Milestone Systems on AI, Smart Cities, and Ethical Video Solutions

In an era where digital transformation and smart technologies are revolutionizing industries worldwide, Milestone Systems stands at the forefront of innovation in video management solutions. As a leading provider of open-platform video surveillance software, the company has been instrumental in driving advancements across sectors, from public safety to healthcare and manufacturing.

 In an exclusive interview with Alvin Chi, Director of Business and People Support for Milestone Systems shares insights into the company’s strategic vision, its role in enabling smart city initiatives, and how it leverages cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and real-time analytics to deliver customized solutions for diverse global markets. This candid discussion highlights Milestone’s commitment to ethical technology use, its investment in the Asia-Pacific region, and its pivotal role in shaping a more secure, equitable, and technologically advanced future.

DQ:Elaborate on your role and contributions to Milestone Systems and how your work impacts the Asia-Pacific region?

I recently joined Milestone Systems and am responsible for overseeing operations across the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. My role involves ensuring that we establish solid business plans with robust cases to justify investments. Once approved, we execute these plans effectively to achieve our goals.

Our success in the region is attributed to several factors, but primarily to the reliability of our software and the exceptional service we offer. We consistently rank as either number one or two in video management system markets across many reports. This success is built on two key elements: the dependability of our products and the high quality of customer service we provide.

In terms of reliability, we cater to large enterprises managing tens of thousands of devices. Our software ensures availability, scalability, and seamless integration. Moreover, our team excels in supporting customers and channel partners by closely working with them to design and implement tailored solutions. This customer-centric approach sets us apart from competitors.

DQ: Milestone recently unveiled a new experience center in Bangalore. What inspired this investment, and what can visitors expect?

We’ve built a state-of-the-art experience center in Bangalore, which is three times larger than our previous facility. This was inspired by our commitment to showcasing our open-platform philosophy and innovative solutions.

The experience center is not just a display of technology; it’s an environment where imagination meets practicality. Here, customers and partners can see firsthand how our solutions integrate with various technologies to address real-world challenges. We’ve included cutting-edge technologies, such as video analytics for detecting loitering, fires, license plates, and facial recognition.

Beyond technology, the center allows visitors to collaborate with us and our partners to design solutions tailored to their unique needs. Whether the challenge involves transportation, healthcare, or manufacturing, our goal is to offer a platform for innovation.

DQ: Your platform is highly customizable. What tools or features enable this level of flexibility?

Our customization capabilities stem from our robust Software Development Kit (SDK). This SDK allows our partners to integrate their solutions seamlessly with Milestone’s software. It provides APIs that facilitate communication between devices, enabling the creation of tailored solutions for specific use cases.

For example, hospitals can integrate our software with devices like LiDAR sensors or specialized cameras to build solutions for fall detection. Similarly, manufacturing plants can use our platform to monitor workplace safety and compliance.

Our open platform ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and sensors, empowering customers to adapt our solutions to their unique requirements without being locked into specific hardware or software ecosystems.

DQ: Milestone offers a cloud solution called Milestone Kite. How does it differ from your on-premises offerings?

Milestone Kite is a cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) platform, which is fundamentally different from our traditional on-premises solutions. Kite operates on a subscription model, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and maintenance.

The key benefit of Kite lies in its simplicity and scalability. Customers can access advanced video management capabilities without the complexity of maintaining physical infrastructure. This is particularly advantageous for organizations looking to reduce their total cost of ownership while benefiting from the flexibility of a cloud-based system.

DQ: Does Milestone support real-time video analytics? How does the system handle automated responses?

Yes, real-time video analytics is a crucial feature of our platform. Our system allows users to define specific scenarios and triggers, enabling automated responses to events.

For instance, a camera can detect unauthorized access to a restricted zone and trigger an alert. This alert can then initiate various actions, such as sending a notification to security personnel, locking doors, or displaying a warning on a control panel.

The flexibility of our platform ensures that these workflows can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer. This capability highlights the power of real-time video analytics in enhancing security and operational efficiency.

DQ: What encryption standards does Milestone use to secure video data during storage and transmission?

We adhere to industry-leading encryption standards, including those mandated by US federal regulations for government and regulated sectors.

In addition to implementing robust encryption protocols, we provide customers with guidelines for hardening their systems. This includes securing data transmission, safeguarding storage, and optimizing overall system security.

Furthermore, our professional services team is available to assist customers in securing their environments. This involves conducting penetration tests, improving system architecture, and implementing best practices to mitigate vulnerabilities.

DQ: How does Milestone stay updated with evolving technologies, particularly in video analytics and cybersecurity?

As an open-platform company, we prioritize compatibility and adaptability. This approach ensures that our solutions remain relevant despite the rapid evolution of technology.

We actively participate in global organizations like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, alongside industry leaders like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM. This collaboration allows us to stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats.

To streamline updates and enhance security, we’ve introduced tools like the XProtect Update Manager. These tools enable partners to maintain up-to-date deployments with minimal effort, ensuring continuous improvement in functionality and security.

DQ: Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the video management industry. How is Milestone leveraging AI and machine learning in its offerings?

AI plays a significant role in our roadmap. Through partnerships and mergers, such as with a leading video analytics company, we’re integrating AI into our solutions to enable advanced capabilities like facial recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics.

However, we approach AI with caution, particularly concerning ethical considerations. Milestone is committed to responsible technology use, ensuring that our solutions are not misused for unethical purposes. We have strict internal processes for vetting customers and monitoring the application of our technology.

Additionally, we support global initiatives like the EU’s AI Act, which underscores the importance of governance and accountability in AI applications.

DQ: India is focusing on smart city initiatives. How does Milestone plan to contribute to this vision?

India is a vital market for us, and we’re heavily investing in the region. We’ve expanded our offices in Bangalore and Delhi, tripling their size to support our growth.

Milestone’s solutions are well-suited for India’s smart city initiatives, offering advanced video surveillance capabilities that enhance public safety and operational efficiency. For example, our technology can be used in transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing to improve safety, reduce risks, and foster equitable environments.

By contributing to these initiatives, we aim to support India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, aligning with its vision of technological and economic progress.