A key factor in determining which IP cameras to use besides video quality is reliability and maintenance,"

Nate Rice, USF's engineer for video surveillance





Solution: Infinova V2216 network video management and IP Cameras

Anyone who has witnessed the emergence of the University of South Florida (USF), including its Big East athletic teams-the Bulls-recognizes it as one of America's leading universities. Founded in1956, federal funds for academic research and development increased 213 percent from 2000 to 2007. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, that makes USF the fastest growing research university in the United States.

Security at USF is also a priority, protecting 40,000 students plus staff and assets at the main campus in Tampa, which also includes the USF Health campus. Nate Rice, USF's engineer for video surveillance has over 700 analog cameras plus 70-80 digital video recorders (DVRs) located throughout the grounds. Their camera array is primarily fixed cameras with a handful of PTZ's as their solution is an event based one where University police utilize recorded video as an investigative tool.

"A key factor in determining which IP cameras to use besides video quality is reliability and maintenance," Rice states. "We are very used to having dependable cameras and receiving exceptional service. Infinova's advance replacement plan, in which they ship the replacement as soon as we report a need for it and prior to them receiving the defective unit, has been great. They have really stepped up and have been very helpful to us during our migration planning to an IP system."

Infinova has worked with Rice's team, performing site surveys to analyze where the new IP cameras can provide the greatest coverage and the best costs. This includes undertaking vulnerability and risk assessments to assure that cameras are placed in areas that will get USF the maximum advantage of their performance and life cycle. This also includes coordinating with the remaining VMS providers as the selected VMS will need to integrate with Infinova cameras. The goal is to provide the University with reliable, consistent coverage.