Understanding VMS Platforms vs Purpose-Built Security
Cloud video management systems (VMS) and AI-powered security platforms serve overlapping but distinct needs. VMS platforms focus on storing, managing, and accessing video footage. Security platforms focus on detecting threats and enabling response.
Eagle Eye Networks and VOLT AI illustrate this distinction. Understanding whether you need a video management foundation or a security intelligence layer helps identify the right solution for your campus.
Visit our comprehensive AI security solution comparison.
Core Technology Approaches
Eagle Eye Networks built a cloud-based VMS platform that centralizes video management across locations. The company has added security features including gun detection, vaping sensors, and analytics capabilities. With over 3.5 million cameras connected globally, Eagle Eye serves diverse industries through a scalable cloud infrastructure.
VOLT AI designed its platform specifically for real-time threat detection in environments where safety is paramount. The technology monitors for weapons, medical emergencies, fights, and unauthorized access through AI that was purpose-built for educational, healthcare, and residential communities.
Aspect | VOLT AI | Eagle Eye Networks |
Primary Purpose | Real-time threat detection | Cloud video management |
Platform Type | Security intelligence | VMS with added security |
Gun Detection | Core feature | Add-on feature |
Target Industries | Education, Healthcare, Residential | Multi-industry |
Detection Capabilities Compared
Detection capabilities reveal the different priorities behind each platform. What each system monitors reflects its core design purpose.
Detection Type | VOLT AI | Eagle Eye Networks |
Gun Detection | ✓ Core feature | ✓ Add-on |
Medical Emergency (Person Down) | ✓ | — |
Fight Detection | ✓ | — |
Unauthorized Access | ✓ | ✓ |
Loitering Detection | ✓ | Limited |
Vaping Detection | — | ✓ (hardware sensors) |
3D Facility Mapping | ✓ | — |
911 Camera Sharing | ✓ | ✓ |
Human Verification | ✓ | Multi-layer AI |
Facial Recognition | — | ✓ |
Gun Detection: Core vs Add-On
VOLT AI includes weapon detection as fundamental platform functionality. Every implementation addresses this critical need without additional modules or licensing.
Eagle Eye Networks added gun detection as a feature within its broader VMS platform. The capability uses triple-layer verification including edge AI, cloud AI, and human review. Schools gain gun detection but through a platform primarily designed for video management rather than threat detection.
The Vaping Question
Eagle Eye offers specialized vaping detection through hardware sensors designed for restrooms and locker rooms where cameras cannot be placed. This addresses a real concern in school environments through purpose-built detection hardware.
VOLT AI does not offer vaping detection. The platform focuses on higher-stakes safety incidents rather than policy violations.
Real-Time Response Capabilities
How each platform handles detection and response affects your team's ability to intervene effectively during incidents.
VOLT AI Response Features
VOLT AI creates 3D facility mapping during implementation, providing spatial context for every alert. Security teams see exactly where incidents occur and can track individuals as they move through the facility.
Every detection passes through the Video Security Operations Center (VSOC) for human verification before reaching campus security. This approach eliminates false alarm fatigue while ensuring genuine threats receive immediate attention.
The combination of spatial awareness and continuous tracking enables coordinated response. Security personnel can converge efficiently while monitoring subject movement in real-time.
Eagle Eye Response Features
Eagle Eye provides real-time alerts through its cloud platform with centralized access across locations. The system integrates with existing access control and alarm systems.
Gun detection uses triple-layer verification: edge AI performs initial detection, cloud AI provides secondary analysis, and human operators review flagged events. This approach balances detection speed with accuracy.
The platform offers 911 camera sharing, allowing law enforcement to access live feeds during emergencies. This capability supports response coordination with first responders.
Privacy Considerations
Privacy approaches carry particular weight in educational environments where students and parents expect appropriate data handling.
VOLT AI Privacy Approach
VOLT AI does not use facial recognition technology. The platform tracks behaviors and clothing descriptions rather than individual identities. This design addresses privacy regulations while meeting community expectations about student monitoring.
The system maintains SOC 2 Type 2 certification and encrypts data in transit and at rest.
Eagle Eye Privacy Approach
Eagle Eye Networks includes facial recognition capabilities as part of its analytics suite. The platform can identify individuals and track their movement across camera views.
Schools implementing Eagle Eye must consider how facial recognition aligns with their privacy policies and community expectations. The capability serves legitimate security use cases but raises considerations specific to educational environments.
Implementation and Infrastructure
Both platforms use cloud architecture, but implementation requirements differ based on existing infrastructure.
VOLT AI Implementation
VOLT AI deployment typically completes in days to weeks. The software connects to existing IP cameras without requiring specialized hardware. Installation involves minimal IT involvement.
The platform creates 3D facility mapping during onboarding. Security teams configure detection rules and escalation policies through an intuitive portal. Both cloud and on-premises deployment options accommodate different requirements.
Eagle Eye Implementation
Eagle Eye Networks connects to existing cameras through cloud bridges that transmit video to their infrastructure. The platform can also work with Eagle Eye-branded cameras for simplified deployment.
As a full VMS platform, Eagle Eye may replace existing video management systems or operate alongside them. Implementation complexity varies based on the scope of VMS functionality required.
Pricing Approaches
How companies structure pricing affects budget planning and total cost of ownership.
VOLT AI Pricing
VOLT AI publishes transparent per-camera subscription pricing on our website. The software-only approach eliminates hardware investment requirements beyond existing cameras.
Many schools find VOLT AI costs less than hiring a single additional security staff member while providing comprehensive 24/7 monitoring.
Eagle Eye Networks Pricing
Eagle Eye uses subscription pricing based on camera count and storage requirements. Gun detection capabilities require additional licensing beyond base VMS functionality.
The platform offers various tiers with different retention periods and feature sets. Schools must factor gun detection add-on costs into total ownership calculations.
Making the Right Choice
Different schools have different needs based on their existing infrastructure, VMS requirements, and security priorities.
Eagle Eye Networks May Fit Better If You:
- Need a full cloud VMS platform for video management across locations
- Want vaping detection through hardware sensors
- Already use or plan to implement Eagle Eye's broader security ecosystem
- Need 911 camera sharing as a primary requirement
- Prefer a platform-agnostic approach to security features
VOLT AI May Fit Better If You:
- Already have VMS infrastructure and need security intelligence rather than video management
- Want comprehensive detection including fights and medical emergencies as core capabilities
- Prefer privacy-conscious monitoring without facial recognition
- Need 3D facility mapping for coordinated incident response
- Value human-verified alerts that eliminate false alarm fatigue
- Want transparent pricing without add-on module complexity
What Schools Say About VOLT AI
Schools implementing VOLT AI report transformative improvements in their security operations. These outcomes reflect purpose-built technology designed for educational environments.
"In all my time as a principal, assistant principal, and even as a teacher I felt like we were constantly chasing our tails. Everything we did with regard to student safety was reactive. Using VOLT AI was the first time I really have been able to get out ahead of things that are happening proactively."
Adam Neely, Principal, Prescott High School
"VOLT does what no one else is doing. The company, and the software, take security to a level far above what any other tool on the market provides."
Demetrius Anderson, Technical and Intelligence Officer, University of Illinois Chicago
See Purpose-Built Campus Security in Action
VOLT AI delivers comprehensive threat detection designed specifically for educational environments. The platform provides weapon detection, medical emergency response, fight detection, and 3D spatial awareness as core capabilities rather than add-on features.
Ready to see how VOLT AI addresses your specific campus needs?
Discover why schools are choosing purpose-built security intelligence over adapted VMS platforms.
