Salisbury University Improves Campus Security with OnSSI Software and Axis Network Cameras
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OnSSI's Gold-Level Status in Axis' Application Development Partner Program Made for Seamless Integration of Easy-To-Use Video Management and High-Quality PTZ and Fixed Dome Cameras
Dallas, TX - OnSSI today announces that Salisbury University has installed approximately 200 Axis Communications network cameras in a new surveillance system on its 182-acre campus in Maryland, home to more than 8,000 students. OnSSI's video management software delivers instant access to real-time or archived video from any of the new IP-based cameras from Axis Communications, with integration provided by Mark Filippelli of SimplexGrinnell's Salisbury, Maryland office. The University's expanding system will have a total of 300 network cameras by the summer of 2011.
"We were looking for a complete system comprised of technologies that work well together and that will take us beyond what's available today," said Tony Stancil, Associate Director for Information Technology at Salisbury University. "Especially as we look toward growth, we need the expertise that each of these companies brings to the table. Axis and OnSSI are strong partners in this system, as well as SimplexGrinnell. The whole partnership makes it very valuable for us."
"Behind the scenes, it's evident that OnSSI and Axis share input in combining video management and network camera technologies, but to us it appears as a single platform," added Mr. Stancil.
"Even though we've had a great experience so far, we are in the infancy of this system," said Lt. Brian Waller of the Salisbury University Police Department. "Our abilities with the system will increase exponentially over time."
Previously, the campus had several separate, non-networked video systems. When surveillance video helped to solve a $30,000 burglary, it provided the impetus to upgrade to a campus-wide, networked system. Originally 78 cameras were installed in a pedestrian tunnel and parking garage, and more cameras have been added around the campus, all connected to the university's IP network. Currently there are close to 200 network cameras in all, a number that is increasing every day.
The IP-based system is running on four servers with an external RAID storage array providing 3 terabytes of storage for each server, which translates into about 20 days of storage. The system is monitored in the campus police dispatch center, with security officers also monitoring cameras in the parking garage.
The university currently uses NetDVMS IP-based video surveillance management software from OnSSI, but is looking to transition to OnSSI's Ocularis system for large-enterprise environments as the system expands. Ocularis is highly scalable and simplifies management of edge devices, hardware and networking by implementing a
centralized recording administration application. Providing the ability to manage camera settings system-wide, Ocularis enables a user to "drop" a camera into a predefined group having common settings, and the camera takes on those settings.
The university has standardized on three Axis network camera models: AXIS P3344 Fixed Dome Network Camera, an indoor/outdoor, HDTV fixed mini-dome with remote focus and zoom; AXIS P3343 Fixed Dome Network Camera with remote focus and zoom; and the outdoor-ready AXIS Q6032-E Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Dome Network Camera. Impressed by the quality of megapixel imaging and HDTV 720p options, the university has favored AXIS P3344 model in recent purchases, and it will likely be the model of choice moving forward. "We like what we see with the Axis cameras, which is why we have standardized on them. The products work for us and give us the best image clarity at the price point," said Mr. Stancil. "We also like that they seem to be moving forward with the technology. Seeing the new cameras and the new technology has really impressed us."
Lt. Waller appreciates the OnSSI system's ability to "push" video if there is movement in an image, which enables a dispatcher to look only at video he needs to see rather than having to watch multiple screens. The OnSSI system also makes it simple to find archived video. For example, the Time Slice feature divides stored footage into time increments. "There are multiple ways to do playback and to search for archived images," said Lt. Waller. "There are a lot of tools in the toolbox. It has layers of bells and whistles, but it is also an intuitive system."
Lt. Waller also likes how OnSSI manages access to video; cameras are only visible on the system to those who have access. There are infinite configurations of who can view what video and who can export data. "It gives us peace of mind to continue growing the system knowing we are not increasing our liability related to unauthorized access to video," said Lt. Waller. The university end-users also appreciate the simplicity of OnSSI's licensing arrangement, which involves simply buying the software and a license for each camera (no hidden fees or client costs).
Lt. Waller also noted, "The University Police Department's number one priority is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the campus community. When we consider any technology procurements, be they surveillance cameras, emergency alert systems, or emergency telephones, we want to be certain they serve that priority and enhance safety. I believe the OnSSI solution does that."
"The growing system at Salisbury University reflects the wonderful opportunity that networked video provides for the education environment," said Gadi Piran, President and Chief Technology Officer, OnSSI. "It also demonstrates the value of open-system connectivity and the benefits of choosing high-quality products such as Axis cameras to provide top-notch image quality. We are proud of our status as an Axis Gold Application Development Partner (ADP) to make such installations successful, and look forward to continuing to collaborate to maximize benefits to customers."
"Being named a Gold Partner in our ADP program is a testament to OnSSI's belief in network-based video surveillance and an open IP platform," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications Inc. "The benefits of network video - such as improved image quality, intelligent applications, ease-of-installation, and expedited archive search - shine the brightest when many camera feeds covering wide distances must be streamlined into a single easily-managed system, just like the one at Salisbury University."
For more information on OnSSI, call 845-732-7900, e-mail info@onssi.com or visit www.onssi.com.
About OnSSI
With over 30,000 installations around the world and more citywide deployments than any other video surveillance software solution, OnSSI is the choice of security and IT professionals. OnSSI's solutions fit needs of all sizes and enable users to choose best-of-breed components, grow with their needs over time and increase productivity and efficiency in order to help security professionals keep their facilities safer more easily.
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