Mediterranean leisure port secures luxury lifestyle with style

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

To protect customer assets, leading Mediterranean leisure port, Port Adriano in Spain, recently replaced its analog video surveillance system with an IP-based system consisting a total of 45 Axis Communications network and thermal cameras during port expansions and refurbishment. Axis partner and installer for the project Estel Ingeniería y Obras installed the surveillance system, and deployed a fiber optics infrastructure which, apart from serving as a network for marina services, extends to the moorings, the new surveillance system at the port. The port originally built in 1974 was refurbished by prestigious French designer Philippe Starck, and includes a 6.17 acre (25,000 square meter) service area for moorings, 800 parking spaces, a 4,000 square meter shopping area and a 2.47 acre dry dock area.

Thanks to this project, backed by investments of over US$116.4 million (90 million Euros), Port Adriano leads the way in Mediterranean leisure ports. The marina boasts a shopping area featuring prestigious world-class nautical, lifestyle, fashion brands and services. Services include a gym, diving school and a dry dock are also provided. The management company for the marina, Ocibar, proposed upgrading the physical security elements of the marina in order to protect facilities, personnel, client's vessels and their crews.

The new video surveillance system at the port comprises 38 outdoor vandal resistant domes, 4 PTZ domes and 3 thermal network cameras. All these products are outdoor ready and IP66-rated, which guarantees resistance in the demanding atmospheric and meteorological conditions faced in port areas. The outdoor vandal resistant domes offer HD resolution images of all the main areas of the port, delivering significant image quality improvements in comparison with previous analog cameras. Port Adriano is one of the first Mediterranean ports to use thermal network cameras to control the arrival and departure of boats. Strategic placement of these devices ensures that, even on the darkest nights, in dense fog or on stormy days, it is possible to detect any movement of vessels in the area of influence of the marina.

Another security system innovation at the port is the deployment of an ALPR system at its new underground car park to control vehicle access. This system automatizes tasks such as automatically opening the barrier for vehicles with a registration plate number already stored in the database because the owner is either a client of the marina or regular supplier of one of the shops there.

Tyco Security/Software House integrates Inex/Zamir ALPR

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Inex/Zamir announced that its Insignia ALPR System solution is interfaced with the Software House C-CURE 9000 Security and Event Management System. Integration of the two technologies provides greater flexibility to existing C-CURE features.

Inex/Zamir, a global provider of ALPR systems, announced their having been granted the Software House Connected Program certification for the successful integration of the Insignia ALPR solution to C-CURE 9000 access control system. The Inex/Zamir system interfaces with C-CURE 9000 adding a capability for a vehicle's license plate to act as an additional means to grant or deny facility access. The direct interface with C-CURE 9000 provides real-time vehicle events to be created and sent to the C-CURE 9000 monitoring station, and provides the user multiple levels of management for collected ALPR plate data.

Key benefits to the end-user include the ability to provide "dual-credentialing" vehicle access control alongside the C-CURE 9000 card access system. Seamless command, control and administration from the C-CURE 9000 console gives the Inex/Zamir ALPR system the ability to function as a card reader, creating the option to use both systems in tandem for granting vehicle access. "Fully automated ALPR credentialing eliminates many time consuming problems associated with rapid vehicle identification and access, while still maintaining a comprehensive level of facility security," says Inex/Zamir's Director of Reseller Sales, Chuck Bartolomeo , who adds, "A typical system option could include instant vehicle-of-interest notification and alerting.'

Cloud-based services simplify security deployment

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/22/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

After entering a strategic, multiyear agreement with Microsoft, Genetec unveils its cloud-based security solution, aiming its services at the SMB sector. With this new product, Genetec launches itself in the cloud, and shares with a&s its goals and how the company plans to help its customers start their adoption of this new solution.

Having come a long way from the garage where it was first created 15 years ago, Genetec has grown into a global entity with 458 employees, maintaining strong and steady growth in every region where it operates. Pierre Racz, President and CEO of Genetec, started with a vision for IP video management which was originally seen as being “too disruptive” to the already established industry of analog video surveillance. However, his pioneering objective has driven Genetec to evolve beyond IP video to create a unified security suite that encompasses IP video surveillance, access control, and automated license plate recognition/license plate recognition (ALPR).

Genetec is a global company serving customers of all sizes in the retail, transportation, education, gaming, and government sectors worldwide. “With an initial focus in North America, we are now further expanding our leadership into other markets around the world. We are currently undertaking a significant expansion of our APAC, EMEA, and Latin American operations to support strong market growth and enhance customer support,” said Racz. The company has recently expanded its office to Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai with training facilities and solution centers. Furthermore, new subsidiaries were opened in the U.K., Brazil, and Mexico.

Open platform in video & access control
In 2013, Genetec is continuing to see strong growth opportunities in all global regions it has targeted. The company is positioned to not only deliver the most optimized physical security, video surveillance, and ALPR platform for its customers, but also to penetrate new markets with its recently announced web- and cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) targeted at SMBs.

Already pinpointing several strategic areas of focus, Genetec has started with planned updates and new features for its unified security platform. The company also plans to assist customers in migrating and upgrading their traditional analog video surveillance and access control to an IP infrastructure that offers a superior, unified, and scalable approach to physical security. This transition reduces excessive equipment costs and moves away from proprietary wiring and cumbersome architectures, helping simplify communications, surveillance, access control, and network ALPR systems.

Genetec also noticed a great opportunity in access control. End users continue to face being stuck with using proprietary hardware, software, cards, and readers since the cost of switching is high. Seeing an increasing need for open solutions for access control, its newly launched network door controller introduces an open architecture door controller with device and hardware flexibility, allowing customers to deploy industry-standard equipment from HID and Mercury that is integrated with the Genetec unified security platform. With this new controller, customers are able to modernize their existing installations, allowing them to transform their infrastructure to a fully network-based access control system while offering them the opportunity to also integrate video surveillance as part of the system when/if desired.

Migration to cloud
Leveraging the 2013 launch of its new web- and cloud-based product, Genetec plans to offer SMBs an enterprise-strength way to realize the benefits of a fully hosted VSaaS solution. Genetec recently partnered with Microsoft, engaging in a strategic multi-year alliance, to develop a hosted, cloud-based security solution that will include video surveillance, access control, and ALPR as-a-service, built on the Windows Azure cloud computing platform. This new approach combines Genetec's unified security platform with the global reach, scalability, and reliability of Windows Azure.

Unique architecture
Genetec's unified security platform, released four years ago, is designed as a data-center friendly architecture to address the vast and varied needs of its customers. The base of the architecture allows customers to centrally manage large numbers of cameras, door controllers, and monitoring/recording systems in a single system. Leveraging this strong technology foundation, the company's knowledge of physical security and thousands of deployed systems across the world, Genetec was able to put together a strategy to deliver a cloud based system to address the industry's desire for internet based solutions. Genetec's focus is to deliver a truly hosted VSaaS solution and to help its customers break away from having to manage on premise networked servers and infrastructure hardware.

Also unique to the Genetec approach is its ability to offer a hybrid system where its unified security platform can centrally manage satellite locations that are federate to the central system via the cloud. Instead of standing up dedicated servers in remote office locations, it is possible to connect these sites to the platform at the organization's security head office.

Utilizing the cloud, Genetec is able to remove the repetitive IT-centric work that can cause difficulties for integrators by delivering a system where they can focus on security needs, while leaving the IT requirements for Genetec to manage, especially as constant software updates make it a challenge for the integrators to stay up-to-date.

Security in the cloud
It is possible that some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of hosting their potentially sensitive video footage in the cloud. In order to address this issue, Microsoft has designed the Azure platform with security in mind, building in a number of different security features and mechanisms in every layer of the cloud infrastructure to implement a defense-in-depth approach. This includes Microsoft running Windows Azure in geographically disbursed data centers that are managed and operated with both physical and data security practices.

"We understand very well that people are worried about the cloud and the security of their data. We think that in three years time, about 10 percent of businesses will be hosting their video surveillance in the cloud. The rest will remain on premise. But of this 10 percent, we see both small and enterprise businesses leveraging the flexibility that the cloud offers," said Racz. If users need additional storage, to install temporary or satellite facilities, or are rebuilding facilities, the cloud can play an integral part in their security strategy.

Different product, different crowd
Genetec plans to continue developing its unified security platform for larger business and to concentrate on its hosted, cloud-based video service for the SMB sector. While suitable for all business verticals, the hosted video is especially fitting for the needs of SMBs, because it offers them the opportunity to realize the enterprise level video surveillance features at an attractive entry-level price point and lower cost of ownership. Customers need not invest in additional storage solutions at their physical locations or install other IT infrastructure, thereby eliminating many expenses. With the new cloud-based solution, Genetec customers can view live and recorded videos that are stored safely in the cloud from any laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The solution can also be quickly set up and federated to the unified security platform for any temporary installation, satellite offices, and remote sites. “The retail market is one very important vertical for our cloud offering in North America as we introduce this new technology, but literally any SMB entity will be able to benefit immediately,” Racz said.

Partnership
In 2013, Genetec is expanding relationships with a broader network of third-party hardware providers, including camera vendors, access control hardware vendors, and infrastructure providers. Genetec is committed to offering its customers' the most flexible solution, offering pre-integrated support for other important industry technology. Working with its integrator channel, the goal of Genetec is to deliver solution that will fit any job requirement and budget. “Our recently launched Genetec Infrastructure Partner Certification Program is designed to qualify and certify solutions from storage vendors and ensure optimal use with the unified security platform. This is a Genetec ‘In-house' certification program that offers Genetec customers additional storage choices, and warrants the most efficient configuration for their security installations,” said Racz.

Genetec and HID Global on the Mideast Market

Editor / Provider: John Shi & Jill Lai, a&s International | Updated: 4/11/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

The two leaders in their respective fields share with a&s their take on developing business and sustaining growth in this exciting market.

Genetec
The Middle East is a fertile and growing market for Genetec, and we are happy to be providing our unified security software services to a number of airports in this region. A good example is the Genetec deployment at the Dubai Airport. We had an on-site engineer that stayed on the project for 18 months to work with integrators, helping them with technical information and tasks, and to transfer knowledge about our products to the support teams that would be permanently on-site. Our dedicated support person was also crucial in helping the integration team address and solve specific requirements and challenges that came up, which are inherent in the Middle East market. We have built Genetec to be much more than a software development company — not simply focused on designing software — but also on anticipating challenges and finding solutions that offer the best unified security, access, and license plate recognition (LPR) systems and services to the Middle East, and all throughout the world.

In the Middle East initially, our biggest customers were large public infrastructures and government properties, such as airports, seaports and police facilities. We have recently begun to aggressively expand into banking and transportation markets. With our LPR offering, we are also making headway into security for highways, law enforcement, and traffic & parking management as well.

A crucial goal of Genetec is to select and certify its integrators so that we can develop close working relationships with them, and help them cultivate a specialization in our tools. Genetec integration partners can work as security experts and quickly adjust to any project, independent of the size of the customer or project. Very similar to general contractors, our local integrators maintain many partnerships with skilled teams that can run cabling or perform many of the manual, physical tasks related with installing cameras, for example. It is very important for Genetec to maintain a comprehensive roster of integrators, skilled to address the unique needs of the different vertical industries we serve. This focus ensures we limit conflicts within our integrator channels, and avoid wasted time.

HID Global (Assa Abloy)
HID Global's go-to-market strategy is via channel partners, and as a result, we have successfully built a comprehensive ecosystem of channel partners in the region. HID's solution portfolio is structured across four main business units: access control including network access solutions; secure card issuance that includes Fargo card personalization solutions; identity assurance, which comprises of credential management and strong authentication products and services; and the government sector that includes highly secure ID cards and passport inlays.

HID's key vertical focus in the Middle East is within the government, oil and gas, aviation, enterprise and commerce sectors, with increasing importance in the health care sector within this region.

Typically, HID has different types of channel partners that include system integrators, OEMs and distributors/resellers. For example, system integrators are companies who buy products from HID and integrate them in end-user solutions. This could be for access control or IT security, or a combination of both. Distributors/resellers tend to work with smaller integrators or installers, predominantly in the physical access control area and for secure card issuance distribution.

Our Advantage HID Channel Partner Program is designed to develop and maintain a long-term value proposition with channel partners. We provide a comprehensive set of benefits to enable our partners to extract significant value from these long-term customer relationships. From industry leading margin on product resale, deal registration benefits, training, market development funds (MDFs) and leads, through to joint marketing activities, HID has a deep understanding of how to build mutually beneficial partner relationships. For example, MDFs support channel partners' sales and marketing initiatives.

Lead generation is vital to any successful program. We find that the most effective lead generation activities are achieved from an integrated marketing approach constituting online and offline, outbound and inbound activities across multiple media. Through our partner program, we are committed to helping our partners develop revenue opportunities and secure new business.

We have a strong and growing team in the region, tasked with supporting our partners and helping drive joint business with end users. Adding in the investment we make in events, such as Gitex and Intersec, as well as private events, such as our soon-to-be announced online banking seminars, we have a comprehensive approach to the sales channel strategy in the Middle East.

Exacq VMS integrates with Citysync ALPR

Editor / Provider: Exacq Technologies | Updated: 4/10/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Exacq Technologies is pleased to announce the integration of CitySync license plate recognition (ALPR) software with the exacqVision VMS.

Users can now utilize CitySync's industry ALPR solution directly from the exacqVision client. License plates are scanned using CitySync's line of specially configured IP cameras and the CitySync software running on a third party computer or directly on select exacqVision servers. License plate information is converted to serial data which can be searched using the exacqVision client.

The CitySync automated LPR solution assists the law enforcement, security and parking sectors by reading vehicle license plates, checking them against computer databases and then storing the data in a sophisticated back-office system called Jet-BOF.

"Integrating with CitySync provides our users with a powerful and easy-to-use solution to record license plate data," notes Dave Underwood, President of Exacq Technologies. "The partnership between Exacq and CitySync will provide a highly effective tool that combines both video and data evidence from the same user interface."

Connecticut housing authority helps improve quality of life with HD surveillance

Editor / Provider: IQinVision | Updated: 4/1/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Established in 1948, the Milford (Connecticut) Redevelopment and Housing Partnership has recently deployed a total of 282 video surveillance cameras with Exacq VMS at nine developments to improve quality of life, increase safety, and streamline administration throughout their extensive housing projects. The majority of cameras installed at the state and federally-supported housing were IQinVision HD cameras. The partnership has a total of 465 housing units, a mix of mid-rise apartment buildings and single-family dwellings, spread over six federal projects and four state projects. Valley Communications is the integrator for this growing project.

In 2007, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, who had grown up in public housing, initiated an effort to improve security at the state's subsidized housing developments. Anthony Vasiliou, Executive Director for Milford, offered to do a video surveillance pilot project for the state. With the success of the pilot project, Milford expanded the number of cameras (which will soon increase to 300) and the project's goals to include better housing lease enforcement and maintenance cost reduction.

IQeye cameras are deployed in building entrances, hallways and stairwells, laundry rooms, common areas, elevators, and to monitor parking lots and outdoor public spaces. “We can monitor all areas of interest, and we can follow someone from parking their car to the unit they are visiting or living in—this provides us with crucial information to monitor and enforce our lease agreements,” said Vasiliou. Talking about his experience with the IQeye 5 megapixel cameras for ALPR, Vasiliou noted the cameras great zoom capabilities.

The cameras are managed by Exacq VMS. The housing partnership has 58 terabytes of storage with a goal of at least 30 days retention. Vasiliou and staff can view video on a central monitor, on office smart boards, and on individual designated computers and mobile devices. “Our entire operation is centralized,” said Vasiliou. “We monitor everything from one location, so we don't need a high-priced manager on site at each development…We've achieved greater efficiencies and we've become a lower-cost provider of public housing.”

In addition to enforcing lease agreements, video surveillance helps administrators: to combat illegal dumping; monitor vagrants in corridors and prevent unauthorized use of community rooms. These have improved living conditions for the residents while at the same time increased the partnership's revenue, through rent and fees paid, and substantially cut maintenance costs. Tenant involvement has also increased. “Tenants have a real tendency to not want to be involved, but now that we have cameras, they are much more willing to report incidents because we don't need them as witnesses,” explained Vasiliou. The housing authority has also seen a major reduction in their legal fees as the cameras assist in gathering evidence, and enables the housing administrative to take care of incidents on their own, said Vasiliou.

What makes IP cams tick

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang, a&s International | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

According to IMS Research's (part of IHS) 2012 forecasts, the global market for IP-based video surveillance equipment is expected to surpass US$5.4 billion this year (overall video equipment market at roughly $13.6 billion). As competition continues to intensify, a&s looks into how mainstream megapixel cameras differ and differentiate in terms of features, promotion, and after-sale warranties and services.

Today's mainstream IP cameras are 2-megapixel (MP) ones. “Even if a camera captures images in higher resolution than 2-MP, major displays support full HD only and the whole image cannot be shown in one display,” said Alex Iida, Senior Manager of Visual Security Solutions for APAC, Sony Electronics.

As more pixels do not necessarily translate to clearer and more usable footage, features that need to be highlighted and compared lie elsewhere. “In fact, the higher the resolution, the significantly less the sensitivity is. This is one of the most important considerations in security applications, especially in low-light environments,” Iida elaborated. “Capturing images with higher resolution means data sizes will be larger, which cause problems in network bandwidth and storage, and result in higher expenses in integration and implementation.”

Sensitivity & Bandwidth
Image sensors are the deciding factor between good and excellent megapixel cameras, as light sensitivity becomes tricky with more pixels crammed onto the same piece of silicon. Sony has dedicated significant R&D efforts to this area. “The aspect ratio of our image sensors in the 2-MP cameras we have developed and adopted is 16:9 native. Compared to conventional 4:3 or 5:4 image sensors, 16:9 ones enable a larger pixel size for each pixel.” Thanks to this bigger pixel size, even with full HD resolution at 2-MP, sensitivity improvement is clearly visible.

As a pioneer of network cameras, VIVOTEK has also invested significantly in optimizing image quality, with respect to brightness, contrast, gamma and sharpness. “We have many parameters for image tuning and testing,” said Steve Ma, Executive VP at VIVOTEK. “Another difference would be bandwidth control. For more efficient bandwidth allocations, we advise our clients and integrators on ideal camera settings, such as SVC, CBR, cropping and local storage.” SVC provides more effective bandwidth and processor resource management by simultaneously dividing video data into multiple layers at different resolutions, picture sizes and frame rates, to meet the requirements of different client devices and network conditions. CBR offers flexible bit rate control in terms of maintaining stable bandwidth and allows users to simultaneously set an upper-bound mode for live viewing and choose an average mode for recording.

Multistream
Multistreaming means a number of video streams with different types of compression, such as H.264 and M-JPEG. These streams facilitate bandwidth-efficient viewing and recording. Streaming capability is highly dependent on the camera's processor and brand. Some make the most out of this feature as a key differentiator, while others do not believe it is a game changer.

Most manufacturers offer at least two streams, with some supporting three or even four independent streams. “Currently in our high line portfolio, we have three image sensors representing 720p and 1,080p resolutions. The sensor defines the maximum resolution for four streams and the type of streams that can be generated in HD streams; SD or HD streams, as a copy of the first stream; i-frame only streaming for recording; and MJPEG streams,” said Ad Biemans, Product Marketing Manager for Video Systems in EMEA, Bosch Security Systems.

Avigilon has a proprietary HD-stream management feature. “The feature enables users to manage video signals through the transmission and storage phases, without losing any of the visual quality of the signals,” said Rick Ramsay, Senior PM. “With this feature, only the requested portions of captured images are sent to operator workstations, optimizing the amount of bandwidth required. In addition to reducing client bandwidth usage, the feature also greatly reduces the processing load on the remote client, offering a unique way of working with multiple streams of H.264-compressed video to overcome many trade-offs. When a single stream is zoomed in for more detail, that stream will be automatically sent in full resolution while other streams are kept in low resolution for an overview version of the image.”

Verticalized Approach
Vertical segments such as commercial buildings, education, retail, transportation, city surveillance, traffic monitoring, airports and banking have specific demands for image clarity. “We have a range of cameras that are designed to be used in the most demanding conditions. One example is a vandal-proof corner-mount camera which is specified for prisons, hospitals and elevators,” Biemans said. Another example would be its ALPR line for vehicle surveillance and intelligent transportation applications.

Others like Axis Communications and Brickcom design and manufacture cameras for desert-like environments. “In desert areas — which make up about one-third of the earth's land surface — there are mining sites, oil and gas fields, pipeline installations as well as cities that need surveillance cameras that can withstand extreme heat and harsh conditions such as sandstorms,” said Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management at Axis Communications. “It is critical for cameras with moving parts to have a high enough operating temperature to ensure optimal and reliable performance. The reason is that a camera with direct exposure to sunlight can be heated to a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius over the surrounding temperature, so an air temperature of 45 degrees may mean that the camera has to operate at 60 degrees. Our climate control system can handle rapid temperature changes to eliminate condensation.”

Similarly, Brickcom has launched cameras exclusively for places such as Russia, the Middle East, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, for their volatile weather conditions. These cameras are IP67-rated with built-in fan and heater to cope with outdoor environments, said Max Fan, Sales Director for Brickcom.

With the rapid growth of cities, Hikvision is eyeing the opportunity of traffic monitoring. “With detailed recognition and fast image capture speed, our solutions bring smarter surveillance and relief to traffic monitoring,” said Adler Wu, PM at Hikvision Digital Technology. “The improved resolution allows authorities to not only assess situations more quickly, but to allow them to respond in a timely manner.”

Regardless of the countless opportunities that megapixel cameras bring, manufacturers are advised to look at creative service models and solution offerings, to stay in business amid difficult trading conditions. Although reliability has always been key, it is financially and operationally sound to think outside the box to cater to the needs of customers of different verticals, regions or even cultural practices.

Making a Sale
The HD benefits are clear. What is not clear is how users should approach this new technology and what they should expect from it. As seeing is believing, live demonstrations are gaining popularity.

Brickcom started out as a network gear provider and prefers using toy trains to display full HD images via wireless transmission in real time. “We also designed an interactive demo of 2-MP cameras to highlight the plug-and-play, easy-to-use and auto-focus features,” Fan said.

With the omnipresence of the Internet, Secubest puts detailed product information and live demonstrations of its 2-MP cameras online. “Customers can experience live HD footage, along with the durability and design of our cameras through online demos anytime,” said Eva Chu, GM of Sales and Marketing at Secubest.

Sensing the proliferation of social-media marketing, LILIN has readjusted its marketing and promotional strategies to better cater to local taste and unique requirements, with the help of its seven subsidiaries worldwide, said Steve Hu, PM at Merit LILIN.

Securing the Investment
Customers do not want to purchase disposable cameras that need to be replaced or require maintenance constantly. Camera maintenance can be a huge expense, which is why end users pay attention not only to specs, features and algorithms, but also to warranties and after-sale support. Most manufacturers provide two- or three-year warranties. If other types of warranty are requested, some solution providers offer extension programs.

To further differentiate itself, IQinVision offers an all-inclusive five-year warranty on the majority of its products. “The only products which come with our shorter, three-year warranty are those with auto back focus or motorized zoom and focus lenses,” said Alex Doorduyn, Director of Product Marketing. When certain models are no longer manufactured, “we charge for repairs but still offer free telephone support for cameras outside of warranty.” IQinVision believes that customers should not allow manufacturers with poor-quality products and manufacturing processes to dictate the life span of a technology, especially in such a vital industry like security.

Mississippi police fight crime with mobile ALPR

Editor / Provider: Genetec | Updated: 3/14/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

The Jackson police department in Mississippi is deploying Genetec's ALPR solution to help officers identify criminals and scofflaws. The city police have been using the Genetec solution since 2011, and equipped several vehicles with the mobile ALPR system, running on a ruggedized laptop, to ensure there is an officer in each precinct, patrolling and utilizing the technology to scan their area at all times. On the body of each car are two small IP cameras, specifically designed for mobile applications.

Even in bad weather, at poor angles and at high speeds, the solution can automatically collect vehicle license plates, run them against a computerized “hot list,” and if there is a match, alert officers in charge of issues and infractions. The in-vehicle application helps officers review all data collected throughout the day while the officers back at the central department unit can monitor and analyze reads from the vehicles. Wirelessly, or at the end of a shift, all data collected is synchronized with the police department's central system for ongoing analysis.

The ALPR-enabled cruisers were originally tasked with locating motorists with multiple unpaid violations, which have helped return investments on the system. In addition, with the National Crime Information Center and warrant hot list, the police have been able to identify, arrest and convict people wanted for other crimes, explained Eric Wall, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations. More recently, the police were able to scan cars coming into major retail centers and apprehend wanted felons before they could get into the stores.

Because it is uniquely located at the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20, Jackson is strategically significant in anti-drug trafficking programs. A few months ago, during a routine patrol, the ALPR system flagged vehicles of wanted narcotics dealers, which led to their arrests. Based on their successes, the police department is planning to increase the number of vehicles to adopt the Genetec solution to support the narcotics and K9 divisions.

Australian mall security setup woos law enforcement

Editor / Provider: Merit LILIN | Updated: 3/11/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

LILIN Australia recently supplied an IP-based video solution to a shopping center in Perth, Australia. The system consists of 30 2- and 3-megapixel iMEGAPRO cameras, deployed to monitor the inside and outside of shopping and parking areas. This installation also included the use of LILIN's license-free CMX management software and high-end server to control the storage and overall system operation.

The customer was more than impressed by the project that they were already contemplating adding additional cameras and servers even before the final system was commissioned. What further impressed the customer was that during the installation, a purse-snatching incident was captured by the LILIN cameras. The reaction of the local police when they saw the video footage and the color print-out of the culprit was nothing short of “Wow!”

The featured image above was captured by LILIN's iMEGAPRO IPD2220ES4.3 2-MP HD IP mini dome.

Sponsored by:
LILIN, dedicated to innovation, creativity, progress and excellence, is a global developer and provider of IP video solutions with more than 30 years of experience.

IT-centric players on the rise

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 2/26/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Advances in physical security technologies and system migration to IP networks have ushered in a new breed of IT-savvy distributors and system integrators, while blurring the distinction between the two at the same time. With a more in-depth understanding of network capabilities and software development and deployment, these “new players” are offering more possibilities in terms of solution offerings, applications and business models, which are particularly appreciated in times of uncertainty and slow growth. This feature looks into one such player that is able to bring more to the table — and perhaps something to be modeled after.

An IT systems integrator and managed services provider in Germany and a value-added distributor worldwide, Controlware made physical security part of its portfolio since 1997 when owner Helmut Woerner invested in a German company called VCS. VCS was a developer of IP video products known for Videojet encoders, network cameras and Vidos management system, so this was a natural progression for the company. IT security and communication solutions are still the core of Controlware; the introduction of physical security solutions was more of an extension to the core products and services than a transitional move, since both sit happily side by side.

Adding value to both worlds is the ultimate goal. Controlware is not a “box mover,” but with value-added services and support engineers. The Controlware ethos is about helping integration and installation partners deliver advanced systems that meet customer expectations on all levels. It is all about assisting partners as much as possible and making them look good in the eyes of their customers and end users. Dedication to IP-based security systems and the specialist IP knowledge and experience developed over the course of more than a decade set Controlware apart from the others. It does not have its own branded product range like some distributors, which allows it to be more agile and provide independent, best-of-breed solutions for installers and integrators.

Not only does Controlware provide products from well-known names such as Axis, Bosch, Cisco, Genetec, JVC, Samsung, Sanyo, Siqura and more, but it also adds value with system design and support services. Controlware also has IT specialists for networks, security, IT management, applications, operation and service.

Riding the Wave
Controlware's internal strategies and policies are highly flexible and constantly adapted to meet actual business requirements and conditions. Inventory levels have not had to be altered as a consequence of the recession, since agility in the back end of the business has been a fundamental ingredient for Controlware from Day 1. Continuity and long-term customer loyalty, as well as varied/extensive know-how in information and communication technologies, are crucial to ensure that it has the flexibility to meet challenges head on.

Building long-term relationships with customers and understanding user requirements allow Controlware to identify the products and solutions that are truly needed. This is achieved chiefly through its value-added services that include design and consultancy. By working alongside installers and integrators and adding value and support services, Controlware gains a better understanding of the solutions that users require than traditional distributors and box movers. Controlware also maintains close relationships with suppliers, by understanding what its solution partners' products can do and how they fit into the overall project while meeting customer needs.

Controlware bench tests hardware and software rigorously in order to understand them thoroughly and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This enables the company to identify at what level to position the products and specify the correct product for clients. It often arranges hardware “shootouts” or soak testing in challenging environments to prove or disprove manufacturers' claims. It actively tests and retests equipment in different scenarios to see how equipment performs and what the limitations are.

Ironing out the Kinks
Obviously, adoption differs from region to region. In high-density markets, such as the U.K., which have large amounts of legacy analog equipment, adoption is slower due to equipment churn. In real life, IP-based systems are not for everyone. For very low camera counts, there is still room for cost-effective DVRs or recent HD-SDI products; but for the majority, IP-based systems and the benefits they bring are the way to go. A couple of years ago, one manufacturer claimed that IP surveillance systems are expensive and unreliable compared to analog/hybrid CCTV systems. According to its marketing material, an IP-based system for 750 cameras would cost US$2.9 million, and the hybrid system proposed would only cost $1 million. Controlware put these claims to the test by developing a new system based on the components and products specified in the article. The result was a much more cost-effective IP system than the proposed hybrid system, with a new control room fit-out on top.

That is not to say everything with IP is fine and dandy. Too often, we have manufacturers blaming the bit of kit that does not have that manufacturer's name on it, like the switch for instance; so, we would like to see more interaction between complimentary manufacturers such as switches and servers/storage on one side and camera manufacturers on the other, for approved/certified compatibility. Also, IP-based video surveillance must become more plug-and-play as sometimes manufacturers make products too complex or add too many features, and they think that is the only way to make the products stand out from the crowd. There should be more interaction with other IP devices, as too often security systems drop into silos of their own fields rather than thinking about how they can work together to better alleviate end-user headaches.

Winning Combo
After 2009, the company has seen a few projects put on hold, but continued growth in the physical security sector is still anticipated as the market continues to move to IP-based systems. Positioned with the right business model, the right skills, and the right people and experience, Controlware will continue to incorporate new ways and hardware/software to help installers and integrators take advantage of the benefits of converged technologies.

Revenues are expected to grow in line with the general growth of the IP market share. Users are starting to see the benefits of IP but are not being given clear guidance and direction due to a massive knowledge gap in the industry from some consultants, system integrators and installers. The Controlware IP product line will also be expanded through the additions of IP access control and other IP-enabled technologies, such as ALPR, VCA, intrusion detection and unified management systems, so that it continues to ensure that the needs of its customers and its customers' customers are met.