Pyronix Network / IP Cameras

Las Vegas is a city that bombards you with choices: dozens of glitzy hotels and casinos, a plethora of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any craving and an endless variety of entertainment guaranteed to delight and amuse. With so many options, it’s hard to decide where to spend your time. The same goes for ISC West. Like the city in which it’s being hosted, ISC West 2019 is going to bombard you with more options than ever before. Dozens of new technologies and vendors as well as old familiar faces will be vying for your attention. With only three days, it’s nearly impossible to explore every booth and every vendor. Ultimately, you’ll want to focus your limited time on companies whose partnership can lead to your organization’s long-term success. In that context, I’d like to suggest a few things to think about as you wend your way through this year’s tradeshow. The Next Wave In IP Technology  The fact that the whole world is going IP is nothing new. The network-based connectivity trend has been ongoing for more than 25 years. What’s changed is the nomenclature. Today it’s all about the Internet of Things (IoT).  What was once exclusively an analog-based video surveillance market has shifted predominantly over to IP For the security industry, the concept of IoT really began with connecting DVRs through a network. Then in 1996, IP cameras – the first true IoT devices – hit the market. Since then, what was once exclusively an analog-based video surveillance market has shifted predominantly over to IP, providing exceptional growth opportunity for any company wanting to be on the leading edge. Today, however, that market is relatively saturated and growing at a much slower rate. In response, consolidation of the market has started to accelerate. Many vendors are disappearing while a select few are becoming stronger. Though the IP video revolution is now a fait accompli, there are still a few ancillary security technologies that are just beginning to jump on the IP convergence bandwagon. I’m referring to two in particular: IP audio systems and IP intercom solutions.  Like their IP video cousins, these relatively new IP systems are built on open platform standards and provide the same benefits for convergence as happened in the camera space: better scalability and ROI, more functionality, and easy integration with third party systems. The technology is a great complement to a customer’s existing IP surveillance system or an ideal replacement for an antiquated analog audio system. So I’d recommend spending time at booths showcasing this technology. Listen to the crystal clear sound quality. Learn from the various vendors how easy IP audio systems are to custom configure, remotely manage and scale. And discover the different ways the IP technology can be used, from paging, public address and broadcasting background music to augmenting security systems and perimeter protection solutions. The potential markets that can benefit from this latest IP technology are wide and varied, everything from hotels, hospitals and transportation hubs to educational institutions and retail chains. So it’s well worth your time to take a look at this growing opportunity. AI has proven to dramatically improving the accuracy of Traffic Incident Detection analytics. But it’s too early in the game to assume that AI can be applied across the board Artificial Intelligence: Hype Vs. Reality Video intelligence or video analytics was the big trend a decade ago. But it quickly fizzled out when hype crashed into reality. In the ensuing years algorithms have greatly improved, leading to more reliable analytic performance. Now it’s commonplace for video surveillance solutions to include a wide range of analytics from motion detection and people counting to dwell time analysis, object left behind and license plate recognition.    The latest hype to capture the imagination is self-learning systems, often referred to as Deep Learning and Artificial intelligence (AI) With analytics gradually becoming mainstream, the latest hype to capture the imagination is self-learning systems, often referred to as Deep Learning and Artificial intelligence (AI). These self-learning applications parse event data and use what they’ve learned from the experience to make determinations or predictions that can increase the accuracy of future alerts. Before you get swept up in all the big promises that have yet to prove deliverable, take time at ISC West to educate yourself about the current state of the technology. AI works well in some areas.  For instance, AI has proven to dramatically improving the accuracy of Traffic Incident Detection analytics. But it’s too early in the game to assume that AI can be applied across the board. Talk to some of the AI vendors at ISC West to learn when and if AI might be right for your organization’s analytic applications. See who has actual, field-proven solutions and who is just offering ideas that might take many years to prove useful in real applications. Connecting With The Right Partner Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet. Look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners Choosing the right partner is as important in business as it is life. Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet. Look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners. You’re sure to find a number of new companies entering the field this year. Also be sure to notice which companies are absent. Have they left the surveillance industry? Are they struggling financially and can no longer afford to show up? If you partnered with them in the past, where does that leave your business today?  As you explore potential vendor relationships, make sure you not only look at the arc of their technology development, but also their long-term financial stability and the kind of support services they offer. Cybersecurity should be front and center on your radar, along with timely updates, product integration with your existing technology and ongoing training to gain the most benefit from your investment. Look into how eco-friendly the vendor’s products are, what they’re doing to recycle, minimize waste and lower their carbon footprint Think of ISC West as the ultimate meet-and-greet - look around the tradeshow floor and see who might by likely partners Another important thing to find out is whether their business ethics align with yours. Is sustainability important to your company? How about corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion? Ultimately you want to do business with healthy, innovative companies that share your core values.   If being green is a fundamental principal of your company, look into how eco-friendly the vendor’s products are, what they’re doing to recycle, minimize waste and lower their carbon footprint. If striving for better global citizenship is your corporate mantra, you need to know how the vendor is assuring their operation complies with environmental laws and regulations. In terms of maintaining social and ethical standards, it’s important to know where the vendor stands on issues such as human rights violations, compulsory child labor, fair wages and sourcing minerals from countries in armed conflict.  Go In With A Plan There’s so much to discover at ISC West this year that four days isn’t nearly enough time to see it all. So you’ll have to strategically pick and choose which booths and vendors to visit. I’d advise that you plan out your days in advance so that you can get the most value from the choices you make.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance Of Ease Of InstallationEase of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labor to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labor costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labor in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labor cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying Installation Of Cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement Through Modular Cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles  Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB Dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilize magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular Cameras Offer Flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analog video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software Programs Help In Enhancing Installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (video surveillance at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labor to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS Design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open Architecture Platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth  The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple Licensing Processes And Pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing And Matching Camera License Types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto Camera Detection And Configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart Camera Driver Technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance Of Network Security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomized video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic Updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

Hikvision, a global supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, will have an unmissable presence at IFSEC International 2018. With the largest stand at the event (D300), visitors will have the opportunity to view and examine the latest technology that is defining the surveillance industry. Hikvision’s innovations include self-learning Artificial Intelligence (AI), deployable across a wide range of vertical market sectors. On demonstration will be queue and crowd management, a powerful new Video Management System (VMS), DarkFighter ‘low-light’ superior technology, and thermal imaging powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) – as well as a host of other technological advances for a multitude of applications and environments. Hikvision’s stand will highlight the intruder alarm solutions of Pyronix, and feature additional technology partners who will show ‘value added’ features that complement Hikvision solutions to provide an enhanced level of performance or a greater return on investment for the end user. See first-hand, how AI is revolutionizing the surveillance technology landscap Revolutionary AI Surveillance Technology Visitors at the D300 stand will see first-hand, how AI is revolutionizing the surveillance technology landscape, with Hikvision demonstrating a variety of new products in its AI Series: Queue Management Technology: Live queue information analysis providing real time alerts with the ability to provide data reports/analysis, for optimization of business service and operational efficiency. Deep in Mind: Crowd density analysis - optimise, analyze and generate alert levels of crowds with detailed reports in different time frames. Reduce false alarms (up to 90%) by distinguishing target type, improving the efficiency of perimeter defense and operational costs in monitored applications. Deep in View: Deep learning algorithm for human behavior analysis (loitering, falling down) and demonstrating highly accurate face capture. Technology that delivers information regarding vehicular activity, such as illegal parking detection will also be on display. Deep in View Facial Recognition: Deep Learning facial recognition technology integrated with access control will allow people quick and convenient entry to offices using secured biometric identification. Thus, ensuring a convenient system for quick access Another AI-powered product on display at IFSEC 2018 will be Hikvision’s Deep in View Thermal camera, which can distinguish objects based on target type, reducing false alarms by up to 90% and providing appropriate notifications.HikCentral brings multiple technologies into one intelligent platform, utilising the advanced benefits offered by the AI Series Innovative Video Management Systems Hikvision’s new video management system, HikCentral, brings multiple technologies into one intelligent platform, utilizing the advanced benefits offered by the AI Series to deliver complete integrated surveillance solutions in one comprehensive, simple-to-use package. Intelligent Surveillance Solutions There will be a host of other products and solutions on display at the Hikvision stand. These will include: Intelligent Traffic System solutions: Deep Learning-based check point systems and smart parking management solutions. Thermal solution: A feature demonstrating the wide-ranging benefits of thermometric and bi-spectrum thermal technologies. Turbo range: The revolutionary 5.0 generation of Hikvision’s Turbo HD range, with AI technology built-in. Access control and intercom: All the latest developments in access products and systems. DarkFighter X: The latest, most powerful addition to the ultra-low light camera range. Mobile and portable solution: With premier AI technologies built-in, the mobile solution delivers functionality such as driver behavior analysis and passenger counting in conjunction with iVMS-5200P. Easy IP 4.0: New products and solutions from the simple-to-install Easy IP range. Panovu/PTZ: The award-winning multi-sensor range of powerful, full scene coverage products including multi-sensor, panoramic and PTZ models. Hikvision can introduce new products and features to the market rapidly and efficiently Hikvision Multi-level R&D System Hikvision can introduce new products and features to the market rapidly and efficiently as a result of its continued investment dedicated to research and development. Hikvision now has more than 20,000 employees, including more than 10,000 R&D engineers. The company invests 7 to 8 percent of its annual sales revenue in research and development for continued product innovation. Hikvision has established a complete, multi-level R&D system that includes every operation from research to design, development, testing, technical support, and services. Based at its Hangzhou headquarters, the R&D teams operate globally, including centres in Montreal and Silicon Valley, as well as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Wuhan in China. Hikvision Video Surveillance Technology Hikvision UK & Ireland Sales Director, Gary Harmer, says: “We are delighted to be attending and supporting IFSEC again this year as the global leader in the video surveillance industry. We are excited to share our latest technologies with new and existing partners and their clients. We’ll be featuring 10 product areas and will be discussing the latest innovations and applications in Artificial Intelligence. We’ll also be taking part in IFSEC’s ‘Show Me How’ initiative, where we will be displaying live demonstrations of our solutions. Keep your eye out for more impressive surprises with Hikvision during 2018 as we continue to grow in the UK market.” Hikvision’s stand will also showcase the work it does with its technology partners, including Seagate, Eagle Eye, Western Digital, Optex, Milestone Systems, IPS, and Netgenium Hikvision Partner Presence Hikvision’s stand will also showcase the work it does with its technology partners, including Seagate, Eagle Eye, Western Digital, Optex, Milestone Systems, IPS, and Netgenium. Representatives of each of these partners will be available to talk with visitors about how their solutions integrate with and complement those of Hikvision. Pyronix Intrusion Detection Solutions Intruder alarm specialist Pyronix is part of the Hikvision group of companies, and at IFSEC International 2018 will be showcasing the latest innovations in its control panel range on Hikvision’s stand. The new range includes the ProControl+ app, which brings video and intrusion together on one app, and features integration with Hikvision cameras for the first time. Pyronix’s new range of WIFI cameras will also be on show, demonstrating the total WIFI solution, designed largely for residential and small commercial applications. Pyronix will be showcasing future developments to this range, with exciting new features coming in the future to further enhance the user experience and drive value to installation companies. EZVIZ Smart Home Security Visitors will also have the chance to see the latest from Hikvision’s consumer brand, EZVIZ, a premier provider of smart home video technology, alarms and cloud services. EZVIZ offers a broad range of smart home video security solutions for multiple applications EZVIZ offers a broad range of home video security solutions for multiple applications, all of which have features such as 2-way audio, night vision, local, network and cloud recording, plus other specific features such as whole room coverage, auto tracking and active alert (siren and strobe alert built in to the camera to deter unwanted activity). Other products in the range include smart alarms, doorbells and security lighting, all of which integrate though a single app. The EZVIZ range of smart home video cameras can be directly integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa, with a range of Apple Home Kit products becoming available later this year. Amazon Echo Show and Spot allows users to stream their camera footage to their devices. All an EZVIZ user needs to do is simply say, "Alexa, show me the camera in the living room," and the feed from an Internet-connected camera will send the video to the Echo Show or Spot. Hikvision IFSEC Prize Draw All visitors to the Hikvision stand who submit business cards during Tuesday and Wednesday of IFSEC will be entered into a prize draw, the details of which will be available on the stand. The winners of the prize draw will be announced on Wednesday evening during the show. Visit Hikvision on Stand D300 to be in with a chance of winning.

Intrusion can be a complicated and expensive subject when looking to protect retail businesses. Each installation can come with various difficulties to overcome, whether this is aisles, display spaces, counters, furniture and more. Maximum Protection In All Areas Another consideration is that burglars can be creative when breaking in. To avoid detection, they can hide behind furniture, crawl across the floor or even stay close to walls or aisles, where there may be natural blind spots in the security system. Therefore, to ensure maximum protection in all areas, a multitude of detectors would need to be utilised to cover each angle the different obstacles create. This can be a very time-consuming and expensive exercise. So, what’s the solution for a cost-effective and efficient installation that provides maximum protection? Fit the Pyronix Octopus DQ and take a different approach to detection. Instead of fitting various detectors at varying angles to cover large or awkward areas, you can fit one and detect from above! Better Intruder Catch Performance This ceiling mount quad infrared detector utilizes advanced Pyronix technologies, with 360º coverage to provide complete peace of mind. With a quad-element passive infrared (PIR) sensor, the Octopus DQ has better intruder catch performance when compared with traditional dual element ceiling mount PIR sensors. While its simple clip in PCB, single screw fitting, selectable EOL resistors and walk test LED make the Octopus DQ fast to fit! A more cost effective and secure solution for any installation. With the Pyronix Octopus DQ, retail owners can have complete peace of mind that the security system is watching over their property.

Merger and acquisition activity has become a familiar topic in the physical security market. In 2016, SourceSecurity.com covered M&A news involving some of the industry’s largest companies, including high-profile names such as Tyco, Honeywell, Hikvision, ADT, and Ingram Micro. Here’s a look at the top 10 M&A stories in 2016, as covered by SourceSecurity.com:   1. Johnson Control And Tyco merge Johnson Controls and Tyco announced their merger into one company with annual revenue of $32 billion. Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, combined with global fire and security provider Tyco to create a leader in building products and technology, integrated solutions and energy solutions. Johnson Controls previously had a small presence in the physical security market, but their products have mostly centered around building controls, HVAC and energy storage technology. For its part, Tyco’s focus on video, access control and alarm systems has expanded to consider those systems in the context of broader building systems. The trend toward convergence in the building market is the common ground for these companies, and a major driver in their decision to merge under the name Johnson Controls. 2. Honeywell Acquires Xtralis And RSI Video Technologies Industry giant Honeywell agreed to acquire Xtralis, a global provider of aspirating smoke detection and advanced perimeter security technologies and video analytics software, for $480 million from funds advised by Pacific Equity Partners and Blum Capital Partners. Honeywell saw Xtralis' systems as complementing their growing Security and Fire business. A month or so later, Honeywell also acquired RSI Video Technologies, provider of the Videofied Intrusion Detection System, for $123 million. Upon completion of the acquisitions, both would become part of Honeywell Security and Fire. Honeywell also made headlines for a deal that didn’t happen. It seems Honeywell wanted to merge with UTC, but UTC declined because of “insurmountable regulatory obstacles and strong customer opposition.” 3. Ingram Micro Acquired By Chinese Conglomerate Ingram Micro Inc. and Tianjin Tianhai Investment Company, Ltd. announced a merger agreement under which Tianjin Tianhai would acquire Ingram Micro for $38.90 per share in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $6 billion. Ingram Micro would become a part of HNA Group, a Hainan-based Fortune Global 500 enterprise group and a leader in aviation, tourism and logistics and the largest stockholder of Tianjin Tianhai. ADT holds the largest share of the U.S. residential security market, and a respectable small business presence 4. ADT Merges With Protection 1 ADT, the well-known home and small business security company, which traces its history back to 1874, agreed in 2016 to be acquired by private equity firm Apollo Global Management, and would merge with competitor Protection 1, a subsidiary of Apollo-owned Prime Security Services Borrower LLC. The announcement comes amid rapid changes in the residential security and home automation market, much of it driven by emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology. ADT holds the largest share of the U.S. residential security market, and a respectable small business presence. Protection 1 began in 1991 when it was spun off from PacifiCorp., a power utility. It grew rapidly, largely through acquisition, into a full-service business and home security company. 5. Konica Minolta Acquires Majority Shares Of MOBOTIX Konica Minolta, Inc. entered into a share transfer agreement to acquire shares comprising about 65% ownership of German manufacturer MOBOTIX, developer of technologies including decentralized processing (edge computing) IP cameras, image data compression, and image data analytics. The deal was estimated at between $177 million and $265 million. Konica Minolta seeks to broaden the distribution of MOBOTIX products and solution services by leveraging its global direct sales network and after-sales support and services systems. 6. Hikvision Acquires Pyronix Hikvision, the world’s largest video surveillance manufacturer, announced the acquisition of Pyronix, the UK-based intrusion alarm security firm. Hikvision planned to apply Pyronix expertise and know-how in intrusion detection systems to its leading position in the video surveillance market. The combined know-how of Hikvision and Pyronix seeks to bring new advancements and innovative products to the market, converging two security technologies in video surveillance and intrusion detection. 7. Merger Creates AlliedUniversal Brand AlliedBarton Security Services and Universal Services of America agreed to merge, combining to do business under the AlliedUniversal brand. The combined company offers clients localised response and national support using technology solutions and approximately 140,000 highly-trained officers. The combined company is expected to have total annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. AlliedUniversal brand offers clients localised response and national support 8. Acre Acquires Two Companies ACRE, LLC, the holding company that owns Vanderbilt Industries and Mercury Security, made two more acquisitions this year. Through its subsidiary Vanderbilt, a global provider of state-of-the-art security systems, Acre acquired Access Control Technology Ltd (ACT), based in Dublin, Ireland. This purchase would enhance Vanderbilt’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening its access control business and product portfolio. Later in the year, Acre also announced plans to acquire Communication Networks LLC (dba ComNet), a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment. The acquisition of ComNet builds on the ACRE family of companies, providing complementary communication technologies utilised across its access control, intrusion, video, and cloud-based product ranges. 9. Gemalto To Buy 3M’s Identity Business Gemalto, a provider of digital security, agreed to acquire 3M's Identity Management Business for US $850 million; it will become part of Gemalto Government Programs. 3M's Identity Management Business is comprised of 3M Cogent Inc., which provides a full spectrum of biometric solutions with a focus on civil identification, border control and law enforcement, and 3M's Document Reader and Secure Materials Businesses. 10. Bosch And Sony Partner Up Although technically not a merger or acquisition, Bosch Security Systems and Sony signed a contract to establish a business partnership to collaborate in the development of products and solutions in the field of video security applications, beginning in 2017. Bosch will handle the sales and marketing globally for all of Sony’s video surveillance products (outside of Japan). The two companies will also pool their technology expertise, leveraging Sony’s imaging capabilities and Bosch’s analytics and networking strengths. See the full coverage of 2016/2017 Review and Forecast articles hereSave Save Save