Avigilon Alta vs. Unity | Best Access Control Systems for NYC & Long Island Businesses

Avigilon Alta vs. Avigilon Unity: Which Access Control System Is Right for Your Business?

When it comes to protecting your business, access control is no longer just about key cards and door locks — it’s about managing people, data, and visibility across every entry point of your organization. Whether you run a multi-tenant property in Manhattan, a logistics center in Long Island, or a medical facility in Brooklyn, your security system needs to be as dynamic as your operations.

That’s why two of the most trusted names in commercial security — Avigilon Alta and Avigilon Unity — have become top choices for business owners, property managers, and IT directors across the NYC metro area.

But which one is right for your building, staff, and compliance needs? Let’s break down what makes these systems different, and how to choose the right Avigilon access control system for your business.

The Evolution of Access Control in NYC Businesses

New York’s business environment moves fast — and so do its security challenges. Companies are juggling hybrid work, multi-site management, and tenant turnover, all while maintaining compliance and uptime.

Modern access control systems do more than secure doors; they unify your entire physical security ecosystem — cameras, intercoms, credentials, and visitor management — into one seamless platform.

That’s where Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) and Avigilon Unity come in. Both are built by Motorola Solutions, but they take two distinct approaches:

• Avigilon Alta: A cloud-native, mobile-first access control platform ideal for flexibility and remote management.
• Avigilon Unity: A robust, on-premise security suite designed for complete local control and data ownership.

Both deliver advanced access control, video analytics, and system integration — but how they’re deployed and managed makes all the difference.

Avigilon Unity: On-Premise Access Control for Maximum Control and Compliance

While Alta excels in flexibility, Avigilon Unity is all about local control and ownership. It’s built for organizations that prefer to host their own security infrastructure — common in government, healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure sectors across the New York metropolitan area.

Key Features of Avigilon Unity Access

• On-Premise Management: All system data, configurations, and credentials stay on your local servers — no cloud required.
• Full Data Ownership: Perfect for clients with strict data privacy or regulatory requirements.
• Deep System Integration: Seamlessly connects with Unity Video, Unity Analytics, and third-party systems for complete situational awareness.
• Advanced Security Automation: Unity integrates AI analytics to identify unusual activity, manage alerts, and streamline incident response.
• Scalable Architecture: Expand to multiple doors or facilities without compromising performance or security.
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Who It’s Best For

• Government agencies with security compliance mandates.
• Healthcare and financial institutions requiring full data control.
• Industrial and logistics operations with large on-site infrastructure.
• Businesses with existing Avigilon hardware looking to expand or upgrade.

If your business demands the highest level of control, data ownership, and reliability, Avigilon Unity delivers an on-premise solution that’s proven, scalable, and secure.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Avigilon Alta vs. Avigilon Unity

Cloud vs. On-Premise Access Control: How to Choose the Right Fit

Choosing between Avigilon Alta and Avigilon Unity isn’t about which is “better” — it’s about which system aligns with your business model, compliance requirements, and IT capabilities.

Here’s how to evaluate the right approach:

Choose Avigilon Alta if...

• You operate multiple locations across NYC, Manhattan, or Long Island.
• You want to manage access remotely without on-site IT support.
• You prefer mobile and touchless credentials for staff or tenants.
• You value easy scalability and automatic system updates.
• You want a subscription-based model with predictable costs.

Choose Avigilon Unity if...

• You manage high-security or regulated environments (like hospitals, finance, or government).
• Your organization requires local data control and no cloud dependency.
• You already operate an on-premise video system or server infrastructure.
• You prefer custom configurations and deep local integration.
• You have dedicated IT or facility security staff on-site.

How Streamline Telecom Helps Businesses Choose and Deploy Avigilon Systems Throughout the NYC ARea

Streamline Telecom is one of New York City’s most trusted Avigilon integrators, specializing in access control systems for commercial and industrial properties throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.

Our team doesn’t just install — we design, integrate, and support complete Avigilon ecosystems tailored to your facility and workflow.

Our Process

1. On-Site Assessment: We review your existing infrastructure, door hardware, and networking setup.
2. System Design & Consultation: Based on your security goals and budget, we recommend the right platform — Avigilon Alta, Avigilon Unity, or a hybrid of both.
3. Professional Installation: All equipment is installed and configured to manufacturer standards.
4. Integration & Training: We integrate your access control with cameras, intercoms, and monitoring systems, then train your team to manage it confidently.
5. Ongoing Support: From software updates to expansion planning, Streamline ensures your system grows with your business.

Whether you’re upgrading from an outdated keycard system or launching a multi-site rollout across NYC and Long Island, Streamline makes access control deployment seamless.

Integrating Access Control With Video and Intercom Systems

A powerful access control system becomes even more valuable when it’s integrated with video surveillance and communication tools. Both Avigilon Alta and Avigilon Unity are built to connect your physical security ecosystem under one pane of glass.

Common Integrations

• Avigilon Video Systems: See who accessed a door in real time, with linked video playback.
• Intercom & Entry Systems: Verify visitors before granting access remotely.
• Visitor Management: Automate guest access and create temporary credentials.
• Alarm & Monitoring Systems: Centralize alerts and notifications across all locations.

Streamline Telecom specializes in building unified systems that keep your facilities secure, efficient, and compliant.

Access Control in NYC & Long Island: Why Local Expertise Matters

Deploying access control in the New York metro area isn’t like anywhere else.
Between high-rise environments, mixed-use zoning, and strict building codes, system design requires local experience and technical precision.

Streamline Telecom has worked with hundreds of NYC businesses, from Midtown office towers to Long Island distribution centers. We understand how to integrate Avigilon systems with existing infrastructure, legacy wiring, and multi-tenant environments — without downtime or disruption.

Our installations comply with FDNY, DOB, and ADA standards, ensuring your business meets every local regulation while maintaining smooth day-to-day access.

The Bottom Line: Choosing Avigilon Alta or Unity for Your Business

If your business needs flexibility, remote control, and scalability, Avigilon Alta offers the best cloud-based access control platform available today.

If you need on-premise control, regulatory compliance, and deep integration, Avigilon Unity remains the trusted choice for high-security environments.

And if you’re unsure — that’s where we come in.

At Streamline Telecom, we help businesses across NYC, Manhattan, and Long Island choose and install the right Avigilon access control system for their space, goals, and growth plans.

Ready to Upgrade Your Access Control System?

Schedule a free consultation with Streamline Telecom, NYC’s leading Avigilon installer.
We’ll assess your building, recommend the right Avigilon platform, and design a solution that keeps your people and property secure — today and into the future.

📞 Call Streamline Telecom at (929) 591-6377 or Request a Consultation today to learn more about Avigilon Alta and Avigilon Unity access control systems for your NYC business.