Video surveillance technology is now in the middle of the same transformation that revolutionized business telephones 15 years ago. Organizations are moving from old, inflexible analog camera systems to modern and agile IP-based digital video surveillance technology. At the same time, they’re shifting responsibility for these systems from facilities teams to IT groups who are more familiar with providing reliable and consistent digital services to other business units.

Government agencies, retailers, manufacturers, banks, enterprises — organizations across industries can benefit from IP-based camera systems. That’s because the technology enables them to keep an eye on their premises in real time and review recorded images to better understand security incidents and other past events.

But many organizations find that their camera systems provide new capabilities that go far beyond simple security. By treating cameras as data sources and applying analytics capabilities to this data, organizations open a wide variety of use cases that can improve safety, efficiency and productivity as well as security.

The first bookmobile hit the road in 1839 to serve students in rural communities far from any library. Today, school buses are bringing an even richer source of information — the internet — to students in underserved areas.

If you’re looking for new and different ways to provide a great customer experience, consider the surveillance systems you already have in your stores, warehouses and even parking lots. They’re there to thwart theft, but with a little incremental investment, these systems can identify opportunities to wow customers and keep them coming back. Take checkout…

One of the biggest barriers to digital transformation is knowing where to start. Another is finding the budget. Enhanced video surveillance provides a great example of how to overcome both. Take retail, for instance. Most stores have extensive video surveillance systems to catch shoplifters and pilfering employees. Often, these systems can be quickly and cost-effectively…

Cities and municipalities face a number of tough questions as they try to provide residents with a good place to work and live. How much congestion and pollution are caused by vehicles circling the block as drivers look for a parking spot? Which intersections have the most near-miss accidents? Where is jaywalking common — and…