The School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology (DMIT) at Singapore Polytechnic, one of Singapore’s most prestigious tertiary education providers, has been in operation since 1980. The School aims to play an important role in the expanding digital ecosystem, by being a strong source of talent for the IDM (Interactive Digital Media) and ICT industries.
The School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology (DMIT) at Singapore Polytechnic, one of Singapore's most prestigious tertiary education providers, has been in operation since 1980. The School aims to play an important role in the expanding digital ecosystem, by being a strong source of talent for the IDM (Interactive Digital Media) and ICT industries. To prepare students for the digital world, DMIT nurtures and develops students using a variety of channels such as innovative teaching approaches, inspiring learning spaces, immersive experiences, multidisciplinary projects and leadership training programs.
Since DMIT is so focused on developing Singapore's next generation of computer experts, many of its teaching rooms house the latest, state-of-the-art technology. For example, students working towards a Diploma in Infocomm Security Management are trained in a Cyber War Game Center to help build their skills in effective teamwork, resourcefulness and working under pressure.
In addition to this game development centre, DMIT has a motion capture studio, a music and audio production suite and a visual effects studio which make up just some of the high-tech facilities housed within the DMIT. On top of this, the school is home to about 950 Windows and Mac workstations and the associated peripherals.
With such a significant level of investment in technology, it is critical that the school is secure at all times, not just to protect the assets of DMIT but also to ensure the safety of all staff and students working in the school with such high-value equipment.
Solution
DMIT enlisted the help of Seng Joo Hardware to develop a security solution to protect its key assets. One of Seng Joo's key recommendations was switching the School's surveillance cameras from its legacy analog CCTV cameras to an IP network-based surveillance solution. A digital security solution was befitting of a school with a reputation for being ahead of the curve digitally and technically.
After a thorough review of the school, the best camera locations were identified and a combination of AXIS P3344 and AXIS M3114-R Network Cameras were installed throughout the School's premises and teaching rooms. The Axis cameras were installed in high traffic areas, as well as in those areas which are likely to generate significant interest from thieves. DMIT covers a significant amount of ground with three blocks, and three to four levels. However, the Axis cameras are all Power over Ethernet, which means that a separate power source is not required, greatly simplifying the installation process.
DMIT is using AXIS Camera Station software to manage the footage gathered by the Axis cameras. This software program is a comprehensive video management tool which makes monitoring, recording and playback simple and easy to do on any PC. The installation of this system allows facilitators and admin staff with no IT training to manipulate the cameras as they wish. The School has also installed Axis illuminators to provide the cameras with enough light to provide a meaningful image.
Result
With the solution in place, the School can now monitor key areas, especially in some of the more technological advanced labs with the utmost accuracy and clarity. The greatest benefit of this particular system is the ability to view a clear picture from anywhere in the world, providing there is an internet connection. This gives administrators the peace of mind that their School is only a couple of clicks away, no matter where in the world they actually are.
Another benefit of the solution to DMIT is its ease-ofuse. The installation is truly a turnkey solution. Only the most basic training was required for the staff involved in the installation and maintenance of the solution. Other staff members who have the authority and necessity to view the footage are also able to do so without any in-depth training or instruction, thanks to the AXIS Camera Station software.
Another string in the bow of the Axis camera solution, and of IP surveillance technology in general is the simple maintenance from a technical point of view. With the legacy analog solution, DMIT needed to ensure there was enough space for tape to store the footage that was constantly being saved. With the IP surveillance system, the footage is stored digitally, either to hard drives on premise, locally on the cameras themselves, (Axis cameras are equipped with an SD card slot for local storage), or in the cloud.
The Axis installations have proven successful in that they have been a deterrent for would-be thieves and vandals. The cameras provide live and recorded images of the campus' hotspots and have been successful in preventing and identifying any would-be criminal activity. There has been a noticeable increase in confidence that security requirements at DMIT will be met as a direct result of this solution which has in turn boosted the School's reputation.