Introduction

Helsinki, Finland based Mirasys develops and supplies the software that helps organizations manage the information captured by digital video and CCTV cameras. It was founded in 1997 and remains privately owned. Mirasys software controls over 300,000 video surveillance cameras across the world. It employs 50 members of staff, based in offices in Finland, Germany, Spain and the UK. It also has a network of sales partners across the rest of Europe, and in North America and Asia.

The Market

The video surveillance industry is expanding rapidly due to rising security needs combined with a spate of technological innovations — including the migration to digital, fully networked systems. Digital technology, the advent of megapixel cameras, the new H.264 encoding and the introduction of more intelligent management software will transform the effectiveness of video surveillance in the years ahead. H.264 encoding can reduce the size of digital video files more efficiently without compromising image quality. This combination decreases the demand on network bandwidths while still providing excellent image quality.

Megapixel cameras offer far greater image quality even under low-light scenarios, and as new technology has been constantly introduced to the market with reduced price tags, digital technology has become immensely more cost-effective than analogue technology. The use of digital technology means that video recording can be integrated with traditional IT functions. For example, it facilitates remote monitoring and system management. Meanwhile the introduction of intelligent analysis algorithms provides end users with improved security, ultimately minimizing the total cost of ownership.

Applications

Mirasys systems are widely used in the following sectors:

• Law enforcement
• Banks
• Retail outlets and Petrol Stations
• Educational establishments
• Healthcare
• Corporate surveillance
• Logistics centers
• Manufacturing
• Museums and places of historical importance

Increasingly, camera surveillance systems are being used in non-security applications too, such as:

• Marketing and business development (understanding consumer behavior and buying patterns)
• Health and social care (within day centers, nursing homes and hospitals)
• Coaching and Education (analysis of classroom based situations to aid professional development)
• Measuring traffic flow and congestion
• Remote telepresence (to study endangered species or nature)