Milestone Systems, a global pioneer in open-platform video management software, announced the successful deployment of a cloud-based video surveillance system at a Texas county polling facility that transformed citizen access to election monitoring while reducing both installation time and costs.
Working with systems integrator Sology Solutions, the county deployed Milestone's XProtect video management software on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide citizens with real-time access to ballot handling through popular streaming platforms.
VMS to cloud connection
Surveillance Bridge from Tiger Surveillance was used to make the VMS to cloud connection
Surveillance Bridge from Tiger Surveillance was used to make the VMS to cloud connection. The solution replaced a cumbersome process that required formal requests and in-person visits with instant, transparent access, thereby building public trust in the electoral process.
The project showcased remarkable efficiency, with Sology Solutions receiving the purchase order on a Thursday and delivering a fully operational system by the following Monday morning.
This timeline was achieved through the flexibility of cloud-based architecture and seamless, open integration between Milestone, AWS, and Axis Communications technologies.
Cost effective solution
In 2024, with new election legislation requiring comprehensive video monitoring and the presidential election approaching, the county needed a cost-effective solution that could be implemented quickly.
Sology Solutions faced the challenge of designing and installing a complete, 16-camera video security system that met strict budget requirements in just a few days. The solution uses XProtect video management software, running on AWS infrastructure, to manage multiple IP cameras.
Half of the cameras stream video of ballot-handling areas directly to the county's public streaming channel, while AWS S3 storage handles the required 22-month retention period cost-effectively. SD cards in the cameras provide backup during network disruptions, ensuring continuous operation.
Cloud-based security
The cloud-based approach eliminated the need for on-premises servers
"This is a perfect example of how flexible, cloud-based security can solve real-world challenges without requiring massive infrastructure investments or complex maintenance," said Matt Fishback, Global Alliances Manager for Milestone Systems.
"This is also what Responsible Technology is about - using innovation to create safety and transparency."
The cloud-based approach eliminated the need for on-premises servers while providing automatic archiving and easy system activation for future election cycles. The collaboration between Sology Solutions, Milestone Systems, and AWS demonstrates that organizations with tight budgets can leverage cloud technology to deliver cost-effective and reliable public services quickly.
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