Hybrid cloud adoption on the rise in physical security sector
Due to need for flexibility
A new report has identified significant shifts towards hybrid cloud adoption and the increasing influence of information technology (IT) departments in physical security decisions.
The study, conducted between August and September 2024, included participants from various sectors across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, and Australia-New Zealand.
The 2025 State of the Physical Security Report, newly released by Genetec, provides insights from over 5,600 security professionals worldwide and reveals a growing preference for hybrid cloud solutions.
Within the next five years, 43% of end users will identify hybrid deployments as their preferred approach. This trend stems from the need for flexibility in balancing operational requirements, budgets, and data storage.
In contrast, only 18% favour fully cloud-based setups, while 17% intend to remain fully on-premises. Consultants and channel partners echo this preference, with 66% planning to recommend hybrid models.
“There’s no all-or-nothing with a hybrid-cloud approach,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering at Genetec. “This allows businesses to deploy, scale, and upgrade systems efficiently while maintaining control and avoiding vendor lock-in.”
The role of IT in physical security continues to expand, driven by the adoption of cloud and hybrid solutions and the alignment of physical and digital security measures. According to the report, 77% of end users now see collaboration between IT and security departments, with over 50% reporting IT’s involvement in purchasing decisions.
Morin noted: “With IT leading cloud implementations, security operations are becoming more data-driven and resilient to emerging threats.”
AI integration is another growth area. In 2025, 37% of end users plan to adopt AI-powered features, up from 10% in 2024. Practical applications, such as enhanced threat detection and automated processes, are driving this surge, with 42% of respondents viewing AI as a tool to streamline operations.
Image: Within the next five years, 43% of end users will identify hybrid deployments as their preferred approach. Credit: Panumas Nikhomkhai
