Cloud ACS - PROS and CONS at first hand

The pandemic harshly forced each of us, without exception, if not to use, then still recognize the predominantly information environment of the Internet as a life support system. After all, many today the Internet literally feeds, dresses and teaches. The Internet penetrates our homes, settling in teapots, vacuum cleaners and refrigerators. IoT internet of things is any piece of equipment, household appliances for example, that have tiny electronic modules built into them for exchanging data on the Internet via our home WiFi.



Even door locks, many manufacturers began to do with control via a smartphone. The queue for access control systems and the operation of buildings and structures. And here I want to discuss the pros and cons of cloud access control systems known to me, since I work in a team that develops one of such systems.



Discuss, so far, regardless of the profile of the object, whether it be housing, an industrial enterprise, a warehouse, a shopping center, a business center or an educational institution.



I will list the obvious PROS and CONS of cloud ACS





PRO



  • Applications for a pass are processed online, without the need to fill out paperwork and collect approval signatures.
  • The pass is available for editing by the manager, the receiver, and the security service, moreover, with online notification of the owner of the pass in a convenient messenger, SMS or email. mail about the changes.
  • Convenient access to ACS data for the head of administration, security chiefs, personnel department, especially in enterprises with a branch network, at any time, from any PC with a web browser, on a mobile device. Vacation, business trip, sick leave - it is not an obstacle to inquire about current affairs, to look at the statistics.
  • . - . , , .
  • . , .
  • The cheapness of the equipment is due to its practical absence. High-performance micro-PCs Arduino, Rasberry, Orange replace specialized controllers. All logic goes to the server side and to the RAM of mobile devices and smartphones. Smartphones replace conventional RFID cards and key fobs, saving on consumables. The opening effect on the lock, the turnstile has the very tiny element of the IoT Internet of Things. Cheap because of its simplicity and production runs.


image



an example of the structure of an ACS as a cloud service



As you guessed it, these were the arguments in favor of the ACS web services. I will be honest and without concealment I will list all the arguments against using ACS as a cloud solution.



CONTRA



  • . , . - ( ) TIER 3 .
  • . . QR , .
  • , . - API (application program interface) . .
  • , . , .


But the leader of the counterarguments that I have only heard is the classic "... what if the Internet disappears ...". Here I have no words, and an old anecdote comes to mind:



“I am the most important,” El said boldly. Mail, everyone reads me! No, I'm more important, - the Internet objected quietly, you live in me. The electricity sighed softly and turned away. "



And so, I invite you to debate on the pros and cons of the Internet in security systems, in particular, ACS. Please feel free to comment on what you disagree with, I will be glad to hear criticism, object or honestly agree. Feel free to speak publicly write in a personal.



Thanks

Ilya



All Articles