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Build safer campuses with hybrid cloud surveillance Across the UK, schools, colleges, and universities are investing in hybrid cloud video security in order to instantly strengthen critical security infrastructure across educational sites. By eliminating the need for NVRs or DVRs – one of the most common entry points to a network by hackers – and requiring only a single ethernet cable, Verkada Hybrid Cloud cameras are brought online instantly. No technical configurations or downloads are required, giving authorised users the ability to quickly access and share footage on any device. One of the inherent advantages of Hybrid Cloud security is centralised video management, with the ability to gain instant visibility of cameras and system health all on one screen, from any device. With cloud-connected cameras that operate at 20kbps, the system scales—whether you’re deploying ten or hundreds of cameras—without depleting bandwidth resources. Unlike traditional CCTV systems, Verkada systems have no open ports and release regular firmware and software updates. With the highest encryption standards and security enhancements that deploy automatically—and at no cost—systems are always up-to-date with the latest security regulations. In 2019, Mayfield School received a multi-million pound grant from the Department for Education (DfE) for a complete campus rebuild and a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) centre. As part of the rebuild, head teacher David Jeapes, was required to

upgrade the school’s CCTV system, which was decades old and semi-operational. Also attractive with a Hybrid Cloud solution is that it makes planning for the school year simple. Verkada’s pricing model is as simple as it gets: cost of camera and cost of software. With an industry leading 10-year product warranty and free system updates, always have the latest in security without affecting forecasted budgets. Due to the large student body and expansive campus, it’s imperative for David Jeapes and the 200 staff on campus to be trained and aligned in response to emergency situations. “When we last did fire drills, I used Verkada’s heat map technology and multi-camera playback to analyse how to manage traffic through different corridors, stairways and exits. The ability to pinpoint where blockages exist, then develop solutions as a precaution, makes all the difference for any high-risk situation.” With seven major campuses and a number of teaching sites that span across Bath, and surrounding areas, Bath Spa University has embraced Verkada’s Hybrid Cloud solution in order to improve visibility across campus. By centralising camera feeds into an easy-to-use platform that requires no onboarding, security and facilities staff can find incidents of interest quickly. In emergency situations, users can share live feeds instantly via SMS or link and quickly get footage into the hands of first responders.

“Because I can curate and control who has access to which feeds, it’s easy for me to ensure that data is guarded with utmost security. (Verkada) provides the necessary protections that allow us to be fully GDPR compliant.” - Andy Williams, Head of Facilities and Services, Bath Spa University

To learn more about Verkada’s easy-to-use CCTV solution, get started with a 30-day camera trial today.

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