Editor Becci Knowles speaks to Rishi Lodhia, Vice President & Managing Director EMEA, Eagle Eye Networks about the company’s early years and vision, the importance of the UK market and why its association with the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference is so important.

In 2012, when Eagle Eye Networks was founded, the vision was to provide a modern cloud-based video surveillance solution that was scalable, flexible and easy to use – anywhere, anytime, anyplace. 

Since developing the software and bringing the first customers online, the company has grown very quickly.

Today, the Eagle Eye Networks platform is hosted in its own purpose-built, secure global data centres. 

The Eagle Eye strategy has been twofold: 

Global Expansion: Establish Eagle Eye Networks locations close to customers, allowing them to store data locally and experience good regional performance. “We initially opened data centres in the US, followed by Amsterdam, the UK, and Japan. We are also planning to open a data centre in Saudi Arabia soon,” says Lodhia. 

Comprehensive Growth: Eagle Eye Networks has expanded its platform, locations, sales force, and support with growing globally while providing exceptional local customer support. 

In recent years, the company has made significant investments in enhancing its capabilities with AI and advanced analytics.

A key step was acquiring a company specialising in AI and video surveillance a few years ago.

Since then, it has been heavily invested in integrating AI on top of its cloud video surveillance platform. 

The importance of AI and cloud to video surveillance 

Businesses are exploring how to leverage AI and machine learning effectively within video surveillance, not as an isolated solution.

While AI is a growing trend, other important questions arise: How and where will AI be used? Should it be implemented directly on the camera? “AI is most effective when combined with a cloud video surveillance platform. AI in the cloud is a second major trend,” says Lodhia. 

He adds the third significant trend is more integration between video surveillance and other third-party technologies. “True cloud video surveillance is an open system that is much easier to connect with other platforms compared to on-premise systems.

“We believe open platforms will be the future, directly enabling greater integration with other security and business systems.” 

Any industry can benefit from cloud-based video surveillance with artificial intelligence and analytics. “The good news is that every business has challenges that a video platform can help solve,” Lodhia promises. 

“We’ve seen a significant rise in the retail sector.

“When you consider how we’re connecting the physical and digital worlds, the information we provide extends far beyond security.

“Retailers can gain valuable insights, such as customer traffic patterns and demographics, similar to how Google Analytics provides insights for e-commerce websites.” 

Eagle Eye Networks is also witnessing increased adoption of its video surveillance solutions in transportation, logistics, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

In the UK, for example, there’s been a surge in interest from rail networks. While security is undeniably important, AI is becoming increasingly crucial for operational efficiency as well. 

Privacy concerns  

With concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy at an all-time high, Lodhia is quick to allay any fears new customers might have: “Being a cloud-based platform from the beginning, as opposed to a legacy on-premise system adapted for the cloud, gives us a strong foundation for cybersecurity. 

“We’ve implemented several organisational and technical measures to address privacy concerns. These include strong encryption, strict access controls, and compliance with all data protection regulations, such as GDPR in the UK.” 

Customer data in the UK is stored in Eagle Eye’s London data centre. In mainland Europe, customer data is stored in Germany. 

“Eagle Eye Networks completed the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits, providing independent validation of Eagle Eye’s commitment to meet and exceed security standards for its customers. We take our security measures seriously and believe independent third-party audits are important,” he adds. 

The importance of the UK market 

The UK is one of the most important markets globally.

While there are already many cameras installed, when you look at the sheer number of existing on-premise systems – NVRs, DVRs, and VMS – many are outdated, nearing the end of their lifespan and not being upgraded.

“There’s a significant opportunity not just to replace cameras, but to replace outdated on-premise video management systems (VMS) entirely. This market holds great potential for us,” reveals Lodhia. 

Eagle Eye Networks sees numerous locations that can be easily transformed. Installers and integrators are often pressed for time.

A major industry challenge is the lack of skilled technical talent to install and integrate new systems.

“Our cloud-based platform can significantly address this resource constraint and improve efficiency. Cloud platforms allow integrators to manage more sites and eliminate the need for extensive cable installation.

“If a system is already in place, simply adding our local appliance connects the data to the cloud, instantly supercharging it with the benefits of cloud-based AI, security, and cybersecurity measures.

“This is why we see a major market opportunity in the UK.” 

One of Eagle Eye’s biggest successes has been in the UK across various sectors, especially retail chains, transportation systems, public transport, educational institutions, and housing.

Existing camera systems were readily available, and with its cloud-based AI and cybersecurity solutions, customers with legacy systems were suddenly able to unlock the benefits of these advancements.

According to Lodhia, this is a key factor behind the UK’s rapid growth in this market. 

Commenting on future advancements in the technology and the benefits they will bring, Lodhia says: “We are continuously improving our AI algorithms at an accelerated pace.

“This will offer enhanced data analytics, providing you with much more insightful data.

“Searching through video footage becomes even easier, and AI-based alarm filtering will significantly improve. 

“We’re also focusing on better integration with IoT devices and a more secure way to share cameras with others.

“Where Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing was launched in the US in April, we are exploring offering this feature in the UK as well.” 

Overall, these advancements will bring increased security, more detailed insights, and cost savings through improved operational efficiency for Eagle Eye customers. 

Sustainability 

Sustainability is a core value at Eagle Eye Networks. Lodhia tells me, “We are committed to security and dedicated to solving global challenges through meaningful innovation that enhances safety for communities worldwide. 

“Our data centres are energy-efficient, and we continuously strive to further improve them.

“We leverage AI to monitor usage and utilise renewable energy sources, constantly optimising our consumption.”

Furthermore, the centralised nature of the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS enables automated cybersecurity and feature updates and upgrades, eliminating the need for physical visits by integrators and installers for minor issues, which contributes to sustainability. 

Commenting on where he sees the company in five years’ time, Lodhia says: “We see ourselves as a leader in transforming the security industry from on-premise to cloud-based solutions.

“We aim to be at the forefront of the AI-driven cloud video surveillance transition, expanding our global reach further.

“We will continue to innovate in security technology, offering business process optimisation tools and industry-specific solutions. We are not just a technology leader, but also a green technology leader.” 

SJUK Leaders in Security Conference 

Eagle Eye Networks is the Platinum Partner for the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference, taking place on 16 July at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester.   

“Eagle Eye Networks is delighted to take centre stage as the Platinum Partner at the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference,” says Lodhia.

“As a pioneer in cloud-based video surveillance, we are committed to shaping the future of security technology, and this partnership reflects our dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership in the industry.” 

“The Conference is a critical forum for the UK security industry’s leading minds to share industry trends, collaborate, and exchange expertise and innovation.

“Technology is powerful, but its adoption is crucial.

“Having a community come together to discuss how we can accelerate adoption is vital and the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference provides this opportunity for leaders within the industry.” 

This article was originally published in the July Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.