Userful’s software-defined AV provides security information when it’s needed

Audio-video technologies have historically been a silo in the enterprise, separated from the larger network infrastructure by their use of analogue, hard-wired and proprietary connections.

Software-defined system

However, AV devices such as video walls and corporate signage add more value to security and emergency response operations when they are connected to the larger IT network and can interface seamlessly with other systems.

That’s the approach provided by Userful, which offers a software-defined system for end-to-end control of audio-video applications in an enterprise, using a web browser and standard industry protocols. The use of software avoids the need for proprietary hardware and the compatibility challenges of multiple hardware systems operating in silos. It also yields visibility and control throughout the system. 

Single software system

The single software system grants IT, administrators, the ability to govern multiple platforms

The single software system grants IT, administrators, the ability to govern multiple platforms, while providing individual departments access to the specific applications they need.

The emphasis is on meeting stakeholders’ functional requirements using a system governed by the IT department. The data travels across the IT network infrastructure without being blocked by the use of proprietary hardware and cabling, for example.

Digital transformation

Avoiding the analogue (hardwired) approach enables enterprises to “digitally transform” the operation of their audio-video devices. The approach is especially useful at the intersection of security and digital signage.

“We give the power back to the local IT administrators, who can govern the system and enable customers to govern their applications,” says Shane Vega, VP of Product Marketing at Userful. The company’s software aggregates video information and distributes it as needed to individual video displays.

Real-time event monitoring

The software enables various video devices to become a seamless part of the IT infrastructure. It also facilitates sharing of information throughout the enterprise, even in an emergency. In contrast, proprietary, siloed systems hamper the free flow of information when it is needed the most.

For example, if there is an emergency or active shooter situation, video devices throughout an organisation can be leveraged to inform occupants about the details of the event in real-time and to provide actionable instructions specific to an occupant’s location in the building.

Visual communications

When security is integrated into a larger platform, it can spread the message visually throughout the enterprise

Visual communications, such as digital signage, comprise a powerful extension of a security system that actively monitors threats, and offers the ability to communicate to a large group of people.

When security is integrated into a larger platform, it can spread the message visually throughout the enterprise. Strategic messaging can guide building occupants to their best course of action during an emergency, whether it is to flee or to shelter in place.

Situational awareness

The software-driven IT system can aggregate information from multiple sources, such as video camera feeds or information from an access control system, and display it on a large video wall, for example.

Free-flowing information promotes situational awareness in a control room, and enables immediate response, whether it’s to call the fire department, sound an alarm, or initiate a mass exodus of building occupants.

IT software approach

“It makes everyone strategically aware and sends the appropriate messaging to those who need it, rather than to everyone at once,” says Vega. Facilitating more effective operations centers is the “tip of the spear” of what Userful offers customers, he adds.

The IT software approach simplifies video wall applications, which are becoming increasingly complex, by enabling content to be scaled, chopped, and aggregated to fit the demands of a display wall. An analytic might trigger the system to enlarge a camera view on the full screen, to send video to the police, or “take over” screens throughout a building to provide strategic messaging.

Third-party integrations

Designing video walls more strategically in an operations centre can help operators interpret information quickly

Designing video walls more strategically in an operations centre can help operators avoid fatigue and interpret information quickly and efficiently.

“Userful’s role in the display world is to make sure software can distribute the information despite the hardware,” said Vega. Userful works with third-party integration to add system functionality and automate responses.

Software flexibility

“We’re a platform that pulls in sources of information, maybe it’s a hundred cameras, and then we manage the entire solution,” says Vega. “We enable users to take data from multiple sources and send it to a wide range of displays, creating a repository of information.” 

“When you have a software-defined platform, you can extend the solution using the flexibility of the software into a system that cannot be achieved with hardware,” says Vega. “If people want to scale their system to multiple locations, we can add a source remotely.”

Proactive responses to security

“Security is an important market for everyone, paramount for any organisation,” says Vega. “Individuals are responsible for the safety and security of constituents and require a proactive, not reactive response.”

“We can provide proactive responses because of the nature of AV-over-IP, which is interoperability. It can draw attention to threats and proactively communicate response plans.”

Managed service provider

The “software-defined” approach can help systems integrators position themselves as a managed service provider

Getting away from siloed solutions should be a priority for any IT purchase by an organisation, says Vega. “We need to train end-users to take a holistic view and not to look at it from a siloed perspective. A fuller understanding helps them gain efficiencies.”

The “software-defined” approach can help systems integrators position themselves as a managed service provider rather than just “selling boxes.” “Think about how you can partner with end-users over the long term,” advises Vega.

Information-based automation

“Think of technology as a holistic part of the business for better outcomes across the whole business. More information is better information, and integrators can help customers create automation that will provide more awareness.”

The Userful proposition offers especially good value in transportation markets, such as ports and airports; and in campus environments, such as enterprise, higher education, and airports. In any scenario where there are a lot of screens, the system can distribute corporate and emergency messaging, whether on a baggage claim screen or a way-finder screen.