IT networks … benefits and pitfalls

Multi-service IT networks are becoming commonplace, giving enterprises and public authorities new functional and financial capabilities. The benefits of network-based digital video surveillance systems are:

• Sharing the infrastructure and related costs. Corporate IT networks connect more and more devices – PCs, printers, telephones and control equipment. The networks become the key to the corporate communications policy. Video streams can easily find a place in this cost-effective multi-service approach, because multiple applications can share the same infrastructure.
  
• Flexibility and ease of use. Devices can be connected anywhere on the network. Due to this plug-and-play approach it is easy to adapt the video infrastructure to the changing needs of the company.
  
• Features. Digitisation of the video streams at the source allows a complete integration of the video into the IT system. The system can be managed via Graphical User Interfaces, which make it easier to handle the video streams, notably storage and playback.

But there are pitfalls to avoid

• Do not alter image quality. The quality of images is crucial, to allow face or number plate recognition, for example. Customers require professional quality videos.
  
• Do not overload the network. Video streams can be heavy. Hence the need for digital systems that can integrate high-performing compression technologies and optimise the bandwidth while maintaining high image quality.
  
• Do not question previous investments. Most premises are already equipped with analogue video surveillance. When moving forward to digital, it is financially critical to keep using this equipment, while bringing in the advantages specific to digital solutions.
  
• Do not lose features. If digital solutions bring new features, this cannot be to the detriment of traditional features available on analogue systems.

VisioWave, based in Switzerland and France, was founded in 1996 and has become a leader in high performance digital video systems for IT networks.

VisioWave, 15 rue Saint Denis, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France.