Today’s AIoT ecosystems require a high level of “openness” and interoperability to effectively manage and integrate data. Hikvision’s open framework enables this collaboration by providing access to its devices, platforms and applications. This layered architecture allows partners to integrate their solutions into Hikvision’s ecosystem, promoting innovation and scalability.
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 95 percent of installed IoT devices will incorporate AI features, doubling the IoT device market by the end of 2028. As the number of AIoT devices rises, edge computing becomes crucial for processing data locally to ensure faster and more efficient decision-making. The growth of AIoT devices also brings the challenge of addressing diverse use cases.
Today’s AIoT ecosystems require a high level of “openness” and interoperability to effectively manage and integrate data. At the Hikvision partner summit, “Shaping Intelligence 2024” at the Intercontinental Hangzhou, China from October 28 to 31, Felix Fu, Global Technology Partnership Manager at Hikvision, emphasized this point, stating: “No single player can solve the challenges of today’s diverse IoT environments alone. Collaboration is essential to unlock the full potential of AI and IoT.” The need for collaboration becomes even more vital as industry players must work together to ensure seamless communication and data flow across complex AIoT systems.
Hikvision open architecture strategy
Hikvision’s open framework enables this collaboration by providing access to its devices, platforms and applications. This layered architecture allows partners to integrate their solutions into Hikvision’s ecosystem, promoting innovation and scalability.
Hikvision’s open architecture strategy consists of three main tiers, each offering unique capabilities for partners to build upon:
Devices and sensors
With over 30,000 AIoT products in its portfolio, Hikvision offers hardware solutions tailored to diverse applications. From AI cameras to sensors that detect temperature, sound and motion, these devices serve as the foundation of its ecosystem.
Hikvision uses OTAP (Open Things Access Protocol) to integrate these heterogeneous devices. OTAP unifies access to hardware and software systems, addressing standardization challenges in IoT environments. By simplifying the integration process, OTAP overcomes the limitations of other protocols, providing an easy-to-implement solution.
Platforms for integration
Hikvision’s platforms, such as the Hikvision embedded open platform (HEOP) and its AI Training Platform, provide partners with tools for customization and development. HEOP allows third-party AI developers to migrate their algorithms and applications to Hikvision devices, while the one-stop AI training platform supports partners without technical expertise in creating AI solutions using a drag-and-drop interface.
Hikvision’s HikFlow and HikStream facilitate the integration of third-party algorithms into its ecosystem. HikFlow helps adapt AI models to Hikvision hardware, while HikStream optimizes data flow with tools for decoding, inference and encoding. These frameworks help developers deploy AI-powered applications across industries like retail, transportation and security.
Applications and solutions
At the application level, Hikvision provides extensive support for its partners, including SDKs (software development kits), APIs (application programming interfaces) and training resources including the Hikvision technology partner portal – an integration knowledge and partner development resource. These tools allow developers to quickly integrate their solutions with Hikvision’s ecosystem, reducing time-to-market and enhancing the overall value.
Partner solutions leveraging Hikvision’s HikCentral Open API capabilities
A key enabler of Hikvision’s open architecture is HikCentral, the company’s unified security and management platform. HikCentral provides an open API that allows third-party solutions to integrate with Hikvision devices and systems.
CanX protocol for home automation
Hikvision has partnered with CanX, a widely used home automation protocol. Using HikCentral’s Open API, detected events can be converted into CanX protocol commands, automating tasks like turning on lights or controlling other systems based on detection inputs. This integration gives homeowners greater control and automation, simplifying home management.
Mavili for comprehensive security and fire safety solution
Turkish fire and gas detection system provider Mavili utilizes the HikCentral Open API to integrate Hikvision’s video security systems with their fire alarm solutions. This partnership allows users to view real-time video images alongside fire alarm events directly on central control systems. By combining Hikvision’s hardware with Mavili’s fire safety system, users can respond to incidents more quickly, improving building security and safety management.
GoCheck for cloud-based visitor management
In Mexico, GoCheck uses the HikConnect interface to integrate Hikvision’s cameras and access control systems into their cloud-based visitor management solution. GoCheck can manage visitor data and access remotely while connecting Hikvision devices to their platform. This solution is particularly ideal for scenarios such as schools and restaurants, where visitor access and security are critical.
Cybersecurity measures: enhancing data protection
As integrations grow within an open ecosystem, so does the potential for cyber threats. Hikvision must commit to cybersecurity to protect not only its own products but also the broader partner ecosystem.
Chuck Davis, Director of Cybersecurity for Hikvision, shared that the company has integrated cybersecurity throughout its product development lifecycle, adopting a Security Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to identify and address vulnerabilities at multiple stages. This includes rigorous code testing, vulnerability scans and regular penetration testing.
Third-party security firms, such as FTI Consulting and Rapid7, conduct independent assessments, including network and hardware penetration testing, to evaluate how Hikvision’s products stand against potential cyber threats. These efforts are complemented by adherence to global standards like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system.
In a bid to increase transparency, Hikvision has also established the Hikvision Security Response Center (HSRC), where cybersecurity experts, ethical hackers and security researchers collaborate to address vulnerabilities reported by customers. This team works to discover vulnerabilities, create patches and publicly disclose results.
Additionally, Hikvision has launched Cybersafe Experience Centers in Europe, equipped with cybersecurity tools for testing. These centers allow testing to be conducted and escalated, if necessary, while also showcasing products, applications and the testing process. The first center was launched in the Netherlands and has since expanded to Dubai, Toronto and London.
Summary of key takeaways from Hikvision’s 2024 partner summit
The key messaging of Hikvision’s partner summit highlights the company’s commitment to building an open, collaborative AIoT ecosystem. By integrating advanced technologies like generative AI, non-visible light technology and operational technologies, Hikvision aims to provide practical solutions across industries. Interoperability and collaboration with third-party developers are central to its strategy for driving scalability and innovation. Despite market challenges, Hikvision’s focus on tailored solutions and strong regional partnerships strengthens the company’s position in the AIoT space. Its emphasis on cybersecurity and sustainability further supports its long-term growth in a rapidly evolving market.