Guest Column: Making The Transition - The Compelling Benefits Of Network Video Surveillance

By Will Botten, Manager, Engineering and Support, Direct Source, Inc.

Increased loss prevention concerns, combined with the need to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, drive many retailers to transition from existing analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems to IP-based network video technology.

Many retailers already employ high-speed, IP-based networks connected to the Internet to support data sharing and reporting. Adding a network video system simply utilizes and extends the same IP infrastructure to include video functionality. Standard IT equipment, such as switches and PC servers for video recording and storage are used, allowing retail organizations to maximize the return on their existing IT investments.