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Callguard chooses remote CCTV platform

Callguard Security Services employs a number of different technology platforms to help manage its core business, which is the provision of unarmed security officers. One of these platforms provides the ability to remotely connect to a particular site using a SerVision remote CCTV DVR (digital video recorder) and visually verify that the communications received (via radio, telephone or other related technology) are correct.

Callguard uses SerVision Offsite Monitoring Platform to view live CCTV from its remote locations and use the video feeds to motivate and encourage their staff in real-time to perform at their best.

In 2008, the Callguard directors undertook a trip to IFSEC in Birmingham to source these various technologies and returned with a short list. This short list was generated by assessing the technical ability, user-friendly interface, ability to transmit imagery with low bandwidth, GSM and fixed line capabilities and cost effectiveness.

The next stop was to visit IFSEC South Africa to confirm local representation, serviceability and price. “The SerVision remote CCTV products certainly provide us with what we needed, as after investigation we found that SerVision’s video servers had been developed and optimised to stream live video over cellular and low bandwidth networks and are able to stream four frames per second on only one kilobyte per second of bandwidth. This aids dramatically in reducing the monthly operation costs associated with streaming live CCTV video into our control room. The SerVision product can be linked to our networks either by cable (ADSL or other) or cellular (USB Modem over GPRS, Edge or 3G), it has a simple interface for configuration, it has configurable inputs and outputs for triggers and reaction, and is priced at a level that does not adversely affect the business’ cash flow,” commented Lance Quiding, Callguard’s MD.

A number of Callguard’s installations are done internally for the direct benefit of the company to ensure the business and people are managed accordingly. This in turn benefits the clients through a high level of maintained service. Often the expense cannot be directly passed on to the client and it was for this reason that Callguard looked for the most cost effective, yet technically advanced product to do the job. Graphic Image Technologies (GIT), the local distributor of SerVision, was able to offer Callguard the SerVision products within competitive structures.

Quiding concluded, “We currently monitor CCTV cameras from numerous high-profile sites making use of all features the SerVision CCTV equipment offers. The service we receive from GIT and the user friendly products from SerVision play an important role in ensuring that Callguard Security Services provides security officers who perform above the industry norm.”

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