Milestone VMS integrated into Tdsi access management platform

Editor / Provider: TDSi | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The new EXgarde 4.1 version of integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi's access control software features integration with Milestone's Enterprise and Corporate VMS. From a single IP-enabled access portal, security operators are able to use EXgarde 4.1's Explorer to directly monitor CCTV feeds via Milestone's XProtect Corporate or Enterprise software range, tagging events and using video verification whilst also controlling the physical access control of automated doors. EXgarde 4.1 also integrates directly with Microsoft Active Directory, so physical security systems can be directly synchronized with logical security and the central business facility database can provide an overall view of any situation.

TDSi's MD, John Davies, commented, “EXgarde 4.1's integration with Milestone's software means security operators can take advantage of its wide scope of video surveillance solutions to provide exactly what they need. With our software at its heart, any business can directly link and manage its entire security enforcement from one place. With direct links to CCTV feeds (through Milestone's software or TDSi's own VUgarde2 CCTV management software), along with input from Texecom's alarm systems, EXgarde 4.1 can then collate this information and rapidly advise security staff. At the same time, as users gain access their location is logged with Microsoft Active Directory, which is the keystone to many modern build control systems. Any security breach can also trigger IT system protocols that control the level of access available in certain areas, to minimize the possibility of unwarranted removal of data. This offers a superb way to integrate physical security with the IT security systems to provide a total picture of organizational security”

EXgarde 4.1's integration with both Milestone's XProtect Enterprise and Corporate VMS is part of a wider drive to unite traditionally disparate components of business security. Recognizing the power of compatible systems, TDSi and Milestone's systems are designed to be highly complementary to one another, providing excellent results and superb value for money. In the case of the CCTV integration, users can view live video from any camera within the EXgarde Explorer window, so an incident reported by the access control system, for example, can immediately be investigated visually.

This is further enhanced by the ability to use Video Verification, whereby when specific events are generated (e.g. access is denied on a reader) a window will pop-up displaying live video from a chosen camera. The operator can then choose to unlock the door from the pop-up window if they are certain access should be granted.

Integration with Milestone's systems is also ideal for event tagging and compliance. Specific events can be tagged as they occur (or during playback) so an incident can be thoroughly investigated. This makes the review of recorded footage simple when the tagged events occur in the event list the recorded video can be played back corresponding to the event timestamp.

Mediterranean leisure port secures luxury lifestyle with style

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

To protect customer assets, leading Mediterranean leisure port, Port Adriano in Spain, recently replaced its analog video surveillance system with an IP-based system consisting a total of 45 Axis Communications network and thermal cameras during port expansions and refurbishment. Axis partner and installer for the project Estel Ingeniería y Obras installed the surveillance system, and deployed a fiber optics infrastructure which, apart from serving as a network for marina services, extends to the moorings, the new surveillance system at the port. The port originally built in 1974 was refurbished by prestigious French designer Philippe Starck, and includes a 6.17 acre (25,000 square meter) service area for moorings, 800 parking spaces, a 4,000 square meter shopping area and a 2.47 acre dry dock area.

Thanks to this project, backed by investments of over US$116.4 million (90 million Euros), Port Adriano leads the way in Mediterranean leisure ports. The marina boasts a shopping area featuring prestigious world-class nautical, lifestyle, fashion brands and services. Services include a gym, diving school and a dry dock are also provided. The management company for the marina, Ocibar, proposed upgrading the physical security elements of the marina in order to protect facilities, personnel, client's vessels and their crews.

The new video surveillance system at the port comprises 38 outdoor vandal resistant domes, 4 PTZ domes and 3 thermal network cameras. All these products are outdoor ready and IP66-rated, which guarantees resistance in the demanding atmospheric and meteorological conditions faced in port areas. The outdoor vandal resistant domes offer HD resolution images of all the main areas of the port, delivering significant image quality improvements in comparison with previous analog cameras. Port Adriano is one of the first Mediterranean ports to use thermal network cameras to control the arrival and departure of boats. Strategic placement of these devices ensures that, even on the darkest nights, in dense fog or on stormy days, it is possible to detect any movement of vessels in the area of influence of the marina.

Another security system innovation at the port is the deployment of an ALPR system at its new underground car park to control vehicle access. This system automatizes tasks such as automatically opening the barrier for vehicles with a registration plate number already stored in the database because the owner is either a client of the marina or regular supplier of one of the shops there.

Milestone releases 2012 financials, surpasses $55M

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems has delivered solid financial results for 2012 and demonstrates continuous growth. A constant focus on product innovation, business strategy, employee leadership development through management training and partner program expansions have been key factors in the company's success.

Now in its 15th year, Milestone continues to accomplish strong growth both in their home market and internationally. Milestone has recorded revenue growth of 19.5 percent to US$55.62 million (DKK 318 Million) against $46.89 million in 2011. Operating income before depreciation (EBITDA) reached $9 million and net income reached $2.21 million. The number of employees grew by 13 percent, from 310 on average in 2011 to 351 employees globally in 2012.

"Demand for IP-based video surveillance is increasing globally. With the solid results in 2012, our compounded average growth rate has been 26 percent over the last five years. Milestone continues to grow because we go to market with the right products, and Milestone solutions are based on an open platform so they can meet the different needs of various segments. Our success is shared worldwide through strong relationships with our partners," says Lars Thinggaard, President and CEO of Milestone Systems.

A constant focus on the business strategy, including partner, employee and leadership training, helps to sustain this positive outcome.

"We have followed our strategy and are proud of the result in 2012. Milestone attained success especially in Europe, the Middle East and the US, and we achieved very impressive growth rates in Brazil and Russia. There are good opportunities for us in Russia, and in Brazil we won some significant customers, including the Mineirao football stadium whose new IP video surveillance solution will manage the safety of 65,000 guests when Brazil hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2014," says Lars Thinggaard.

Growing people fosters a growing business
In 2012 Milestone invested $9.67 million in R&D as well as additional millions in employee development and leadership training.

“One of our highest priorities in 2012 has been to continue investing in the training of our approximately 55 managers, who are now through the second wave of Milestone Leadership Academy - a development program that makes our leaders become even better at dealing with human, financial and technical issues to ensure that these support our common goals. We do it because we believe that growing people contribute to a growing business: it is essential for us to give our employees the opportunity to take leadership and influence the development of the company," says Thinggaard and continues:

"Moreover, world-class research and development has always been a key priority for Milestone, so we invest a substantial portion of our revenue in R&D every year. Milestone continues to grow because we consistently listen to market needs and act on the feedback. The investments support Milestone's aim to stay competitive in the world market."

Expectations for the future
Milestone Systems has high expectations for the future and will continue to invest in growth, and to service and support the company's ecosystem of partners and customers in more than 100 countries. About 60 percent of the physical security market is estimated to be using analog equipment, so there is considerable potential business that will be moving to IP networked solutions over the coming years. Therefore, Milestone has created three new business units to address a broader range of market opportunities, including Incubation and Ventures with an office in Silicon Valley, USA.

US hospital prescribes unified security

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 5/1/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

One of the largest hospitals in U.S., the Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), has chosen an integrated security solution from Tyco Security Products. The solution that incorporates products from two Tyco brands, Software House's security and event management system and 22 American Dynamics NVRs will be used to secure the hospital's 1,500-bed flagship teaching hospital and more than 12 sites as part of its parent organization, Yale New Haven Health System. The system was implemented by system integrator Johnson Controls.

In selecting Software House's security and event management system and American Dynamics NVRs, YNHH will now be able to centralize the management of its security systems, both access and video, from the hospital's individual sites on the network. “This new system not only provides critical information to our department so we can make timely, strategic decisions, but it also offers system intelligence to provide data to the rest of our organization,” said Marvin White, Manager of Physical Security, Protective Services.

Working with Johnson Controls, YHNN's multi-tiered access control migration plan includes updating the access control credentials for more than 12,000 workers in the network, impacting more than 1,000 doors and readers. YNHH chose Software House's controllers, which are space-saving, time-saving tools in its small data closets because of the products' remote programming capabilities. The hospital also deployed Software House's business intelligence reporting suite to produce customized reports from the security and event management system .

Additionally, the hospital is migrating some of its DVRs to American Dynamics NVRs during the transition, YNHH will manage its IP and analog systems through one single interface using the American Dynamics VMS.

Once the transition is complete this spring, YNHH will have a system that will grow along with the hospital for years to come because of the scalability of the security and event management system and NVRs.

When nature calls

Editor / Provider: Christine Chien, a&s International | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Not all surveillance deployments are meant solely for security and safety purposes. In this feature, a&s explores security equipment and management software in a “wilder” perspective — nature watching.

The main purpose of VMS is to provide users efficient management of all video files streaming from all cameras, from past to present. It is the basis of video surveillance, recording, analysis, and sharing, with multiple functions such as remote access and control via a Web browser or smartphone, playback, audio support, content search, and much more depending on the user's needs and specifications. As more and more VMS packages are becoming open-architecture, integrators and users are able to freely customize their VMS, adding additional programs to further enhance their operational efficiency. Truly successful VMS lies in its ease-of-use, so users can quickly learn to operate the system even with minimal training.

Nowadays, the common requirements of retaining video recordings for a prolonged period of time makes it easy to get lost amid the large quantities of stored data, but great VMS will help users navigate through the database to find what they need or provide them with important updates and information, even for nonsecurity matters. With a click of the mouse, users are able to quickly retrieve the files that they need, while simultaneously keeping an eye on live conditions in real time. In emergency situations, users are able to immediately make informed decisions if all the necessary data can be quickly gathered in front of their eyes for a quick assessment.

The following series of applications showcases how users utilize their VMS for different forms of applications more akin to nature.

The Greenhouse Effect
The state of Colorado in the U.S. approved a new legislation governing the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sales of medical marijuana in 2010. Due to the high sensitivity of this matter, a customized, full blown security measure including lighting, physical security, video surveillance, face recognition, access control, and alarm was provided and implemented by AxxonSoft at all the medical marijuana-related facilities. After all, if the herbal remedy originally intended for medical use is stolen or falls into the wrong hands, it will immediately and most likely be sold or used illegally.

Despite the various strains of weed available, approved medical grade marijuana comes from only two strains, the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, as these are the only strains with enough potency to provide medical benefits. In order to properly cultivate these plants, the light, air, water, nutrients, temperature, and growing medium must all be carefully controlled for optimum growing conditions. With the help of the integrated VMS, the operators can easily target areas or plants that need more attention or determine the plants that are ready for harvest and optimize plant yields."ViewOptix has developed a video surveillance solution that enables us to record and monitor plant growth, health and nutrient levels, and automatically adjust environmental controls," said Ryan Geller, President of Operations at Pain Management of Colorado. "The system is also integrated with our dispensaries for security at POS kiosks.” With these implementations in place, the operators will also be able to monitor the transaction and transportation of the medical marijuana to the separate dispensaries and the transactions that will take place thereafter.

Storm Chasers
The BAM chase team, led by Bryan Kilgore, Amanda Kilgore, and Michael Clark, follows and tracks down different storms and tornadoes to capture these powerful natural occurrences live on camera. The data they gather and share are extremely useful to scientific research.

When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the U.S. on Oct. 28, 2012, the violent storm wreaked havoc in its path and left behind a trail of destruction. Having successfully tracked and recorded more than 20 significant storms in the past, the BAM chase team began to forecast the storm's future course of action, destruction, impact, and monitored Sandy through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, and online video feeds. “We forecasted Sandy using the latest in a package of computer models available online. We used our knowledge to predict the path that we felt best that the storm would take. We felt that most of the other forecasters were too far east so we stuck to our guns and kept it west. We were getting comments that we were out of our minds but kept posting about it that east coast needed to keep an eye on it,” said Bryan Kilgore. The team also verified their forecast from what was being reported on the news and online. Despite their efforts, Mother Nature is not easily tracked, nor is it easily predictable. Hurricane Sandy affected a total of 24 states, left 17 states without power, affected millions of people, caused 72 direct deaths, and cost the government an estimated US$75 billion worth of property damage.

Using OnSSI's VMS, which the team installed themselves, they were able to simplify the management of six network megapixel cameras used to document the storms and tornadoes that they chase. The software is loaded onto the server and is able to capture all the videos recorded from the cameras at once. This was the first and only VMS the team has used for their system, while additional software were used to make their live stream happen. Based on the storm's movements, the VMS helped the team topinpoint video from multiple network cameras for a quadrant view. The videos were also able to be exported and distributed through wireless connectivity to any centralized video storage station so it can be instantly distributed to the National Weather Service, National Severe Storm Laboratory, and various media sources as well. This way, their local offices can see the progression of the storms and how it was progressing. “The footage allows us to see things we didn't catch in the field first hand. With the cameras we have installed, we can see 360 degrees around the outside of the vehicle. We can't see everything so this allows us to go back and review that,” said Kilgore.

As for OnSSI, seeing its products being implemented in a non-security application also struck as interesting. “Even with the advancement in technologies supporting physical security today; the operating procedures are still mainly reactive where collection of evidence to a situation is done after the fact. This trend is changing, however in the case of BAM they installed the system strategically to actively capture live data of storms that have immediate impact to lives and properties as it is occurring and feeding this back to meteorologists so they may make the public aware of their efforts toward public safety,” said Julio Montalvo, Director of Technical Services at OnSSI.

This year, the BAM chase team hopes to help more offices and the NSSL with the amount of footage they gain.

Animal Planet
The 50-acre Akron Zoological Park is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and preservation located in Ohio, U.S. The zoo had chosen to use Milestone's VMS as a way to supervise and observe the behaviors and health conditions of its wide range of animal inhabitants, especially the dangerous species, and ensure the safety of their handlers. Outside each animal holding area, a monitor displays the live video feed of various cameras placed inside. This allows the animal caretakers to check if animals are properly contained. Not only does the solution raise the safety level of its staff, it also minimizes human interference of the animals, allowing the animals to be observed from afar, so as not to disturb their natural habitat and cause them distress. "Animal safety was our main concern. Cameras were mounted inside the enclosure where it was in a secure location and did not harm the animal, or the animal was unable to reach it," said Tzviah Dank, Information Systems Administrator/IT Projects Manager, at the Akron Zoological Park.

After integration with mobiDEOS' remote viewing application, the video feeds were able to be accessed through the smartphones of relevant staff. This way, animal handlers will be able keep an eye on the zoo animals 24 hours a day, even when they are away from the facility. With the help of the VMS, the caretakers can monitor the animals' breathing patterns and even the contractions of a cat giving birth in real time. All video footage can be stored for a week or longer, if necessary. Prior to these installations, a camcorder was connected to a VCR when recording was needed, according to Dank.

Similar to the Akron Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo has also installed video surveillance systems throughout its entire premise controlled by Milestone's VMS, in order to ensure crowd control and other security-related incidents. However, the last couple of projects have been geared towards animal health and care. Cameras were placed in rooms where animals were quarantined or giving birth. New habitats have also been built, integrating the cameras into their surroundings for general monitoring but with access also only limited to animal care employees.

Having the constant access to the zoo's animals also allow the caretakers to study the interactions between the animals, as sometimes, the interactions may not be so friendly. If an animal becomes sick, the zoo veterinarians are able to check past videos in order to determine possible causes. They can also check on the animals while on the way to the zoo. Only a select number of zoo employees have access to this private application, as video feeds are not opened to the public.

“For security or general park locations there have been no special circumstances. When the locations involve animal locations, then we have to coordinate work schedules with the animal care professionals and be mindful of their schedules,” said Chris Moomey, Director of Product Development at Current Technologies, sharing his experiences from when he installed the system for the zoo and comparing them to his previous installations. “When the new habitats were built over the last couple of years, the cameras were installed during the construction so it was like any construction site, just with a cool walk to work.”

Asia Update: Etherwan successfully moves from networking to security

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

When IT companies shift to physical security, many fail to recognize the importance of product reliability and engineering efficiency in security. Security products demand unique qualities such as high customization and reliability. Etherwan, a company providing Ethernet products, found security to be a good fit. Six years ago, the company entered the security market. Through the design concept of modularization, Etherwan provides a wide range of Ethernet products, even for small orders. The network management features were also customized from a general IT approach to make it more user-friendly to security applications.

To ensure reliability, its products go through many rigorous tests to ensure that they are exactly what were promised to the customers and fully conform to industry standards. For example, its PoE devices are all required to achieve the maximum power requirement without any issue. With high engineering efficiency, it can quickly solve any technological problems and carefully review all possible factors that might result in product malfunction.

What really differs Etherwan from other companies is it's core business motto — integrity and honesty. For example, Etherwan is committed to designing its products strictly according to standards. If the product is designed to fit the IEEE802.3af standard which requires the proper wattage to be 15.4 watts, then Etherwan will insist on giving each PoE port the full 15.4 watts. The same goes for products designed in compliance to IEEE802.3 which requires 30 watts for each PoE port. Etherwan understands that such integrity to power source conformance is an important factor to project success. “Integrity for us is the company's central value,” said Maggie Chao, Associate VP of Sales Division at Etherwan.

Etherwan's security business includes OEM sales and original brand manufacture (OBM) of its own products. During the last six years, Etherwan successfully introduced its Ethernet products from IT clients to the security industry. Now, two out of Etherwan's top 10 clients are pure security companies, cementing the importance of its security business. For Etherwan, the security market holds strong potential. Its security business unit has grown almost 30 percent in recent years.

Etherwan also has a good reputation in the transportation sector, particularly for traffic and railway monitoring. In 2013, the company is concentrating on transportation and security in its target countries — the U.S., Benelux, Southeast Asia and South Africa. In the U.S., Etherwan attends one to two road shows every month to educate its clients on the basics to the advanced knowledge of Ethernet network infrastructure. Etherwan is also anticipating significant growth in the Malaysian and Thai markets.

"In the near future, we can expect more challenges in price competition. When clients who used to purchase IT networking products started to buy security equipment, they were more likely to compare brands and prices," Chao said.

Technology wise, networking technology should follow the nature of the security product application. “For Etherwan to win in the price competition, product reliability is key,” Chao said.

Cloud-based services simplify security deployment

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/22/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

After entering a strategic, multiyear agreement with Microsoft, Genetec unveils its cloud-based security solution, aiming its services at the SMB sector. With this new product, Genetec launches itself in the cloud, and shares with a&s its goals and how the company plans to help its customers start their adoption of this new solution.

Having come a long way from the garage where it was first created 15 years ago, Genetec has grown into a global entity with 458 employees, maintaining strong and steady growth in every region where it operates. Pierre Racz, President and CEO of Genetec, started with a vision for IP video management which was originally seen as being “too disruptive” to the already established industry of analog video surveillance. However, his pioneering objective has driven Genetec to evolve beyond IP video to create a unified security suite that encompasses IP video surveillance, access control, and automated license plate recognition/license plate recognition (ALPR).

Genetec is a global company serving customers of all sizes in the retail, transportation, education, gaming, and government sectors worldwide. “With an initial focus in North America, we are now further expanding our leadership into other markets around the world. We are currently undertaking a significant expansion of our APAC, EMEA, and Latin American operations to support strong market growth and enhance customer support,” said Racz. The company has recently expanded its office to Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai with training facilities and solution centers. Furthermore, new subsidiaries were opened in the U.K., Brazil, and Mexico.

Open platform in video & access control
In 2013, Genetec is continuing to see strong growth opportunities in all global regions it has targeted. The company is positioned to not only deliver the most optimized physical security, video surveillance, and ALPR platform for its customers, but also to penetrate new markets with its recently announced web- and cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) targeted at SMBs.

Already pinpointing several strategic areas of focus, Genetec has started with planned updates and new features for its unified security platform. The company also plans to assist customers in migrating and upgrading their traditional analog video surveillance and access control to an IP infrastructure that offers a superior, unified, and scalable approach to physical security. This transition reduces excessive equipment costs and moves away from proprietary wiring and cumbersome architectures, helping simplify communications, surveillance, access control, and network ALPR systems.

Genetec also noticed a great opportunity in access control. End users continue to face being stuck with using proprietary hardware, software, cards, and readers since the cost of switching is high. Seeing an increasing need for open solutions for access control, its newly launched network door controller introduces an open architecture door controller with device and hardware flexibility, allowing customers to deploy industry-standard equipment from HID and Mercury that is integrated with the Genetec unified security platform. With this new controller, customers are able to modernize their existing installations, allowing them to transform their infrastructure to a fully network-based access control system while offering them the opportunity to also integrate video surveillance as part of the system when/if desired.

Migration to cloud
Leveraging the 2013 launch of its new web- and cloud-based product, Genetec plans to offer SMBs an enterprise-strength way to realize the benefits of a fully hosted VSaaS solution. Genetec recently partnered with Microsoft, engaging in a strategic multi-year alliance, to develop a hosted, cloud-based security solution that will include video surveillance, access control, and ALPR as-a-service, built on the Windows Azure cloud computing platform. This new approach combines Genetec's unified security platform with the global reach, scalability, and reliability of Windows Azure.

Unique architecture
Genetec's unified security platform, released four years ago, is designed as a data-center friendly architecture to address the vast and varied needs of its customers. The base of the architecture allows customers to centrally manage large numbers of cameras, door controllers, and monitoring/recording systems in a single system. Leveraging this strong technology foundation, the company's knowledge of physical security and thousands of deployed systems across the world, Genetec was able to put together a strategy to deliver a cloud based system to address the industry's desire for internet based solutions. Genetec's focus is to deliver a truly hosted VSaaS solution and to help its customers break away from having to manage on premise networked servers and infrastructure hardware.

Also unique to the Genetec approach is its ability to offer a hybrid system where its unified security platform can centrally manage satellite locations that are federate to the central system via the cloud. Instead of standing up dedicated servers in remote office locations, it is possible to connect these sites to the platform at the organization's security head office.

Utilizing the cloud, Genetec is able to remove the repetitive IT-centric work that can cause difficulties for integrators by delivering a system where they can focus on security needs, while leaving the IT requirements for Genetec to manage, especially as constant software updates make it a challenge for the integrators to stay up-to-date.

Security in the cloud
It is possible that some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of hosting their potentially sensitive video footage in the cloud. In order to address this issue, Microsoft has designed the Azure platform with security in mind, building in a number of different security features and mechanisms in every layer of the cloud infrastructure to implement a defense-in-depth approach. This includes Microsoft running Windows Azure in geographically disbursed data centers that are managed and operated with both physical and data security practices.

"We understand very well that people are worried about the cloud and the security of their data. We think that in three years time, about 10 percent of businesses will be hosting their video surveillance in the cloud. The rest will remain on premise. But of this 10 percent, we see both small and enterprise businesses leveraging the flexibility that the cloud offers," said Racz. If users need additional storage, to install temporary or satellite facilities, or are rebuilding facilities, the cloud can play an integral part in their security strategy.

Different product, different crowd
Genetec plans to continue developing its unified security platform for larger business and to concentrate on its hosted, cloud-based video service for the SMB sector. While suitable for all business verticals, the hosted video is especially fitting for the needs of SMBs, because it offers them the opportunity to realize the enterprise level video surveillance features at an attractive entry-level price point and lower cost of ownership. Customers need not invest in additional storage solutions at their physical locations or install other IT infrastructure, thereby eliminating many expenses. With the new cloud-based solution, Genetec customers can view live and recorded videos that are stored safely in the cloud from any laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The solution can also be quickly set up and federated to the unified security platform for any temporary installation, satellite offices, and remote sites. “The retail market is one very important vertical for our cloud offering in North America as we introduce this new technology, but literally any SMB entity will be able to benefit immediately,” Racz said.

Partnership
In 2013, Genetec is expanding relationships with a broader network of third-party hardware providers, including camera vendors, access control hardware vendors, and infrastructure providers. Genetec is committed to offering its customers' the most flexible solution, offering pre-integrated support for other important industry technology. Working with its integrator channel, the goal of Genetec is to deliver solution that will fit any job requirement and budget. “Our recently launched Genetec Infrastructure Partner Certification Program is designed to qualify and certify solutions from storage vendors and ensure optimal use with the unified security platform. This is a Genetec ‘In-house' certification program that offers Genetec customers additional storage choices, and warrants the most efficient configuration for their security installations,” said Racz.

Napco reports high demand for home automation

Editor / Provider: Napco Security Technologies | Updated: 4/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologies, recently reported high demands for home automation and alarm system products from dealers at a U.S. trade show. Other products that received great level of interest, included radio communicators, wireless lock systems, as well as physical security integration software, said Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco. Soloway went on highlighting rising security concerns and other factors behind growing demands for these products in the security sector.

Napco's home automation app for smartphones and tablets enables home owners to remotely control alarm functions, lighting, thermostats and door locks, said Soloway. The company and its dealers will be able to charge end user customers additional recurring revenue over and above alarm monitoring for all these additional services. Future proof radio communicators that can be upgraded using plug-in radio modules to 3G, 4G or 5G radio services have also become a strong growth area as traditional dial up phone lines are being phased out in premises.

Electronic wireless lock systems and low cost mechanical door locks were also well received by dealers, added Soloway. The wireless lock system can lock down any section of a school, university or business facility with the operation of a remote control device/console located in the security or management office. Dealers also showed interest in physical security integration software that integrates all Napco alarms, radio controlled locks and access control into a single network.

"The timing is right for these products because security concerns have risen to higher levels”, explained Soloway. "Demand for security equipment is being driven by numerous factors including (1) stabilizing economic conditions, (2) concerns about crime and terrorism, (3) technology improvements which are enabling further market penetration and spurring a strong replacement and upgrade market, and (4) by giving security dealers an opportunity to trade up their customers monthly monitoring rates for additional remote service functionality."

Honeywell adds open tech partners Pelco and Sony

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 4/16/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Continuing its commitment to increase the interoperability of security technologies, Honeywell announced seven new members have joined the Honeywell Open Technology Alliance (HOTA). Formed in 2010, the alliance is comprised of physical security and IT manufacturers committed to developing open and integrated security solutions for end users. New members of HOTA include Exacq, LG, Oncam Grandeye, ImmerVision, Panasonic, Pelco and Sony.

Oncam Grandeye, an innovator in 360-degree imaging, worked with Honeywell to integrate its line of 360-degree IP cameras with MAXPRO VMS and MAXPRO NVRs to improve the usability of its cameras with the video and security management platforms of Honeywell and other members.

"The open standards set by the industry have provided a sound framework to increase the interoperability of our products with nearly any third-party manufacturer," said Vince Lupe, Systems Marketing Leader, Honeywell Security Group. "Our open technology alliance advocates making our technologies work seamlessly with other manufacturer devices, helping the end-user customer maximize existing and newer technologies."

HOTA members work closely to improve the openness of their security and IT products to give end users more options when designing a security system. These technologies, such as cameras, video streamers, and recording and wireless devices can be built using open industry standards, such as PSIA and ONVIF, or programmed using modified protocols.

Axis and US tech institute to deliver software training program

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 4/11/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announced a collaborative educational initiative with Boston-based Wentworth Institute of Technology that provides students with a yearly hands-on training program to accelerate IP video surveillance learning and software application development in the physical security industry.

To kick-off this unique educational initiative, Axis provided network video equipment accompanied by hands-on training for professors and students in Wentworth's Department of Computer Science and Networking. The professors then encouraged students to design software applications they believe would solve challenges in the security industry – without any influence from Axis – as well as in other areas where network video technology is prevalent, such as telemedicine, webcasting, distance learning and retail store management.

The ultimate goal of this ongoing collaboration is to advance the future of intelligent analytic development in the video surveillance industry by expanding computer science learning at Wentworth. Specifically, Wentworth students will develop applications using the Axis Camera Application Platform, an open platform that enables software developers to create third party applications that can be downloaded to run inside Axis IP cameras and video encoders.