Key Takeaways

• Milestone Systems emphasizes the need for balancing public safety, privacy, and innovation through open platform video management software.
• AI-driven analytics and scalable deployments enhance crowd safety and operational efficiency for large-scale events across cities in the Middle East.
• Integration of legacy systems with modern technologies is crucial for developing smart city infrastructure.

Balancing Safety and Privacy

Louise Bou Rached, Director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Milestone Systems, discussed the increasing demand for secure and flexible surveillance solutions in the rapidly evolving smart infrastructure across Middle Eastern cities. She highlighted the vital role of open platform video management software (VMS) in supporting public safety authorities, allowing them to protect citizens while ensuring data privacy.

Emphasizing the significance of data governance policies, she noted that authorities must clarify what data is collected, how it is stored, and who can access it. Minimizing intrusion is essential, especially when analyzing crowd data in busy areas. Compliance with local data protection laws is paramount. Milestone’s VMS helps by implementing strict access controls and encouraging a privacy-by-design approach that involves community stakeholders from the outset.

The Role of Open Platforms

Open platform VMS enables cities to remain adaptable, accommodating evolving technologies without completely overhauling existing infrastructure. Rached explained that as urban needs change, the ability to integrate AI analytics, traffic sensors, and other tools fosters more efficient responses to critical situations. Such a platform can combine video data with other sources, providing insights crucial for managing large events and emergencies.

During major events like the FIFA World Cup, scalable video technology facilitates the rapid deployment and integration of numerous cameras and analytics tools, ensuring real-time updates for security teams.

Leveraging AI in Event Management

Milestone aims to reduce risks associated with large-scale events through AI-driven video analytics. This technology supports effective traffic flow and crowd management by integrating various monitoring tools. For example, in Denmark’s Jelling Music Festival, nearly 40,000 attendees were tracked using over 60 cameras to optimize security and respond to emergencies effectively.

Integrating Legacy Systems

As cities adopt smart infrastructure, integrating legacy surveillance systems with modern tools using open platform VMS is essential. This approach supports compatibility between older and newer devices, allowing a seamless transition to advanced technologies. Adopting a gradual upgrade strategy ensures systems stay secure and operational without major disruptions, helping create robust, scalable surveillance setups that adapt to future needs.

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