Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks form an open cloud security platform: Brivo provides cloud-based access control and Eagle Eye Networks provides cloud video surveillance, both under founder Dean Drako. After ISC West 2026, both are expanding AI, third-party integrations, and identity features. BTI designs, migrates, and supports Brivo and Eagle Eye for multi-site organizations.
- Brivo: cloud access control running on Mercury-based hardware, which supports takeovers of existing Mercury controllers.
- Eagle Eye Networks: cloud video management that supports many existing camera brands and hybrid deployments.
- Both are led by Dean Drako, co-founder of Barracuda Networks.
- Focus areas after ISC West 2026: AI monitoring, visitor and identity workflows, and third-party integrations.
- BTI: integrated security since the 2010s; ISO 27001 compliant; GSA, CMAS, and TESMA contract awardee.
Ownership and Strategic Direction: Founder-Led with Deep Cybersecurity Roots
Brivo is a privately held, founder-led company led by Dean Drako, who also founded and leads Eagle Eye Networks. Drako previously co-founded Barracuda Networks, a cybersecurity and data protection company, which provides important context for how both platforms are evolving. Today, Brivo and Eagle Eye are developed under shared leadership with a focus on aligning:- Cloud-based access control
- Cloud video surveillance
- AI, data, and analytics
- Long-term platform development
- Alignment between physical security and cybersecurity principles
- Consistent direction across access, video, and AI systems
A Long-Term Cloud Strategy: Experience That Predates the Current Market Shift
One of the defining advantages of Brivo and Eagle Eye is how long they have operated in the cloud security space. Before cloud became a dominant industry trend, both platforms were already:- Built as cloud-native systems
- Designed for remote management and multi-site environments
- Structured for distributed deployments
- Legacy systems adapted to cloud
- Hybrid platforms evolving from on-premise roots
- Newer entrants still maturing their capabilities
Early Cloud Leadership: Shaping the Market Before Closed Platforms Emerged
Brivo and Eagle Eye were also among the early contributors to the development of cloud-based security categories. At a time when most systems were still on-premise, they were already delivering:- Cloud-managed access control
- Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS)
- Multi-tenant platforms for distributed environments
- Broad deployment in commercial and multifamily environments
- Real-world operational experience across diverse use cases
- Platform evolution informed by long-term usage—not just design assumptions
- Flexibility
- Integration
- Deployment adaptability
ISC West 2026: Security Platforms Are Becoming Integration Platforms
A key theme at ISC West was the transformation of security systems into integration platforms. Brivo and Eagle Eye are increasingly positioned to:- Connect access control, video, and intrusion systems
- Integrate with SaaS platforms and business applications
- Enable AI-driven workflows across systems
- Provide centralized visibility across locations
Brivo Access Control: Cloud Identity with Integration Flexibility
Brivo continues to be widely used in:- Commercial office environments
- Multifamily residential properties
- Multi-site portfolios
- Property and tenant systems
- HR and identity platforms
- Visitor management tools
- Workplace and operational applications
Platform Enhancements: Visibility, Logging, and Operational Insight
Brivo Access also received updates focused on operational transparency and system management.
Enhancements include:
- Improved visibility into data synchronization states
- Expanded logging and troubleshooting capabilities
- Better insight into system health and performance
These updates are particularly relevant for:
- Distributed environments
- Multi-site deployments
- Organizations requiring auditability and troubleshooting visibility
While less visible than AI features, these improvements are critical for:
long-term system reliability and operational control
Mercury Hardware Advantage: Seamless Takeovers and Migration
Brivo’s cloud enabled support for Mercury-based controllers enables:- Takeovers and cloud migration of expensive, predatorily supported proprietary systems such as Lenel’s without full replacement
- Compatibility with existing access, SAAS, and on premise video or access control infrastructure
- Phased migration to cloud environments retaining existing cabling and devices
Controller and Firmware Evolution
Brivo continues to evolve its controller platform, including:
- Ongoing firmware updates for ACS100, ACS300, and ACS6000 controllers
- Support for expanding cloud functionality and integrations
- Alignment with evolving security and system requirements
This reflects a steady progression of the platform’s hardware layer alongside its software and cloud capabilities.
Platform Capability and Deployment Reality
Cloud platforms simplify certain aspects of deployment, but outcomes still depend on:- System design
- Configuration
- Integration
- Ongoing management
- Integration across systems
- Reporting and visibility
- Managed alignment with cybersecurity governance and controls
Eagle Eye Networks: Open Cloud Video with Broad Integration Support
Eagle Eye Networks provides a cloud video platform designed for:- Multi-site environments
- Centralized management
- AI-enabled analytics
- Multiple camera manufacturers
- Integration with access control systems
- Third-party analytics platforms
- SaaS and operational system integration
Camera Flexibility: Cloud Without Forced Replacement
Eagle Eye’s cloud bridge architecture supports:- A wide range of IP cameras
- Existing infrastructure reuse
- Phased migration strategies
- Preserve existing investments
- Introduce new technologies selectively
- Avoid full replacement of camera systems
Integration with On-Prem and Hybrid Environments
Brivo and Eagle Eye can also operate within hybrid environments, integrating with:- Existing video management systems
- Intrusion detection platforms
- Legacy access control systems
- Monitoring and response services
Alignment with HID Converged Credentials: Identity Becomes Central
HID’s introduction of converged credentials reflects a broader shift toward unified identity across:- Physical access
- Digital systems
- Mobile environments
- Cloud-native credential management
- Integration with identity providers
- Alignment with evolving access strategies
AI Capabilities: From Detection to Autonomous Monitoring
Brivo’s 2026 updates place a stronger emphasis on AI as a core component of security operations.
A key development is the introduction of Eeva, Brivo’s AI video agent.
Eeva is designed to:
- Continuously monitor video environments
- Identify activity and anomalies in real time
- Generate alerts based on behavioral patterns
- Reduce reliance on manual monitoring
This represents a shift from:
AI-assisted detection → AI-assisted monitoring and decision support
In parallel, Brivo has expanded its AI ecosystem through integrations with:
- Actuate AI, focused on threat detection such as gun detection and behavioral analysis
- Cobalt AI, supporting incident management and response workflows
These integrations are designed to:
- Improve detection accuracy
- Reduce false positives
- Accelerate response times
- Enable more structured, automated workflows
Together, these capabilities move the platform closer to:
AI-driven security operations rather than passive monitoring systems
Visitor Management and Identity Workflow Expansion
Brivo also introduced enhancements to visitor management through integration with Envoy.
This expands the platform’s capabilities into:
- Visitor registration and pre-screening
- Credential issuance and access provisioning
- Integration with workplace and tenant systems
- Improved operational visibility into facility access
This reflects a broader trend of access control evolving into identity and experience management
Particularly in commercial and multifamily environments, this integration helps bridge:
- Security
- Operations
- User experience
Third-Party Ecosystem and Integration Expansion
Both platforms continue to expand integration with:- SaaS platforms
- Property and workplace systems
- Identity and credentialing solutions
- Analytics and automation tools
- Adaptable
- Customizable
- Integrated with broader business processes
Founder Alignment: Long-Term Platform Thinking and System Integration
The direction of Brivo and Eagle Eye reflects a broader shift toward long-term, integrated platform development. This aligns with how BTI Communications Group has approached system design and deployment—focusing on:- Integration across security, IT, and infrastructure
- Lifecycle performance rather than initial deployment
- Adaptability as technologies evolve
Market Direction: AI, Cloud, and Platform Choice
Brivo’s 2026 direction reflects a broader industry trend toward:
- Cloud-native platforms
- AI-driven monitoring and response
- Integrated ecosystems across security and operations
At the same time, organizations continue to evaluate different approaches depending on:
- Security requirements
- Infrastructure strategy
- Integration needs
- Operational complexity
In some cases, this includes evaluating alternative platforms or architectures for specific use cases.
This reinforces the importance of aligning platform choice with operational requirements rather than defaulting to a single model
Vendor-Neutral Design and National Deployment Considerations
Across the industry, organizations often operate with multiple systems, vendors, and legacy infrastructure. Effective implementation requires:- Vendor-neutral evaluation of platforms
- Cross-platform integration expertise
- Coordination between access, video, IT, and cybersecurity systems
- Centralized design and engineering
- National installation and rollout
- Remote monitoring and support
- On-site service and field operations
Final Takeaway: Open Cloud Platforms Are Expanding—Execution Determines Outcomes
Brivo and Eagle Eye represent an important evolution in cloud-based security:- Open, integrated platforms
- AI-enabled capabilities
- Flexible hardware and software ecosystems
- Established presence in commercial and multifamily environments
Brivo and Eagle Eye FAQ
What is the relationship between Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks?
Brivo (cloud access control) and Eagle Eye Networks (cloud video surveillance) are separate companies both led by founder Dean Drako. Their platforms are aligned and integrate to provide access control and video in one cloud ecosystem.
Can Brivo reuse existing access control hardware?
Brivo supports Mercury-based controller hardware, which can allow takeovers of existing Mercury panels and reduce rip-and-replace during migration. Compatibility should be confirmed per site.
Does Eagle Eye Networks require new cameras?
Not always. Eagle Eye supports many existing camera brands through its bridges and cloud recorders, so organizations can often move to cloud video without replacing every camera.
What AI features do Brivo and Eagle Eye offer?
Eagle Eye offers AI video search and analytics, and both companies are expanding AI-driven monitoring and workflows across access and video. Feature availability varies by license and region.
How does BTI help with Brivo and Eagle Eye deployments?
BTI assesses existing hardware, designs the access and video architecture, manages migration, integrates with IT and identity systems, and provides ongoing support for multi-site organizations.
Next Step
Organizations evaluating cloud security platforms may benefit from:- Assessing current systems and integrations
- Evaluating cloud and hybrid approaches
- Planning for identity, AI, and future expansion
