The 2008 Product Focus feature spotlights the most representative technology available. For 2008, instead of selecting a single product to cover, we invited security providers to submit their most innovative products, along with their best-selling ones.
The 2008 Product Focus feature spotlights the most representative technology available. For 2008, instead of selecting a single product to cover, we invited security providers to submit their most innovative products, along with their best-selling ones.
Access Control
Key Watcher from Morse Watchmans, a key management system, received the most points for an integrated access control solution. The emergence of convergence was clear from the judges' votes, as the unit can be integrated with several access devices, ranging from keypads to fingerprint readers.
Tallo of ADI gave full grades to four of the 13 access control products. The HID Global SmartID ISO14443 (13.56MHz) MIFARE/DESFire Reader or Reader/Writer can read all formats of MIFARE and DESFire contactless credentials, making it compatible with third-party products.
Another top pick of Tallo's was the Galaxy Dimension Integrated Intrusion and Access Control Solution from Honeywell Security and Communications. Galaxy Dimension includes TouchCenter, a graphical keypad featuring an intuitive menu and a color touch screen, designed for easy interface with other building systems.
Tallo also picked Nedap's TRANSIT Entry, a reader capable of reading long-range RFID tags up to 4 meters (12 feet) away, making it ideal for high security areas or parking applications.
Pelco, a newcomer to the access control scene, received high marks from Tallo for the Intelli-M PoE-Enabled Door Controller System. It was previously offered through Integral, another Schneider Electric subsidiary. The system provides access control and alarm services, saving wiring costs for each door by using Cat 5E or 6 cables for communication and power.
Biometrics
Asia managed to nab top scores, with Korea's IDTECK LX007 being one of the judges' favorites. The fingerprint reader stores up to 4,000 users and comes with time and attendance software.
John gave his highest score to the Sign Assured SignHear, which verifies users by the sounds produced by their signatures.
Thompson ranked the Privaris plusID 75 highest for the biometric products. The fingerprint token includes a built-in reader and contactless smart card technology, allowing it to be recognized either as a smart card or with encrypted Bluetooth technology.
Software
Out of the 11 entries, no clear victor emerged from the scores. Genetec and Milestone were tied neck and neck, earning highest judge scores though not necessarily full marks from John, Thompson and Freschi. The AutoVu Mobile solution identifies vehicles, with license plate recognition, at speeds of up to 225 kilometers per hour (140 miles per hour).
The XProtect Corporate video management system scales for unlimited clients and cameras, along with supporting third-party systems and analytics.
Thompson recognized the IndigoVision Control Center V3.10 - IP Video and Alarm Management Software, capable of integrating signals from systems including intrusion, access control, fire, building management, HVAC and process control. The solution was "technology-packed with both IP video management and command and control features built into a single application."
John's top marks went to the Aimetis Symphony, an intelligent surveillance platform with video analytics and smart search functions.
Another solution winning John's top scores was the CNL IPSecurityCenter, enabling physical and logical security integration. IPSecurityCenter can control surveillance equipment, intrusion alarms, fire alarms, access control, personal alarms, building management systems, digital recording and business systems.