Explaining video technology trends within the surveillance industry

One of the most significant shifts in the security industry is the move toward subscription-based models such as Video-Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS). Companies deploy video management software (VMS) on-premise in traditional surveillance deployments. This type of software operates on an on-site server. Users access the software via a client workstation or remotely on their smart devices.  

VSaaS allows organizations to meet video surveillance needs by leveraging cloud-based platforms like Arcules. Several factors drive the adoption of VSaaS: 

• Cost efficiency: VSaaS can eliminate the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure. Instead, organizations pay a recurring fee for access to cloud-hosted services. 
• Scalability: Cloud platforms enable businesses to scale their surveillance systems quickly, accommodating growth without extensive reconfiguration. 
• Remote accessibility: Cloud technology allows users to access video feeds and analytics from anywhere, enhancing operational flexibility. 
• Data security: Cloud services ensure secure data storage and transmission with robust encryption and compliance measures. 

Arcules is a VSaaS platform that exemplifies the future of hybrid video security solutions by combining the scalability and flexibility of cloud technology with the reliability of on-premises video management platforms. As a Milestone Systems product, Arcules simplifies surveillance for distributed locations by offering centralized management of live and recorded video, alarms and analytics through an intuitive cloud-based interface. This hybrid approach reduces IT complexity and upfront costs while enabling real-time access to data across multiple sites.  

Organizations benefit from Arcules' ability to unify operations while leveraging advanced features like AI-driven analytics for actionable insights. The platform's integration with Milestone's XProtect® VMS further strengthens its capabilities, creating a comprehensive solution that blends cloud agility with enterprise-grade infrastructure. A hybrid approach positions Milestone's Arcules as a leader in the growing VSaaS market, addressing the evolving needs of organizations seeking efficient, scalable, and intelligent video security systems. 

This transition from on-premises systems to cloud-based solutions reduces complexity. It unlocks new opportunities for integrating advanced features like AI-driven video analytics. 

An alternative to VSaaS or a fully on-premise VMS is a cloud-hosted VMS. This option provides a full array of features offered by an enterprise-grade VMS, but the software operates in the cloud. Milestone accomplishes this by deploying XProtect on any cloud service, such as AWS, Google Cloud and Wasabi. The VMS is fully deployed in the cloud, saving on infrastructure and maintenance costs. 

AI is revolutionizing video surveillance by enabling systems to go beyond passive monitoring. Instead of merely recording footage, AI-powered systems can analyze real-time video feeds to detect anomalies, identify patterns, and predict potential threats. Key applications include: 

• Predictive security: AI algorithms can identify unusual behavior or potential risks before they escalate into incidents. 
• Facial recognition: Advanced recognition systems are used for access control, identifying individuals in crowded environments, or tracking persons of interest. 
• Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR): Recognition of vehicle license plate details is a powerful application of artificial intelligence. It identifies and tracks automobiles by scanning plate information in real time. ALPR systems provide actionable insights by cross-referencing license plates against watchlists, improving traffic enforcement, crime prevention and situational awareness. 
• Object detection: AI can identify specific objects, such as weapons or unattended bags, enhancing situational awareness. 
• Automation: By automating routine tasks like monitoring and alerting, AI reduces the burden on human operators while improving efficiency. 

BriefCam^®, a Milestone Systems product, is renowned for its advanced video analytics capabilities, transforming video surveillance into actionable intelligence. By leveraging AI and machine learning, BriefCam enables users to extract meaningful insights from video footage, significantly enhancing the efficiency of security operations. Its platform supports rapid video search, real-time alerting and data visualization. It allows organizations to quickly identify and respond to incidents while uncovering trends and patterns for broader operational insights. These capabilities are particularly valuable in retail, transportation, and public safety industries, where video analytics can improve customer experiences, optimize operations, and enhance situational awareness. 

A standout feature of BriefCam is its ability to condense hours of video footage into short, actionable summaries through its patented Video Synopsis^® technology. Video Synopsis allows users to review events efficiently by displaying multiple objects or activities in a single condensed view while maintaining the temporal context. Additionally, BriefCam's integration with Milestone Systems' XProtect VMS enhances its functionality by providing seamless access to robust video management tools. These technologies empower organizations to transition from reactive security measures to proactive decision-making by combining real-time analytics with comprehensive video management. BriefCam exemplifies how AI-driven video analytics can unlock a surveillance platform's full potential for security and operational intelligence. 

In video surveillance and analytics, metadata, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) serve distinct but interconnected purposes. Metadata refers to "data about data"—descriptive information extracted from video footage, such as timestamps, object classifications or motion patterns. It provides structured insights that make video data searchable and actionable but does not involve autonomous decision-making. On the other hand, AI encompasses a broader set of technologies designed to mimic human intelligence, enabling systems to analyze video feeds in real time, recognize patterns and make autonomous decisions. AI systems often leverage ML, a subset of AI that uses algorithms to learn from data and improve over time without explicit programming. While metadata organizes information for straightforward interpretation, AI and ML actively process this data to deliver advanced functionalities like anomaly detection, facial recognition and predictive analytics. 

Customers should look for specific capabilities to discern whether a surveillance company offers AI-powered solutions. AI solutions typically include real-time behavioral analysis, continuous learning from new data and adaptability to changing environments. They go beyond rule-based analytics by leveraging deep learning models for complex tasks like object recognition or activity prediction. Customers can validate claims by asking for demonstrations of these capabilities. Additionally, transparency about the underlying technology—such as using neural networks or training datasets—can help distinguish genuine AI from video analytics tools that rely on pre-programmed rules or static algorithms. 

Integrating video analytics into security systems marks a shift from reactive surveillance to proactive intelligence gathering. Video analytics uses metadata and data algorithms to extract actionable insights from video data. The functions can include detecting motion, identifying objects or triggering alerts based on predefined rules. They are helpful for physical security applications like monitoring access points or detecting suspicious activity. 

Video analytics rely on rule-based algorithms or essential pattern recognition to analyze video feeds. While some systems, such as BriefCam, incorporate machine learning (ML), not all video analytics solutions are powered by AI. The analytics may be limited to predefined scenarios or static algorithms, making them less adaptable to changing environments. 

This technology has diverse applications across industries: 

• Retail: Analyze customer behavior to optimize store layouts or manage queues. 
• Transportation: Monitor traffic flow and detect accidents or congestion. 
• Healthcare: Ensure compliance with hygiene protocols or monitor patient safety. 
• Critical infrastructure: Detect unauthorized access or equipment malfunctions. 

Video analytics enhance security and business efficiency by transforming cameras into intelligent sensors capable of providing operational insights. 

The IoT is pivotal in advancing video technology within the security industry. IoT devices such as sensors, cameras, and smart locks are increasingly interconnected, creating comprehensive ecosystems that enhance situational awareness. Key benefits include: 

• Enhanced interoperability: IoT-enabled devices can communicate with each other and integrate with existing IT systems. 

• Real-time monitoring: IoT sensors provide real-time data on environmental conditions, occupancy levels or equipment status. 

• Automation: Smart devices can trigger automated responses based on predefined conditions (e.g., locking doors when an alarm is activated). 

• Energy efficiency: IoT solutions optimize resource usage by adjusting lighting or HVAC systems based on occupancy data. 

As IoT adoption grows, addressing challenges like cybersecurity risks and interoperability standards is critical to ensure seamless integration across platforms. 

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a key role in video surveillance, enabling devices like cameras, sensors and smart locks to communicate and create interconnected security ecosystems. Traditional IoT integrations have included remote monitoring, real-time notifications and automation of responses, such as triggering alarms or locking doors when a breach is detected. These capabilities have been foundational in enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency. For example, IoT-enabled systems have allowed seamless integration between surveillance cameras and environmental sensors to monitor conditions like temperature or air quality alongside security footage. 

However, more recent advancements in IoT are pushing the boundaries of what these systems can achieve. Emerging integrations include edge computing, where data is processed locally on devices rather than sent to a central server, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making. AI-powered IoT devices are also becoming more sophisticated, offering advanced analytics like behavioral pattern recognition and predictive insights. Looking ahead, we can expect further innovations such as autonomous IoT ecosystems where devices independently assess situations and coordinate responses. Additionally, the rise of 5G networks will enhance connectivity between IoT-enabled surveillance systems, allowing faster data transmission and higher-quality video streaming across dispersed networks. These developments signal a shift toward more innovative, proactive security solutions that leverage IoT to deliver enhanced precision and efficiency. 

The future of video technology in the security industry includes innovation, integration and responsibility. Trends like VSaaS, cloud computing, AI-driven analytics and IoT integration are transforming traditional security practices into intelligent ecosystems capable of delivering safety and business value.  

As these technologies evolve, organizations must remain adaptable while addressing ethical considerations to ensure that advancements benefit society. By embracing these trends strategically, businesses can enhance their security posture and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.