What is the largest driver for new ongoing costs for an unmonitored video surveillance system?

The largest driver for new ongoing costs in an unmonitored video surveillance system is the ongoing cost of storage. Video surveillance systems generate significant amounts of data due to the continuous recording of footage. This data needs to be stored in a reliable and secure manner for retrieval and review as needed.

As video resolutions increase and recording durations extend, the amount of storage required also grows, leading to higher costs. This can involve purchasing additional physical storage devices or subscriptions to cloud storage solutions. Although there are various other associated costs such as installation, maintenance, and power, the ongoing storage costs are often the most significant due to the sheer volume of data generated and the need for safe retention over time. Thus, focusing on the data storage aspect provides an understanding of why it poses the largest financial burden in unmonitored systems.