Swedish water management agency opts for intelligent access

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) in Gothenburg, recently deployed an access control system consisting of Assa Abloy's access control system and door leaf readers that were integrated with Galaxy Control System's fire and intruder alarm systems to secure its 3,800 square meters office from unauthorized access.

When SwAM was formed on July 1, 2011, so that a single authority could assume responsibility for environmental and fisheries issues, it was necessary to find a new headquarters capable of hosting about 230 people. Pagoden (the Pagoda), an old heritage-listed warehouse at Gullbergsstrand, next to the Gota Alv river in Gothenburg, was selected as the ideal site. It was actually just a shell at the time, but its owner was in the process of converting it into a modern workplace while maintaining the special character of the building. Today SwAM occupies two floors of the seven-floor building, and is home to staff including biologists, sociologists, attorneys, economists, oceanographers and five employees from the Swedish Coast Guard.

"Openness is appreciated and works very well, but of course it requires a different type of security when visitors can essentially walk right in,” said Helena Schmidt, Security Strategist at SwAM. “We arrange quite a few workshops and conferences here, and there are a lot of practical considerations.” The agency prioritized securing perimeters, since having an alarm inside the building would not work because there are personnel on-site 24/7.

The access control system is operated by the personnel who answer the phones, who say it is both simple and convenient to use. They can create new staff access cards using the photo ID system, add or change information about who can access the building at which times, block individual cards and increase or decrease authorization levels.

After some time passed, SwAM staff discovered that it would be useful to lock conference rooms, so that visitors could safely leave their bags and other belongings there. Assa door leaf readers were installed because they can be integrated well with the access control system.

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.

Bosch introduces integration partner program

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

With the presentation of its Integration Partner Program (IPP) at the security trade fair, Bosch Security Systems moves to a whole new level in terms of providing interoperable solutions that fit any application's specific needs. The web-based platform assists customers in effortlessly identifying compatible video surveillance hardware or software solutions that will seamlessly interoperate with the existing Bosch installation. Furthermore, the program helps developers and other experts to design compatible solutions by ease of use integration tools and samples. All third party solutions already listed in the portal have successfully undergone stringent quality checks by Bosch.

The need for compatible partner products and systems
“The security market has become extremely diverse and complex, especially since the switch to IP solutions,” says David Lenot, Business Development Manager EMEA at Bosch Security Systems. “Different applications can have very heterogeneous surveillance requirements and customers are increasingly asking for unique solutions. In addition to this, comprehensive systems also have to be expandable at any point in time, which is why their composition needs to be a flexible one. With the help of IPP, owners can at once identify compatible partner products and systems that are a perfect match for installed Bosch equipment while adding unlimited features and services.”

Easy access to technical resources
IPP benefits partners and customers alike by providing just the right information in one place. It gives all development partners wishing to build integration tools, samples and solutions transparent and easy access to relevant resources, from documents to training. The program provides assistance across the portfolio, covering all features for integration purposes.

Customers can use the web-based “Solution Advisor” search engine to scan through existing applications, geographies or specific features to identify the right solution for the respective system. IPP helps multiply the solutions and guides the client to the matching result. Users can combine products from Bosch with leading video management devices from Genetec, Milestone, Nice and many other companies. Similarly, data storage solutions are available from a range of providers, such as NetApp, EMC and Iomega. Intergrativity is simplified by application and task-related code samples, as well as preconfigured integration packages. Additionally, the program provides a variety of technical support contacts for members and premium partners to optimize combining Bosch features or products with third-party devices and vice versa.

Beneficial partnerships for future development
Allowing a simple integration of third-party solutions has always been part of Bosch's principles. Solutions by the company are designed to be integration friendly. For example, all IP cameras and encoders run one firmware. Partners therefore can support dozens of products at the same time. With IPP, the company continues to open up its business and presents its video products in the most transparent way possible. “It is essential that innovative and technically competent suppliers of development services and series products are involved early and systematically in devising new solutions,” says Rudolf Spielberger, Head of IPP at Bosch Security Systems. In line with this philosophy, Bosch Security Systems, together with Axis Communications and Sony, also founded the international product standard ONVIF in 2008. The aim of ONVIF is to enable the integration of network video devices from different manufacturers. “IPP is thus a continuation of this way of thinking into the second decade of the 21st century.”

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

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

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

Identive launches cloud-based contact card reader

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

Identive Group announced the newest addition to its family of next-generation smart card readers. The new CLOUD 2700 contact reader allows secure logon to PCs and networks, authentication to web and cloud-based systems, single sign-on and secure access to banking and cashless payment applications. For government agencies and other high assurance environments, the CLOUD 2700 supports cyber security initiatives.

“The CLOUD 2700 reader offers a new level of performance for the hundreds of millions of contact smart cards currently used for PC logon, as well as for the growing base of contact cards for banking, payment and identity management. User convenience was also an important focus in the development of the new reader and as a result the CLOUD 2700 is more interoperable and faster than any other device in the market,” said Dr. Manfred Mueller, executive VP and COO, Identification Products for Identive. “The CLOUD 2700 further extends our growing portfolio of next-generation contact, contactless, dual interface and integrated readers, providing a broad range of infrastructure options for large system roll-outs.”

The CLOUD 2700 is based on Identive's state of the art technology reader platform, which provides increased performance, shorter transaction times and enhanced security for sensitive data. The reader is fully compliant with the ISO7816 standard so works with any contact smart card. It is CCID compliant for USB interface and works with all major PC operating systems. EMV level 1 and GSA FIPS 201 certification make the CLOUD 2700 ideal for use in financial transactions and in highly secure government environments. The CLOUD 2700 reader is offered with fixed firmware or in a highly secure field-upgradable version for investment protection. An ergonomic casing design allows multiple methods for reader and card handling.

Napco receives $1.5M wireless lock contract from major US university

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

Napco Security Technologies, announced that it has received a $1.5 million order to supply a major university campus with over 1,700 Networx wireless locks to be installed and customized to meet the university's architectural specifications. Product delivery has begun and installation is slated for completion by August 1, 2013. Napco's Continental Access Control division was awarded this contract for its Networx line, which is a full-featured, security-management suite that provides facility management with the technological backbone necessary to support, manage and protect today's schools, hospitals, corporations and government facilities, including campus-wide "lock downs."

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President, stated, "This significant contract awarded to Napco reflects our leadership position in providing enterprise-class technology-based solutions in securing people in places they live and work. Our best-in-class, encrypted proprietary wireless technology, coupled with our ability to deliver a custom architectural finish on the lock devices was very important to this customer. Other features, such as the longest battery life in the category - 5 years - with normal use, the easiest GUI (graphical user interface) of all integrated access control systems on the market, and our unique 'double-tap' feature that enables an authorized user to present the access card twice to the lock and therefore toggle its state from 'passage' to 'locked' were also important factors in winning this large contract."

Soloway concluded, "Napco's integrated technology enables a low-cost and state-of-the-art enterprise level lock down system that delivers the maximum protection and the most complete integrated solution available on the market today. As safety and security concerns remain high priorities for people and organizations entrusted with the care and protection of others, we expect that educational, hospital, corporate and governmental facilities represent a very large opportunity to us, as they look for the premier solution for their security products and service needs. This is our first win in what we believe could be a major line of business and a significant driver of growth for Napco going forward."

Beware of fishy details

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang, a&s International | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Fisheye cameras provide views from all angles, but must be set up properly to be effective. This feature takes a closer look at practical expectations and tips.

Fisheye cameras are all about seeing everything in a scene more efficiently and effectively than with multiple cameras. They are also more economical as they reduce licensing costs by requiring only one license instead of multiple camera licenses to cover the same area. By expanding horizontally, fisheye cameras allow security managers to cover an entire scene in a logical way without gaps or missing areas of coverage. Other benefits include:
● A huge field-of-view, hence total coverage with no blind spots
● Unbroken surveillance on a single camera; no camera switching required
● Massively reduced camera counts when covering large areas
● PTZ or ePTZ around the scene during playback

However, fisheye cameras are not a cure-all for replacing fixed or PTZ cameras in every scenario, as the loss of detail plus pixel density drops are still their Achilles' heel. “Depending on camera mounting height and distance from the subject, what the user may not get from the 360 camera could be facial-recognition shots or car license plates,” said David Myers, CTO at AMG Systems. “In these cases, the use of an additional fixed camera may be required, usually at an entrance or exit.”

Tips
As fisheye cameras change the perspectives of security personnel who actually “see” the video, installers should pay closer attention when deploying them. First, installers must be conscious of where the camera is being mounted on and of the type of material of the wall or ceiling. As certain fisheye cameras are designed to blend into the decor and need to be mounted on harder ceiling material like drywall or sheetrock, plenum space where air circulation is used might not be a good option. “Aesthetics plays an important role in many installations, especially when mounted at eye level or just above eye level in a wall,” said Greg Alcorn, Global Sales Director for Oncam Grandeye.

Since a fisheye camera covers a wide area in all directions, “ceiling or mounting height is important, and cameras should be positioned strategically to provide the best coverage of the area,” Myers said. Additionally, how the camera is going to be powered (with PoE) and how it would connect to the management network should be given some thought.

Claire Huang, Product Marketing Specialist at Dynacolor, agreed. “Due to resolution drops around the edges, users should make areas of interest the center of the image. Thus, the height and location should be carefully considered.”

Another consideration is light variations in a given scene. “Very bright lights often blow out a scene or create lots of shadows, and many 360-degree cameras cannot pick up information because the image is either too dark or too bright,” Alcorn said. The brightest and darkest areas will be a challenge for the camera to resolve. “Installers should consider the entire scene when placing a camera — how much light will be visible and what in your scene is important to see for total situational awareness.”

When installed under a bright environment with lamps of low frequencies, there might be flickering as well, Huang added.

Security professionals should understand that fisheye cameras are designed to add value, rather than perform as a Swiss-army-knife solution for surveillance. Fixed or PTZ cameras might still be required to ensure fisheye cameras provide a complete overview of the scene and a conclusive evidence trail for devising proper business or security measures.

For more coverage on security products, please check out asmag.com.

Analog cameras remain resilient

Editor / Provider: Memoori Business Intelligence | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

According to a Memoori Business Intelligence article, just about every angle on the battle between analog and network cameras must now have been covered. Strange then that every time someone proclaims the death of analog, up pops another reason to protect and extend its life. It just doesn't want to lie down and die.

In a recent IPVM investigation the number one cited problem in going to IP cameras (gained from interviews with over 100 integrators in the US), was an emphatic “Price Price Price”. It seems that as fast as IP prices fall, analog prices falls faster. Whilst it is important to continue the drive to reduce manufacturing costs this will not win the battle. The strong growing penetration by IP into the analog market will continue to erode its traditional market.

Analog may have enjoyed a respite, as many heritage estates have held back going to IP because of the poor economic trading conditions in the west and analog systems have seen significant growth in the consumer market. But if you want to see where the profit is being made look to the IP manufacturers. Those realizing poor growth and profitability are the analog manufacturers in the developed markets of the world.

We no longer see any arguments extolling the virtues of analog over IP cameras, unlike a few years ago, there is now no doubt that it is ‘better' than analog because it provides the full solution needed by a surveillance system. Higher pixel counts, panoramic imaging, edge recording, far improved low light performance, the wealth of form factors and manufacturers to choose from all make IP cameras the clear choice for high end surveillance and now the medium sector.

However the benefits of IP have to be sold right throughout the distribution chain down to the end-user. If that chain breaks at any point then the message that IP offers additional benefits will not be heard. The dealers and distributors that are essentially “box shifters” will see the first time cost as critical and will promote such products.

IP systems need to be sold on solution capability and not price. The reasons for this are clearly laid out in the article "Security Systems in the Channel: What will Tomorrow's Distribution Model Look Like.”

The new reality here is that it is time to start focusing on ‘services' and ‘data', not on hardware costs. It's no longer about how clear the picture is, that's taken for granted, but about the data and information in that picture, and how to share this information with the right people.

Indiana police deter criminal activity and vandalism with IP eyes

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Pittsboro Police Department (PPD) in Pittsboro, Indiana has deployed a HD surveillance system with remote monitoring capabilities to monitor key areas across town to reduce the threat of criminal mischief, vandalism and boost community safety. The comprehensive system consists of an Avigilon panoramic dome, VMS, and analog video encoders.

“We have had a few incidents of vandalism and even assault in the past that we were unable to successfully investigate because of the lack of coverage and poor image quality of our previous analog-based surveillance system,” explained Lieutenant Scott King of the Pittsboro Police Department. The new HD surveillance system has helped the department save time and boosted investigation success.

All police officers and the chief of police manage the surveillance system from their desktops using VMS. The PPD installed a 180 degree HD panoramic dome in the town's main intersection to monitor vehicular and pedestrian traffic. They also deployed several analog video encoders to improve image quality and manageability of existing analog cameras to cover the parking lot, entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas in Scamahorn Park. An Avigilon NVR stores 30 days of continuous video. PPD officers also use mobile VMS to monitor the cameras remotely from their Android phones. Pittsboro plans to expand the HD surveillance system to other key areas across town in the future.

The PPD can investigate incidents much quicker than before, freeing up police officers to focus on other aspects of community safety. The PPD has achieved higher identification success and conviction rates because officers can identify suspects and incidents with greater accuracy and are more likely to recoup costs for the time and materials needed to clean up vandalism or repair damaged property.

“Dedicated to ensuring the safety of its residents, the PPD faces the same security challenges of any big city, including the growing threat of vandalism and criminal mischief,” said Bryan Schmode, Executive VP of Global Sales at Avigilon. “The Avigilon HD surveillance system enables the PPD to identify incidents with greater success, achieve higher conviction rates, and save costs to ultimately enhance community safety.”

Bosch adds micro camera and dome to budget line

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Security 50

With the introduction of the micro 2000 and FLEXIDOME micro 2000 IP cameras, Bosch is once again expanding its successful network video systems portfolio. Wherever there is a need for a good product, at an affordable price, for a broad range of applications, micro 2000 IP cameras and FLEXIDOME micro 2000 IP cameras are the ideal solution. Providing more detailed images with less interference, the cameras are specifically designed for indoor areas with stable lighting, and their state of the art look sets them apart. They come in two different versions, a micro box, and a micro dome design. Beside their outstanding design, these cameras are also fully featured. The latest sensors and image processing technology from the professional security industry have been optimized for small business surveillance.

Both cameras are designed as complete networked video systems. They include a Dropbox application for remote storage of recorded activity, while also benefiting from 50 percent less storage needs in static scenes due to iDNR, saving on memory requirements, bandwidth, and costs. Furthermore, the Video Client PC software and the live viewer app from Bosch are available free of charge for reviewing live and recorded video material on a PC or mobile device from any location with Internet access.

In addition, the micro 2000 IP cameras and FLEXIDOME micro 2000 IP cameras are ONVIF conformant and compatible with software and storage solutions of third-party integrators. This is supported by the Integration Partner Program, which gives partners immediate access to online tools for easy integration of management and recording software, video analytics, monitor wall systems and cloud monitoring.