Milestone Systems’ open platform IP video management software (VMS) is the technology helping to give peace of mind to residents and visitors of Las Ramblas in Cayala City, Guatemala. Milestone Systems’ XProtect expert software, an open platform technology, was chosen for managing IP-networked video and maintaining continual surveillance over the city’s projects. Network video cameras from Axis Communications are also used, some with crossline detection video analytics. EMC Isilon servers provide the data storage.
The open platform Milestone software is compatible with the previously installed security equipment unifying the interface between differences in brand, while featuring larger capacities (in its servers as well), which optimises resources. The combined solution also integrates easily with existing human resources and procedures, making the process of obtaining valuable information, taking action and preventing incidents more efficient.
Designed by urban planner Leon Krier, Cayalá is located in Guatemala’s capital city
Virtually independent city
Highly rated and classified as a spotless city, Ciudad Cayalá features impressive colonial buildings, wide pedestrian areas, greenways and - most importantly - a sense of security throughout its streets. Designed by urban planner Leon Krier, Cayalá is located in Guatemala’s capital city. His objective was to create a virtually independent city within the capital, away from crime and the problems known commonly to affect it.
The initial project began in the 1980s when the land was purchased. The first residential areas that were built stood out due to their signature white walls but this closed city model led to some criticism related to class division and isolation of the Guatemalan upper class. As a result, the city’s residential community, Las Ramblas, is an open zone that forms a part of the commercial area and the Cayalá offices.
Open area security systems
Las Ramblas and the project’s future residential phases do not have walls, but are instead open, connected areas. It was exactly this aspect of Las Ramblas that led to its security systems - specifically those designed for open areas - being put to the test. The goal was to maintain the same standard of existing security among the other phases of the Cayalá project.
One of the clear and principal objectives was to offer a safe environment for visitors and residents
In Cayalá there are more than 1,500 residences, over 400 offices and businesses, and over 50 lofts. At times, the area involves more than 20,000 visitors daily. Thus, one of the clear and principal objectives was to offer a safe environment for visitors and residents; as a result, Cayalá took on the idea of being a ‘Safe City’ from the beginning.
Milestone Systems XProtect Expert software
Luis Pedro Rodas is the business manager of Revolution Technologies REVTEC, S.A., the firm that worked with Cayalá to find a security solution. He explains: “In order to carry out a challenge of such magnitude, the city selected Milestone Systems XProtect Expert software as its technological platform. Working together with human resources and processes, it provides the necessary information to take action and prevent security incidents.”
All of the Axis cameras are connected to the Milestone video management platform, which interconnects three surveillance centers. For video storage, Cayalá uses EMC Isilon, which holds up to 30 days’ worth of footage.
Although there is no physical wall, there are technology systems, human resources and policies at work"
“Several virtual security rings exist in Cayalá. Those who enter are being monitored, and although there is no physical wall, there are technology systems, human resources and policies at work,” says Rodas.
Prevention of security breaches
With an investment of over 2 million dollars in technology, Cayalá has been able to introduce the concept of a ‘Safe City’. The routes of its residents and visitors alike are monitored thanks to a combination of over 120 elements provided by human resources, processes and technologies, which together make it possible to obtain information, take action and prevent security breaches.
Héctor Leal, engineer and Cayalá general manager, mentions that this security plan “made it possible to restore the trust, peace and quality of life that had been lost in other cities of the country.”
