Seagate Transforms Surveillance with Scalable Storage and AI-Driven Solutions

Mohit Pandey, Head of Sales for META at Seagate Technology, highlights how cutting-edge storage solutions like CoreVault and Mosaic 3, combined with AI-driven innovation and sustainability initiatives, are transforming video surveillance and driving smart city development across the Middle East.

How was the experience at Intersec this year?
Intersec 2025 proved to be as vibrant and impactful as ever. The energy at the event was infectious, with countless exhibitors and attendees exchanging ideas and innovations. The show remained a key platform for fostering meaningful connections and showcasing cutting-edge technology, solidifying its position as a must-attend event in the security and surveillance industry.

What was on display at your booth during the Intersec in Dubai?
Our booth this year was a hub of innovation. We showcased our entire product lineup, with a particular focus on CoreVault. This advanced solution came in two form factors, 4U and 5U, and stood out as a comprehensive system rather than a mere storage device. CoreVault featured 106 bays, capable of supporting up to 106 drives. Powered by our Mosaic 3, it offered up to 3 petabytes of data storage, making it ideal for high-demand applications such as managing 750 to 1,000 cameras.

Why is video surveillance so crucial for a storage vendor like you?
Video surveillance was an integral part of our business. Cities like Dubai exemplified the importance of extensive surveillance networks, contributing to their reputation as some of the safest places globally. The growing adoption of smart cities worldwide further amplified the need for reliable and scalable storage solutions. Our SkyHawk brand led the charge in supporting this growing industry, ensuring seamless performance and data reliability.

How did regional factors impact video surveillance needs, and what distinguished AI drives from standard drives?
Video surveillance plays a critical role in regions like the Middle East, where both Smart City developments and geopolitical factors created heightened security needs. High-capacity drives, including our AI-powered drives, were designed to meet these demands. Unlike standard drives, AI drives offer faster refresh rates and superior data recovery capabilities, enabling quick and precise actions during critical situations. For example, AI drives could rapidly identify a vehicle by its license plate during an incident, making them indispensable for high-security environments like airports or crowded urban areas.

What was the future of AI in the surveillance and storage industry?
The evolution of AI mirrored the exponential growth witnessed in smartphones over the past decade. As AI became more sophisticated, its applications in surveillance expanded significantly. For instance, our Mosaic 3+ product, with its 30-terabyte capacity, was already engineered to handle the massive data demands of tomorrow. The trajectory was clear: storage capacities continue to grow to accommodate the increasing volumes of data generated by AI-driven applications. We remained committed to staying ahead of this curve.

How did you address sustainability in your business?
Sustainability was a cornerstone of our operations. We actively participated in the circular economy by buying back used drives, re-certifying them at a factory level, and reselling them. This approach not only reduced waste but also extended the lifecycle of our products, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

What were the primary growth drivers for the video surveillance industry?
The rapid expansion of smart cities and regional instability were the key drivers of the surveillance industry. With governments investing heavily in public safety and smart infrastructure, the need for advanced storage solutions has increased. Additionally, the emergence of local data centers in countries like India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia fueled storage demand. These factors created a robust foundation for the continued growth of the industry.

How did you see smart cities evolving in the region?
Smart cities were transforming the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious projects, such as NEOM, King Salman Park, and the Red Sea Project, exemplified this trend. These initiatives required advanced surveillance systems and vast storage capacities, presenting significant opportunities for growth. Similarly, other countries in the region, including Qatar, have adopted sustainable smart city initiatives, further driving the demand for innovative storage solutions.

What role did the SME sector play in your business?
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were vital to our business strategy. They acted as critical partners, helping us reach markets we might not have accessed directly. By working closely with SMEs, we ensured that our products and solutions were available to a broader audience, enabling us to serve diverse customer needs better.

What were your expectations from Intersec this year?
Our primary objective at Intersec was to generate tangible business opportunities. Like all exhibitors, we aimed to achieve a strong return on investment from the event. The end customers who visited our booth often led to significant partnerships and projects. Beyond the financial aspect, Intersec provided an invaluable platform for showcasing our innovations, connecting with industry stakeholders, and staying at the forefront of emerging trends.