Axis introduces high-density video encoder chassis

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announced the release of its Q7436 video encoder blade and Q7920 video encoder chassis, which is one of the industry's highest-density encoder chassis with support for up to 84 analog cameras. The new high-performance video encoder solution is ideal for demanding locations such as airports, railway stations and city surveillance–where high performance, flexibility and reliability are required.

“This new video encoder system is an ideal, future-proof video surveillance solution offering outstanding performance and great flexibility,” said Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management at Axis. “It allows customers with large scale analog video surveillance installations to connect their cameras to an IP network, giving instant access to digital benefits, including intelligent video capabilities, remote access and scalability.”

The video encoder blade has support for 60/50 fps, providing smooth video even in high motion scenes. It delivers multiple, individually configurable video streams from each channel, at full frame rate in all resolutions. Furthermore, this six channel video encoder blade offers great image features such as reduced noise, enhanced sharpness and optimized contrast, allowing for even better image quality output.

For larger, centralized systems, high-density rack solutions with encoder blades offer the most flexible and reliable solutions. The Q7920 is a rack mount encoder chassis, providing an expandable solution for migrating large-scale analog installations to network video. It holds up to 14 hot-swappable video encoder blades supporting up to 84 analog cameras. Furthermore, with hot swapping there is no need to power down the entire system when installing or removing the video encoder blades.

The video encoder chassis is also highly reliable with its power and network redundancy. Featuring both RJ45 ports as well as SFP slots, this video encoder solution offers fully flexible and cost-effective long distance network connectivity.

Further features included in AXIS Q7436 Video Encoder Blade:

• Provides powerful event management capabilities with embedded intelligent video features such as tampering alarm and motion detection.
• Supports AXIS Camera Application Platform that enables development of third party applications that can be downloaded and installed on the encoder.
• Offers significant installation savings, by allowing PTZ control over the coaxial cable, in addition to the standard support for PTZ cameras using the serial ports. 
• The video encoder blade is supported by the industry's largest base of VMS through the Axis application development partner program and Axis VMS. Furthermore the video encoder includes support Hosted Video and ONVIF for easy camera system integration.

The video encoder blade and video encoder chassis is planned to be available for order in third quarter of 2013 through Axis distribution channels.

152 US veteran affairs hospitals track assets in real time with RFID

Editor / Provider: Checkpoint Systems | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Oatsystems, a division of Checkpoint Systems has been selected as a subcontractor to HP Enterprise Services' maximum value US$543 million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity real time location system (RTLS) contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to procure and deploy a RFID asset management system at 152 of its hospitals that will assist in the automation and improvement of operations and veteran healthcare services. Oat will supply RFID software and readers to more than 7,500 read points across VA medical centers.

“Oat's passive RFID solutions provide us with up to the minute inventory and asset data across multiple facilities, supporting our vision to improve health care efficiency across the VA enterprise,” said Kimberly Brayley, Director, RTLS Project Management Office, Veterans Health Administration.

Oat's RFID software platform and RFID enabled use cases provide the flexibility needed to track a wide range of assets within a medical facility, from capital assets to low cost consumables. The technology enables instant location and up to the minute availability of medical assets for primary care (incubators, diagnostic supplies, sterilizing equipment) and facility operations (laboratory equipment, uninterruptable power supplies, biological safety cabinets), improving patient care while reducing excess inventory. Oat passive RFID solutions will also be used to track IT assets (smartphones, laptops, network routers) across VA facilities, to improve operational efficiency and asset utilization.

“Oatsystems is a key member of the HP team, as it brings an enterprise class RFID platform, innovative RFID asset tracking solutions and has a broad scale and scope of passive global RFID deployments”, said Don Picard, federal healthcare VP, HP Enterprise Services, US Public Sector.

“Healthcare providers are increasingly deploying RFID and RTLS technology to improve operational performance and patient care, and the VA is leading the way with nationally standardized solutions.” said Prasad Putta, EVP and GM of Merchandise Visibility and RFID, Checkpoint Systems.

CEM Systems releases new software version

Editor / Provider: CEM Systems | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Security Products, announced the release of version 6.7 of AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) and AC2000 AE (Airport Edition) integrated access control and security management software. The latest release offers a host of new features that increase the performance and improve the functionality of the CEM AC2000 access control system.

“CEM AC2000 is a powerful access control system that is designed with the customer in mind” said Andrew Fulton, Senior Director of Global Sales, CEM Systems. “The enhanced features and functionality in this new release are based on valuable customer feedback and will ensure that AC2000 continues to provide a flexible access control solution that helps increase security, improve business efficiency and operational effectiveness for CEM sites around the world.”

New in version 6.7 are updates and enhancements to AC2000 WEB, CEM's powerful suite of browser based applications for AC2000. The AC2000 WEB menu has an improved and more intuitive look and feel to enhance user experience. In addition to the current suite of WEB applications, AC2000 now provides a unique WEB Zonal Control application for anti-tailgating. This new web based tool discourages tail-gating or passing back of cards to facilitate strict policy control of cardholder movements for operational efficiency. The AC2000 WEB Visitors application has also been updated with a ‘Batch Visitor Request Import' tool and new powerful WEB Reports. All these features continue to provide the power of the AC2000 system but through a web browser.

In addition, AC2000 v6.7 software includes enhanced support for emerald, CEM's revolutionary touch screen intelligent access terminal. emerald features a reader & controller in one, integrated VoIP intercom functionality and a range of remote applications that enable elements of AC2000 software to be accessed directly at the door. This latest v6.7 software release offers customers even more enhanced functionality including ‘Live video pop-up on intercom request', display of company advertising messages while emerald is idle and six new remote applications. When integrated with a CCTV system, operators can now see who they are talking to when a user initiates an emerald intercom request.

In addition, at v6.7, emerald supports the display of company advertisements which can be uploaded to AC2000 in JPG format as well as offering six new remote applications including Suppress/Enable Alarms for filtering alarms during maintenance periods and One Shot which enables security to remotely open doors from an emerald terminal for a short period of time. Other new applications include Open/Close to enable or disable PIR's or lights with a simple swipe and Online Status which allows users to view the status of all readers directly from an emerald terminal.

Another new feature in v6.7 is alarm escalation, allowing unacknowledged alarms from multiple sites to be forwarded to a supervisory operator workstation after a set time scale. New ‘Soft Anti-Passback' functionality also sends a silent alarm to the operator workstation to notify of access cards passed back in breach of policy. This new functionality can be applied on a reader by reader basis or per cardholder for full flexibility.

A mission with a vision

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by VIVOTEK | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Hajj Organization in Tehran, Iran has been organizing the Hajj Mission since 1991, providing services to Hujjaj, who are Muslim pilgrims from Iran, with the aim of promoting Hajj and serving Hujjaj by facilitating and organizing all aspects of Hajj. With its pivotal role and sizable scale in Iran, the organization requires high-security surveillance to ensure the overall safety of the Hujjaj and the daily operation of the Hajj Mission. The manager of the organization decided to install several IP cameras, and VIVOTEK cameras, with excellent quality at a reasonable cost, became the organization's first choice.

Pooya Fara Negar, VIVOTEK's distributor in Iran, provided the professional consultation and design. A total of 178 cameras were installed indoors and outdoors. Outdoor areas are covered by 11 SD8323E, 12 IP7361 and 53 IP8362 cameras, while 73 FD8161 and 27 FD8162 cameras were installed indoors. Two IP8162P cameras were installed in the official area.

The SD8323E, a network speed dome with several superior features — such as the ability to capture clear video even in environments with high-contrast lighting conditions, a weather-proof IP66-rated housing, and 360° continuous pan and 90° tilt — is an ideal camera for monitoring open indoor/outdoor spaces. Equipped with a powerful 36x zoom lens and WDR technology, the camera is also able to capture sharp images at a great distance even under challenging lighting conditions. The SD8362E was thus installed outside of the organization for monitoring the grand square in front of the building.

Bullet cameras IP7361 and IP8362, with 2-megapixel resolution, weather-proof IP67-rated housings, removable IR-cut filters and IR illuminators for superior image quality around the clock, were chosen for a wide range of outdoor applications. The IP7361 was installed in the outdoor corridor, while the IP8362 was chosen to monitor the parking lot, taking advantage of its WDR enhancements, which allow users to identify image details in extremely bright as well as dark environments.

For monitoring the building halls, the FD8161 and FD8162 were used. Featuring a 2-megapixel sensor and ePTZ functionality, these cameras are able to provide extremely wide coverage with the finest details and enable users to focus on close-up shots of different areas. Moreover, the FD8162, which also incorporates WDR capability, is able to capture clear footage even when both bright and dark areas are present in the same field of view.

As for the official area, the IP8162P — a 2-megapixel camera with several advanced features like a P-iris lens, built-in Focus Assist button for precise focus adjustment, WDR Enhanced technology for an unparalleled ability to capture detail in extremely bright and dark environments — is able to monitor a much more comprehensive area than can a standard VGA camera, allowing users to fully enjoy the HD video.

Sacred, Secured
Access to all of these cameras is via a private Intranet. VIVOTEK's stand-alone NVR enables the Hajj Organization to record, monitor and manage video data simultaneously through the Internet. Both live video feeds and recorded video footage are centrally managed.

William Ku, VP of International Business at VIVOTEK, stated: “We are so glad to have the chance to enhance the security of the Hajj Organization. I believe that VIVOTEK cameras with their superior quality are able to meet the client's needs by providing clear footage and accurate event tracking around the place. Also, the Hajj Organization can monitor the status of all cameras and storage in real time and manage videos in a centralized way. We are expecting to provide more security support to the Hajj Organization in the future.”

Sponsored by

Avigilon reports 80% revenue growth in 2013 Q1

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 5/10/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Avigilon announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

First Quarter 2013 Financial Highlights
- Revenue was US$31.8 million (CAD$32.0 million), an increase of 80% over Q1 2012 revenue of $17.7 million.
- Gross margin was 51%, up from 48% a year earlier.
- EBITDA was $5.1 million, a 319% improvement over Q1 2012 EBITDA of $1.2 million.
- Net income was $2.8 million, a 332% increase from net income of $0.6 million in Q1 2012.

“Our strong start to 2013 demonstrates our continued success in capitalizing on the opportunities in front of us and gaining global market share,” said Alexander Fernandes, President and CEO at Avigilon. “We generated high double-digit revenue growth and delivered improved profitability, while increasing our strategic investments in the business.”

Fernandes continued: “The transition from analog to HD surveillance technology is proceeding rapidly. For the first time, our industry will see high-definition surveillance sales outpace analog sales, and we continue to be at the forefront, leading this shift. With that in mind, we will add to our global sales team, continue to expand our product portfolio and invest in marketing to increase brand awareness. We believe these efforts best position Avigilon to maximize revenue growth and long-term profitability.”

Financial Review
Avigilon reported Q1 2013 revenue of $31.8 million, an increase of 80%, or $14.2 million, compared with revenue of $17.7 million for Q1 2012. Revenue growth continues to be driven by a strong rise in product sales volumes worldwide, reflecting sales of newly launched products, further penetration of new target market regions and greater customer adoption in existing markets. Avigilon experienced strong year-over-year sales growth across all six of the Company's key target geographic regions.

Gross margin was $16.2 million in Q1 2013 (51% of revenue), compared with $8.4 million (48% of revenue) in Q1 2012. The year-over-year increase in gross margin reflects a sales mix shift toward more profitable products, as well as the impact of higher purchasing power, greater economies of scale and improved manufacturing efficiencies. Although the gross margin increased year-over-year, with the Company's near-term objective of rapid growth in revenue and market share, management does not expect significant additional gross margin expansion through 2013.

Q1 2013 Selling and marketing expenses were $7.4 million, a $2.8 million, or 62%, increase compared to $4.7 million in selling and marketing expenses in Q1 2012. The increase reflects planned spending to significantly expand Avigilon's global sales team and marketing efforts, which the Company believes will drive future revenue growth. The Company plans to further expand its sales team and continue to strategically invest in marketing in 2013. As a result, sales and marketing expenses could increase as a percentage of revenue in the near-term and start to decline by the end of the year. Over the longer-term, the Company expects selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue to decline.

Research and development (R&D) expenses, net of related income tax credits, were $1.7 million for Q1 2013, a $0.6 million, or 61%, increase compared to $1.1 million in Q1 2012. Gross R&D spend was $2.0 million in Q1 2013, compared to $1.3 million in the prior year. The increase in spending is due to additional new hires, in line with the Company's plan to expand its product development team to further enhance its product offering. Avigilon expects to continue to increase its R&D investment to support new product development, bringing the Company to more typical industry levels for R&D as a percentage of revenue.

General and administrative expenses (G&A) for Q1 2013 were $3.0 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 57%, from $1.9 million in general and administrative expenses for Q1 2012. The increase was primarily due to additional personnel and their related expenses to support Avigilon's growth and its public company status. The Company expects G&A expenses to increase in support of its continued growth plans. However, Avigilon believes these expenses will increase at a slower rate than the Company's revenue growth.

What's trending in 2013?

Editor / Provider: Judy Lin, asmag.com | Updated: 5/8/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Secutech International 2013, one of the largest trade shows in the security world, successfully concluded on April 26. Here are some of the key findings from the show floor interviews.

1. IP Rocks
IP-based video surveillance products accounted for the majority of items displayed at the exhibition, while HD-SDI products remained a minority. Of the 23 video surveillance manufacturers sampled, 16 companies featured IP products at the show, including Dynacolor, Dahua Technology, Itx, Mobotix and others. Hikvision Digital Technology and four other companies were promoting analog cameras, while Hi Sharp and Win4net were the only companies highlighting HD-SDI products. Most manufacturers are still promoting IP cameras, due to a smaller demand for HD-SDI cameras, and few related products and accessories, said Ray Chan, Director of Sales for APAC, Infinova. HD-SDI also requires larger storage, and the required frame rate is still playing catch-up, Chan continued. A technician from Fuho Technology echoed the sentiment, stating while HD-SDI products offer better image quality than analog cameras, market demand has remained low because of the lack of supporting appliances and hardware compared to analog or IP systems. Some manufacturers are trying to compensate this by promoting new HD-SDI cabling products, such as Win4net's Clebo HD-SDI PoC solution that can extend HD-SDI data transmission for more than 2 kilometers.

2. Light Sensitivity
The majority of low-light network cameras displayed at the show came with 1.3-megapixel resolution; only a few were 3-megapixel models. Shany's SNC-WD2131MSA and Yoko Technology's RYK-IPBX010 featured 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, while Zavio's D7320 was a 3-megapixel camera. The limitations of network bandwidth and market demand are driving the sales of 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, said Steven Mao, PM for Digital Surveillance Product Planning, Yoko Technology. Two trends in WDR network cameras were also observed, with some manufacturers such as Brickcom using software to enhance images and others, including Zavio, developing their own WDR sensors.

3. High and Low
Of the analog cameras displayed, a large number were of 700 TVLs and above. For instance, Hikvision's Picadis Exir Camera and Pishion's BRX-99P84WR were 720-TVL cameras, while Fuho's Vacron-P was a 1,000-TVL camera. The cameras target cost-conscious consumers that want better image quality close to IP cameras, but at a much lower price point, said Ian Ma, Overseas Technical Support Engineer, Hikvision. The cameras offer better images than traditional analog, and ideal for clients who are reluctant to say goodbye to their coaxial cables.

4. Easy to Install
Four- to 8-channel NVRs for SMB and home applications are mostly designed with easy setup procedures that are user-friendly. Whether its Nuuo's 8-channel NVR, that enables setup to be completed in six minutes with a click of a mouse, or Dynacolor's 4-channel NVR that automatically detects the company's cameras, the idea is to make installation hassle-free. Manufacturers are trying to make their products appealing and adoptable to the average home owner or shop keeper, who may not be tech-savvy or have the resources to hire IT specialists. Another interesting find was iCatch's latest NVR that enables consumers to use QR scanners to connect their IP cameras to the NVR.

5. Scalability Reincarnated
Installer-friendly products were not easy to miss. For example, Etherwan's ED3638 PoE switch can transmit data and electricity up to 1.8 kilometers, said Alvin Hsu, PM; Planet's BSP-300 solar-power switch is particularly suited for integrators struggling with outdoor cabling. Brickcom's FocusEasy makes life easier for installers, by beeping loudly when the camera is correctly focused; it is aimed at the hotel industry or large-scale projects that require many installations, said Anchi Chen, Marketing Administrator. All these products are designed with convenience in mind, by saving installers or system integrators valuable resources. These products are also ideal for large-scale projects and applications.

6. Value Adds
More camera and NVR manufacturers are teaming up with VCA companies to increase the added value of their products. To target the retail sector, Nuuo teamed up with Vit to add on people-counting features onto its NVR, while VIVOTEK has been cooperating with Cognimatics to add on similar people-counting features onto its IP cameras. Other common VCA features include people counting, item removal detection, and virtual fences that are targeted for retail market applications.

7. Mobility
From remotely monitoring video surveillance cameras to opening doors via NFC technology, mobile applications are increasingly prevalent. The popularity of smartphones and tablets is pushing this trend in the security sector. The majority of NVR manufacturers, such as iCatch and Nuuo, have matching mobile apps to enable remote monitoring, while newer access control systems from WFE Technology allow smartphones to open doors using NFC. Nearly all NFC access control systems are RFID-based at the show, with the exception of Hundure Technology that has promoted a Bluetooth NFC reader.

8. Hot Access
Access control manufacturers such as Pongee and WFE were promoting multicredential readers with four to five credentials targeting the banking or hotel sector. End users can choose which credentials they want to use. According to Johnson Wu, PM of Waferlock at WFE, markets that require high security, such as the banking sector, are more likely to use a combination of credentials or utilize all credentials offered.

9. Gaze Downward
Manufacturers are aiming for the mid- to low-end market with hopes of tapping into retail, home, hotel and banking applications. This was reflected with the promotion of affordable retail solutions with fewer functions, but easy installation, such as VIVOTEK's Counter Cam, a small 180-degree panoramic camera with very basic functions. Even Flir, which had traditionally manufactured high-end thermal imaging cameras, was promoting its first commercial camera, the VT602, at the show (which still costs US$190,000).

10. Emerging Opportunities
Most video surveillance manufacturers agreed that sales are particularly well in emerging markets. Dali Technology and Merit  LILIN both responded sales were particularly well in Middle East, while NVR manufacturer Qnap noted sales were particularly well in Central and South America.

NXP acquires Code Red Technologies to expand microcontroller business

Editor / Provider: NXP Semiconductors | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Component

NXP Semiconductors announced its acquisition of Code Red Technologies(CRT), an embedded software development tools provider, as a strategic addition to its microcontroller business line. CRT is recognized industry-wide for innovative tools enabling rapid development and debugging of full-featured applications for 32-bit ARM? microcontrollers. These tools include the popular LPCXpresso IDE (integrated development environment) – a very low-cost, end-to-end development platform for NXP LPC microcontrollers – enabling embedded developers to develop applications from initial evaluation through to final production. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

LPCXpresso is based on Eclipse, with enhancements specific to LPC microcontrollers. Since its release in 2009, the LPCXpresso community has grown steadily, with over 66,000 unique software activations of the LPCXpresso IDE since January 2010.

“With LPCXpresso, NXP has built a strong foundation for a vibrant embedded development ecosystem around LPC microcontrollers. Bringing the Code Red team into our organization gives us the ability to jump-start our in-house software expertise, deliver world-class software libraries and integrated tools to our customers, and rapidly build on the momentum behind the LPCXpresso IDE,” said Jim Trent, vice president and general manager, microcontroller business line, NXP Semiconductors.

“Joining forces with NXP enables us to focus on what we do best – simplifying the development experience for customers through tools and software. Through closer integration, we'll also be able to bring our ARM and LPC experience into new market segments on a global scale, developing and tailoring software for specific applications and solutions,” said John Rayfield, co-founder and CEO of CRT.

IndigoVision launches new version VMS

Editor / Provider: IndigoVision | Updated: 5/1/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Included as part of SMS4, IndigoVision's security management software suite, this latest release uses a revolutionary new user interface design, making it easier for operators to visualise alarms in real time and to view cameras through target based maps. Additional intelligence has been introduced to Control Center 4.8 giving operators an easy way of accessing cameras on a map rather than having to memorise camera locations.

"When the first release of Control Center was launched in 2002, IndigoVision revolutionised the security industry with software that was highly scalable and easy to use." Alex Swanson, IndigoVision Head of Engineering commented. "With last year's release of Control Center 4.7, we increased the scalability even further to allow for systems over 100,000 cameras. One of the issues with many video management systems covering large scale systems, is that operators find it incredibly difficult to know where cameras are located. Even their map functionality is difficult to navigate. IndigoVision's Control Center 4.8, now makes it incredibly easy for operators to gain situational awareness of video and alarms irrespective of where those cameras or alarm inputs are located."

Swanson concluded, "By making it easier for operators, Control Center 4.8 significantly reduces the time needed for effective staff training and can quicken operator's response time through Control Center's greater software efficiency and intelligence."

Control Center was the first truly scalable management solution and is part of IndigoVision's SMS4 suite. Transforming the security industry through its innovative, unlimited client licence pricing structure, superb scalability and market leading functionality, IndigoVision's Control Center has been installed tens of thousands of times to manage several hundred thousand cameras in over 80 countries.

Wisconsin public buildings centralize security feeds on fiber

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Brown County in Wisconsin, U.S, has upgraded disparate, time consuming and unreliable DVR systems to an improved system designed to keep workers and public property safe with streamlined efficiency. The county installed a fiber communications network with an IP-based surveillance system. Network cameras from Axis Communications are interconnected through Milestone Systems' VMS. Brown County now efficiently monitors public buildings including the museum, library, courthouse, jail, community treatment center – even the solid waste facilities. At the county's Austin Straubel International Airport, Agent Vi analytics was integrated with the VMS platform for critical alerts. Technology Resource Advisors (TRA) installed and designed the future-proofed VMS with multi-phase scalability, and could be integrated with third-party systems.

The county covers 1,372 square kilometers (530 square miles) and is home to the Green Bay Packers, 13 townships, nine villages and two cities. With departments scattered throughout, the new surveillance system had to be centrally administrated and controlled with restricted access from specific areas, enabling all departments to share video, with fast and efficient views of security related events.

“When the information came from TRA about Milestone's IP open platform allowing analytics integrations and other security systems for access control, we were very impressed,” said Kevin Raye, Network Support Manager, Brown County. The Milestone technologies pricing, compatibility with a large variety of cameras were the main reasons why the county chose the surveillance solution.

For users logging in from multiple sites, the central administrators securely and rapidly allow or deny access to views as needed. For example, the community treatment center is a state-licensed psychiatric facility where surveillance may be used for medical instances. Patient privacy concerns are considered, so the assigned roles set up in the system mean that unauthorized users are blocked.

The system's storage capabilities give the flexibility to determine video backup on a camera-by-camera basis. A minimum of 30 days of full video backup is kept for the entire county and can be adjusted if archived images are required for longer periods.

"We were able to develop a solution that combined multiple aspects including Milestone federated architecture and Agent Vi analytics to fit the large-scale needs of Brown County,” stated Tom Reminga, CTO, TRA.

Throughout the international airport, an analytics system from Milestone Solutions Partner Agent Vi has been integrated with the VMS. Rather than stationing TSA agents or security guards at additional checkpoints in the airport, Agent Vi's real-time detection and alert software monitors the video footage for predefined security scenarios. When an event is detected, an alert is sent to the VMS, which triggers various actions including live video pop up from the relevant camera.

Agent Vi's analytics are used in other applications at the airport, including ‘sterile zone' monitoring where the analytics system alerts security personnel of movement by people in restricted areas. This enables an immediate response in line with the level of threat associated with the event.

The runways also use Axis thermal IP cameras to monitor the movement of airplanes, service vehicles and personnel. The analytics system analyzes the images provided by the thermal cameras to differentiate between people, vehicles and static objects. Here the system has been predefined to detect and alert when there are people present in a vehicle-only lane, while disregarding the movement of vehicles in that area.

Asia Update: Qnap targets SMB segment

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

Qnap, a NAS supplier, unexpectedly entered the video surveillance industry after inspiration from one of its customers. David Chiang, GM of Surveillance Business Division at Qnap, recalled Qnap's first NVR for a Japanese client who requested a customized NAS with Qnap enhanced surveillance functions. This request later led Qnap to launch its own NVR.

As a pioneering NVR manufacturer with a strong background in NAS, Qnap is able to meet specific surveillance requirements for product design and reliability. “Video surveillance equipment should serve as a useful and reliable tool for security guards, especially in forensic investigations,” Chiang said. “Product reliability should be key, instead of product specifications.”

Therefore, Qnap takes several considerations seriously to ensure reliability. For example, the most common cause of system failure of NVRs is from overheating. To ensure NVR performance and IT efficiency, Qnap adopts a fanless thermal heatpipe CPU cooling system. Other features are designed with usability in mind, such as a VGA/HDMI local display in a series of Qnap's NVRs. Solution for long-term recording is also taken into account.

Qnap will support its own NVR with a NAS device via network for storage expansion this April, and release more new high bay models, including 16-bay in the second half of 2013. In 2009, the company began to provide free multi-server monitoring that can support up to 128 channels by grouping multiple NVR servers for simultaneous monitoring. For large scale projects, Qnap will unveil a new easy turnkey CMS solution to manage a maximum of 1,024 channels collectively in May 2013. By connecting multiple NVR servers to a central management system, Qnap brings the convenience for surveillance and efficiency for system management over the network.

The strength of Qnap products is ease of use. “We provide an easy turnkey solution,” Chiang said. Qnap products can be easily set up in just six steps.

Qnap focuses on its own brand business. To penetrate project markets, Qnap provides timely and extensive support to integrators. “Knowing how to cooperate with local system integrators is key,” Chiang said. “Once you have won your first project, the second and the third will come along.”

Qnap actively looks for partnerships of third-party camera providers, who help promote Qnap to their clients. Currently, Qnap has a strong presence in the following regions: Japan, Europe, the U.S., Central and South America, and India.

Chiang is optimistic about 2013, which is expected to be a fruitful year for the mid-end NVR market as it has just started to bloom. He also predicted that eight-to-16-channel NVRs with high scalability will be standard for the mid-end market. “We now have the edge in the battlefield because we entered this market early on,” he said. “In my point of view, the same prospective outlook for NVR market will last for the next 10 years.”