Harris Academy Case Study

Harris Academy Purley faced a difficult task last half-term – the recent network restructure had left many of the IP network cameras not functioning, some were in the wrong places, and more were required by the new management team. A new system was called for, and PacificWave recommended Milestone XProtect Enterprise, HP DL180 server hardware, and Axis 209FD-R ruggedized dome cameras.

Milestone was the perfect choice as it supports so many IP camera manufacturers, allowing it to work with the existing Arecont high definition cameras, can be extended easily should the need arise when the school is rebuilt, and is easy to use for the management team to have access to the recordings without turning to the IT department for assistance. The HP hardware fitted in with the school’s preference, and as an HP partner, PacificWave could source the equipment needed within the very tight timeframe. Finally, PacificWave have deployed the Axis 209FD-R before in the education environment – these small unassuming domes are vandal resistant and ideal for class/corridor environments, and being PoE 802.11af compliant simplifies installation and maintenance.

Within a week of Harris Academy contacting PacificWave about their requirements, they had received a site survey, quotation and explanation, the necessary network cabling installed, new cameras installed, cameras moved and all previous cameras were back online with the latest firmware, all operating on a separate VLAN to prevent network multicasting affecting CCTV performance, and the new server installed and recording. Over the next couple of weeks, Harris Academy Purley and PacificWave worked together to customise the recording settings to take account of motion throughout the day and week to maximise the storage and the relevance of the footage.

The flexibility and speed of response from PacificWave allowed Harris Academy to meet their CCTV requirements very quickly, and finish up not just with some extra cameras but a new CCTV system, easier to use and manage, and applying network technologies to improve the reliability and security of the system.

Now PacificWave hope to continue the relationship with Harris Academy Purley as other locations within the school that may benefit from CCTV coverage are identified by the management team.

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