Largest Scottish University Centralizes Security

Milestone Systems open platform IP video management software (VMS) and network cameras from Axis Communications are helping all of the campus locations for the University of the West of Scotland to more efficiently manage security through one unified surveillance solution, designed, delivered and maintained by Boston Networks.

Largest Scottish University Centralizes SecurityThe University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is one of the country’s largest modern universities, providing higher education and innovative research, with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley which indicates an important regional role in the communities. The university is organized into different academic schools across the campuses, offering a wide range of academic, social and sporting facilities and delivering a range of courses, post-graduate programs, masters and research degrees. The university currently has over 18,000 students and approximately 1,300 staff. Ensuring their safety is a top focus.

The four campuses across the west coast of Scotland had all been previously running disparate security systems. The university recognized that a centralized approach to the control and maintenance of its entire security estate would create a more effective solution and safer campuses. UWS had already begun the migration of its infrastructure to a more streamlined IP video solution, resulting in multiple variations of Milestone VMS which were not yet centralized.

Boston Networks then worked with the university to review each of its existing installations across multiple campuses, to produce a detailed migration plan which incorporated the following:

  • Centralized Milestone XProtect Expert VMS to control the largest campus;
  • Integration of all Axis digital cameras to provide ubiquitous surveillance; and
  • Maintenance and support service to ensure ongoing maximum system performance.

The initial phase of the migration included the introduction of additional Axis IP cameras across indoor and outdoor areas of the Paisley campus to provide surveillance throughout key areas, including hallways and corridors, libraries, building entrances and exits, car parks and outdoor campus areas. Boston Networks then began the integration of more than 200 new IP cameras and the consolidation of the existing VMS platforms to a central monitoring station at the Paisley campus. The platforms were then wholly upgraded to one standard Milestone XProtect Expert platform.

The use of industry-leading technology coupled with the professional consultancy, design and deployment services from Boston Networks has enabled the university to increase security with enhanced image quality and centralized control. The advanced Axis network cameras and Milestone XProtect Expert open platform IP VMS provide HD-quality footage with a powerful management interface to effectively control the university’s multi-campus surveillance in a single, uniform system.

Paul Goodbrand, director of intelligent buildings, Boston Networks, said, “This solution provides many benefits for the university: superior image quality from Axis cameras, future-proof integration capabilities from the Milestone open platform software and distributed intelligence with IP scalability and cost effectiveness. Moreover, Boston Networks will continue to work with the university to maintain its system and ensure that performance and security are never compromised.”

Milestone XProtect Expert VMS was chosen for its strengths as a central management tool. The software interface delivers a wide range of dynamic resources to streamline the system administration of the university’s multi-campus solution, including device group management which ensures efficient and structured handling of hundreds of cameras. The XProtect System Monitor also gives real-time feedback on system performance to drive proactive administration, and there are intelligent configuration reports.

High-performance video recording is achieved with the XProtect 64-bit recording server, which allows the university to efficiently run more cameras on less hardware. Unlimited system scalability gives full flexibility to add additional servers and expand the system to suit the university’s changing requirements over time. Multi-live streaming of live footage, with optimized bandwidth and viewing performance, is ideal for the university’s multi-campus estate.

Featured

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.