While some customers are still using analog systems, adoption of IP technology is gaining momentum daily. As small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) begin to use their video data more often, they realise the added value that can only be achieved with IP. 

One of the main characteristics of SMEs is that security video is not a critical: SMEs don’t have hard requirements linking its video to its business operations, unlike airports which may need to shut down a terminal when the video is not functioning properly. For most SMEs video data is used opportunistically – when and if it is needed: incident driven where a specific situation causes them to refer to the video.

However, the situations creating the need to check their video data have been expanding in recent years. Video surveillance used to be thought of as a form of insurance to have for reference in case of negative incidents, but now more SMEs are using their video proactively for activities such as training, monitoring access when away from their businesses (i.e. accepting deliveries remotely), and for understanding customer behaviours through video analytics.

These uses are also driving the adoption of 360-degree and HD cameras, for critical areas of coverage or monitoring a wider area with few cameras. However, in many regions of the world the cost of bandwidth, especially to upload data, is much higher than the cost of storage. For example, an average HD camera used for surveillance requires a bandwidth of two to three megabits per second, approximately 35 GB of data per week streaming continuously. Multiply that by eight or 16 cameras and the SME is looking at considerable network requirements.

For smaller businesses, the trick is to be able to spend as little money as possible today to address an existing need while also providing the reassurance that whatever the future holds, your system can change with limited effort or additional cost.  Milestone always recommends that customers with existing legacy systems keep as much of the system in place as possible, where additional budget should be spent on more cameras to improve coverage. Old cameras can be replaced over time as they become obsolete or break down.

In order to support customers with the transition from older analog devices, Milestone has many encoder partners, and we support hundreds of encoder models. Special encoder pricing is also offered where only one camera license per encoder IP address is charged, regardless of the number of analog cameras connected to that encoder. With most of Milestone’s supported encoders, this means just one license per four to 16 cameras, depending on the installing partner.

Milestone also offers a range of Hybrid Husky network video recorders with built-in encoders, reducing the cost and complexity of managing hybrid systems that combine IP cameras with legacy analog cameras. Milestone has a complete portfolio of products to allow SME customers to start as small as they need today and scale the system over time as their environment, needs, and security setup changes.

Find out more about how Milestone Systems can help your business with cutting edge business solutions.