Voting is open for Data Storage Solution of the Year at the Security Buyer Readers’ Awards 2026, giving readers the opportunity to recognise the technologies supporting video recording, retention and retrieval. Voting closes on 30 October 2026.
As surveillance systems capture higher-resolution footage and process more AI-generated data, storage plays an increasingly important role in security operations. Buyers must consider recording continuity, capacity, accessibility and how quickly teams can retrieve evidence when an incident occurs.
This year’s four finalists cover different approaches to those requirements, from cloud-based management platforms to hard drives developed for simultaneous recording and analytics workloads. Presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer, the finalists are:
Rhombus Console
Rhombus Console brings cameras, access control, sensors and other security devices into a single cloud-based management platform. Teams can oversee multiple locations, manage permissions and share video clips and incident information. Its AI-powered Smart Search supports footage retrieval through event detection, intelligent filtering and natural language queries, helping operators find relevant recordings. Encryption at rest and in transit supports the protection of security data.
Seagate SkyHawk AI
Seagate SkyHawk AI is a surveillance hard drive designed for continuous recording and AI-enabled analytics. With capacities reaching 32TB, it supports up to 64 HD camera streams alongside 32 AI streams. Image Perfect AI firmware manages recording and analytics demands, while a workload rating of 550TB per year supports demanding installations. SkyHawk Health Management adds monitoring intended to help identify potential drive problems.
Toshiba S300 AI Series
Toshiba’s S300 AI Series addresses the combined demands of video recording, analytics and metadata processing. Available in capacities from 8TB to 24TB, the drives support up to 64 high-resolution camera streams and 32 AI streams. OptiFrame AI Technology balances continuous recording with analytics-related access to stored data. The range is designed for round-the-clock operation and supports installations with up to 24 drive bays.
Verkada Command
Verkada Command combines onboard camera recording with centralised cloud management, backup and archiving. Depending on the camera model, onboard retention ranges from 30 to 365 days, with local recording continuing during interruptions to cloud connectivity. Teams can access footage across multiple sites, archive selected clips and manage access permissions. Incident Management allows archived recordings to be organised within a single investigation repository.
Cast your vote before 30 October
Whether you specify storage infrastructure, install surveillance systems or manage recorded evidence, your experience can help determine which finalist receives this year’s award.
Explore the finalist profiles, consider their capabilities and vote for your preferred Data Storage Solution of the Year. Free Security Buyer membership is available for readers who have not yet registered.
Voting closes on 30 October 2026. Winners will be announced during the Security Buyer Awards live stream on 19 November 2026.
