Back in 2013, a client approached us with a task – creating a top-notch video surveillance system from scratch. The initial requirements seemed straightforward enough: a video management system to be hosted on their local network, with an easy-to-access website for live camera feeds.
However, as we started developing a platform, originally expected to be completed within a few months, it quickly exceeded $1 million in sales. It became clear that end-users and our client saw the potential for something much bigger – a platform with many features and advanced technology improvements.
This is how VALT began. What initially seemed like a straightforward "couple of months" task evolved into an ongoing project in our portfolio. Launched in 2014, it underwent numerous rebuilds and technical upgrades, accompanied by the introduction of two mobile apps and its own VALT Cloud service, transforming VALT into a comprehensive video surveillance and management ecosystem. The company behind VALT, Intelligent Video Solutions, garnered recognition by being included in the Inc. 500 list and ranking among the top 20 fastest-growing companies in Wisconsin. By 2019, it had installed its 500th system and surpassed $8 million in annual sales.
With all its numerous accomplishments, we continue to work on VALT today, tweaking, enhancing, and introducing new features to keep up with the demand.
Version 1.0 implementation
In the initial phase, we developed a basic video management system using Drupal 6, a PHP-based content management system. Facilitating video streaming, we incorporated Wowza alongside Flash and Java.
At this point, we faced two primary challenges. First, we had to deal with a wide variety of camera brands and models. Second, we had to figure out how to implement the requirement for a remote camera movement and zoom control (also known as PTZ) most efficiently.
To address the first challenge, we integrated ONVIF support – a go-to protocol for IP camera collaboration, Network Video Recorders (NVRs), and software. By opting for ONVIF support, we ensured that VALT could work with most IP cameras available in the market.
Next, to deal with the second challenge, we enabled users to create custom PTZ presets. For example, users can specify the camera positions through a control panel interface, assigning distinct names such as “Room Entrance/Door” or “Workstation/Table”. Then, they can remotely select desired locations from a dropdown menu, prompting the camera to adjust the view accordingly.
We further enhanced the functionality by adding a scheduling feature for recordings. Users could now specify precise timeframes and areas for capture. They could schedule recordings for the "Door" between 9 to 10 AM and the "Workstation" from 10 AM to 5 PM. The system managed all position adjustments automatically. The operator only had to view the recorded footage.
We also conducted remote testing of all cameras at the client's site. Additionally, we acquired several cameras for testing purposes in our own office. All to implement the "talk" feature. This feature allowed VALT operators viewing camera feeds on the website to communicate directly with individuals near the camera by simply pressing a button and speaking into the microphone.
So at the end of this development stage, alongside the core functionalities, the system boasted the following features:
- Customizable Recording Rooms offering designated recording rooms, each with a unique name and tailored video recording settings.
- Multiple Surveillance Cameras within each recording room for comprehensive monitoring, allowing simultaneous viewing of all video feeds on a single screen or separately in fullscreen mode.
- Admin Panel for managing users and access permissions, configuring settings, and system maintenance tasks.
- Advanced Access Control System with varying levels of access rights for different user groups, ensuring data security and maintaining a structured user experience.
- Scheduled Recording for specifying time intervals for recording commencement and cessation.
- Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) functionality with recording templates to customize the camera filming directions according to specific schedules.
- Two-way Audio Communication with cameras both recording and transmitting the sound.
While developing these features posed technical challenges due to limitations in Drupal 6, we successfully navigated these complexities. The resulting system not only met the client's requirements but also garnered popularity over time, successfully deployed to various clients.
However, it was clear that relying on off-the-shelf solutions when developing complex systems is neither time-effective nor cost-efficient. Moving forward, let's explore the solution we devised.
Transition to Symphony and HTML5
As the project evolved, its complexity grew, requiring an expansion of its technical capabilities. The initial framework, Drupal 6, started to show its limitations. It became increasingly apparent that the project's evolving needs were outgrowing Drupal's capabilities. Consequently, it became clear that a strategic reassessment and realignment were necessary.
At this point, VALT migrated from Drupal to Symphony, a technology offering greater versatility to meet the escalating demands. This transition wasn't just a technical shift; it was a strategic maneuver to ensure the platform's continued growth and adaptability.
Yet another critical milestone awaited as we confronted the diminishing relevance of Flash. Sensing its waning dominance and the rising prominence of HTML5, we embarked on a transition. Informed by the strategic imperatives of the digital landscape, we navigated the challenges posed by HTML5's early stages, driven by its raw nature.
Despite the initial hurdles, we persevered and progressed in tandem with HTML5's advancements. This strategic move allowed VALT and our team to align with the contemporary technological paradigm, positioning ourselves as early adopters in the ever-evolving landscape of technology integration.
Implementing Text Search and Automated Testing
Over time, VALT became a repository for an ever-increasing volume of video recordings. While this expansion underscored the system's advancement, it also posed a new challenge: accessibility. To address this, we introduced a text search feature, poised to enhance efficiency amidst the extensive library of video content.
This initiative involved a transformative process of transcription, whereby spoken words within the videos were converted into text. This empowered dynamic searching and significantly improved the user experience, ensuring seamless navigation and better user experience.
With the introduction of the text search feature, navigating through the vast sea of videos became a streamlined journey. Users gained the ability to pinpoint specific content through simple text queries. What was once a daunting task – finding that crucial snippet of information amidst the expanse – became effortlessly achievable. The impact was profound; user satisfaction surged as the efficiency of content discovery heightened.
Simultaneously, the need for system stability and reliability became paramount. To address this, we integrated automated testing into our development process. With each iteration, update, or modification, automated tests meticulously examined the system's responsiveness. This ensured that new enhancements didn't inadvertently introduce issues that could disrupt the user experience.
As VALT continued to grow and scale up, the incorporation of automated testing became a cornerstone of our development strategy. It bolstered confidence in the quality of each release, providing a safety net against regressions and bugs. What initially began as a means to ensure stability matured into a methodology that safeguarded our reputation for seamless functionality.
Hardware Expansion
As the number of clients grew, so did the demand for hardware installations. We expanded our offerings to include hardware sales alongside our video management system, VALT, to meet this demand. This addition required rigorous testing to prevent any adverse effects on client installations. Fortunately, our comprehensive automated testing suite enabled us to mitigate risks effectively, ensuring smooth deployments and maintaining the reliability of our services.
Introducing Beam and Feature Enhancements
In a world of constant change and innovation, we set out on a mission to do more than just solve problems. We wanted to give users opportunities to grow. That's why in 2015 we released "Beam" – a new mobile app within the VALT video management ecosystem.
Our goal was simple: to help users enhance their video management capabilities as their needs grew. Beam was crafted to be that reliable partner, enabling seamless expansion of their operations. Just like adding extra floors to a building when necessary, Beam allowed our clients to broaden their reach and capacity within our platform.
With eager anticipation, we launched Beam, starting with a single client. Over time, what began as an idea became an indispensable tool approximately 200 corporate users embraced.
This journey of developing, deploying, and adapting Beam wasn't just about technology – it was about people. It was about connecting our expertise with the needs and goals of our clients and users. With each tweak and customization, we strengthened our relationship and mutual growth.
In the ever-changing world of technology, Beam stood as proof of our commitment to innovation and putting clients first. It wasn't just another feature – it was a way for us to build strong partnerships and help our clients succeed. As technology kept evolving, we stayed right alongside our clients, ready to adapt and innovate together.
VALT Now
This transformative platform has leveraged cutting-edge technologies, such as AWS S3, for efficient deployment and video storage, demonstrating our leadership in these areas.
Regarding access and security, we've built a seamless bridge with Single Sign-On (SSO). Imagine it as a digital master key that grants access to multiple services with just one touch. Such an approach is not only convenient but also provides better user experience and security, ensuring a smooth journey through the digital landscape.
We don't stop at convenience; we elevate it. The integration of a user-friendly feature for smooth user migration from LDAP is a testament to our commitment to simplifying complexities. The feature allowed efficient management of user accounts, permissions, and data in a network and seamless database transfer, which makes it a vital tool for scalable and secure directory services. It's like moving homes without breaking a sweat—a hassle-free transition that showcases our dedication to user-centric design.
In 2016, we've also embraced the latest technological waves, seamlessly transitioning to Vue 3, PHP 8, and Symfony 5.3. It's like upgrading from a trusty steed to a sleek, high-speed machine. We're not just adapting; we're thriving on the edge of technological evolution, consistently leading the way.
We don't just settle for convenience; we elevate it. Adding a user-friendly feature for easy user migration from LDAP shows our dedication to simplifying things. This feature makes managing user accounts, permissions, and data in a network smooth, along with seamless database transfers, ensuring a simple transition that reflects our focus on user-friendly design.
However, innovation is anything but static; it's a dynamic force that we expertly navigate. We've kept up with the latest tech trends, seamlessly transitioning to Vue 3, PHP 8, and Symfony 5.3. It's akin to upgrading from a reliable steed to a sleek, high-speed supercar. We're not just keeping up; we're leading the way in technological advancement.
To sum up
As we began refining our video management system, we encountered a landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities. Our starting point was a basic out-of-the-box solution – functional, but lacking the finesse and comprehensive capabilities needed to meet our clients' evolving demands.
The road ahead was marked by technical obstacles, but we approached them with determination. We saw them not as barriers, but as opportunities for progress. Our strategy was twofold: embrace new technologies and strengthen our development process through rigorous testing.
Embracing new technologies was like adding new tools to our toolbox. It involved exploring cutting-edge possibilities and seamlessly integrating them into our existing framework. This shift required us to transition from a static box to a dynamic platform capable of evolving alongside the rapid advancements in video management. It demanded a mindset open to change and a team ready to adapt and learn new skills.
Automated testing emerged as one of our most valuable assets on this journey. It was like having vigilant sentinels safeguarding our progress. By incorporating automated tests into our development process, we fortified the foundations of our platform against unexpected regressions or issues. This approach wasn't just about finding bugs; it was about instilling confidence that every step forward was backed by a safety net of quality assurance.
With unwavering dedication, the transformation took shape. The once basic box solution blossomed into a robust platform, brimming with a myriad of features and capabilities. Our system stood ready to meet the ever-expanding needs of our clients.
But this journey was more than just about technical progress; it was about our dedication to doing things well. It showed our ability to not only adapt to change but also to see it as a chance to get better. We realized that being adaptable wasn't a weakness but a strength – the strength to evolve and innovate.
This case study isn't just about showing off our technical skills; it's a story of how a team's hard work and flexibility can make a difference in the world of technology. It reminds us that excellence isn't about reaching a goal and stopping; it's about always striving to improve. As the world of video management changes, our journey shows how being flexible, innovative, and committed can lead to big changes.
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