CCTV servicing

[tombruton]

I didn't know we had our IP based CCTV systems serviced annually. Talking to the technicians at each of the sites none of them have ever been aware of them actually doing it. BTW we set our own passwords to the cameras and software and don't have a data sharing agreement with them. We also use vlans, sticky ports and our cabs are in there own rooms which are locked and the cabs are locked. So they definitely are not messing about with them without us knowing. This has come up due to a new site and a guy coming to service them and me asking a few questions. Doesn't come out of the IT budget. Just seems like a waste to me

 

My questions are

 

1. What do they actually do

2. Does anybody else have there CCTV serviced

3. What sort of cost is it you pay if so

[mavhc]

Most service contracts are a waste of money/scam, they'll do as little as possible, maybe even nothing because turning up would remind you you're paying for it.

[Katy]

If I had a service contract I'd probably expect them to clean the camera (not necessarily take it apart but clean the domes as they get filthy) and maybe do something on the recorder, wouldn't expect them to need access to the switches etc unless there was a problem.

[tombruton]

We would need to setup a data sharing agreement with them to give them access and I can't see any reason to justify this. We would also need to give them access to our server which would mean putting them in a group where they could access our servers

[steveg]

We had one here with ADT when I started. They would clean the cameras, check the alignment, and make sure all were working. It also covered breakdown of the equipment. For 14 cameras they were charging £1800! I promptly cancelled it, site team clean them when required, and nothing has broken in 3 years so we are definitely better off, could replaced the whole install twice now with what we have saved.

 

Steve