As video security technology continues to evolve rapidly, edge-processing cameras are becoming indispensable tools for systems integrators and resellers. These devices, powered by advanced technologies and AI, are transforming the capabilities and expectations of security and operations teams alike.
Where will AI go next? One subject worth exploring is how developers and integrators can use the power and flexibility of these edge devices to customize an installation to the exact requirements of an end-user. With this ability, integrators are more likely to win projects and retain customer loyalty.
So how can integrators harness edge AI in this way? Something called Docker could very well be the answer; however, we must take a closer look at the overarching trend of containerization first.
It Starts with Edge Intelligence
Traditionally, security cameras served a singular purpose: capturing and transmitting video feeds for storage or review. Modern demands for real-time analysis, customized analytics, and integration with broader operational systems have pushed the industry toward edge intelligence, and in this context, “edge” refers to processing data directly on the device rather than relying solely on centralized servers.
Edge-processing cameras equipped with advanced AI capabilities can analyze video feeds in real-time. This enables functionalities like object detection, privacy masking, and even behavior analysis directly on the device. With so much computational power on the edge, the next logical question is how to harness it most efficiently and effectively.
To accomplish this in a variety of industries, the wider IT world has long standardized on containerization – a way to package and run software so it works the same anywhere, whether on a local server, at the edge, or in the cloud. Think of it as putting an app and everything it needs into a sealed box so it doesn’t interfere with other programs and runs smoothly on different devices.
Containers are lightweight, start quickly, and use fewer resources because they share the same operating system. In security cameras, containerization enables multiple AI tools, updating features easily, and customizing functions without changing the hardware.
Enter Docker
Docker is one of the most popular container platforms that has long been accepted and used in the IT community. Docker is an open-source platform that allows developers to create, deploy, and run applications within containers.
By integrating Docker containers, IoT and video surveillance manufacturers enable a modular and flexible approach to enhancing a camera’s capabilities. For a security integrator, Docker is the key to unlocking customized edge-based AI-driven applications that operate seamlessly on compatible devices without interfering with their core functions.
Containers encapsulate an application and its dependencies, ensuring that it runs consistently across different computing environments. Because it is open-source, a developer need only build it once, knowing that any system that supports Docker can use it. This minimizes custom work and leads to a more significant ROI for developers.
Imagine a smartphone app store where users can download applications tailored to their needs. Docker containers work similarly, enabling security integrators to install specialized applications on their customers’ open-platform cameras – whether monitoring customer traffic in retail, detecting environmental hazards in industrial settings, or alerting when someone has fallen and failed to get back up.
Inherent Benefits of Docker
Docker containers create a secure layer between the application and the device’s core functions. This isolation ensures that even if a vulnerability exists within an application, it cannot compromise the underlying system.
For industries such as healthcare, finance, and public safety, this added layer of cyber-protection is invaluable. This also insulates third-party developers from having an impact on the overall cyber-resilience of the camera.
Additionally, Docker’s compatibility with cloud services allows seamless integration without exposing sensitive data. Organizations can deploy applications from trusted developers while maintaining control over their cybersecurity protocols. This balance between flexibility and security is a key advantage of Docker-powered edge cameras.
Beyond traditional surveillance, Docker-powered cameras are becoming integral to broader IoT ecosystems. By collecting and analyzing data at the edge, these devices can contribute to digital transformation initiatives. For example, a retail chain might integrate camera data with point-of-sale systems to reduce shrink, while an industrial plant could use AI analytics to monitor equipment health and predict maintenance needs.
The modular nature of Docker containers simplifies the management of complex systems. Each application runs within its own container, making it easier to update, replace, or scale individual components without disrupting the entire system. For example, if a new AI analytics tool becomes available, it can be deployed as a Docker container alongside existing applications without requiring major system overhauls.
Scalability is another significant benefit. Docker containers can be distributed across multiple edge devices, enabling organizations to expand their capabilities as needed. This is particularly useful for large-scale deployments, such as city-wide surveillance networks or industrial facilities with diverse monitoring requirements.
The Benefit of an Open IT Platform
Enterprise security integrators are all too familiar with the open vs. closed platform debate. Closed systems, often marketed as “end-to-end” solutions, provide simplicity but limit flexibility. Open platforms, on the other hand, prioritize collaboration and innovation.
By supporting industry-standard technologies like Docker, open platforms empower developers to create applications that work across various devices. This approach is akin to the smartphone model, where apps are developed for iOS or Android and can be downloaded by any compatible device.
By providing an open development platform, a manufacturer enables integrators to build bespoke solutions tailored to their clients’ needs.
What it Means for Integrators
The role of containerization in this evolution is clear: platforms such as Docker provide the foundation for a new era of smart, customizable security systems. For security professionals, the message is simple: embrace open platforms and leverage technologies like Docker technology to unlock the full potential of edge intelligence.
As your customers’ technology expectations soar due in part to the many promises of AI technology, the ability to deploy adaptable and innovative solutions unique to each customer could be the differentiator between winning a project and a long-term customer or being left on the outside looking in.
Some enterprise integrators have not seen the value in exploring the IT developer market for talent – after all, it is hard enough to find and retain talented technicians. Docker has the potential to change that value proposition, and the business benefits of having a specialized coder on staff are clear; however, intense competition for employment in this field may hinder many integrators.
With this in mind, continuing education combined with Large Language Models may be the key. Investing in a coding course or two for one of your IT-savvy technicians, coupled with an LLM like ChatGPT or Claude is likely enough to get a Docker coding program off the ground.
A simple search on ChatGPT returns the following: “Writing Docker code using ChatGPT is relatively easy, especially for common use-cases such as containerizing applications.” With that in mind, the comparatively small cost of training is far outweighed by potential customer wins down the road.
Integrators should be prepared to answer with a resounding affirmative when an end-user inevitably asks, do you Docker? If they are, they will be on the fast track to thoughtfully creating customized AI solutions that will solve their customers’ problems while creating a future-proofed, sustainable integration business.
