Hikvision launches IR network series for up to 50 meters

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision expanded its low-light camera portfolio with the unveil of a new series of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras – the DS-2CD855-EI3 and DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera – which are specifically designed as the perfect low-light, night-time, and completely dark monitoring solution, featuring IR range of 30m and 50m respectively.

This series is engineered to provide smooth, full HD 1080p video streaming with a 1/2.8 inch progressive scan CMOS. Combined with Super Low-light Technology and an IR cut filter with auto switch, this camera series is capable of delivering sharp images even in the absence of lighting. A valuable assurance that no detail is left undetected. The DS-2CD855-EI3 offers an IR range of up-to 30m, while the DS-2CD855-EI5 has a 50m IR range, with both offering a minimum illumination of 0.05 Lux @F.12 and 0 Lux with IR. Images are further enhanced by Hikvision's 3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) functionality, greatly reducing both noise and motion blur.

These two cameras deliver multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 compression, greatly optimizing bandwidth and storage without compromising on image quality. MPEG4 and MJPEG are supported for increased flexibility. ONVIF, CGI, and PSIA protocols are also supported for the integration of other equipment and to meet differing surveillance requirements.

Both models are suited for detail-specific environments, such as finance and air transportation sectors that require precise video information. Additionally, with both cameras sporting an IP66 rating, outdoor environments suffering from rain, dust, and other challenging elements (such as ports, car parks, and other similarly exposed environments) are not a concern for either the DS-2CD855-EI3 2MP IR Bullet Camera or the DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera.

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.

Attack high and low

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/10/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Established in 1998, Milestone Systems has come a very long way in assisting the security world's transition to IP-based surveillance architecture. “The more (channels), the merrier” has been the growth ingredient for most open-platform VMS solution providers, but things are changing as global economy enters into a plateau. Sunny Kong, the newly appointed Sales Director for Asia, shares with asmag how he will lead the team to bring the VMS market leader into new markets in the region.

Currently, top markets for Milestone are Korea, Thailand and Singapore, as the company focuses on growth verticals like city surveillance, transportation, retail and finance. Vertical managers and specialist partners are empowered through professional training and certification, guaranteeing that only the most apt solutions are brought to end users.

**Don't forget to check out video interviews!**

Multilayered
The Danish headquarters has high hopes for emerging economies, and Asia is certainly one of them. As growth targets are set between 30 to 40 percent, Kong plans to enter into relatively new markets, such as China where traditional CMS/analog systems rein, with Milestone's comprehensive portfolio (Professional, Corporate and Interconnect) and recharged training and partnership programs, to address various solution requirements from a multitude of site scenarios.

Laying the foundation for the future

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/9/2013 | Article type: Security 50

For Bosch Security Systems, China is growing quickly to become its largest single-country market. Investments are heavy — the market is a region all on its own, on par with the Americas, EMEA and APAC; the CEO visits every quarter; and the local R&D and highly automated production facilities in Zhuhai are the group's largest prized possession. Yunping Fu, the new VP of Sales for the region, shares with asmag how he plans to take the organization to the next level, through deeper verticalization and localization.

To Fu, security is an intriguingly complex business. It is still undergoing a relatively slow transition to a better IT/IP-enabled world; the product life/selling cycle is longer; and there are a lot more players with widely different calibers and less consolidation. Nevertheless, his priorities are clear: to continue to drive double-digit growth, to be even more customer-focused across the entire organization, and to lay an even more solid foundation for a sustainable future.

Continued Growth
Fu's strategy is twofold: deeper verticalization and client relations. Take the transportation vertical for example; Bosch China will zoom in on airport projects (both new and retrofit). With the manufacturing vertical, a lot of investments are going into the tobacco industry. “It is this kind of laser focus that will carry us through the next few years.” The same can be applied to client relations; go-to-market tactics will be adjusted so that every customer can be served by the “right” partner more efficiently.

**Don't forget to check out video interviews!**

Customer Focus
This regional business unit is constantly growing and recruiting talent. To serve existing and potential clients even better, all the personnel in R&D, sales, marketing and technical support will be retrained to “walk in others' shoes” so that the added value that Bosch brings can be felt more clearly. “We will also partner with and cultivate more Tier-2 VARs to be even closer to our end users.”

Solid Foundation
The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable profitability for the Bosch organization and its partners and clients. All the verticalization and localization efforts are meant for a greater solution fit, and Bosch's continued focus on optimizing customer experience and maximizing their business benefits will be the distinguishing feature that carries the company to the next phase of progress and prosperity.

Minnesota metro transit extends video investment to secure growing network

Editor / Provider: Verint Systems | Updated: 5/2/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Metro Transit Police Department, part of Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, is extending its investment in Verint Systems technology, standardizing key parts of its transportation technology platform with the company's VMS for the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (CCLRT) Project. Moving from its legacy security and business systems to a unified approach, the VMS solution is helping the organization's Metro Transit Police force advance its ability to monitor and secure the Twin Cities' current and new light rail and commuter trains and passengers, as well as enhance investigation capabilities and increase response times.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, providing more than 80 million annual passenger trips throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul region. It operates the Hiawatha light rail line, Northstar commuter rail line and 123 bus routes. Metro Transit employs its own sworn police force committed to the safety of its customers and employees, and serves eight counties and 85 cities in the region. Starting in 2010, it embarked on a four-year construction project to expand operations with an 11 mile line connecting downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis with existing lines. The initiative, known as the CCLRT, is adding 31 new light rail transit vehicles and 18 new stations.

Taking a proactive approach to security, the Metro Transit Police Department launched an initiative to standardize its transportation and security technology platform in conjunction with the CCLRT Project. Since 2009, Metro Transit has leveraged a wide array of Verint's security solutions to monitor portions of its operations—from its mobile fleet and light rail systems to its stations—and help migrate from analog to IP-based video. Based on past experiences using Verint solutions and the technology's open architecture platform, Metro Transit selected the VMS to help achieve the objectives of the CCLRT standardization initiative. Taking a phased approach to implementation, the organization began its rollout in September 2012.

"We look forward to experiencing the additional benefits that this next-generation of VMS will bring to even more members of our organization,” said Brian Weaver, Senior Asset Protection specialist, Metro Transit Police Department.

The VMS offers policy-based video distribution; networked video viewing and investigation management to help security staff rapidly detect, act upon and investigate security breaches and other threats. At Metro Transit, the VMS solution is capturing video from hundreds of cameras and providing the organization with a fully redundant solution to monitor its new urban mass-transit system.

Milestone announces vertical-specific partner program

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems has announced its Vertical Specialist Partner (VSP) program, a new initiative to raise sector-specific expertise in the surveillance industry. Milestone has been expanding its Channel Partner Program continually since its inception in 2004, and the Vertical Specialist Partner program is the latest development for increasing the business focus on customer's needs.

The VSP program is aimed at highlighting Milestone Channel Partners who specialize in delivering complete surveillance solutions for a specific industry sector, such as retail or transportation. Milestone works closely with the Vertical Specialists to provide end users with more expertise to solve challenges for their distinct requirements.

The first phase of the program has started with these members who are active in the following verticals: 
- Retail - EG Retail (Denmark),Securitas Services (Sweden), Wachter Building Technology (USA), Direct Source and ATG Group (USA)
- Transportation - E-Dentic (France), Pro-Tec Design, SecuraDyne Systems and Stone Security (USA), RCT and Sectron (Bulgaria), Stanley Security Solutions (Sweden), Tehnomobil d.o.o. (Croatia),
- City Surveillance - Pro-Tec Design (USA), Sectron (Bulgaria), Stone Security (USA).

"Milestone truly values our inductees to the Vertical Specialist Partner program. We are excited to see how these premier channel partners have qualified to become the content matter experts for Milestone in their respective market segments. The specialist solutions and competency they provide to customers generates high impact and innovations that raise the level of industry inspiration," says Lawrence S. de Guzman, Director Global Sales Operations for Milestone Systems.

Milestone Vertical Specialist Partners represent key resellers who are driving the industry globally or regionally by demonstrating their prowess in vertical solutions. Vertical Specialists gain exclusive opportunities to leverage their sector-specific knowledge and collaborate with Milestone.

With dedicated support from Milestone, Vertical Specialists can generate a higher volume of sales, expand their presence and market their industry-focused offerings. Some of the advantages and benefits of being a Vertical Specialist Partner include:
- Partners receive a prioritized listing on the Milestone System website (over 100,000 unique visitors monthly)
- Upon request from customers, Milestone will recommend an appropriate Vertical Specialist for projects
- Partners receive vertical-specific leads from XProtect Go and other lead generating tools
- Support for local vertical-specific events, such as Milestone marketing materials or attendance by a Milestone vertical sales manager
- Yearly Milestone vertical sync meetings to share and discuss trends and new ideas in the various market segments
- Co-branded, vertical-specific brochures and other materials

When nature calls

Editor / Provider: Christine Chien, a&s International | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Not all surveillance deployments are meant solely for security and safety purposes. In this feature, a&s explores security equipment and management software in a “wilder” perspective — nature watching.

The main purpose of VMS is to provide users efficient management of all video files streaming from all cameras, from past to present. It is the basis of video surveillance, recording, analysis, and sharing, with multiple functions such as remote access and control via a Web browser or smartphone, playback, audio support, content search, and much more depending on the user's needs and specifications. As more and more VMS packages are becoming open-architecture, integrators and users are able to freely customize their VMS, adding additional programs to further enhance their operational efficiency. Truly successful VMS lies in its ease-of-use, so users can quickly learn to operate the system even with minimal training.

Nowadays, the common requirements of retaining video recordings for a prolonged period of time makes it easy to get lost amid the large quantities of stored data, but great VMS will help users navigate through the database to find what they need or provide them with important updates and information, even for nonsecurity matters. With a click of the mouse, users are able to quickly retrieve the files that they need, while simultaneously keeping an eye on live conditions in real time. In emergency situations, users are able to immediately make informed decisions if all the necessary data can be quickly gathered in front of their eyes for a quick assessment.

The following series of applications showcases how users utilize their VMS for different forms of applications more akin to nature.

The Greenhouse Effect
The state of Colorado in the U.S. approved a new legislation governing the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sales of medical marijuana in 2010. Due to the high sensitivity of this matter, a customized, full blown security measure including lighting, physical security, video surveillance, face recognition, access control, and alarm was provided and implemented by AxxonSoft at all the medical marijuana-related facilities. After all, if the herbal remedy originally intended for medical use is stolen or falls into the wrong hands, it will immediately and most likely be sold or used illegally.

Despite the various strains of weed available, approved medical grade marijuana comes from only two strains, the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, as these are the only strains with enough potency to provide medical benefits. In order to properly cultivate these plants, the light, air, water, nutrients, temperature, and growing medium must all be carefully controlled for optimum growing conditions. With the help of the integrated VMS, the operators can easily target areas or plants that need more attention or determine the plants that are ready for harvest and optimize plant yields."ViewOptix has developed a video surveillance solution that enables us to record and monitor plant growth, health and nutrient levels, and automatically adjust environmental controls," said Ryan Geller, President of Operations at Pain Management of Colorado. "The system is also integrated with our dispensaries for security at POS kiosks.” With these implementations in place, the operators will also be able to monitor the transaction and transportation of the medical marijuana to the separate dispensaries and the transactions that will take place thereafter.

Storm Chasers
The BAM chase team, led by Bryan Kilgore, Amanda Kilgore, and Michael Clark, follows and tracks down different storms and tornadoes to capture these powerful natural occurrences live on camera. The data they gather and share are extremely useful to scientific research.

When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the U.S. on Oct. 28, 2012, the violent storm wreaked havoc in its path and left behind a trail of destruction. Having successfully tracked and recorded more than 20 significant storms in the past, the BAM chase team began to forecast the storm's future course of action, destruction, impact, and monitored Sandy through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, and online video feeds. “We forecasted Sandy using the latest in a package of computer models available online. We used our knowledge to predict the path that we felt best that the storm would take. We felt that most of the other forecasters were too far east so we stuck to our guns and kept it west. We were getting comments that we were out of our minds but kept posting about it that east coast needed to keep an eye on it,” said Bryan Kilgore. The team also verified their forecast from what was being reported on the news and online. Despite their efforts, Mother Nature is not easily tracked, nor is it easily predictable. Hurricane Sandy affected a total of 24 states, left 17 states without power, affected millions of people, caused 72 direct deaths, and cost the government an estimated US$75 billion worth of property damage.

Using OnSSI's VMS, which the team installed themselves, they were able to simplify the management of six network megapixel cameras used to document the storms and tornadoes that they chase. The software is loaded onto the server and is able to capture all the videos recorded from the cameras at once. This was the first and only VMS the team has used for their system, while additional software were used to make their live stream happen. Based on the storm's movements, the VMS helped the team topinpoint video from multiple network cameras for a quadrant view. The videos were also able to be exported and distributed through wireless connectivity to any centralized video storage station so it can be instantly distributed to the National Weather Service, National Severe Storm Laboratory, and various media sources as well. This way, their local offices can see the progression of the storms and how it was progressing. “The footage allows us to see things we didn't catch in the field first hand. With the cameras we have installed, we can see 360 degrees around the outside of the vehicle. We can't see everything so this allows us to go back and review that,” said Kilgore.

As for OnSSI, seeing its products being implemented in a non-security application also struck as interesting. “Even with the advancement in technologies supporting physical security today; the operating procedures are still mainly reactive where collection of evidence to a situation is done after the fact. This trend is changing, however in the case of BAM they installed the system strategically to actively capture live data of storms that have immediate impact to lives and properties as it is occurring and feeding this back to meteorologists so they may make the public aware of their efforts toward public safety,” said Julio Montalvo, Director of Technical Services at OnSSI.

This year, the BAM chase team hopes to help more offices and the NSSL with the amount of footage they gain.

Animal Planet
The 50-acre Akron Zoological Park is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and preservation located in Ohio, U.S. The zoo had chosen to use Milestone's VMS as a way to supervise and observe the behaviors and health conditions of its wide range of animal inhabitants, especially the dangerous species, and ensure the safety of their handlers. Outside each animal holding area, a monitor displays the live video feed of various cameras placed inside. This allows the animal caretakers to check if animals are properly contained. Not only does the solution raise the safety level of its staff, it also minimizes human interference of the animals, allowing the animals to be observed from afar, so as not to disturb their natural habitat and cause them distress. "Animal safety was our main concern. Cameras were mounted inside the enclosure where it was in a secure location and did not harm the animal, or the animal was unable to reach it," said Tzviah Dank, Information Systems Administrator/IT Projects Manager, at the Akron Zoological Park.

After integration with mobiDEOS' remote viewing application, the video feeds were able to be accessed through the smartphones of relevant staff. This way, animal handlers will be able keep an eye on the zoo animals 24 hours a day, even when they are away from the facility. With the help of the VMS, the caretakers can monitor the animals' breathing patterns and even the contractions of a cat giving birth in real time. All video footage can be stored for a week or longer, if necessary. Prior to these installations, a camcorder was connected to a VCR when recording was needed, according to Dank.

Similar to the Akron Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo has also installed video surveillance systems throughout its entire premise controlled by Milestone's VMS, in order to ensure crowd control and other security-related incidents. However, the last couple of projects have been geared towards animal health and care. Cameras were placed in rooms where animals were quarantined or giving birth. New habitats have also been built, integrating the cameras into their surroundings for general monitoring but with access also only limited to animal care employees.

Having the constant access to the zoo's animals also allow the caretakers to study the interactions between the animals, as sometimes, the interactions may not be so friendly. If an animal becomes sick, the zoo veterinarians are able to check past videos in order to determine possible causes. They can also check on the animals while on the way to the zoo. Only a select number of zoo employees have access to this private application, as video feeds are not opened to the public.

“For security or general park locations there have been no special circumstances. When the locations involve animal locations, then we have to coordinate work schedules with the animal care professionals and be mindful of their schedules,” said Chris Moomey, Director of Product Development at Current Technologies, sharing his experiences from when he installed the system for the zoo and comparing them to his previous installations. “When the new habitats were built over the last couple of years, the cameras were installed during the construction so it was like any construction site, just with a cool walk to work.”

Asia Update: Etherwan successfully moves from networking to security

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/23/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

When IT companies shift to physical security, many fail to recognize the importance of product reliability and engineering efficiency in security. Security products demand unique qualities such as high customization and reliability. Etherwan, a company providing Ethernet products, found security to be a good fit. Six years ago, the company entered the security market. Through the design concept of modularization, Etherwan provides a wide range of Ethernet products, even for small orders. The network management features were also customized from a general IT approach to make it more user-friendly to security applications.

To ensure reliability, its products go through many rigorous tests to ensure that they are exactly what were promised to the customers and fully conform to industry standards. For example, its PoE devices are all required to achieve the maximum power requirement without any issue. With high engineering efficiency, it can quickly solve any technological problems and carefully review all possible factors that might result in product malfunction.

What really differs Etherwan from other companies is it's core business motto — integrity and honesty. For example, Etherwan is committed to designing its products strictly according to standards. If the product is designed to fit the IEEE802.3af standard which requires the proper wattage to be 15.4 watts, then Etherwan will insist on giving each PoE port the full 15.4 watts. The same goes for products designed in compliance to IEEE802.3 which requires 30 watts for each PoE port. Etherwan understands that such integrity to power source conformance is an important factor to project success. “Integrity for us is the company's central value,” said Maggie Chao, Associate VP of Sales Division at Etherwan.

Etherwan's security business includes OEM sales and original brand manufacture (OBM) of its own products. During the last six years, Etherwan successfully introduced its Ethernet products from IT clients to the security industry. Now, two out of Etherwan's top 10 clients are pure security companies, cementing the importance of its security business. For Etherwan, the security market holds strong potential. Its security business unit has grown almost 30 percent in recent years.

Etherwan also has a good reputation in the transportation sector, particularly for traffic and railway monitoring. In 2013, the company is concentrating on transportation and security in its target countries — the U.S., Benelux, Southeast Asia and South Africa. In the U.S., Etherwan attends one to two road shows every month to educate its clients on the basics to the advanced knowledge of Ethernet network infrastructure. Etherwan is also anticipating significant growth in the Malaysian and Thai markets.

"In the near future, we can expect more challenges in price competition. When clients who used to purchase IT networking products started to buy security equipment, they were more likely to compare brands and prices," Chao said.

Technology wise, networking technology should follow the nature of the security product application. “For Etherwan to win in the price competition, product reliability is key,” Chao said.

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.

Thermal imaging moves to the consumer market

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Flir Systems | Updated: 4/18/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Flir's M&A and investment strategy is multifaceted and many criteria are evaluated in the decision making process. The acquisition of Lorex Technology supports several of Flir 's key strategic growth objectives. Flir's overall objective is to bring infrared imaging into homes, workplaces, and the lives of people everywhere. Lorex Technology is a market leading manufacturer of home and personal video surveillance products with very strong and successful retail sales channel relationships. As Flir continues to drive the price lower for infrared thermal imaging cameras and viewers, Lorex's retail channels and advanced e-commerce capability will provide widespread access to consumer markets for Flir's new thermal camera products.

Flir will inject infrared thermal imaging technology into both the Lorex and Digimerge video security product lines, which will expand the customer and application base for infrared imaging, and also provide a differentiated product platform for Lorex to ensure their leadership position in the do-it-yourself video surveillance market segment. Lorex has well-developed component sourcing processes, rapid product development cycles, and volume manufacturing capabilities. These key competencies contribute to Flir's penetration of the consumer electronics market.

Traffic
The use of thermal cameras in intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications is growing rapidly as it proves to be a superior solution. Thermal cameras are unaffected by darkness, sun washout, shadows, and many weather effects that traditional visible light cameras are susceptible to.

Traficon is the leading provider of video-based intersection control and roadway incident detection products. Traficon's core capability is its video image processing software for ITS applications. This technology requires little modification to be applied to security and other applications, so the Traficon acquisition brings high-performance video analytics capabilities to Flir. Thermal cameras are often paired with video analytics for perimeter intrusion detection applications. Combining Traficon's video analytics capabilities with Flir's thermal camera technology completes the task of integrating a powerful roadway monitoring solution for cities and municipalities around the world.

Thermal imaging is applied in two primary application areas in the traffic market: detecting the presence of cars at intersections for the control of traffic signal lighting, and along highways and roadways for automated incident detection applications. Thermal imaging provides clear video images during daylight as well as nighttime hours, and it is unaffected by shadows, bright sunset, and is largely unaffected by weather conditions. Therefore, thermal imaging is a more accurate means of detecting the presence of vehicles and people at intersections, and it allows city transportation managers to monitor roadways 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Future for Thermal Imaging Technology
The video images created are data-heavy in that the pixels provide both an image as well as temperature information. For security and safety applications, being able to see clearly with no lights is a cost-effective solution. With the ever reducing prices for infrared thermal imaging cameras, using thermal cameras will become much more cost-effective compared to installing lighting for video cameras in a long run. Also, thermal cameras are a “green” technology because they contribute to the reduction in the use of expensive and energy-intensive lighting equipment.

Well-established and mature commercial vertical market segments include industrial manufacturing, power generation, building inspection, and critical infrastructure that require a high level of perimeter security. Emerging commercial markets include high-volume sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, maritime, and light commercial security systems. Flir expects to see continued growth in each of these sectors.

Home Security Market
Flir believes thermal imaging will become a standard component in all security systems, including home security systems, as prices for thermal cameras drop. Thermal imaging requires no light, so advancements in technology will be able to replace all supplemental illumination required for video cameras to operate, whether it be white visible light or invisible IR illuminators for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Additionally, thermal images can be coupled with video analytics to create a very effective automated motion detection solution, one that will have a much lower false alarm rate than current visible light solutions in the market.

Home security and situational awareness, such as baby and elderly monitoring, is a rapidly growing market. Flir believes the unique benefits of thermal imaging will appeal to anyone using those types of products.

Management of Acquired Companies
“We have acquired nearly 20 companies in the last eight years, so we are experienced at folding in new products, people, and customers into our existing business,” said Andy Teich, President of the Commercial Systems Division at Flir Systems. “Given that a company's employees are its most critical asset, we focus on communicating clearly to the people that are operating the business we have acquired, how and why they were acquired, and what it means to them personally. This is critical to the success of these investments. Understanding the business' processes, product development, delivery cadence, and the factors that can disrupt the flow of a newly acquired business is also critical. We often do not impose significant change on our acquired companies and usually trust the management teams to continue to operate as they have. Where we do make adjustments is around supply chain sourcing, costs control, and manufacturing efficiency.”