In the evolution of video surveillance systems, each new technology breakthrough has improved functionality, system performance and quality for the user. As IP systems technology develops, security professionals can more quickly detect, prioritize and ­respond to incidents as they occur. Using video management software and physical security information management (VMS/PSIM) systems for server-based or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, these activities are easier to manage and make ­security operations more productive and cost-effective.

IP systems are also transforming and evolving video surveillance by moving security operations beyond the control room. Wireless and broadband networks make video images accessible anywhere, whether on a smartphone or a laptop. These new developments in VMS technology are furthering this trend with greater functionality and an improved user experience that emulates the experience and quality of accessing video in a traditional control room, making mobile security technology a viable option for VMS users.

Crisp, Clear Images in Real Time
VMS software now has the capability to provide clear, detailed and full-motion surveillance video immediately through any web browser. Each camera can be played back and reviewed, on its own, in full screen, or at the same time as the other cameras. Operators can zoom digitally into any camera view with no loss of quality because the software retains each camera‘s original resolution. The technology enables HD, standard definition and megapixel cameras to stream at their original resolutions even over a low-speed connection or limited bandwidth network. Video streams through the cloud can be monitored at full frame rates (with less than one-second lag); including the ability to digitally control pan/tilt/zoom functions. Streams are encrypted to enable secure connection both inside and outside of an enterprise network, with all the resulting collaborative and public safety advantages.

Intuitive User Interface
Using new technology, critical alerts exported from across the organization to authorized mobile devices are automatically distributed for investigation and event handling. For example, if an alarmed door exit at a facility is breached, video of the unauthorized entry/exit would be automatically "pushed" to pre-selected devices, enabling authorities in the area to immediately view the incident and then take the necessary action. Intuitive and time-saving tools like touch-screen technology, map-based interfaces, context-sensitive pop-up controls, pre-defined action lists and time slice forensics provide the advantage needed to make the right decision when an alert is sent.

In addition to an efficient and intuitive user interface, when mobile security is integrated with third-party technologies such as video analytics, access control, environmental detection, etc. the system value and user experience is greatly elevated while maintaining operational simplicity.

Security and Beyond
Mobile security technology also lays the groundwork for video surveillance systems to take on expanded roles beyond traditional security and surveillance. In addition to offering superior security detection and loss prevention, mobile video applications can also help businesses boost sales, optimize store layouts, enhance productivity, count people, monitor crowd control and more. Broadly speaking, mobile video provides a valuable new asset to the enterprise with a solid return on investment.

Mobile security as an element of a VMS system can ensure an operational efficiency that would be almost impossible for a non-managed system to achieve. Traditional record/review systems typically have too few operators with too little time, trying to handle too many cameras and too much information. Intelligent and sophisticated software solutions address these problems by filtering the important information and combining multiple alerts to create meaningful events. And now, with mobile capability, users can save even more time and resources.