With nearly three decades of experience, T.J. Dooley of Limitless Integrations LLC, stands out as a visionary leader. His hands-on journey, starting as a technician and progressing to business owner, has equipped him with unique insights into the industry’s challenges and transformations.
T.J. has witnessed firsthand the monumental shift towards cloud technology, and he believes that for security integrators, embracing cloud services is no longer a choice but a necessity. T.J.’s experience illustrates how Salient’s Cloud Services have become essential tools for ensuring robust security and seamless access, paving the way for a future where cloud-based solutions are the foundation of security integration.
A Turning Point: Why Cloud Became the Way Forward
T.J.’s journey with cloud services wasn’t driven by curiosity—it was a necessity. His enterprise customers, managing sites across the globe, were struggling with third-party security audits. Every time an audit rolled around, the same issue popped up: too many open ports for remote video access. These vulnerabilities weren’t just frustrating—they posed serious security risks.
That’s when he turned to Salient’s Cloud Services. After implementing it, the next audit came back with zero issues. “We passed with flying colors,” he recalls. That single success was enough to change his entire approach. “Now, I don’t even send a quote without cloud services included. It’s not an option—it’s a requirement.”
A Game-Changer for the Cincinnati Reds
One of the first major organizations to embrace Salient’s Cloud Services was the Cincinnati Reds. Managing security across multiple locations—including international sites—had the potential to be a logistical nightmare. But with cloud services, everything fell into place effortlessly.
“We didn’t have to battle IT to open six or eight ports across multiple firewalls,” T.J. explains. “We just added the recording server to the network, connected it to the cloud, and instantly had access to the video—securely and without hassle.”
For the Reds, the ease of deployment and enhanced security made the decision a no-brainer. For T.J., it reinforced what he already knew: cloud wasn’t just an upgrade—it was the future.
The Cloud Advantage: Simplicity, Security, and Speed
One of the biggest frustrations in security integration is unnecessary complexity. Before cloud, troubleshooting service tickets often meant digging through IT settings to see if firewall ports had been changed. It was a constant headache.”Now, that’s a thing of the past,” T.J. says. “With cloud, those issues just disappear.”
Here’s why cloud services are gaining traction:
- Stronger Security: No more open ports, which means fewer firewall vulnerabilities.
- Remote Accessibility: Secure access to systems from anywhere, without exposing critical infrastructure.
- Faster Deployment: No waiting on IT to configure ports—just a straightforward, seamless setup.
For organizations serious about security, cloud services aren’t a hard sell. “When an IT team understands firewalls, cyber threats, and best practices, the conversation is simple. Cloud is the answer.”
Overcoming Resistance: The Cost vs. Security Debate
Despite its advantages, some businesses still hesitate—often because of cost. But T.J. sees it differently. “If a company isn’t willing to invest in security, I have to question if they’re the right customer for me.”
For large enterprises, moving to cloud might mean shifting budget priorities. But the demand is clear. “I had a massive global client who wanted to go cloud but was unable to due to their access control system being unable to make the switch to cloud. That’s how much things have changed. Companies aren’t just open to cloud—they’re requiring it. And if they can’t get it, they’ll switch providers.”
The Future is Here
“I don’t think cloud should even be optional anymore—it should be standard. Security is changing fast, and cloud is the only way forward.” T.J. says.
The security landscape is evolving rapidly, and companies can’t afford to fall behind. For security integrators and resellers, the message is clear: if you’re not talking about cloud, you’re not offering the best solution. The future of security isn’t just in the cloud—it’s built on it.
