Case Study: University of Aberdeen achieves future-proof, centralized IP surveillance with Milestone Systems

University of Aberdeen builds future-proof Milestone-Axis IP surveillance system

The University of Aberdeen, a historic and expanding institution, needed to modernize and consolidate its fragmented security infrastructure. Tasked with replacing four standalone CCTV systems and centralizing monitoring in a larger control room by January 2007, the Estates Support Services required an open‑protocol, networked solution that would integrate with the campus fiber backbone, retain usable existing cameras, meet legal and safety requirements, minimize disruption during switchover, and future‑proof the investment.

The university chose installer Arthur McKay with Milestone XProtect® software and Axis network hardware: 20 Axis PTZ cameras plus 10 Axis video servers to convert 35 analog units, creating a 55‑camera IP system on a dedicated VLAN (MPEG‑4 recording to RAID‑5 storage, viewed on large LCDs). The rollout was completed smoothly with parallel running of old and new feeds, cost roughly £100k, and delivered sharper, identifiable images, better evidence handling and police liaison, improved staff morale, and a scalable platform to expand as the campus grows.

University of Aberdeen

Robert Watson

Project Manager