IntelliSite’s suite of hardware and software products enables rapid development, deployment, management and scaling of IoT solutions.
IntelliSite connects organizations, communities, and cities through the delivery of state-of-the-art surveillance, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence.
View Solutions
IntelliSite is committed to the success of every application and ensuring customers realize the full potential of their IoT solution.
Learn More
IntelliSite’s open and scalable IoT Platform aggregates best-of-breed IoT technologies.
VIEW PARTNERS
IntelliSite Corporation, a portfolio company of DFW Capital Partners, delivers outcomes for our customer across IoT, Safety & Security and Computer Vision.
Ken Mills is the CEO of IntelliSite, a full-service AI-enabled IoT Solution provider and a regular contributor to the Forbes Tech Council.
This year, efforts by public agencies to improve community safety and well-being with smart, data-driven services have reached a tipping point. In 2018, IDC researchers predicted that the deployment of next-generation technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G bandwidth throughout the country would fuel local spending on “smart city” connectivity to the tune of $158 billion by 2022.
However, the cascading effects of Covid-19, regional wildfires, and localized flooding have had a tightening effect on municipal budgets, employment, and progress on health and safety. Yet research shows these same conditions have accelerated the need for interactive digital services for community members and optimized information gathering by decision-makers. How can policymakers and technologists collaborate to deliver the promise of smart cities to every metropolitan region?
Step 1: Focus On Communities, Not Cities
No question, the “smart city” brand is widely familiar from media coverage of the latest slate of “Top Ten Global Smart Cities,” U.S. Department of Transportation-sponsored Smart City Challenge or annual smart city expos held in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, and Atlanta.
With the exception of a few showcase pilot programs, entire cities are rarely the recipients of these advanced services. Elected officials and appointment managers of individual agencies are the ones seeking efficient solutions to ongoing problems such as illegal dumping, water quality management, or safer parks and recreation. These agencies have both the budget and mandate to improve the quality of life in their communities.
Recently, my company worked with the Alameda County Department of Justice in California to provide an AI-enabled solution to reduce illegal dumping by monitoring physical activity and associated vehicle license plates. Police department data identified locations where dumping was common, and those local businesses agreed to mount video cameras on their rooftops. Because the city has guidelines preventing the use of facial recognition algorithms, actions (such as car doors opening or actual dumping) rather than faces triggered the video alerts.
Step 2: Find One Use Case, And Build On Success
Every smart city’s digital infrastructure requires careful planning and construction. There are no off-the-shelf smart cities. When new communities are positioned to build the physical infrastructure of roads, buildings and services in tandem with their data management platform, they are still tasked with attracting inhabitants and creating a cultural fabric.
More commonly, smart digital infrastructure arises directly from the needs and choices of local residents. Municipal governments are increasingly using “chief innovation officers” and “chief data officers” to oversee the integration of this technology and oversee results. This approach builds consensus among decision-makers, builds support, and enables vendors to scale up for new uses. This “platform” model requires users to subscribe to infrastructure as a service, using as much or as little as needed.
Launching projects with “smart communities as a service” mindset means taking incremental steps to drive results. I believe this SCaaS model can lead to higher adoption rates of data-driven projects by civic entities than the pilot program approach used last decade by IBM and Cisco to create a smart city in one fell swoop.
Step 3: Leverage SCaaS Solutions To Generate Savings And Revenue
Recent U.N. forecasts show that two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in densely packed megacities by 2030. This demographic trend is driving the need for precision planning and resource allocation by smart, tech-enabled communities. Today, municipalities are seeking tech-enabled options to avoid or reduce costs associated with a range of lifestyle and well-being issues: infrastructure maintenance, improved transportation and mobility, law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and energy allocation. Smart communities can also capture new revenue opportunities leveraging the same SCaaS toolkit.
A study by engineering consultants Burns & McDonnell and commissioned by Texans for Clean Water found that nine Texas cities spend more than $50 million annually to combat litter and illegal dumping in their lakes rivers, and other water sources. Imagine the increased effectiveness and reduced budget stress if the same agencies invested in deterrent infrastructure, including AI-enabled remote monitoring and cameras, in addition to other abatement programs.
Linking smart metering with IoT data networks is another revenue opportunity for communities. Drivers, lacking coins to feed parking meters, may park elsewhere or not pay and risk getting a parking ticket. But the convenience of paying with mobile phones or credit cards prompts more consumers to pay for parking in highly trafficked urban centers, adding revenue to city coffers.
Step 4: Invest In The Right Technology For Biggest Savings
Many SCaaS services are centered on the data-gathering power of IoT-connected sensors and devices. The capabilities of these interactive sensors will grow exponentially with the deployment of edge computing.
Consider how cities already have IoT devices operating on a wide range of locations, from street corners monitoring traffic to aqueducts monitoring water quality. Data is sent to the cloud or off-site data center for software to crunch and determine findings before sending notifications. Even the fastest transmission has latency issues.
In contrast, edge computing refers to the trend of pushing analysis and computational work as close as possible to the point of data collection. Unlike mainframes of yesteryear or today’s servers, edge computers are micro-sized, cheap, and replaceable. Hand-coded algorithms seek predetermined patterns from the data being collected. Add in 5G’s turbocharged bandwidth, and a $50 device replaces an IT department running operations from a remote server room.
On an international level, Vision Zero, a consortium of cities, nonprofits, and business partners, is focused on eliminating traffic fatalities. Partners are using edge computing and artificial intelligence to unlock data to improve safety at intersections, crosswalks, and highways. This ambitious program is another example of the SCaaS approach. It tackles one definable use case, validates hard data, and scales with proven solutions.
With this approach, residents need not worry if their town isn’t mentioned on the next list of top 10 smart cities. By applying a SCaaS model, every community can access the latest collaborative technology to improve the safety and livability of its urban area.
Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives.
Ken serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Epic IO, IntelliSite & Broad Sky Networks.
Ken has an early background in nuclear physics and reactor engineering, and over 20 years of business-to-business technology and information security expertise.
Prior to joining IntelliSite, Ken was the General Manager & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Dell Technologies Safety & Security, IoT, and Computer Vision business unit. During his tenure, he was recognized as one of Dell Technologies’ top security and public safety experts who were instrumental in establishing and growing Dell Technologies Safety and Security solutions.
Prior to Dell Technologies, Ken was a Fellow at the U.S. Department of State. Earlier in his career, he spent close to eight years building a hyper-growth business for Cisco’s Safety and Security, Access Control, and Emergency Response business unit. Previously, Ken was a Partner in one of the largest contract field sales organizations in the United States and served as a Nuclear Engineer for the United States Navy.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Clemson University. He is a member of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and serves on the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, an Advisory Board Member for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, and a member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Mario Campos serves as President of IntelliSite LLC, a holding company of EPIC IO. Alongside the Executive Leadership team, he oversees company operations, product design, and innovation as well as overall company strategy.
A serial entrepreneur, Mario guided the transition of QPCS LLC, a small California startup technology company into IntelliSite LLC, a market leading organization that delivers outcomes for its customers across IoT, Safety & Security, Computer Vision & Artificial Intelligence.
Prior to founding QPCS in 2001, Mario worked as a software architect for John Deere Agri Services, where he was responsible for the development of web-based + IoT software applications designed to provide food traceability in the Agribusiness world.
Mario immigrated to the US from Costa Rica in 1997. He received a B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems from California State University. He holds certifications from Cisco, Microsoft, CompTia, RedHat, and others. He serves on the Cradlepoint Advisory Committee and is also a member of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Forum. Mario is married and has two children.
Jorge Campos is the co-founder of IntelliSite Corporation and serves as the Chief Technology Officer, IoT.
Jorge’s extensive experience in the field has been instrumental in bringing new technologies together to create successful #IoT solutions. From a very young age, Jorge showed exceptional technological skills; he sold his first commercial computer program at the age of 10. In 1995, he worked as a senior engineer for Costa Rica’s National Bank and was part of the team that created and implemented the core software platform that was implemented across all of its branches.
Jorge is originally from Costa Rica and holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from EARTH University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in computer science from California State University, Stanislaus.
JP is the Chief Revenue Officer for EPIC IO, IntelliSite, and Broad Sky Networks.
JP has over 30 years of sales and sales leadership experience in network, security, and data storage technology companies.
Prior to joining EPIC IO & IntelliSite, JP served as the VP of South Sales for Cohesity, a leader in Data Management solutions. Before joining Cohesity, he built and led the Southeast Majors organization at Palo Alto Networks for 4 years.
Early in his career, JP started with Cisco in 1993 and worked in sales, sales leadership, and global strategy and planning leadership capacities through 2014. JP’s vast experience across his 30+ years has prepared him well for his journey with EPIC IO, IntelliSite and Broad Sky Networks.
JP holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from the University of Texas A&M.
Michael is the Chief Digital Officer of EPIC IO, IntelliSite and Broad Sky Networks.
Michael is a technology industry veteran with more than 23 years of professional experience, holding a significant amount of technology/industry certifications, focusing on transformative outcomes and consulting across all industries.
Before joining EPIC IO, IntelliSite, and Broad Sky Networks, he was the Global Chief Technology Officer for Safety and Security – Industry Edge (IoT) at Dell Technologies. In this position, he led go-to-market strategies and enablement for solutions and outcomes comprised of not only the capabilities of Dell’s strategically aligned businesses but also the expansive partner ecosystem that included a vast amount of partners from strategic hyper-scalers to global systems integrators and independent hardware/software providers.
Michael has served as President, Chief Digital Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Global Director for multiple technology organizations delivering a myriad of solutions and services that include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge-to-cloud strategies, cloud and XaaS (Software, IaaS, PaaS, UCaaS), enterprise networking including SD-WAN, IOT/IIOT, analytics and business intelligence, safety, physical security and more.
Steve is the Chief Financial Officer of EPIC IO, IntelliSite, and Broad Sky Networks.
With over 20 years of financial leadership in technology and building services companies, Steve brings a wealth of experience in transformative financial leadership.
Prior to joining EPIC IO, Steve served as CFO for Inverify.US through its sale in 2019. Before that, Steve was the Corporate Controller and Vice President of Acquisition Finance & Integration at Universal Services of America / Allied Universal for over 16 years. Steve was instrumental in efficiently scaling and conducting financial integration across transformational growth from a small regional business to a multi-billion-dollar international provider.
Steve is a California licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Agustin is the President of AI for IntelliSite and leads the AI business strategy and product development, partnering with the technology office to build and deliver a market-leading artificial intelligence solution.
Prior to this role, Agustin was the Co-Founder & CEO of Deep Vision AI, which was acquired by IntelliSite in early 2020. Agustin developed a pragmatic understanding of the strategic and technical applications of advanced technology, business, and systems processes, and incorporating computer vision applications for various industry use cases. He focuses on transforming ideas into well-engineered, customer-centric products and helping bring them to market. He has a contagious passion for innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.
Agustin started his career at the INRIA research center. He holds a computer engineering degree from the National University of Cordoba – the oldest university in Argentina and one of the first in the Americas.
Leandro is the Chief Technology Officer of AI for IntelliSite. He leads the company’s AI engineering and product development teams worldwide. He is a proven leader and expert in designing, building, and delivering the right solution for any computer vision application.
Previously, he was the Co-Founder of Deep Vision AI, which was acquired by IntelliSite in early 2020. Deep Vision AI is an industry-leading platform of computer vision and AI-enabled applications for mid-market and large enterprise customers, global technology partners, and governments worldwide.
Earlier in his career, he was Professor of Computer Architecture for the Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences in Argentina. He also worked at the Department of Applied Research in the Argentinian Air Force.
Leandro holds a Computer Engineering degree from the National University of Cordoba – the oldest university in Argentina and one of the first in the Americas.
Chris Jenkins is the Director of Professional Services and Delivery at IntelliSite.
Prior to IntelliSite, Chris held a variety of engineering positions at Dell, Cisco, Tyco, ADT, and Identiv, as well as owning his own security company. Chris has nearly 30 years of sales, delivery, and engineering experience. Chris has exceptional expertise in IT, compute, networking, safety & security, computer vision, and IoT which makes him a perfect fit for IntelliSite.
Pablo Fernandez is the General Manager at IntelliSite for Latin America. In this role, Pablo is helping to bring the company’s advanced IoT and AI-enabled technologies to mid-market and large enterprise customers, technology partners, and government municipalities throughout Latin America.
Prior to IntelliSite, Pablo provided service delivery and infrastructure support for Fortune 500 companies like Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, and Pfizer, among others. Pablo is an IoT enthusiast with deep knowledge in smart cities, industrial IoT, and much more. He is also a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) with over 15 years of working experience in information technology across multiple verticals.
