NG Bailey’s IT services division helps Birmingham City University migrate to centrally managed IP security solution

NG Bailey provided a full systems migration to a centrally managed, IP-converged environment

NG Bailey’s IT Services division has announced the completion of the second phase of Birmingham City University’s technical redevelopment initiative, consisting of a root and branch upgrade to the institution’s security facilities, including a full systems migration to a centrally managed, IP-converged environment.

Centralised security control room

During the eighteen-month implementation NG Bailey has installed a 150 circuit intruder alarm system, 16 video intercom units and 170 networked IP-CCTV cameras across the campus, providing a full view of the entire site from a new centralised security control room. The physical security systems are interfaced by fully integrated headend software, which is complimented by a full cause and effect matrix designed and developed in conjunction with Birmingham City University. The cause and effect matrix triggers operational alerts according to specific events, allowing security personnel to direct their resources more efficiently when incidents occur, improving response times and enhancing campus security for both staff and students.

Cisco dual core switch network

The system is deployed on a Cisco dual core switch network with 92 Cisco edge switches, 4500 cat6 outlets and uninterrupted power supplies for all 28 communications cabinets. In order to accommodate fluctuations in site scheduling with the building, NG Bailey ensured that the full network hardware was commissioned, pre-staged and racked at its specialist off-site manufacture facility. Taking these steps dramatically reduced the number of man hours needed to install the solutions on site and enabled the university to sign-off the network build before onsite integration began, ensuring the project was delivered on time.

Benefits to Birmingham City University

The installation follows the completion of phase one, a £1.2m state of the art ICT installation at Birmingham City University’s Institute of Art & Design. This second phase was commissioned to NG Bailey by technical consultants Hoare Lea.

David Stanley, Assistant Project Director at Birmingham City University said “The completion of the security installation will guarantee that we offer our staff and students the highest level of security across the campus. NG Bailey has provided us with state-of-the-art systems which, as one of the UK’s leading Universities, helps make our proposition to both current and prospective students even stronger than it was before.”

Indi Sall, Technical Director – IT Services, NG Bailey, commented: “NG Bailey’s unique experience in delivering complex installations, together with our understanding of how these systems are deployed as part of a wider build has enabled us to deliver real benefits to Birmingham City University.

"Our ability to build the full network off site ensured we were able to begin the installation the moment the site was fit for purpose, allowing the project to be delivered on budget and on schedule.”