US second-hand store protects its closet with Axis and Salient solution

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 9/7/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Mission
Plato's Closet puts a luxurious spin on the typical consignment store concept: customers buy and sell brandname, high-end clothing and accessories. Buyers in each independently-owned store determine product price based on an item's brand, condition and the store's current stock levels. Steve Olson, franchisee of the successful West Des Moines, Iowa store, saw their retail space grow from 2,000 sq. ft. to a 7,000 sq. ft. megastore in just a few years, and the analog system could not keep pace. They sought a system that could deliver crystal-clear video detail and grow alongside their thriving business.

Solution
ICS Advanced Technologies, an Ames, Iowa-based provider of technology solutions ranging from Internet services to audio/video installations to security and surveillance solutions, designed a tailor-made IP video system based on Salient Systems' CompleteView VMS platform that strategically morphed to meet Plato's Closet's changing security and loss prevention needs.

ICS began with an encoder solution to migrate the store to an IP backbone, then shifted to a hosted video solution with redundant Iomega Network Attached Storage as new IP cameras were added, and then fully converted Plato's Closest to an all-IP Dell-server solution to add more functionality and high-definition cameras, including the covert AXIS P8514 Network Camera.

Result
The IP video system, which now covers more than 90% of the 7,000 sq. ft. store, has helped reduce theft to less than one percent. Video evidence has been invaluable in catching customers attempting to sell stolen goods, and the high-quality video even helps settle disputes over the amount of cash that exchanged hands in a given transaction. Remote video allows the Olsons to keep the store running smoothly when they are at home or on the road, and proves an important training tool for their staff. The store has also built an excellent relationship with the Des Moines-area police and video evidence has helped put more than a few people in jail, including busting up an organized retail crime ring.

This Closet is bursting
At Plato's Closet, each location's franchisee bargains with customers for the store's inventory: gently used brand name clothing and accessories. In this cash-heavy, bargaining atmosphere where luxury items line the racks, surveillance is at a premium. Steve Olson, franchisee of the West Des Moines, Iowa, Plato's Closet, owns one of the top-grossing outlets in the nation. What started out as a 2000 sq. ft. location has more than tripled in size, and Olson's responsibilities of inventory control, security and loss prevention have grown proportionally.

“We've talked to managers at major store brands and their head offices tell them not to even bother attempting to reduce shrinkage. Of course they try to minimize it as much as they can, but they resign to the fact that if you can't stop it, just build it into the cost of the merchandise,” shares Olson. “Our goal is to have shrinkage rates as low as humanly possible.”

Unfortunately, his analog system couldn't deliver the results he wanted nor could it keep pace with the store's growth. “The store was expanding every two years, and the most recent upgrade called for an increase from 12 to 24 cameras,” said Patrick Bailey, president of ICS Advanced Technologies, the Ames, Iowa-based integrator chosen by Plato's Closet. “Most importantly, however, was getting rid of six analog cameras and offering higher resolution with IP cameras.”

From analog to hybrid to hosted to in-house
ICS suggested a gradual transition to IP video. The first step was to digitize the few working analog cameras with two four-channel AXIS 241Q Video Encoders and install new AXIS M3203 Fixed Dome Network Cameras with SVGA resolution. With the small camera count of this original hybrid system, using a server-based solution would have been costly for Plato's Closet. Fortunately, as a local Internet Service Provider, ICS had the perfect solution: hosted video. It was an ingenious idea that leveraged Salient System's CompleteView Enterprise VMS and an Iomega NAS device for high-definition redundancy.

ICS immediately improved the store's resolution and system functionality, and remote monitoring became a favorite feature of the Olsons. “My wife can see all the cameras in action from our home computer or if we're on the road. With a quick phone call, she can make sure the store's running a tight ship even when we're not there.”

Remote diagnostics was another major advantage of moving to IP. “If the system needs to be tweaked or upgraded, we're able to do so remotely from our desks close to 99% of the time,” says Bailey. “I can respond to Steve's needs much faster and keep his system up and running.”

Full-fledged IP with a covert twist
“Because of the success we've seen, we decided to invest quite a bit of money in the security system,” Olson said. “We wanted to be aggressive against theft and work jointly with law enforcement to stop shoplifting and vandalism.”

As the system has grown, they've added HDTV-quality AXIS M3204 Fixed Dome Network Cameras and installed a Dell server-based solution that continues to run Salient's CompleteView. With scalability in mind, ICS has covered more than 90% of the 7,000 sq. ft. store and can add intelligent functionality as the store's LP and security needs evolve. Video detail has settled buyer disputes over the denomination of bills that exchanged hands in a deal, as well as helped local police thwart an organized retail crime ring involving teenaged girls recruited to sell stolen goods.

Most recently, the store added the covert AXIS P8514 Network Camera, whose 720p HDTV clarity and unique eye-level position delivered perfect face shots to help capture a known local shoplifter as well as settle a family dispute of a mother who believed her eldest daughter was stealing and reselling her sister's clothes. Despite the advice from industry colleagues to let shrink take its natural course, Olson has been able to cut shoplifting below 1%. “Our system has helped put a few people in jail,” Olson said with a smile. “The police are very supportive of our efforts.”

Cisco releases new VMS version based on medianet architecture

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Cisco Systems | Updated: 9/7/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

Cisco announced Video Surveillance Manager 7.0, the industry's first solution built from the ground-up and certified to run in Cisco's virtualized Unified Computing System (UCS) environments. These new solutions now make it possible for customers in healthcare, public sector and retail to move beyond traditional basic safety and security surveillance deployments and use video to transform the way they run their businesses through hyper-scalability and ease of configuration.

The announcement also includes introducing a complete new line of medianet-enabled high definition IP video surveillance cameras, an extension of its medianet strategy, and remote management services. All of these are designed to help IT and security teams partner to implement very-large scale video deployments.

This next-generation of intelligent network-integrated video surveillance and IT applications offer unrivaled ease of use and speed of deployment. As IT departments are tasked with dealing with increasingly large amounts of data - particularly video- the ease of migration of video surveillance to IP continues to accelerate.

Analysts estimate that by 2013, more than 50 percent of all video surveillance deployments will be managed by IT on the IP network in order to support this deluge of bandwidth-heavy video data. These new technologies offer economies of scale to enable video-based innovations, all with unprecedented ease of implementation. This will give applications of video beyond security include remote patient observation solutions for healthcare, dramatically reducing shrinkage in retail and warehousing, and allowing urban video protection initiatives as well increasing the efficiency in providing enhanced citizen services.

Cisco Video Surveillance Manager 7.0 and new versions of Cisco's related end-to-end Connected Physical Security Solutions, including Cisco IP Interoperability and Collaboration Solution 4.5.2, Cisco Physical Security Operations Manager 6.0 and Cisco Physical Access Manager 1.4.1 are now available for deployment with Cisco's industry award-winning Unified Computing Systems platforms. These integrated solutions help to extend Cisco's medianet strategy by providing robust scalability, network aware intelligence, streamlined implementation and simplified management.

Key Facts:
Introducing Video Surveillance Manager 7.0
- Network-integrated video surveillance supports open cloud-ready web and IT applications through APIs and SDKs, and is purpose-built to virtualize security operations on Cisco UCS B-Series, C-Series and UCS Express.
- VSM 7.0 is designed for applications such as video recording and provides streaming support for video-enabled locations such as; customer contact centers, integrated oil and gas applications, inventory and warehouse management operations and many others.
- VSM 7.0 scales to support up to 10,000 IP Video Surveillance cameras per single Video Surveillance Manager instance, and up to 100,000 cameras when combined with Cisco Physical Security Operations Manager (PSOM).

Extending Cisco's medianet strategy
- New medianet phase 3 capabilities support IP Video Surveillance cameras that work together with embedded medianet services in Video Surveillance Manager 7.0 and across Cisco's medianet enabled switches and routers on the network, enabling rapid automatic configuration to simplify large scale deployments.
- Cisco Media Services Proxy (MSP) enables users to prioritize traffic based on business policies for optimal quality, reduced integration costs and easy deployment and management of video endpoints. MSP uses lightweight packet inspection techniques on standards-based signaling protocols including DNS, RTSP, SIP, H.323 and H.245.

New Cisco Video Surveillance 6000 Series IP Cameras
- A new line of medianet-enabled IP Cameras support better imaging with low-light, feature on-board SD cards with flash memory, IP66 rating and come in four form factors including Box IP Camera, dome IP Camera, indoor/surface and flush and outdoor IP dome.
- All of the new Cisco cameras support High Definition and 2.1 megapixel resolutions, best-in-class industry standards and medianet services allowing for rapid auto-configuration, registration, auto-provisioning, troubleshooting and IP Video Surveillance bandwidth policy management.
- Additional features include n+1 redundancy, high availability on a camera-by-camera basis to optimize IT, network, storage, security and related network resources.

Remote Management Services
- Cisco is introducing Remote Management Services to help customers ensure the 24x7 reliable uptime needed across their Unified Computing Systems platforms and network-integrated Connected Physical Security deployments for Video Surveillance, Unified Incident Management, and Access Control and Security Operations Manager applications solutions.

Honeywell Security releases professional NVR for banking, health care, education sectors

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 9/7/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Honeywell has introduced a new network video recorder (NVR) that can help large organizations comply with stringent regulations that require them to retain video for longer periods of time and more-effectively protect their surveillance data. The MAXPRO NVR Professional Edition (PE) is ideal for facilities in industries such as education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, banking and manufacturing, among others.

MAXPRO NVR PE is the latest addition to Honeywell's MAXPRO line of technology designed to help organizations – ranging from small to large businesses – transition from analog to IP-based video surveillance systems in a progressive and cost-effective manner. With its ability to comply with open integration standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, MAXPRO NVR PE can accommodate IP cameras from multiple vendors and allow end users to easily add cameras to their systems as needs change and operations expand.

“Some of the biggest concerns end users have about IP video are interoperability with other cameras, scalability to accommodate business growth, and data reliability,” said Shannon Wilson, marketing manager, Honeywell. “MAXPRO NVR PE has many features designed specifically to address those challenges, including pre-installed software and redundant storage capabilities. All of them point to an easier path to a user-friendly IP video network.”

MAXPRO NVR PE currently offers 32 channels and future releases will include a 64-channel option, as well as up to 20 terabytes of storage and redundant storage options to protect data. These capabilities are crucial for businesses that need to retain video files for longer periods of time to, for example, assist with investigations.

The family of MAXPRO NVRs (PE, SE and XE) also offers a cost-effective software-only solution that allows end users to implement these capabilities onto their existing hardware. Because the technology is based on a single platform, end users only need to learn one system to use the entire range of technology.

“There's no licensing to mess with onsite to get the cameras working, and MAXPRO NVR PE has the same look and feel as the rest of the MAXPRO NVR lineup,” said Doug Peterson, chief technology officer for Advantech, Inc., a Dover, Del.-based systems integrator. “MAXPRO NVR PE is the last link to making a superb, easy-to-configure IP solution.”

Aside from NVRs, Honeywell's MAXPRO portfolio of IP video products includes MAXPRO VMS, the company's main video management system that allows organizations to centrally manage all video surveillance from multiple data points. The line also features MAXPRO Cloud, which offers flexible storage options using cloud event storage through Honeywell's secure storage facility, and MAXPRO Mobile, an app that offers remote video surveillance for the full line of MAXPRO products.

Milestone releases 5 software updates

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 9/7/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems gives users the power of choice with the release of five new product versions: XProtect Enterprise 8.1, XProtect Professional 8.1, XProtect Express 1.1, XProtect Essential 2.1 and XProtect Go 2.1. For all of these video management offerings, users may choose to operate the surveillance using any combination of three interface clients: XProtect  Smart Client 7, XProtect Mobile 2 and the all-new XProtect Web Client.

As a comprehensive tool for surveillance operations, Milestone XProtect VMS is based on an open platform that allows customers the widest choice in hardware components and unlimited options to add third-party integrations for greater efficiency and performance over time. All new versions of XProtect VMS, including the recently released XProtect Corporate 5, can be accessed through the three different clients, giving users the ability to use the client that is most convenient depending on the situation.

Released earlier this year, XProtect Smart Client 7 is a daily operator interface with the most comprehensive features for viewing, searching, sharing and managing Milestone surveillance solutions. XProtect Mobile 2 provides extended surveillance access through mobile devices, with support for Video Push, an innovative add-on feature that turns a mobile device into an evidence collector to push live video from the camera of a smartphone or tablet directly into XProtect for viewing, recording or sharing. Users can also control outputs, such as opening and closing doors or switching on lights, and dynamically respond to incidents, even when not at the site.

The brand-new Milestone XProtect Web Client is a streamlined web-based interface for viewing, playing back and sharing video. Instant access to the most common functions simplifies operation and requires no training with its touch-enabled design that speeds up and optimizes surveillance tasks. XProtect Web Client supports the majority of browsers and operating systems on the market (Mac, Windows or Linux) and requires no additional software installation on the client computer in order to monitor surveillance from any Internet-enabled device.

Both XProtect Web Client and XProtect Mobile have HTTPS encryption for secure communication, and the server architecture optimizes network usage: the data streams are robust and adaptable to changing bandwidth connections.

“With Milestone's innovative developments, customers have the power to choose the client that best fits each situation,” states Christian Bohn, VP Marketing and Product Management at Milestone Systems. “The entire XProtect family enables surveillance with extremely flexible, scalable and efficient video management - whether the needs are large or small, complex or simple, on-site, remote or on-the-go.”

In addition to the five new XProtect VMS product versions, Milestone is also releasing the following free add-on product version and two new free utilities:
- XProtect Screen Recorder 1.1 enables XProtect VMS to capture screen recordings of any Windows-based PC or point-of-sale terminal. The new version includes improved performance, the ability to switch between user accounts and capture of the secondary screen only.
- Software Manager centralizes implementation of changes to the surveillance system.
-System Watch gives failure notification for hard drives, servers or cameras.

IndigoVision releases new VMS version

Editor / Provider: IndigoVision | Updated: 9/6/2012 | Article type: Security 50

The latest release of IndigoVision's Security Management Solution, SMS4 release 6, delivers superior scalability and even more ‘power to the people' – especially to customers with multiple sites and large numbers of cameras. The solution now has more flexible administrative capability while still retaining its operational ease of use. Wherever they happen to be, administrators can configure the IndigoVision solution locally, writing to the database simultaneously. Sophisticated configuration options maximise access as well as ensuring central management.

For organisations that span multi-site locations each site may need to configure locally to reflect local priorities, while overall system control is retained at a central location. The new version of SMS4 builds on the immense scalability of the IndigoVision solution to create more management control, enabling local administrators to log on to specific areas to make changes relating to their site while still seeing everything across the entire system. Users really can scale their system as never before.

Local configuration within SMS4 is not only fast and simple, but also provides great system-wide versatility that has a direct organisational benefit, enabling administrators to work on the system concurrently and at any number of locations.

Speaking of the product launch Alex Swanson, Head of Engineering at IndigoVision says: “The new release of IndigoVision's Security Management Software, SMS4 r6 provides a truly scalable solution, allowing the flexibility to administer and view multiple sites from any location.”

The new SMS4 solution provides improved support for functions such as importing detailed maps in multiple formats, and there are further enhancements to alarm and bookmark functionality to improve flexibility for alarm verification and escalation. The solution also continues IndigoVision's ongoing and ever-expanding support for third-party cameras providing a truly open system. Due to its unique distributed architecture, any system component can be added at any point on the IP network, including Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and video workstations. The flexibility of SMS4? means that it is installed globally for projects in airports, ports, rail, traffic, cities, banking, mining, retail, casinos, police, prisons and government.

Mobotix solutions in deeper integration with OnSSI platform

Editor / Provider: OnSSI | Updated: 9/3/2012 | Article type: Security 50

OnSSI, announces enhanced integration of its flagship Ocularis IP video and security platform with the full line of Mobotix high-resolution video surveillance cameras. The heightened integration will provide smoother, full-frame-rate live and recorded playback of Mobotix video, lower bandwidth and storage requirements, and improved management of Mobotix video streams with Ocularis features such as the Kinetic Timeline and export of full-frame rate video.

The closer integration and improved functionality will benefit existing OnSSI customers who use Ocularis software with Mobotix megapixel surveillance cameras. Unlike other systems, the decentralized Mobotix concept incorporates a high-speed computer into every camera to reduce network bandwidth because video is processed on the camera itself and images do not have to be transferred continuously. The enhanced integration between OnSSI and Mobotix will open the door for more customers to combine the high-resolution and decentralized storage benefits of Mobotix with the ability of Ocularis to deliver open architecture, scalability and automation of security processes at reduced operating costs.

“Close technical partnerships and proven levels of integration are critical to providing customers with seamless security solutions,” said Steve Gorski, General Manager, Americas, Mobotix Corp. “Our collaboration with OnSSI demonstrates our commitment to providing open IP video solutions that deliver unmatched video quality, ease of management and integration, and cost effectiveness.”

“This new integration with Mobotix is another way we are responding to customer needs,” said Gadi Piran, President and CTO, OnSSI. “Mobotix has a large and growing customer base, and many of those customers also use Ocularis. As an open-platform product, Ocularis can combine Mobotix cameras and multiple additional technologies into a single, user-friendly platform to provide greater functionality.”

Ocularis solutions by OnSSI include video management software and physical security information management (VMS/PSIM) systems for server-based and software as a service (SaaS) applications to increase security and lower operational costs. Ocularis innovations include fusion, push video, client/video wall, event monitoring and video delivery.

HID Global Partners With Reseller RedCloud for Visitor Management

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 8/29/2012 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global announced that it has entered into an agreement with RedCloud, the industry's fastest growing provider of web-based, physical access control systems. The agreement will enable RedCloud to resell HID Global's EasyLobby Secure Visitor Management (SVM) software as part of a comprehensive solution that encompasses RedCloud's complete line of web-based access control network appliances, including RedCloud Enterprise and RedCloud Virtual.

“Enabling lobby attendants to handle the badging process for visitors or contractors directly from the front desk helps create a more secure and efficient method of managing the issuing process,” said Jeff Ross, VP of product management with Red Cloud. “Our partnership with HID Global allows RedCloud to offer our customers a single, comprehensive and integrated security solution that includes access control, video surveillance, and identity management combined with visitor management.”

“We are pleased to be extending our relationship with RedCloud through their reseller agreement and our integration of EasyLobby SVM software with RedCloud Security Management Software,” said Howard Marson, vice president and general manager with EasyLobby, an HID Global business. “The combination of EasyLobby's SVM solution with RedCloud's enterprise security solutions delivers more flexibility that enables RedCloud customers to quickly and easily grant access to visitors or contractors as required.”

The integration allows RedCloud end users to grant different levels of access to visitors, contractors and employees from the EasyLobby SVM visitor station. When a visitor or contractor is badged using SVM, the information is automatically passed from the SVM database to the RedCloud Security Management Software, and the visitor badge is activated in real-time. The RedCloud system is immediately notified and the card is deactivated when the visitor checks out of EasyLobby. This integration provides the ability for enterprises of all sizes to secure their facilities, people and assets across multiple offices, buildings or locations.

Iowa Police Protect, Serve and Reduce Crime With Milestone Platform

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 8/27/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Responsible for the safety of more than 25,000 residents, the Ottumwa Police Department has improved service and protection of this Iowa town since implementing Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) and strategically mounted surveillance cameras. Crime rates have decreased significantly with live events streaming to alert dispatchers.

“The Milestone solution has made a tremendous difference in the safety of downtown Ottumwa: there has been a significant reduction in crimes across the board. With a live feed from around the city and instant access to video recordings for evidence, we publicize crime-related events to the town's residents to further reinforce safety,” says Jim Clark, Chief of Police, Ottumwa Police Department (PD).

A small city with a proportionate police force, Ottumwa had its share of crime like any city in the nation – thefts, vandalism, drunk and disorderly people, burglaries and muggings. Looking to help enforce the law and improve protection of citizens, the police determined that a video surveillance solution would help manage crime and improve the rate of convictions.

Working together with consultants Electronic Technology, Inc. (ETI), the police designed a comprehensive surveillance system to provide a full high-definition (HD) video surveillance solution for monitoring the city streets, with the ability to view and download recorded video. Current Technologies Corporation (CTC) supplied and installed a wireless network with Milestone XProtect Enterprise VMS and 32 Axis network cameras.

“Our design was based on the requirement for a robust solution that could be expanded when needed,” states Dan Carr, Senior Systems Integrator, ETI. “Implementing an IP platform such as Milestone was the only viable solution for Ottumwa.”

A wireless Motorola local area network (LAN) powers the system backbone. In about four weeks' time, Axis Q6032-E PTZ dome cameras were stationed strategically in the intersections that police identified as problem areas.

“Installing the cameras and Milestone system was very easy for our technicians,” says Darryl Bosak, VP of Operations, CTC. “The main issues that arose from this implementation were just ensuring the cameras and networking solution had enough power to run 24/7.”

The video feeds travel through the broadband/wireless LAN and are broadcast at the police station where the operators and a select team of administrators have been given access. From the station, administrators assigned to operate the Milestone XProtect software have the ability to control the cameras live in real time: to zoom in on an event, face or license plate; to take screen snapshots for fast evidence; to move the camera views a full 360 degrees; or to change the screen views to other cameras in an instant.

“The 911 and dispatch operators required an easy-to-use system, something that wouldn't interfere with their already important duties. From the end-user perspective, we're not dealing with technical people, so the entire department appreciated a point-and-click solution. Milestone's XProtect user interface offers a simplified solution but with a level of professionalism, quality and reliability the force required to serve and protect the city,” states Darryl Bosak, VP of Operations, Current Technologies.

The officers immediately began working with the Milestone solution as soon as it was installed. The improved detail coverage - from checking high-definition shots of faces and license plates to connecting multiple cameras for establishing a timeline of events - has improved the operations of the Ottumwa police on a large scale.

The advantages have proven to be multi-faceted. The police monitor live feeds for fast response, and review the recorded HD video, archived up to 30 days for evidence that is quick to find at the click of a button. Improved conviction rates shine a positive light on the city and its police force, with a safer quality of life for the citizens.

Ottumwa's success with the Milestone XProtect surveillance system continues to give residents and businesses peace of mind: the crime rate has decreased significantly since the implementation. The system's live monitoring allows police dispatchers and 911 operators to have a bird's eye view of crimes as they happen, in addition to having the video stored on servers for playback analysis and evidence.

The prevention factor of the cameras has also helped bring down the crime rate. Police earn positive publicity from open communications, highlighting the installation in local news segments and showcasing evidence to the public after convictions. The department also called a press conference to announce the surveillance system and gave a complete demonstration with live feeds after the installation was complete.

Lieutenant Mickey Hucks, Ottumwa PD, concludes: “The surveillance is working. We can see what needs to be seen successfully and efficiently with the Milestone solution. There is definitely a new perspective on the safety of our town. The decline in the rate of crime in Ottumwa has reinforced this great technology: we are proud to protect and serve our residents to the best of our ability and then some.”

March Networks Provides Surveillance Capability to Canadian Food Charity

Editor / Provider: March Networks | Updated: 8/27/2012 | Article type: Security 50

March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, announced that the Ottawa Food Bank will use the company's Command video management software and high-definition IP cameras to safeguard staff, volunteers and assets at its newly expanded 21,000 square foot warehouse facility. Ottawa-based March Networks is proud to support the charitable organization, which feeds approximately 48,000 people each month in the Ottawa-Carleton region through 140 emergency food programs.

“Donations such as this one from our friends at March Networks enable us to focus our limited resources on those areas where they are needed most, such as purchasing food supplies and fuel for our trucks,” said Peter Tilley, Executive Director, Ottawa Food Bank. “The surveillance system is a critical component of our warehouse expansion plans. We expect it will serve as a considerable deterrent to any unwanted activity and help us reduce losses if an event were to occur.”

In the past, the Ottawa Food Bank has faced incidents including late-night gas syphoning from its truck fleet, a break-in at a neighboring business, and a truck stolen from its lot. With the March Networks solution in place, the organization will now benefit from around-the-clock surveillance of its facility, including loading bays, a main entrance and its vast warehouse operations.

In addition, the March Networks Command video management system (VMS) provides authorized staff with remote live monitoring – a capability that will allow them to verify what's happening at the facility following an alarm. If it's simply a false alarm, someone can confirm that immediately from the comfort of their home, saving them a midnight trip to investigate in person or the cost of a false alarm response from their security monitoring company.

“We are honored to be working with the Ottawa Food Bank, which provides our community with a much needed service,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. “At a time when security is top of mind for many organizations, we hope our solution makes it easier for the food bank to remain focused on the good work it does every day.”

UK Coastal Town Ensures Resident and Tourist Safety With Avigilon Surveillance System

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 8/22/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Avigilon announced that Looe, a coastal town and popular tourist destination in Cornwall, England, has deployed the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system in the town center to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, and deter disorderly conduct during busy summer months. The Avigilon high-definition surveillance system was chosen for its superior image quality, advanced management features, and wireless capabilities.

“We reviewed several different surveillance solutions, but the others were nowhere near as good as Avigilon and competing network video management systems were no match to the Avigilon Control Center software,” stated Councilor Martin Gregory, chairman of the Environment and Public Protection Committee, Looe Town Council. “And while cost was not a key consideration, Avigilon delivers a lower Total Cost of Ownership because it offers superior performance, greater reliability, requires less maintenance, and is extremely well-supported.”

Looe Town Council mounted several Avigilon 2 MP cameras in durable enclosures on buildings to ensure complete coverage of the town's center, an area approximately 400 meters long made up of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Avigilon 2 MP cameras were also installed to monitor activity at the Looe Tourist Information Centre, a busy hub during the summer months. The Council manages the system using the Avigilon Control Center network video management software (NVMS) from a workstation located at the Town Hall and installed an Avigilon Network Video Recorder (NVR) to store up to 14 days of continuous surveillance footage. Using Avigilon analog video encoders, Looe Harbor Commissionaires (LHC) will integrate its existing analog-based surveillance cameras, which monitor activity at the quay, into the council's Avigilon high-definition surveillance system.

Looe is designated a national conservation area by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England and for this reason the Council needed an advanced, IP-based surveillance system with no exposed wires or broadband cables that would provide exceptional coverage without distracting from the town's historical ambience.

“With its advanced management features and superior image quality, the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system has helped the Looe Town Council deter disorderly conduct and deliver peace of mind to residents and tourists alike,” said Keith Marett, VP of marketing and communications at Avigilon. “At the same time, the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system delivers exceptional multi-megapixel image quality through wireless capabilities needed to meet the strict aesthetic requirements of England's conservation areas.”

Council members and local law enforcement can search for incidents much faster than before, and can now capture evidence that is admissible in court. The LHC will achieve significant and cost-effective performance gains by integrating existing analog cameras using Avigilon analog video encoders.