An Alliance to Move from Video Collection to Concrete Action

Totem and Milestone Systems have formalized a strategic partnership to combine the software power of XProtect, an open and interoperable video management platform developed by Milestone, with Totem’s operational capabilities. According to SDM Editors, this collaboration addresses a critical need: turning video data into effective security actions. Luis Fernando Uribe Blum, CEO of Totem, emphasizes that the security industry has heavily invested in cameras and analytics, but the real challenge lies in their operationalization. ‘The next challenge is not about having more intelligence, but knowing how to exploit it continuously,’ he explains.

The next challenge in security is not accumulating more video intelligence, but knowing how to leverage it into concrete and continuous actions.

How Totem Bridges the Gap Between Technology and Security Response

Totem adds a human dimension to the equation: trained operators, 24/7 coverage, and real-time verification of video alerts. Unlike purely automated solutions, Totem’s model serves as an extension of existing surveillance center infrastructures. Ask SDM notes that this approach allows organizations to add cameras or advanced analytics without building new internal infrastructure. For example, a center using XProtect could integrate Totem’s services to process video streams continuously, with immediate incident responses, without hiring or training additional staff.

Luis Fernando Uribe Blum stresses this point: ‘Our role is to provide the operational aspect of security, with dedicated teams, uninterrupted coverage, and the ability to respond.’ This flexibility is particularly suited for security centers looking to evolve without increasing their operational workload.

What This Means Here: Opportunities for Beninese and West African Security Centers

For businesses and government agencies in Benin and West Africa, this partnership could offer a key solution for optimizing the use of existing video surveillance systems. Many local security centers invest in cameras and video management software but struggle to achieve immediate operational returns. A collaboration similar to that between Totem and Milestone could, for example, allow a cotton surveillance center to:

• Centralize management: Integrate video feeds from multiple sites (public buildings, industrial zones, critical infrastructure) via XProtect, while benefiting from real-time human analysis.
• Reduce costs: Avoid heavy investments in physical infrastructure or hiring operators by outsourcing active monitoring to specialized partners.
• Improve responsiveness: Shift from passive incident detection to proactive intervention, thanks to human verification of alerts generated by video analytics.
• Scale gradually: Add cameras or advanced features (facial recognition, intrusion detection) without disrupting existing operations, relying on an externally scalable capacity.

Béninese ministries, such as those of the Interior or Public Works, could also benefit from this approach to secure sensitive sites (airports, ports, government facilities) without redundant efforts. In the long term, hybrid models combining local surveillance and outsourced services could become widespread, provided that local stakeholders adapt to the quality and responsiveness requirements imposed by such partnerships.

An open platform and regional integration prospects

Milestone Systems leverages its open ecosystem to facilitate the adoption of this solution. The XProtect platform is compatible with a wide range of cameras and third-party applications, making it a strategic choice for organizations seeking to avoid technological lock-in. SourceSecurity notes that this partnership falls under the Milestone Technology Partner Program, which promotes verified integrations and deep technical collaboration.

For African stakeholders, this approach could inspire cooperation models between local software publishers (such as those developed for mobile payment systems) and surveillance service providers. For example, a Beninese IT consulting firm could offer its clients a roadmap combining:

• The installation of cameras and video management software (potentially sourced from local or international partners).
• Integration with outsourced monitoring services, similar to those of Totem, to ensure continuous and professional operation.
• Targeted training for local teams on tool usage to maintain partial autonomy.

This synergy between technology and human service could become a standard for critical infrastructures in West Africa, where budgets are limited but security needs are growing.