Traditional security systems can pose several challenges for residential and small business customers due to their complexity and risk for obstructing convenience.
Traditional security systems can pose several challenges for residential and small business customers due to their complexity and risk for obstructing convenience.
Residential users prioritize security solutions that integrate seamlessly into their homes without disrupting daily life. For Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), common concerns include budget limitations, space restrictions, and the absence of specialized IT staff.
Hikvision’s Hik-Connect software suite addresses these needs, offering a centralized platform designed for residential and SMB environments. It emphasizes streamlined installation, user-friendly operation, and seamless integration with Hikvision's hardware products. By focusing on simplicity and accessibility, Hik-Connect aims to make effective security more attainable for these markets.
Hikvision recently unveiled its Hik-Connect 6, also known as Hik-Connect for Teams. This new version not only meets the specific needs of individual users with a Personal Mode, but also caters to various multi-site management scenarios from offices to chain stores and communities, with a Team Mode.
“Previously, Hik-Connect accounts only allowed one login that enterprise users would have to share if they wanted multi-user access,” said Ryan Wu, the Product Director at Hikvision, “Now, with Team Mode, a primary admin user can create a multi-user account containing predefined user roles, and add the whole team to the account, improving business efficiency and maximizing team output.”
Seamless integration, simplified management
Hik-Connect 6 seamlessly integrates with Hikvision's comprehensive range of security solutions, including CCTV, access control, intercoms, alarm systems, and IoT devices. This integration consolidates control into a single interface, eliminating the necessity for multiple software applications and simplifying the management of various security systems.
Additionally, it offers the capability to create smart linkages between systems for improved security measures, such as synchronizing video recordings with door activations, thereby enhancing overall security responsiveness and effectiveness.
“Residential and SMB scenarios typically involve less than 100 people, fewer than 32 cameras, and up to 10 access control doors,” said Wu. “They often lack dedicated IT engineers or the capacity to maintain an IT infrastructure, thus favoring mobile phone operations and software that is simple, user-friendly, and accessible anytime, anywhere. Cost sensitivity is also a factor, including that of security system software and hardware, network deployment, and bandwidth costs during system setup.”
Hik-Connect's SaaS architecture allows mobile access without on-site servers. Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication with encryption enhances security and reduces network costs. Hik-Connect targets SMBs with a portal interface for extended PC access and multi-scene views. For setups with up to 32 cameras and 10 access control doors, Hik-Connect 6 is free across mobile and portal access.
Designed with installers and integrators in mind
The key benefit for installers and integrators lies in their ability to provide end-users with a security solution that is not only simpler and smarter but also more economical. This positions integrators to meet the growing demand for efficient, intelligent, and budget-friendly security systems in today's market.
Cost-effective solutions
Hik-Connect's software-as-a-service (SaaS) architecture eliminates the need for on-site servers and complex network setups, reducing deployment expenses for integrators. This translates into more competitive, cost-effective solutions for end-users.
Simplified installation and delivery
Device configuration is as easy as scanning QR codes, streamlining the installation process. Handing a fully operational system to the end-user becomes as simple as providing an account.
Remote maintenance and service revenue
The dedicated Hik-Partner Pro software empowers integrators to offer remote device maintenance alongside services like video hosting and alarm receiving. This opens up new revenue streams for value-added remote security management.
Scalability for enterprise
For larger enterprise setups, integrators can leverage Hik-Connect to provide expanded licenses, cloud storage, and 4G data services, ensuring scalability and recurring revenue.
“Hik-Connect 6 also supports integration with third-party systems, allowing them to interact with devices, such as door actions and event notifications, and business applications, such as attendance statistics reports,” Wu added. “Integration methods include RESTful OpenAPIs, OpenSDKs for Android, iOS, and Windows systems, a JavaScript plugin for video handling, and a software gateway for interfacing with local systems. Hikvision provides developers with documentation, demos, and testing tools.”
Reliability and security assurance
Hik-Connect service is designed with an architecture that includes clustering, redundancy, distributed deployment, and multi-tiered caching to ensure service availability even in the event of certain infrastructure abnormalities.
Robust architecture
With a 24/7 operations and maintenance team, as well as systems for operational monitoring and automated testing, Hikvision is able to proactively discover and resolve system faults. Despite serving tens of millions of users and devices, Hik-Connect consistently maintains an SLA (Service Level Agreement) of 99.9 percent uptime.
Proactive cybersecurity measures
Hikvision offers cybersecurity with layered network isolation, advanced DDoS protection, and robust encryption. The company leverages its cybersecurity lab and collaborates with third-party experts for continuous penetration testing and vulnerability checks.
“Our commitment to security is affirmed by certifications in key international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, 27701, 29151:2017, and CSA Star,” Wu said.
Global support
Hik-Connect's global support network offers multi-level, cross-time zone assistance, providing coverage for users around the world. This support structure can guarantee prompt and efficient help anytime, enhancing the user experience across different regions and time zones.
Continuous Hik-Connect 6 enhancements
Wu pointed out that Hikvision places a strong emphasis on enhancing Hik-Connect continuously, aiming to deliver an even more robust and intuitive experience.
The latest enhancements extend the reach of 'Team Mode' – which already provides security management across multiple physical locations – to mobile scenarios, like buses, taxis, trucks, and other vehicles. Other improvements include the addition of Motion Detection 2.0, which brings deep learning intelligence to the system, better alarm video backup, and more.
Mobile onboard security system integration: By connecting to Hikvision's mobile onboard security system, Hik-Connect Team Mode can now be used to provide remote security management of buses, taxis, trucks, and other types of vehicles. Users can view vehicle status updates, manage driver permissions, link vehicles to drivers, create driver groups, and more. They can also generate and export reports from Hik-Connect 6 for further analysis and decision-making.
Motion Detection 2.0: In response to requests from the user community, Hik-Connect Team Mode now connects directly with Hikvision cameras equipped with the Motion Detection 2.0 to enable this feature. It combines the widely applied motion detection function with deep-learning algorithms that differentiate people and vehicles from other moving objects. With Team Mode, users can rapidly search through multi-channel recordings to locate the events that matter.
Cloud-based alarm video backup and sharing: Users can now effortlessly access and share alarm event videos via the Hik-Connect web portal, using URLs. Recipients can view these videos without needing to log into a Hik-Connect account.
The takeaway
Hikvision's Hik-Connect is designed to address the complexities and enhance the efficiency of security systems for residential and SMB sectors. With both Team Mode and Personal Mode, it integrates a wide range of security solutions into a user-friendly platform, aiming to streamline the installation and management process for both users and integrators. Hik-Connect 6 further advances these goals by offering improved functionality for video management, access control, and system integration.
For integrators, Hik-Connect provides a solution that simplifies deployment and offers potential for recurring revenue through services such as remote maintenance. The platform is developed with a focus on reducing costs and complexity, making it more accessible for end-users who might not have dedicated IT resources.
Hik-Connect's commitment to security and reliability is highlighted by its robust architecture and cybersecurity strategies, which include compliance with international standards. The platform also supports global users through a multi-level, cross-time zone support network.
Ongoing enhancements in Hik-Connect 6 emphasize Hikvision's continuous investment in its platform to meet the dynamic needs of the security industry, offering a comprehensive solution for installers, integrators and end-users in the SMB and residential markets.