices, such as door controllers and badge readers, on-site while shifting user management, monitoring, and analytics to the cloud for enhanced efficiency.
One major advantage of hybrid access control is remote management. IT teams should prioritize solutions that enable cloud-based administration without requiring on-site maintenance. With modern cloud-managed systems, tasks such as firmware updates, user provisioning, and access policy adjustments can be handled from anywhere, reducing operational complexity and response times.
When evaluating cloud access control solutions, it’s essential to differentiate between infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and software as a service (SaaS). IaaS hosts access control software in the cloud but requires businesses to manage configurations, updates, and security measures. SaaS provides a fully managed service where the provider handles updates, security, and maintenance. Hybrid-cloud access control can incorporate elements of both, allowing organizations to customize their level of control while reducing administrative overhead.
Regardless of deployment type, cybersecurity must be a top priority. Organizations should partner with security providers that integrate robust cybersecurity measures from the beginning rather than as an afterthought. Strong encryption is crucial to protect data in transit and at rest, while network segmentation can help prevent unauthorized access. Proactive security monitoring provides real-time threat detection, ensuring businesses can respond swiftly to emerging cyber threats. By choosing a security-first approach, businesses can reduce the risk of cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Avoiding vendor lock-in: Choosing the right hybrid-cloud solution
Interoperability is a critical consideration when deploying hybrid-cloud access control. Some providers require proprietary hardware, locking customers into a specific ecosystem and limiting future expansion. Instead, organizations should seek open architecture solutions that support interoperability and data portability.
Selecting an open-platform access control system provides several benefits:
- The ability to upgrade systems gradually without replacing entire infrastructures
- Greater flexibility in integrating with third-party solutions
- Reduced long-term costs by avoiding vendor lock-in and restrictive APIs
Even if a cloud provider supports existing hardware, some impose restrictions through proprietary data formats or costly migration fees. Organizations should assess whether their provider offers unrestricted integrations to ensure future adaptability.
Strategic benefits of hybrid-cloud access control
Hybrid-cloud access control is more than a middle ground between on-prem and cloud solutions—it’s a strategic approach that aligns with the evolving security landscape. By blending the reliability of on-prem infrastructure with the agility of cloud-based management, organizations can modernize security at their own pace without compromising control or compliance.
The benefits of hybrid-cloud access control extend beyond mere convenience. Maintaining localized control of essential security hardware ensures continued operation even if cloud services are temporarily unavailable, providing business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
Businesses operating in highly regulated industries can retain on-prem control over sensitive data while using cloud-based analytics and automation to enhance security insights and efficiency.
Cost optimization is another significant advantage, as a hybrid approach enables businesses to allocate financial resources strategically, balancing upfront capital investments with ongoing cloud service expenses. Cloud-based updates and centralized management streamline administrative tasks, reducing the burden on IT and security teams and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
By implementing a hybrid-cloud access control strategy, organizations can ensure that their security infrastructure will maintain the flexibility to adapt to emerging technologies and business requirements. This approach allows businesses to evolve their security framework in a controlled and financially responsible manner, avoiding the disruption associated with full system overhauls.
Conclusion
As organizations seek to modernize their security infrastructure, hybrid-cloud access control provides a compelling solution that balances on-prem reliability with cloud-driven innovation. By adopting best practices in deployment, cybersecurity, and scalability, businesses can optimize access control management while reducing IT complexity and operational costs. The future of access control isn’t strictly on-prem or fully cloud-based—it’s hybrid.
For further information please visit https://www.genetec.com/products/unified-security/acaas.
