Yes, it’s true, the VHS tape has gone way of the laserdisc, BETA and Atari. It is now officially declared a dead media format after Distribution Video Audio of Palm Harbor, Fla., the last major supplier of VHS tapes, shipped the last of its salable stock.  

While it’s been a while since you could pop into a video store (isn’t a name change warranted?) or Wal-Mart to pick up the latest movie on VHS, there are many people who still watch video. Me included. My video library, which I can’t seem to let go, includes tapes from the 90s.

If you’re watching an old video tape of your favorite movie, that’s one thing. But if you’re still relying on this ancient media to track and monitor your self-storage facility, that’s a problem.

Do you have a stack of VCR tapes in the back office? Does your manager re-record on the same tape over and over? If so, it’s time to catch up with technology. And it’s easier and more affordable than you think it is.

Check out the ISS archives on technology and security. You’ll find a smorgasbord of information including an explanation of digital video surveillance, choosing the right system for your facility and how to integrate your self-storage security and software.

I admit it: I’ll probably hang on to my videos a few more years, but at least I’m no longer taping my favorite shows with a video tape and VCR. I’ve gone digital. And so should you.