Massachusetts Sheriff's Department Deploys COLDSTORE Surveillance Storage System

  • Aug 17, 2011

After a lengthy search and the evaluation of multiple potential storage solutions, the Worcester Sheriff's Department in Massachusetts has chosen Veracity's COLDSTORE as the surveillance storage system for a new 300 camera project. COLDSTORE will be used to provide over 500TB of storage in conjunction with Genetec's Security Center 5.0 Unified Security Platform.

According to Worcester's Michael Temple, "We considered high level appliances, a traditional solution mixing servers, switches and a RAID disk array, and a mixture of appliances and traditional storage. This being a project in the public sector with a fixed budget we had no allowances for overages which became a factor as we began paring down viable solutions.

"One further driving factor became the estimate of needed storage versus the cost of that storage. Once we began looking into 500+ TB of storage, which was based on running cameras at higher quality, using 5MP cameras, technology creep, and the likelihood of future increased needs, COLDSTORE's cost per TB was dramatically lower than any other solution even with the inclusion of additional servers and switches. The cost of COLDSTORE with 500+ TB was less than any other system providing 300TB of storage."

In addition to the above, COLDSTORE's reduced power requirements and cooling costs provided a savings of thousands of dollars per year when compared to other systems.

Finally one feature that was important to Worcester due to the nature of some of our recorded incidents was the ability to completely remove a single disk with a date range of cameras on it and not have to be ordered during an investigation to have to surrender the entire array. Being able to remove the disk and be able to testify in court or during an inquest that this is the original, watermarked video as recorded is, in my mind, highly valuable for both evidence protection and protecting our agency from litigation."

While not the first COLDSTORE installation in the world -- several major COLDSTORE installations are in use within the United Kingdom as well as a school district in Oklahoma --  this installation does mark the first U.S. use of Veracity's new Video Mover system. Video Mover was developed to allow COLDSTORE to serve as the archive location for Genetec's Security Center Unified Security Platform.

COLDSTORE has been designed to store massive volumes of video data at low cost and high reliability without using RAID. Veracity's unique L.A.I.D. process and SFS filing system provide simple disk management and unique evidential handling options in a 4U box that operates under 50 watts of total power. It is specifically aimed at the IP surveillance storage market where required retention rates can be extremely high. COLDSTORE can deliver high capacities with low cost and will be an ideal platform for the recently announced 3TB disk drives (although any size drive may be used), allowing a massive 45TB storage capacity per COLDSTORE unit. Veracity's low-cost, high-capacity technology will enable many storage projects which were previously not feasible, due to considerations of cost, reliability, sheer capacity, total system power consumption or system density.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.