Bank One is the nation's sixth-largest bank holding company, with more than 1,000 banking centers and business offices in 23 states and multiple countries. Much of the company's growth has come as a result of mergers and acquisitions, which have also resulted in a mix of video surveillance systems. Surveillance systems at some of the acquired locations had been in operation for more than 20 years, and some sites still used film cameras. Other locations possessed the latest equipment. The company recognized the need to upgrade to ensure that all of its facilities had compatible systems that met the same performance and maintenance standards.
After a review of available technology, it was clear to Bank One's security team that digital video recording (DVR) was the most advanced system and, therefore, the soundest investment. Security found that DVR technology would offer a more advanced surveillance system as well as a more powerful tool for investigating crime and improving system efficiencies. For example, DVR technology offered networked video, real-time viewing and recording, long-term storage, and multiple search parameters. The DVR system would also allow the company to incorporate system upgrades in the future with minimal disruption.
