IP video management software (VMS) and network cameras mean all of the campuses for the University of the West of Scotland can better manage security through one system.
The products, fitted and maintained by the Scottish-based installer Boston Networks are Milestone Systems software and Axis cameras.
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley with 18,000 students and about 1300 staff. The four campuses across the west of Scotland had been running disparate security systems. The university saw the gain from a central approach to the control and maintenance of its security estate. UWS had already begun the migration of its infrastructure to IP video, resulting in multiple variations of Milestone VMS.
Boston Networks then worked with the university to review each installation across campuses. The installer’s migration plan proposed Milestone XProtect Expert VMS to control the largest campus; integration of all Axis digital cameras; and a maintenance and support service.
The initial phase of the migration included adding Axis cameras indoors and outdoors at the Paisley campus to cover hallways and corridors, libraries, building entrances and exits and car parks. Boston Networks then began the integration of more than 200 new IP cameras and the consolidation of the VMS platforms to a central monitoring station at Paisley. The platforms were then wholly upgraded to one standard Milestone XProtect Expert platform.
The university reports better image quality from HD-quality footage. Paul Goodbrand, Director of Intelligent Buildings at Boston Networks, says: “This solution provides many benefits for the university: superior image quality from Axis cameras, future-proof integration capabilities from the Milestone open platform software and distributed intelligence with IP scalability and cost effectiveness. Moreover, Boston Networks will continue to work with the university to maintain its system and ensure that performance and security are never compromised.”
Milestone says that its XProtect Expert software includes device group management for handling of hundreds of cameras. The XProtect System Monitor also gives real-time feedback on system performance. Video recording is done with the XProtect 64-bit recording server, which allows the university to run more cameras on less hardware, the installer reports. The system allows multi-live streaming of live footage, with best use of bandwidth, the installer adds.
About the installer
Boston Networks continues to work with the university to maintain the new security system. The maintenance service provides direct access to the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and 24/7 vendor-accredited support. The company based in Glasgow also has offices in Edinburgh, Bolton and Team Valley, Gateshead.
