Euralarm has published a new guideline on contracting cloud services for secure remote access to alarm systems and for secure alarm transmission. The guideline provides a description of important concepts related to cloud services, considers relevant standards and provides an overview of the legal criteria for the choice of a cloud service provider.
It is becoming more commonplace to use the latest technology to provide IP-based alarm transmission and remote access to fire safety systems and/or security systems (FSSS) and as such locate part of the equipment outside of the premises of the FSSS service provider. This poses special challenges for companies. This new guideline of Euralarm will assist FSSS service providers (e.g. installers) when utilising the services of a datacentre to house part of the equipment.
Guidance is given for two specific use cases, each with their specific requirements and target audience. One use case is alarm transmission via an Alarm Transmission System (ATS) operated and managed by an Alarm Transmission Service Provider (ATSP) for which availability, transmission time, fault reporting and protection against substitution are key features. Another use case is remote access to the FSSS via a Remote Access Infrastructure (RAI) operated and managed by a Remote Access Infrastructure Service Provide (RAISP) for which secured access to the FSSS and data are key features, while availability is for convenience only.
Although the guideline provides a lot of information on cloud services, the guideline does not purport to address all legislative requirements of individual countries within Europe. Care should be taken to consider the guideline in the context of any local legislative requirements which take precedence.
Copies of the document can be downloaded from the Euralarm website or here in English, German, French and Spanish.