Webinar FAQ
Cloud-based video surveillance is rapidly gaining traction as organizations seek more scalable, flexible and efficient security solutions. In a Milestone exclusive webinar, our experts explored how video surveillance as a service (VSaaS)—specifically Milestone’s cloud-hosted video management software, Arcules—can transform your security operations. For insights on how to overcome legacy system limitations, deploy hybrid cloud setups with XProtect, and other practical insights, watch the on-demand webinar through the link below. In this follow-up article, we will review cloud basics and benefits before digging into audience questions from the event.
Before we dig into the questions asked, let’s review what we’ve already covered in the webinar:
- Cloud-based surveillance helps organizations overcome challenges such as limited IT resources, labor shortages and the need to do more with less.
- VSaaS simplifies deployment and maintenance, allowing IT teams to focus on business results rather than system upkeep.
- Cloud applications provide scalability and flexibility, making them ideal for businesses with multiple locations or those looking to transition from on-premises systems.
- VSaaS offers a subscription-based model which reduces capital expenditures and provides operational flexibility. This model supports various deployment options, including cloud gateway, edge gateway and camera-to-cloud architectures.
- These architectures allow for flexibility in managing bandwidth and storage costs, making them suitable for different business needs.
- Arcules is ideal for businesses—single site or multiple sites—such as retail chains or educational institutions, where ease of use and minimal IT involvement are crucial.
- Arcules can be used alongside Milestone’s XProtect video management software (VMS) to create a hybrid solution. This integration enables businesses to leverage the strengths of both cloud and on-premises systems.
- In the webinar we show how Arcules users can view, search, analyze and store video data efficiently. Features like customizable dashboards, mobile access, forensic search and analytics for business insights are helpful for customer ease-of-use.
- Arcules integrates well with existing security infrastructure, including access control systems and IoT sensors, to enhance situational awareness.
We have compiled comprehensive responses to your questions about VSaaS, Arcules, hybrid cloud solutions and more. Read on to increase your knowledge and become better informed about the direction of cloud-based solutions in the industry.
Q: What are the primary benefits of using Arcules VSaaS?
A: Arcules offers scalability, reduced on-site infrastructure costs and seamless integration with existing security systems. It also provides AI-powered insights and flexible deployment options.
Q: How secure is Arcules as a cloud-based video management software?
A: Arcules employs robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication and role-based access control. It is built on the Google Cloud Platform, ensuring high levels of security and redundancy. In addition to using the Google Cloud Platform, there are extensive resources that make Arcules secure and robust.
The gateway appliance is built by Dell, with all the hardware security they offer. Milestone works with Axis Communications to provide camera-to-cloud capabilities in Arcules. Axis makes highly reliable and secure network cameras.
Additionally, Arcules is built as a native cloud software meaning cloud-based security is top-of-mind. Arcules also includes automatic updates. These keep the system secure by ensuring you don’t overlook or miss important patches and product improvements as they occur automatically. Bottom line – Milestone offers secure, easy-to-use cloud solutions. If you want to know more, check out this article detailing cloud security.
A: Yes, Arcules supports a wide range of cameras, including ONVIF Profile S devices, allowing businesses to use their existing hardware without needing to purchase new cameras. Here is information about Arcules supported devices.
Q: How does Arcules integrate with Milestone’s XProtect?
A: The Arcules plug-in for Milestone XProtect enables seamless integration, allowing users to access live video, recordings and alarms across both on-premises and cloud-connected cameras.
Q: What are the costs associated with using Arcules? Can you share MSRP pricing for the licenses and the edge devices?
A: The cost of using Arcules depends on factors like the number of cameras, storage needs and deployment architecture. It is recommended to contact a Milestone partner for specific pricing details. There are many variables depending on your location, system architecture, etc. This can be frustrating when you just want a budget framework to start your project, but we really can’t give you an honest answer until we know more about your project.
Q: Is Kite now Arcules?
A: Milestone Kite is now Arcules. We have three major products in the Milestone portfolio – XProtect, Arcules and BriefCam. If you’re familiar with Milestone Kite, under the hood it was Arcules. It’s the same technologies, same solution, just a different name.
Q: I was told the hybrid solution doesn't work with my version of XProtect. Did that change?
A: Formerly, Arcules worked with the enterprise level of XProtect through the Interconnect extension. Now, in XProtect 2025 R1 release, the connection with Arcules has been expanded to additional variants of the XProtect VMS, including the Professional+ and Corporate variants. The backend communication for the connection now uses a plug-in instead of XProtect Interconnect. You may need to make some adjustments to your software to streamline the integration. We recommend you reach out to your technician for more information on connecting XProtect and Arcules.
Q: I heard you say Arcules is a subscription service. Do I buy that service from Milestone or from my integrator?
A: As with other Milestone products, you will purchase Arcules through one of our certified security integrators. As a company, we are committed to professional systems. That's why we partner with the best security manufacturers and security integrators who really understand the customer's needs. Your integrator is familiar with these systems and will understand your needs.
Q: How do I know who Milestone’s partners are?
A: You can search for channel partners and technology partners by region to find the one that fits your requirements. In addition, you can send us an email or give us a call. Real people will answer the phone and help you out. Another great way to learn more is to book a demo with your local Milestone representative.
Q: What is the most common misconception about VSaaS?
A: A common misconception is that VSaaS is not ready for security, but that’s not true. Every market is using the cloud today. Think about your company—your files are all in the cloud, including banking transactions and email, along with business and personal items. Even though the security industry often lags when adopting new technology, VSaaS is here to stay.
Q: Is there any API/ADK to be implemented on camera to get integrated to Arcules cloud solution?
A: API /SDK work is not necessary. We support ONVIF Profile S conformant cameras through our gateway appliances. There is more information here on our website.
Q: Is the UI shown here a or web client?
A: The demo we showed was with our mobile app first, then our web app. Milestone recommends using Google Chrome for the best performance. With Arcules, there is no thick client that is installed on the workstation. Everything is delivered through the web browser and the mobile app.
Q: Can you tell us more on ONVIF uplink? Will it be supported soon so that not only Axis camera-to-cloud would be supported?
A: We support ONVIF Profile S conformant cameras through our gateway appliance. For a direct-to-cloud solution, there is not a current ONVIF standard. Although, as an affiliate member of ONVIF (through our parent company, Canon Inc.), we support ONVIF efforts in our industry.
Q: Do you still support Axis Door controller management in Arcules?
A: Support for is in “maintenance mode”, and we are not supporting them on new installations. We recommend integration with a partner access control platform like Genea, Imron and others.
Q: Please shed some light on multi-country customer deployment, multi-tenancy and issues pertaining to data residency. Do you also provide a white label VSaaS?
A: Data residency and multi-tenant across multiple countries is facilitated during the setup of your VSaaS. We have data centers in the United States, Europe and Japan facilitated by Google Cloud that host your organization. For countries that do not have a physical Google data center, cloud services are delivered through regional hubs that serve multiple nearby countries. There are many aspects of protecting data and processing in a multi-tenant architecture including the following:
- Logical separation
- At-rest and in-transit encryption
- Access control & identity management
- Data governance & compliance
- Threat detection & monitoring
To learn about the details of all these forms of protection explore some of our white papers or reach out to contact your local Milestone representative to get your specific questions answered.
Currently, we do not offer our VSaaS as a white label.
Q: Can the edge gateway device be an existing Milestone server?
A: Gateway devices are Linux-based with specific requirements, whereas existing Milestone Husky or other servers running XProtect would use Windows as their operating system. Contact your Milestone representative to discuss options with one of our solution engineers.
Q: Can we add Arcules to an Enterprise (multi-site) Milestone XProtect Corporate instance? What is required for implementation?
A: Formerly, Arcules worked with the enterprise level of XProtect through Milestone Interconnect. Now, in the XProtect 2025 R1 release, the connection with Arcules has been expanded to additional variants of the XProtect VMS, including the Corporate, Expert and Professional+ variants. The backend communication for the connection now uses a plug-in instead of Milestone Interconnect. So, you may need to make some adjustments to your software to streamline the integration and understand how to configure your system across multiple sites. We recommend you reach out to your technician to learn what steps you must take to connect your multi-site XProtect and Arcules.
Q: If we are selling to higher education, and they cannot manage monthly billing (OpEx), can this be bundled for a 2/3/5-year license package (CapEx)?
A: We often encounter customers looking for single-year and multi-year licensing. Contact your local Milestone representative for pricing options.
Q: How open is the API? Can we build a custom API for a digital twin implementation, layering Milestone video data over other building system data? Is it different for Arcules vs XProtect Corporate?
A: We have an open API that is ideal for delivering our video data and information to third-party systems. It is different than the XProtect SDK. Please reach out to your local Milestone contact so they can help connect you to the right person here to discuss.
Q: Will Arcules work with Axis P3719-PLE cameras, multi-sensor? These cameras have the Ambarella chips I believe.
A: Our team is working to expand our set of Axis devices, including the one mentioned. Please reach out to your local Milestone representative to discuss.
Q: I thought Arcules only supports Axis cameras for camera-to-cloud. So, is it truly open?
A: Arcules works with any cameras that use the ONVIF protocol. As a result, we have open integration with over 20,000 cameras.
Q: Does camera-to-cloud work with any camera? Can I use that with my existing cameras? Will it be possible to use other brands than Axis?
A: As of today, the camera-to-cloud feature only works with Axis ARTPEC-8 cameras. We don’t have a specific roadmap for availability with other camera brands. When we make progress on this front, we will let our customers and partners know. You can sign up for Milestone news emails to learn about future integrations.
There is a difference in the number of cameras Arcules supports for integration, depending on your deployment preference. If you’re using an Arcules gateway appliance, cameras that use an ONVIF video streaming protocol will work. That includes thousands of cameras. Currently, if you want to deploy an Arcules system using camera-to-cloud, you need to use an Axis ARTPEC-8 camera model. Capability with Axis ARTPEC-9 cameras will be released shortly and capability with additional camera providers are on the product roadmap.
Q: Does this solution support preferred data transmission method?
A: Data transmission and data protection is an involved discussion, but there are ways to get your specific questions answered. Some options include visiting our knowledge base, sending a message to our tech support, or starting an online chat. We also have online training options.
Q: How many clients can watch the cameras?
A: There is no limit on the number of clients that can use the system. Similarly, as you have the need to add many simultaneous clients, the network infrastructure typically scales to accommodate. Given this, we have not found a need to set a maximum on the number of simultaneous client instances that can be active for a given organization.
Q: We have an XProtect VMS system in place. Is there a way to leverage Arcules cloud to extend retention time in conjunction with site recording servers?
A: To solve for extended retention time, you need to work with one of Milestone’s technology partners to achieve your goal. The short answer is to solve that within the XProtect environment. For example, Wasabi is a cloud storage company. They are experts at cloud retention, and they have a Milestone plug-in for XProtect for cloud retention from a recording server.
When you’re integrating XProtect and Arcules together, the issue is about different cameras connected to the different architectures. Technically, it's not Arcules importing XProtect video and storing it in the cloud. Instead, XProtect connects to a recording server and Arcules uses cloud storage for archive video. The difference in this deployment type—users can stream the Arcules camera video in the XProtect client.
Q: What are the cost considerations for storage and streaming when converting to VSaaS systems? What are the retention time options for storage in the cloud? Do they also need to record locally as well as in the cloud?
A: To be clear, the main parameters involved in cloud retention costs are your video resolution and your recording retention period. If you're storing video locally, then your cost concerns are related to local storage in the gateway. If you’re using camera-to-cloud, your local storage is on the SD card installed into the camera. If you're storing in the cloud, then our parameters are based essentially on resolution and retention time. If you require higher resolution recordings, or if you want to store the video for a longer amount of time, those are going to be the parameters that affect the cost for cloud storage. The cost will vary based on your specific needs.
Milestone can help you determine the cost based on your requirements. Talk to your integration partner or Milestone representative to get the answers to your questions. There are ways that we can help with retention needs.
Q: What is the limit for cloud storage in TB, for example 100TB? Would that make sense regarding price?
A: Currently we offer cloud storage for up to 365 days at 4K resolution, 12 fps. If you have a specific need beyond those parameters, please reach out to your Milestone representative.
Q: If I have a standalone surveillance system that is not connected to the cloud and an incident occurs, but I am unsure of the exact time, I will need to download and review hours of footage. Would it be possible to process this footage using software that supports video analytics to help identify relevant events more efficiently?
A: Currently the Arcules VSaaS does not facilitate bulk upload of 3rd party video for analysis. However, please review our Briefcam product for a solution that might meet your needs.
Q: I have 250 or so cameras as an XProtect customer. If we wanted to remain entirely local but wanted to offer this, can we consider Arcules as an alternative to the Mobile Client?
A: Arcules & XProtect security systems push data related to Arcules-connected cameras to XProtect. Currently, we do not support sending XProtect cameras to the Arcules Web or Mobile Client. However, XProtect offers various client options. In addition to the Smart Client, XProtect offers a Web Client and a Mobile Client.
Q: When we view the recorded data and export it multiple times, is there any cost involved for downloading data?
A: If you have data that is stored on the cloud or locally, you own the data. There is no charge to download it.
Q: If my customer wanted to view recorded video on a cloud recording server but has a limitation in internet speed, can we go with edge recording and then cloud recording?
A: If you're recording on the edge, it may be due to an internet bandwidth issue. You can use local live, which doesn’t send all the data to the cloud and back before you can view it. Instead, the video stream can be viewed onsite. This is especially helpful if the camera that you're looking to view is on site, then you don't have that bandwidth connectivity issue. The data will be sent to the cloud later when internet connectivity is available. That works for camera-to-cloud and for a gateway-connected device. The system will make a local connection using a WebRTC stream.
Q: I would really like to see what analytic capabilities Arcules has to offer: i.e. heat mapping, face detection, blacklists, etc.
A: We may follow up with a webinar on that in the future. In the meantime you can review our knowledge base entries related to video analytics or go to the website and schedule a conversation with your local Milestone representative.
Q: When will the dual-head and multi-sensor cameras be ready for the platform?
A: Camera-to-cloud is highly based on the capability of the camera itself—how much processing power and storage is available to third party processes. So, although we can’t give you a specific answer, please know that we are evaluating the different models that can support camera-to-cloud capability as well as the market demand for those specific camera types.
Q: To reduce bandwidth requirements for the hybrid model, are you planning to eliminate or minimize the recording server requirement at the field level?
A: For a hybrid Arcules & XProtect deployment, you have the option to use an Arcules cloud or camera-to-cloud architecture to integrate with XProtect using the plug-in. Either of these options will minimize your need for onsite storage. Restrictions do apply. For example, camera-to-cloud currently only works with Axis ARTPEC8 models, so please consider this when thinking about possible designs.
As you continue to explore Arcules and its integration with XProtect, it's essential to address the common misconception that on-premises surveillance is inherently more secure than cloud-based solutions. In reality, cloud-based systems offer robust security through constant updates, AI-driven insights and system monitoring that rivals the capabilities in on-premises set ups.
While industries like government and critical infrastructure may be slower to adopt cloud solutions, the rapid advancements in cloud-based surveillance are transforming the landscape. Cloud systems are proving to be resilient, proactive and scalable, making them an increasingly viable option for organizations across sectors, including government and critical infrastructure. Whether you're considering a full cloud migration or a hybrid approach, Arcules offers a flexible and secure pathway to enhance your security operations.
If you’re interested in exploring Arcules for your organization, book us for a personalized, one-on-one demo.
