All posts

From Milestone to Angelcam: A Case Study and Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Elias Bustos
July 24, 2024
5 min
reading
From Milestone to Angelcam: A Case Study and Step-by-Step Migration Guide
All posts

From Milestone to Angelcam: A Case Study and Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Elias Bustos
September 4, 2024
5 min
reading
From Milestone to Angelcam: A Case Study and Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Maintaining updated and cohesive surveillance systems can be quite a challenge for many organizations, especially those with extensive infrastructures operating in numerous locations. Compounding this difficulty, many surveillance and video management software providers often fail to offer compatible systems for different security camera brands.

This forces companies to rely on fragmented solutions, considerably hindering their operations due to outdated or incompatible technology. In this article, we'll explore a case study of a renewable energy company that is facing these challenges and how they are able to restore functionality to 70% of their security cameras by migrating from their old system to the Angelcam cloud.

The Challenge: Outdated and Incompatible Systems

With many large-scale projects and infrastructure, the company in question depends on surveillance cameras to ensure the safety and functionality of its facilities across their various sites in the US. The company uses both Avigilon and Axis cameras. However, their current video management platform provided by Milestone is not compatible with their Axis cameras. This represents 70% of their cameras not working as they should.

This incompatibility obviously complicates their surveillance operations, as a considerable portion of their equipment is unable to work together. Additionally, the company uses some type of DVR/NVR or local servers to store all video footage, significantly increasing maintenance costs and potential risks such as physical damage caused by fires, floods, accidents, or theft.

Let's analyze more precisely the challenges the company is facing and how best to solve them:

High Failure Rate

One of the most pressing problems is the high failure rate of their surveillance cameras. Their functioning at a mere 30% has crippled them from effectively monitoring their various sites, exposing them to high-level security risks.

Incompatibility Issues

The company is running a video management software which does not support Axis cameras. This incompatibility is complicating surveillance operations and needs a more versatile solution to get the cameras to work again.

Inefficient Storage

The company needs flexible recording options; at best, the platform should store data for 24 to 72 hours. Their current storage system is server-based and it involves frequent maintenance; it is also inefficient and poses several risks.

The Solution: Migrating to Angelcam

By leveraging their existing Axis cameras, the company is able to easily migrate from Milestone to the Angelcam cloud, restoring functionality to 70% of their cameras without the need of additional hardware. With the Angelcam Connector, the company can unify all their Axis cameras in secure cloud-based servers with remote accessibility from a centralized platform. Here's why Angelcam is a perfect match:

Broad Compatibility

Angelcam supports more than 200 camera brands, including Axis. Angelcam's camera connector allows for easy integration of already installed Axis cameras without the need for installing additional hardware, saving the company from having to buy new equipment.

Cost-Effective Storage

Angelcam offers cloud-based storage with flexible cloud recording options. This means that the company can decide how long they want to keep their video footage and adjust it to their budget. Plus, cloud recording eliminates the need for on-site storage infrastructure and related maintenance.

Cloud-Based Efficiency

Migrating to Angelcam offers convenient access to the video footage from anywhere without relying on traditional NVR or DVR systems. Furthermore, user rights and individual access to streams can be easily shared with colleagues from any camera or location, enhancing collaboration and decision-making.

By migrating to Angelcam, the company can effectively address their camera's high failure rate and inefficiencies of their old Milestone system. Here's a step-by-step guide on how they can bring their Axis cameras back online:

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Moving to Angelcam is very easy. In this specific case, the company can connect their Axis cameras to the Angelcam cloud using the Angelcam Connector, which is as simple as installing an app on a smartphone. This not only brings their Axis cameras back online but also unlocks a world of functionalities, propelling them into the future of cloud-based surveillance.

Step 1: Create your Angelcam Account

Start by creating an Angelcam account. Signing up is quick and easy, and you’ll get your first 21 days of the Essentials Plan for free. This plan supports up to 10 cameras and includes features like live video monitoring, unlimited resolution for camera streams, and secure, encrypted connections.

Step 2: Download Angelcam Connector for Axis Cameras

Next, download the Angelcam connector specifically designed for Axis cameras. This connector allows your Axis camera to communicate with the Angelcam cloud, enabling seamless integration.

Step 3: Install Angelcam connector on your Axis Cameras

Install the Angelcam Connector on your Axis cameras. This process is similar to installing an app on your smartphone. Here's a detailed installation guide.

Step 4: Set Storage and Monitoring Preferences

Once your cameras are connected, set your storage and monitoring preferences. Choose how long you want to retain your video footage, set up real-time alerts, manage user permissions. For large-scale setups, the Business Plan offers unlimited camera connectivity and advanced sharing options.

With Angelcam's 'plug and play' device, AngelBox, the renewable energy company is also able to migrate their remaining camera brands to the Angelcam platform, ensuring a more efficient and reliable surveillance infrastructure with 100% of their equipment back to being operational again.

Additional Features for Cloud-Based Surveillance

Real Time Security

Once migrated to Angelcam, the company can enjoy and customize additional features to make their surveillance operations even more efficient and robust. Angelcam's Real-Time Security allows the company to deter thieves with audio warnings, either managed internally or through a central monitoring station. This proactive approach helps prevent incidents before they escalate, enhancing overall site security.

AI Integration

Angelcam’s AI integration solutions bring advanced capabilities to their surveillance system. These include face detection, which identifies and monitors individuals who shouldn't be on the premises, thereby enhancing access control and security measures. Additionally, license plate detection automatically detects and logs vehicles that are not authorized to be on the property, improving traffic management and security.

Need Help with Your Migration Process?

For organizations facing similar challenges, Angelcam provides robust, scalable, and future-proof solutions that simplifies monitoring and surveillance operations while reducing costs. Discover how your organization can experience the benefits of a unified, cloud-based surveillance system. Request a demo, schedule a call, or contact us directly at hello@angelcam.com or +1 (415) 767 0758 between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.