Synology launches Surveillance365 for multi-site firms

Synology has launched Surveillance365, a cloud-based video surveillance service for businesses managing multiple sites.

Available globally, the service lets companies manage camera networks through a web portal or mobile app. The standard plan is free to use with compatible Synology cameras.

Surveillance365 expands the company's surveillance portfolio, which already includes its Surveillance Station platform. It combines camera management, local recording, cloud access and backup options in a single offering for business users.

According to Synology, each camera can be deployed in as little as two minutes without requiring a dedicated on-site server. The system is intended for sites such as retail chains, construction projects and corporate offices.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philip Wong said the launch reflects a long-running effort to build an integrated surveillance product line.

"Ever since we introduced Surveillance Station in 2008, our vision has been to build a private, fully integrated surveillance ecosystem spanning cameras, NVRs, VMS, storage, backup, AI analytics, and cloud, all engineered by one vendor. Today, Surveillance365 completes that vision," said Philip Wong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Synology.

How it works

Video footage is recorded locally to a microSD card installed in the camera rather than sent directly to the cloud. According to Synology, artificial intelligence functions including People, Vehicle, Intrusion and Loitering Detection are processed on the camera itself, providing alerts while reducing bandwidth use.

For live viewing, the service prioritises peer-to-peer local connections. A low-bandwidth mode can reduce data use by up to 50% with limited effect on video quality, according to the company.

The service also includes governance and access features aimed at larger organisations. Synology said cameras used with Surveillance365 comply with NDAA and TAA procurement requirements, which may be relevant for public sector buyers and companies with strict sourcing policies.

The business plan adds more detailed permission settings, site-level camera management and an audit log. These tools are intended to support oversight across distributed teams and locations.

Security focus

Access to the service is protected by multi-factor authentication. Synology said a C2 Encryption Key is held only by the account holder.

An optional cloud backup service is available through C2 OneStorage, with recording retention periods ranging from 45 to 3,650 days. According to Synology, the backup option can also protect recordings from existing Surveillance Station deployments on Synology network-attached storage devices.

The launch also signals a transition within Synology's cloud surveillance range. C2 Backup for Surveillance will no longer accept new subscriptions, while existing subscriptions will continue through their remaining retention periods.

Josh Lin, Director of Synology's Surveillance Group, said the service is designed to remove the need for customers to manage physical infrastructure as they expand surveillance across several sites.

"Whether overseeing retail chains, construction sites, or global corporate offices, organisations can scale their security footprint instantly through Surveillance365 without the burden of managing physical infrastructure," said Josh Lin, Director of Synology's Surveillance Group.