"Surveillance monitoring software comes in various types, each catering to different needs and budgets. One of the most expensive options available is designed for corporate environments. These high-end systems come with a hefty price tag, not only for the software itself but also for the specialized infrastructure required to support them. While they offer advanced features and high reliability, the cost can be prohibitive for smaller businesses or individuals. The primary advantage of these systems is their scalability and integration with enterprise-grade infrastructure, making them ideal for large-scale operations. However, this comes with the downside of significant initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs, which can be a burden for many organizations. In contrast, there are older and less optimized systems that still rely on outdated algorithms. These systems, though functional, come with limited capabilities and reduced efficiency. Often, these legacy systems fail to provide the level of performance and flexibility that modern surveillance needs demand, making them unsuitable for most contemporary applications. Their reliance on older technology also means they are more prone to failures and security vulnerabilities, requiring frequent updates and manual intervention to maintain functionality. A more modern and cost-effective solution is the ""cloud-based"" surveillance software. With this type of software, video recording and storage are handled on remote servers, allowing users to access their footage from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud solutions, such as camcloud, offer excellent scalability, as they enable users to easily add additional cameras and storage capacity as needed. However, cloud services can incur high costs, particularly in terms of data traffic and server usage. The ongoing expenses associated with cloud solutions can add up quickly, making them more suitable for larger enterprises or those with significant surveillance needs. One of the most promising alternatives to cloud solutions is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology. P2P systems do not require extensive server-side processing. Instead, they rely on the server to simply link cameras with remote equipment. This significantly reduces the strain on central servers and allows for more efficient processing at the device level. The use of deep neural networks for object recognition enhances the capabilities of P2P systems, making them both affordable and highly effective for real-time surveillance. These systems operate efficiently on low-cost chips and microcomputers, making them an excellent choice for smaller businesses and individual users. While IP cameras offer significant advantages over analog cameras in terms of image quality and flexibility, they come with their own set of challenges. One of the primary drawbacks is the complex setup process, especially for individuals who are not experienced in network configuration. In the past, users had to rely on professionals to handle the setup, which could be expensive. However, the advent of pre-configured cameras that are already linked to the cloud has made setup much more straightforward. Although these pre-configured systems reduce setup costs, purchasing large quantities of such cameras can still be costly. Despite the initial investment, IP cameras offer greater flexibility, especially when dynamic IP addresses are used. This allows for surveillance in locations without wired internet connections. Users can set up surveillance by simply purchasing a 3G/4G modem with Wi-Fi support and configuring the software accordingly. The quality of the footage will depend on the available bandwidth and network stability, making reliable internet access a critical factor for performance. Some manufacturers, particularly those in China, offer their own P2P and cloud-based solutions. While these solutions are typically more affordable, they are often less stable and responsive compared to their more expensive counterparts. These budget-friendly options are geared toward users in China and may not offer the same level of reliability or customer support that international users require. In the corporate sector, many complex surveillance systems are being developed to meet the specific needs of individual clients. These systems often aim to be all-encompassing, which leads to increasing complexity. As a result, installation and configuration can become challenging without professional assistance. Many users require extensive training to operate these systems effectively, which adds to the overall cost. Additionally, the processing of surveillance video is often distributed across multiple dedicated servers, which increases both the upfront and ongoing expenses. These solutions are typically designed for large organizations with unique and complex requirements but may not be practical for smaller businesses or individual users."