The next killer app for NFC will not be mobile payments

Editor / Provider: Smart Card Alliance | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

With half a billion NFC-enabled handsets expected to hit the market in the next year, according to an ABI Research report released in March 2013, industry experts agreed that the major first step to broad NFC adoption has been accomplished. But discussion and debate continued as to what the killer app will be to get the technology to take off. Experts concurred in a recent meeting that the next NFC application might not even be mobile payments anymore.

Applications like wine tracking and device pairing that fulfill unmet needs and simplify activities may be the “world-winning NFC solutions,” according to Koichi Tagawa of Sony and Chairman of the NFC Forum. In another example, Tagawa noted that Japanese airlines using NFC can board a 450-person plane in only 15 minutes, as opposed to the standard boarding process for a 150-person plane without NFC in 40 minutes.

Other experts agreed that loyalty programs and offers are great first steps for consumers to use NFC technology.

Lynne Barton, VP of Marketing with Jamba Juice, which has been participating in the Isis Mobile Wallet pilots, said that NFC creates “more meaningful and personal conversations with customers.” She said that she “sees a future with NFC, but it will take consumers a little bit of time to get there,” adding that coupons and offers are “the gateway” to get consumers using the technology.

Lydia Martinez, Store Marketing Specialist at Whole Foods, concurred that “for the short term, loyalty and the value of the couponing is the gateway for people.” She said that the appeal of NFC is to help “drive brand and drive loyalty while giving customers a faster experience.” Martinez described an upcoming holistic marketing campaign where NFC-enabled coupons and loyalty will work with in-store displays and social media to promote local farmers and producers.

NFC should “create, communicate and deliver value to customers,” said Mohamed Awad of Broadcom and Vice Chairman of the NFC Forum. He said that creating value for NFC is about “simplifying with the way we act with the more and more sophisticated set of microcontrollers around us.” To this end, Awad described several use cases where organizations are communicating the value of products to customers by differentiating with NFC, including smart home appliances, interactive games, travel services, opt-in magazine ads, and even tombstones.

Other experts discussed mobile security features that could allow consumers to become more confident in using their devices for more sensitive transactions. Sebastian Taveau, Validity's CTO, described a vision of fingerprint biometrics providing consumers with a fast and secure way to unlock the NFC applications on their mobile devices. Citing that 90 percent of user-generated passwords are vulnerable to hacking due to being stored centrally in the cloud, Siva Narendra, Tyfone CEO said, “Consumers demand convenience and expect security.” Narendra unveiled Tyfone's new Connected Smart Card that enables the secure storage and use of multiple IDs that can be placed in a microSD, a key-chain, an iPhone case, or a wearable device.

But while speakers and panelists didn't reach consensus on what the so-called “killer app” for NFC will be, speakers conveyed the great potential for NFC including mobile payments in the longer term. When asked the question “Is NFC dead?” compared to alternate technologies such as cloud payments, Glenbrook Partners Consultant Allen Weinberg stressed that all these technologies are still in the early days and it is too soon to make judgments on what mobile commerce technologies will be the winners and losers. “At the end of the day, we don't have a widespread, commercialized anything yet,” he said.

Wisconsin electronic parts manufacturer eyes remote security management as marketing and profit-generating tools

Editor / Provider: Matrix Systems | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Norstan, a US electronic parts manufacturer based in Wisconsin, replaced its legacy security system with an advanced security system consisting of biometric time-clock auditing, plus Matrix Systems' mobile surveillance and access control systems to improve profitability and secure doors. Matrix also upgraded the resolution of seven existing Ganz analog cameras, which helped Norstan save US$3,000. The analog cameras were integrated with Geovision software and hardware, and another 10 Geovision high-resolution cameras were added to cover the 3,716-square-meter (30,000-square-foot) facility.

Many CEO's think their security systems are just for opening doors, but John Nordigian, CEO of Norstan, envisioned video monitoring of his plant from anywhere in the world with his mobile phone, and state-of-the-art security technology to  reduce insurance costs, attract and retain Fortune 500 clients. One of the technological challenges during installation was finding a solution that could integrate with its existing five-door HID format key fob door reader system, which would cost approximately $2,800 to replace and install.

Matrix Systems enterprise-based access control system, which uses Mercury and HID access controller subsystems and its open architecture features allowed integration of third party technology. For larger views in remote locations, Nordigian can use a notebook computer, or unlock doors, respond to alarms and most other security functions via mobile apps that connect to the plant's access control system security workstation server from remote locations.

The main challenge, though, was integrating Nordigian's iPhone and Droid-X mobile apps, and his laptop computer into the upgraded video surveillance system.  Nordigian can now monitor any of the company's 17 video surveillance cameras anywhere within seconds through the access control security software using iPhone or Droix-X mobile apps. Matrix Systems built in functionality such as PTZ for closer looks. The CEO finds the iPhone's AT&T network more reliable abroad than the Droid-X's Verizon network, while domestically the iPhone's DGI software loading time and functionality, such as remote operating PTZ capabilities on surveillance cameras  outperformed Android GDA. The remote mobility feature is also capable of temporary access authorization, such as allowing an industrial service contractor into a secure area to repair a particular stamping machine. Future video improvements will include a conversion to IP to integrate into the access control system and add video voice-over to add audio capabilities for instant feedback and communication.

New cameras and digital recording capabilities through the access control system gave Norstan a hedge against illegal dumpers who potentially place illegal materials in the facility's dumpster, which could result in fines or recycling fees. Videos are stored on a NVR for 60 days.The mobile devices are also invaluable for afterhours alarm situations where Nordigian can go online within seconds after receiving an alarm phone call and inspect the entire plant from home or abroad.

Besides lowering operational costs, the new system is also attracting and retaining clients. "After we supplied the detailed plans of the installed the access control and GeoVision systems, a client was impressed with our system and commitment to protecting their on-site assets,” said Nordigan. “As a result, they chose to retain our services versus going to a competitor." Insurance carriers also took notice of the upgraded security system, which enabled Nordigian to negotiate a 10-percent insurance cost reduction.

Adding more functionality to Norstan's security was the impetus for replacing the prior access control system, which stopped providing updates for Microsoft SQL platforms and also crashed periodically. For example, many employee subgroups have been created for various authorization levels. Sensitive area access, such a precious metals inventories, tool areas and IT rooms are now accessible to employees authorized by the system with full audit trails provided by the new access control system. Employees see benefits as well, such as improved protection for personal property such as tools, autos and lockers. The system offers a safer work environment because of its capabilities of terminating potentially disgruntled former employee access just moments after dismissal.

State of Mexico bus operator adopts smart ticketing from NXP

Editor / Provider: NXP Semiconductors | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Component

NXP Semiconductors announced that MEXIBUS - the public transport operator in the federal state of Mexico – has selected MIFARE DESFire EV1 for its contactless smart ticketing solution. The new cards will ensure reliable and secure fare payment across the growing MEXIBUS network. In addition to secure smart card ICs, NXP is also providing the ICs in the new MEXIBUS readers. The ticketing system was integrated by Grupo Indi using cards manufactured by ASK and Inteligensa.

MIFARE DESFire EV1 is a globally proven and flexible product platform for transport ticketing systems, enabling passengers to enjoy better journeys and public transport operators to improve the cost-efficiency and transaction speed of their systems. In addition to public transportation, the MIFARE DESFire platform also allows smart cards to be used for multiple applications such as bike rental, street parking or museum tickets.

Covering the area around the federal district of Mexico City, which itself has over 21 million residents, the federal state of Mexico has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, and now comprises over 15 million people. As the most densely populated region in Mexico, a more efficient and cost-effective urban transportation system is needed that limits the amount of cars on the roads while ensuring mobility in and around Mexico City. Convenient and efficient boarding, as enabled by the NXP solution, encourages the increased use of public transportation for a more sustainable urban life.

Seventeen contactless transport ticketing projects in Mexico are already based on NXP's MIFARE technology platform. The interoperability of these MIFARE-based urban transport systems with the new MEXIBUS system means that Public Transport Operators can offer a cost-efficient ticketing solution allowing passengers to use a single card for all journeys across the city and the federal state of Mexico. The MIFARE DESFire technology platform is also extendable beyond smart cards to other form factors such as NFC-enabled smart phones and banking cards.

“The MEXIBUS network will be extended with Lines 2 and 3 this year, creating the need for a reliable and interoperable ticketing solution that's ready to grow as we develop our mobility services,” said Hector Ilizaliturri, general manager of MEXIBUS at Grupo Indi.

“Electronic ticketing schemes must be convenient, reliable, affordable, secure and expandable to address the transportation challenges of rapidly growing urban areas,” said Jorge Leal, general director at ASK Mexico. “This is why we have selected NXP's MIFARE technology for MEXIBUS's new contactless ticketing system.”

“The world's most populated urban conglomerations such as Bangkok, London, Istanbul, New Delhi and the metropolitan area of Mexico City have all chosen secure, reliable and future-proof MIFARE public transport solutions from NXP to help create smarter and greener cities,” said Ulrich Huewels, vice president and general manager, card security business line, NXP Semiconductors. “Using the MIFARE platform, public transport operators can expand into multi-modal ticketing solutions and offer their customers additional services such as NFC mobile ticketing, micro payment, parking or pre-paid metering.”

According to a recent competitive assessment by ABI Research on Transportation and Ticketing Smart Cards and ICs, NXP achieved an overall transport ticketing market share of 77% in 2012. NXP scored high in both the implementation and innovation categories, underscoring its leadership in transportation and ticketing solutions utilizing NXP's MIFARE technology.

The MIFARE DESFire open architecture platform is based on open global standards for both air interfaces and cryptographic methods. MIFARE DESFire utilizes a triple DES, 3K DES, and AES hardware cryptographic engine for securing the data on the smartcards and data during transmission. Further, the MIFARE DESFire platform enables seamless extensions of ticketing solutions on banking cards or on NFC-enabled mobile devices both working with NXP's SmartMX high security microcontroller technology. The MIFARE4Mobile technology is used to manage MIFARE based services in NFC mobile devices, from over-the-air installation to end-user interaction. The recently released MIFARE4Mobile specifications 2.0 aim to maximize interoperability and scalability, helping existing ecosystems expand into mobile solutions.

French retail chain streamlines staff tracking with modern access system

Editor / Provider: Access Control Technology | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

French retail chain Hyper U is using an access control solution from Access Control Technology (ACT) at one of its largest stores, a 4.94 acre (20,000-square meter) property with 200 full-time personnel at the western town of Savenay in the Loire Estuary. The integrator for the project is Nantes-based 2Acom, who installed the equipment in two phases to cover the store's 60 doors. The equipment is working in conjunction with intruder alarms, video surveillance, and perimeter intrusion protection.

Hyper U wanted to control and log movement of staff around the shop floor, office block, delivery areas, car parks, lifts, stock rooms and perimeter. The client also needed a hierarchical rights management system so that staff would only access certain groups of doors associated with their job function and at appropriate times of day according to their shift. Hyper U found the flexibility they needed in ACT's door stations, door controllers, readers and access control software.

The software allows supervisors to create 71 user groups, so promoting complete visibility of staff movement and enhancing health and safety at a store with long opening hours where there is activity 24 hours a day. While the human resources department can intervene if workers are not in the right place when they should be, the access control system also contributes to staff welfare by creating an audit trail. This ensures that workers do not become stranded in remote areas or spend excessive amounts of time in locations such as refrigeration rooms.

The door security also ensures that prospective thieves remain on the shop-floor and are denied entry to areas where high-value items are stored. It should be noted that French supermarket retailers make extensive use of the concession system whereby there is a gallery of ‘boutique' suppliers of items such as smart phones and tablet computers operating under the same roof. Areas that are commercially sensitive (e.g. cashier's office, luxury electrical goods) as well as loading bays where the presence of vehicles puts a premium on safety have a twin level of security with both keypads and proximity readers being used.

CEM Systems releases new software version

Editor / Provider: CEM Systems | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Security Products, announced the release of version 6.7 of AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) and AC2000 AE (Airport Edition) integrated access control and security management software. The latest release offers a host of new features that increase the performance and improve the functionality of the CEM AC2000 access control system.

“CEM AC2000 is a powerful access control system that is designed with the customer in mind” said Andrew Fulton, Senior Director of Global Sales, CEM Systems. “The enhanced features and functionality in this new release are based on valuable customer feedback and will ensure that AC2000 continues to provide a flexible access control solution that helps increase security, improve business efficiency and operational effectiveness for CEM sites around the world.”

New in version 6.7 are updates and enhancements to AC2000 WEB, CEM's powerful suite of browser based applications for AC2000. The AC2000 WEB menu has an improved and more intuitive look and feel to enhance user experience. In addition to the current suite of WEB applications, AC2000 now provides a unique WEB Zonal Control application for anti-tailgating. This new web based tool discourages tail-gating or passing back of cards to facilitate strict policy control of cardholder movements for operational efficiency. The AC2000 WEB Visitors application has also been updated with a ‘Batch Visitor Request Import' tool and new powerful WEB Reports. All these features continue to provide the power of the AC2000 system but through a web browser.

In addition, AC2000 v6.7 software includes enhanced support for emerald, CEM's revolutionary touch screen intelligent access terminal. emerald features a reader & controller in one, integrated VoIP intercom functionality and a range of remote applications that enable elements of AC2000 software to be accessed directly at the door. This latest v6.7 software release offers customers even more enhanced functionality including ‘Live video pop-up on intercom request', display of company advertising messages while emerald is idle and six new remote applications. When integrated with a CCTV system, operators can now see who they are talking to when a user initiates an emerald intercom request.

In addition, at v6.7, emerald supports the display of company advertisements which can be uploaded to AC2000 in JPG format as well as offering six new remote applications including Suppress/Enable Alarms for filtering alarms during maintenance periods and One Shot which enables security to remotely open doors from an emerald terminal for a short period of time. Other new applications include Open/Close to enable or disable PIR's or lights with a simple swipe and Online Status which allows users to view the status of all readers directly from an emerald terminal.

Another new feature in v6.7 is alarm escalation, allowing unacknowledged alarms from multiple sites to be forwarded to a supervisory operator workstation after a set time scale. New ‘Soft Anti-Passback' functionality also sends a silent alarm to the operator workstation to notify of access cards passed back in breach of policy. This new functionality can be applied on a reader by reader basis or per cardholder for full flexibility.

NXP acquires Code Red Technologies to expand microcontroller business

Editor / Provider: NXP Semiconductors | Updated: 5/3/2013 | Article type: Component

NXP Semiconductors announced its acquisition of Code Red Technologies(CRT), an embedded software development tools provider, as a strategic addition to its microcontroller business line. CRT is recognized industry-wide for innovative tools enabling rapid development and debugging of full-featured applications for 32-bit ARM? microcontrollers. These tools include the popular LPCXpresso IDE (integrated development environment) – a very low-cost, end-to-end development platform for NXP LPC microcontrollers – enabling embedded developers to develop applications from initial evaluation through to final production. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

LPCXpresso is based on Eclipse, with enhancements specific to LPC microcontrollers. Since its release in 2009, the LPCXpresso community has grown steadily, with over 66,000 unique software activations of the LPCXpresso IDE since January 2010.

“With LPCXpresso, NXP has built a strong foundation for a vibrant embedded development ecosystem around LPC microcontrollers. Bringing the Code Red team into our organization gives us the ability to jump-start our in-house software expertise, deliver world-class software libraries and integrated tools to our customers, and rapidly build on the momentum behind the LPCXpresso IDE,” said Jim Trent, vice president and general manager, microcontroller business line, NXP Semiconductors.

“Joining forces with NXP enables us to focus on what we do best – simplifying the development experience for customers through tools and software. Through closer integration, we'll also be able to bring our ARM and LPC experience into new market segments on a global scale, developing and tailoring software for specific applications and solutions,” said John Rayfield, co-founder and CEO of CRT.

US hospital prescribes unified security

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 5/1/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

One of the largest hospitals in U.S., the Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), has chosen an integrated security solution from Tyco Security Products. The solution that incorporates products from two Tyco brands, Software House's security and event management system and 22 American Dynamics NVRs will be used to secure the hospital's 1,500-bed flagship teaching hospital and more than 12 sites as part of its parent organization, Yale New Haven Health System. The system was implemented by system integrator Johnson Controls.

In selecting Software House's security and event management system and American Dynamics NVRs, YNHH will now be able to centralize the management of its security systems, both access and video, from the hospital's individual sites on the network. “This new system not only provides critical information to our department so we can make timely, strategic decisions, but it also offers system intelligence to provide data to the rest of our organization,” said Marvin White, Manager of Physical Security, Protective Services.

Working with Johnson Controls, YHNN's multi-tiered access control migration plan includes updating the access control credentials for more than 12,000 workers in the network, impacting more than 1,000 doors and readers. YNHH chose Software House's controllers, which are space-saving, time-saving tools in its small data closets because of the products' remote programming capabilities. The hospital also deployed Software House's business intelligence reporting suite to produce customized reports from the security and event management system .

Additionally, the hospital is migrating some of its DVRs to American Dynamics NVRs during the transition, YNHH will manage its IP and analog systems through one single interface using the American Dynamics VMS.

Once the transition is complete this spring, YNHH will have a system that will grow along with the hospital for years to come because of the scalability of the security and event management system and NVRs.

Lapis releases low-power, low-cost microcontrollers for embedded system control

Editor / Provider: Lapis Semiconductor | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Component

Lapis Semiconductor, a Rohm Group Company, is pleased to introduce the ML610Q100 series of low-cost, feature-rich, low-power microcontrollers. The new Mini Low Power Microcontrollers are especially well suited for embedded applications requiring a very small microcontroller that provides high computational performance and dedicated control functions, yet consumes a minimal amount of power. Applications include motor control, energy harvesting sensors and nodes, audio and speech control, smoke and fire detection, security and access control, battery management, home appliances, lighting control, power monitoring and metering, and many other embedded designs.

The Mini LP architecture is made up of a processing core, non-volatile memory and RAM plus several embedded peripheral functions including: GPIO, PWMs, counter/timer blocks, ADCs and comparators. The devices exhibit very low power consumption in both sleep (1uA typical) and operating modes (3.7mA typical), while executing one instruction per clock cycle at up to 8 MHz clock rates. The microcontrollers are unique in having their timing reference circuit completely integrated within the devices, meaning no external crystal or any other components are required. Some of the devices in the Mini LP Micro series have internal writable Flash ROM, which eliminates the need for external EEPROM for data storage. Their wide supply voltage range (2.7V dc to 5.5Vdc) and temperature range (-40 C to 85 C) allow the Mini LP Micros to be used in battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications located in harsh environments.

The Mini LP Micros are based on LAPIS Semiconductor's proprietary 8 bit RISC U8 core, which has been used within LAPIS Semiconductor's products for over 15 years. The U8 core's low-cost code creation and debugging tools are available for program development. LAPIS Semiconductor also offers a very flexible and expandable Mini LP Micro Development Kit with expansion sockets that enable easy access to all of the IOs available on the devices.

Tyco Security redefining security experience

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Tyco Security Products, part of Tyco,  will introduce several new innovations at IFSEC 2013 that extend the company's commitment to creating intuitive ways for customers to instinctively manage their holistic security environments.

Leading the innovation charge for the company is a new feature-rich hybrid intrusion platform from DSC. The new hybrid system, PowerSeries Neo, redefines intrusion security by combining the flexibility of a modular, hardwired system with the simplicity of wireless devices, resulting in the most comprehensive hybrid system available in the market today.

American Dynamics also has big news. It is introducing a new suite of VideoEdge recording platforms, including a powerful Hybrid, along with client management systems that dispel the “big business only” mentality, and provide a refreshing way for customers to interact with and manage their video. Married with the vastly growing portfolio of Illustra IP cameras, American Dynamics now offers IP solutions for a wide variety of applications.

Kantech, well-known for its fresh, ultra-easy approach to security, will showcase its latest version of EntraPass which includes support for the EntraPass Go mobile app and EntraPass Web, an intuitive web browser interface – providing the ultimate in security portability and flexibility.

CEM Systems will showcase emerald, the industry's most advanced multifunctional intelligent access terminal. As an innovative touch screen reader and controller in one, emerald provides built-in VoIP intercom functionality and intuitive remote applications that uniquely provide information tools and security intelligence at the door.

Many of the other brands of Tyco Security Products are introducing important new technologies, all developed with intuitive management in mind:

Software House will showcase its new single-reader version of the popular iSTAR Edge Controller. This new controller utilises PoE to leverage existing network infrastructure, which dramatically reduces installation costs – costs that can quickly get exorbitant for a company looking for an enterprise solution.

CEM Systems will also exhibit version 6.7 software release of the powerful AC2000 integrated security management system, offering a host of integrations and enhanced AC2000 WEB functionality. CEM's industry leading Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) access control solution will also be on display along with CEM's intelligent reader range, including the S3030 portable hand-held reader.

Elpas is introducing new Intrusion Detection Transmitters as well as Asset Protection Tags for laptops that provide real-time monitoring and tracking of high value mobile assets.

Visonic will debut PowerMaster interactive, offering enhanced interactive capabilities that allow simple and intuitive control of the Visonic PowerMaster system. Relying on the Visonic's unique PowerManage platform, PowerMaster interactive provides a complete suite of remote mobile devices, enabling service providers to manage their customer base efficiently and cost effectively, whilst allowing end users convenient and remote interaction with their smart home devices.

Bentel Security will introduce, among its wide range of intrusion systems and devices, the new ABSOLUTA M-TOUCH touchscreen keypad that provides a 7” full colour display with easily customised, intuitive menu driven screens. The new ABSOLUTA App, available in free and PRO versions, enables users to quickly and efficiently control their ABSOLUTA control panels remotely from anywhere through their smartphone.

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.