A good discussion starter, maybe some points to clarify
"you should make sure its an IP-based solution These have become standard.....connect to these cameras wirelessly"
That's not kinda sorta true....
In the marketplace today, about 99% of the low-end DVR systems are still all analog, using standard coaxial cable to feed video and a 12V DC power feed for each camera.
Keep in mind that there are 'wireless webcams' and 'IP-based security cameras'. ...two very different animals.
A wireless webcam is typically not well suited as a video surveillance camera at all, and if you start shopping for a reasonable quality IP-based CCTV camera, these cost upwards of $200 each. Something like a EYESurv, AXIS, Panasonic, or similar camera is going to start at $200, and can go up well over $1000 if you want something nice.
Beware that a 'cheap' cmos-based wireless Webcam will have wonderful video during the day, but forget about low-light, or difficult lighting conditions (e.g. harsh setting sun).
The bottom line here is that for your 'starter' system, from Q-See, Swann, Gadspot, EYEsurv, you get four analog cameras and some plain old fashioned coax cable with an attached 12V power feed. Many cheap $50 color CCD surveillance cameras will provide D1 (broadcast quality) video day and night.
Wireless.....
Wireless cameras are a great idea except....they need power.
So while you saved the bother of a cable run, do you have an electrical outlet where it's needed?
Plus, that camera needs both UPS battery backup and surge suppression, things you put into place when you run a single dedicated CCTV power supply. Ever have to reboot a camera? If it's plugged into an outlet in the attic, or 20 feet up on the wall of your store, good luck with that.
The bottom line is that wireless cameras are great where you absoultely cannot run a cable, but it still needs power.
Professionally installed IP-based cameras, by the way, use POE (power over Ethernet).
With POE there is one CAT-5 or CAT-6 cable from your DVR/NVR and wiring closet, and you provide controllable, filtered, uninterrupted power from your Ethernet switch.
One other comment about 'generating alerts'
Comment: generally does not work.
If you have a camera where there is never any motion or change of lighting, you can use it as a motion detector.
Outdoors? You will get an alert when the wind blows (leaves), when the neighbor cat goes by, when a fly lands on the camera. Even indoors, changes in lighting count as motion events. So if you've heard of the "boy who cried wolf"
Do not mean to be critical, good article, lots of good thoughts.
