IQSIGHT was one of the brands that got the most attention at the recently concluded Security Essen trade show, thanks to a portfolio of video security solutions that have AI at their core, but also the nearing 25
th anniversary of the release of the MIC ruggedized PTZ camera, at the time of its inception branded Bosch.
Asmag had the opportunity to talk on the show floor to Alan Riegler, VP of Sales for Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa at IQSIGHT, about the company's philosophy going forward, but also where it is coming from and how it is preserving that heritage.
“Nothing changes, but everything changes,” Riegler said, referring to Bosch Video Systems becoming IQSIGHT after it was acquired by private equity firm Triton.
No longer part of the German conglomerate, IQSIGHT is far from being a small player, with more than 800 employees across 19 countries, six R&D facilities and over 600 patents. The company culture, Riegler pointed out, resembles that of a dynamic start-up, though.
“We are new in mentality and new in capability,” he said. “Our salespeople, for example, are empowered to make decisions, work with companies and develop the best possible solutions for end users. The voice of the customer is intrinsic to our strategy.”
In terms of technology, Riegler highlighted IQSIGHT's “intelligence-first” approach.
The company's portfolio, including FLEXIDOME, AUTODOME and the latest generation of MIC cameras, runs IVA Pro analytics at the edge, with seamless integration into IQSIGHT’s BVMS platform and leading third-party video management systems through its open partner ecosystem.
For Riegler, key is that the camera understands, not only records. “It is about the intelligence within the visual information: understanding not just what is happening, but why it is happening and what it implies,” he said. “For critical infrastructure, data centers or healthcare, it is mission critical to get that context, and have the camera decide which notifications are sent. That makes operators more effective.”
It also unlocks new workflows for organizations, and even expands the group of users who can benefit from video security.
“Video security used to be about monitoring what happened,” Riegler explained. “Now we use the intelligence in the camera to provide health and safety, retail and marketing information. For our sales teams this means we talk to IT as much as to security and building operations. For companies, updating their video security system is no longer a grudge procurement.”
In IQSIGHT's product and solution portfolio, there is a certain degree of continuity to the Bosch days, the support it offers to longtime Bosch users and its partner network, but also areas in which the contrast is stark.
All cameras will be marketed under the name IQSIGHT going forward, which will eventually result in Bosch cameras disappearing from the shelves of vendors.
“There will be a transition, and there will be legacy products, but as of next year, new products come to market under the new brand,” Riegler said. “This is an education process, but we will not shy away from the rebranding.”
According to Riegler, the change is less drastic than it sounds, though.
“We still have many of the same people on the front line, but if they are on the proverbial dance floor, the tempo is now much higher. The playlist is more upbeat. The DJs are new,” Riegler said. “From a manufacturing point of view, nothing has changed.”
“Even if everything released going forward carries the IQSIGHT name, there will still be Bosch products on walls in 10 years' time,” he said. “Our challenge is our previous success, but it's a good challenge.”
Maintaining a tight global partner network and four production sites distributed across three continents, is as much about being close to the customer as it is about cybersecurity and transparent procurement rules.
“Compliance with rules such as the GDPR in Europe and cybersecurity are key,” Riegler explained. “We’re very active in critical infrastructure and data centers. Transportation, airports and other complex environments are also important focus areas for us.”
IQSIGHT is also investing in its channel. The company has relaunched its website and is building a new partner program and portal, which Riegler previewed to key partners at a recent summit in Portugal, where partners also had the opportunity to tour the manufacturing facility in Ovar.
“Through the new portal, partners will be able to register projects, easily find documentation , place orders, handle RMAs and get tech support,” Riegler said.
The company also wants systems to be easier to maintain.
“Our focus is on helping integrators move from reactive service to more proactive system management,” Riegler said. “By improving visibility into device health and simplifying remote management, we want to help partners identify issues earlier, reduce unnecessary service visits, and keep systems performing reliably.”