BCDVideo Network Video Recorders (NVR) / Network DVRs  (8)

Securing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the transportation industry is multi-faceted for a multitude of reasons. Pressures build for transit industry players to modernise their security systems, while also mitigating the vulnerabilities, risks, and growth-restrictions associated with proprietary as well as integrated solutions. There are the usual physical security obstacles when it comes to increasingly integrated solutions and retrofitting updated technologies into legacy systems. Starting with edge devices like cameras and intelligent sensors acquiring video, analytics and beyond, these edge devices are now found in almost all public transportation like buses, trains, subways, airplanes, cruise lines, and so much more. You can even find them in the world’s last manually operated cable car systems in San Francisco. The next layer to consider is the infrastructure and networks that support these edge devices and connect them to centralized monitoring stations or a VMS. Without this layer, all efforts at the edge or stations are in vain as you lose the connection between the two. And the final layer to consider when building a comprehensive transit solution is the software, recording devices, or viewing stations themselves that capture and report the video. The challenge of mobility However, the transportation industry in particular has a very unique challenge that many others do not – mobility. As other industries become more connected and integrated, they don’t usually have to consider going in and out or bouncing between networks as edge devices physically move. Obviously in the nature of transportation, this is key. Have you ever had a bad experience with your cellular, broadband or Wi-Fi at your home or office? You are not alone. The transportation industry in particular has a very unique challenge that many others do not – mobility Can you trust these same environments to record your surveillance video to the Cloud without losing any frames, non-stop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? To add to the complexity – how do you not only provide a reliable and secure solution when it’s mobile, traveling at varying speeds, and can be in/out of coverage using various wireless technologies? Waiting to upload video from a transport vehicle when it comes into port, the station, or any centralized location is a reactive approach that simply will not do any longer. Transit operations require a more proactive approach today and the ability to constantly know what is going on at any given time on their mobile vehicles, and escalate that information to headquarters, authorities, or law enforcement if needed; which can only occur with real-time monitoring. This is the ultimate question when it comes to collecting, analyzing, and sharing data from mobile vehicles – how to get the video from public transportation vehicles alike to headquarters in real time! Managing video data In order to answer this question, let’s get back to basics. The management and nature of video data differs greatly from conventional (IT) data. Not only is video conducted of large frames, but there are specific and important relationships among the frames and the timing between them. This relationship can easily get lost in translation if not handled properly. This is why it’s critical to consider the proper way to transmit large frames while under unstable or variable networks. The Internet and its protocols were designed more than two decades ago and purposed for conventional data. Although the Internet itself has not changed, today’s network environments run a lot faster, expand to further ranges, and support a variety of different types of data. Because the internet is more reliable and affordable than in the past some might think it can handle anything. However, it is good for data, but not for video. This combination makes it the perfect time to convert video recording to the Cloud! Video transmission protocol One of the main issues with today’s technology is the degradation of video quality when transmitting video over the Internet. ITS are in dire need for reliable transmission of real-time video recording. To address this need a radical, yet proven, video transmission protocol has recently been introduced to the market. It uses AI technology and to adapt to different environments in order to always deliver high quality, complete video frames. This protocol, when equipped with encryption and authentication, enables video to be transmitted reliably and securely over the Internet in a cloud environment. One of the main issues with today’s technology is the degradation of video quality when transmitting video over the Internet Finally, transportation industry has a video recording Cloud solution that is designed for (massive) video that can handle networks that might be experiencing high error rate. Such a protocol will not only answer the current challenges of the transportation industry, but also make the previously risky Cloud environment safe for even the most reserved environments and entities. With revolutionary transmission protocols, the time is now to consider adopting private Cloud for your transportation operations.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorization and the appropriate credentials. The access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customized and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms powers continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

In 2017, IoT-based cyberattacks increased by 600%. As the industry moves towards the mass adoption of interconnected physical security devices, end users have found a plethora of advantages, broadening the scope of traditional video surveillance solutions beyond simple safety measures. Thanks in part to these recent advancements, our physical solutions are at a higher risk than ever before. With today’s ever evolving digital landscape and the increasing complexity of physical and cyber-attacks, it’s imperative to take specific precautions to combat these threats. Video surveillance systems Cybersecurity is not usually the first concern to come to mind When you think of a video surveillance system, cybersecurity is not usually the first concern to come to mind, since digital threats are usually thought of as separate from physical security. Unfortunately, these two are becoming increasingly intertwined as intruders continue to use inventive methods in order to access an organization's assets. Hacks and data breaches are among the top cyber concerns, but many overlook the fact that weak cybersecurity practices can lead to physical danger as well. Organizations that deploy video surveillance devices paired with advanced analytics programs often leave themselves vulnerable to a breach without even realizing it. While they may be intelligent, IoT devices are soft targets that cybercriminals and hackers can easily exploit, crippling a physical security system from the inside out. Physical security manufacturers Whether looking to simply gain access to internal data, or paralyze a system prior to a physical attack, allowing hackers easy access to surveillance systems can only end poorly. In order to stay competitive, manufacturers within the security industry are trading in their traditional analog technology and moving towards interconnected devices. Due to this, security can no longer be solely focused on the physical elements and end users have taken note. The first step towards more secured solutions starts with physical security manufacturers choosing to make cybersecurity a priority for all products, from endpoint to edge and beyond. Gone are the days of end users underestimating the importance of reliability within their solutions. Manufacturers that choose to invest time and research into the development of cyber-hardening will be ahead of the curve and an asset to all. Wireless communication systems Integrators also become complicit in any issues that may arise in the future Aside from simply making the commitment to improve cyber hygiene, there are solid steps that manufacturers can take. One simple action is incorporating tools and features into devices that allow end users to more easily configure their cyber protection settings. Similarly, working with a third party to perform penetration testing on products can help to ensure the backend security of IoT devices. This gives customers peace of mind and manufacturers a competitive edge. While deficient cybersecurity standards can reflect poorly on manufacturers by installing vulnerable devices on a network, integrators also become complicit in any issues that may arise in the future. Just last year, ADT was forced to settle a $16 million class action lawsuit when the company installed an unencrypted wireless communication system that rendered an organization open to hacks. Cybersecurity services In addition, we’ve all heard of the bans, taxes and tariffs the U.S. government has recently put on certain manufacturers, depending on their country of origin and cybersecurity practices. Lawsuits aside, employing proper cybersecurity standards can give integrators a competitive advantage. With the proliferation of hacks, malware, and ransomware, integrators that can ease their client's cyber-woes are already a step ahead. By choosing to work with cybersecurity-focused manufacturers who provide clients with vulnerability testing and educate end users on best practices, integrators can not only thrive but find new sources of RMR. Education, collaboration and participation are three pillars when tackling cybersecurity from all angles. For dealers and integrators who have yet to add cybersecurity services to their business portfolios, scouting out a strategic IT partner could be the answer. Unlocking countless opportunities Becoming educated on the topic of cybersecurity and its importance for an organization is the first step Physical security integrators who feel uncomfortable diving headfirst into the digital realm may find that strategically aligning themselves with an IT or cyber firm will unlock countless opportunities. By opening the door to a partnership with an IT-focused firm, integrators receive the benefit of cybersecurity insight on future projects and a new source of RMR through continued consulting with current customers. In exchange, the IT firm gains a new source of clients in an industry otherwise untapped. This is a win for all those involved. While manufacturers, dealers and integrators play a large part in the cybersecurity of physical systems, end users also play a crucial role. Becoming educated on the topic of cybersecurity and its importance for an organization is the first step. Commonplace cybersecurity standards Below is a list of commonplace cybersecurity standards that all organizations should work to implement for the protection of their own video surveillance solutions: Always keep camera firmware up to date for the latest cyber protections. Change default passwords, especially those of admins, to keep the system locked to outside users. Create different user groups with separate rights to ensure all users have only the permissions they need. Set an encryption key for surveillance recordings to safeguard footage against intruders and prevent hackers from accessing a system through a backdoor. Enable notifications, whether for error codes or storage failures, to keep up to date with all systems happenings. Create/configure an OpenVPN connection for secured remote access. Check the web server log on a regular basis to see who is accessing the system. Ensure that web crawling is forbidden to prevent images or data found on your device from being made searchable. Avoid exposing devices to the internet unless strictly necessary to reduce the risk of attacks.

BCDVideo, the pioneer in video data infrastructure, announces that it has partnered with Wasabi, the hot cloud storage company for video surveillance storage in the cloud. In an industry moving rapidly toward a hybrid-cloud model, this partnership expands the ability for both manufacturers to offer their customers a complete package: BCDVideo’s purpose-built, on-premises storage options and Wasabi’s competitive hot cloud storage solutions. Together, these two companies deliver a hybrid cloud solution that takes advantage of existing infrastructure, as well as next-generation cloud storage technology, to secure high volumes of video efficiently and affordably. Surveillance security market “We are thrilled about the opportunities this partnership will open up,” said Jeff Burgess, CEO at BCD International. “Wasabi’s cloud technology is already optimized for the video surveillance cloud storage space, which makes it a perfect extension for our purpose-built on-premises devices — working together is a no-brainer.” Building on more than two decades of experience manufacturing video appliances in the surveillance security market, BCD is committed to offering customers the best user experience and value. Marrying Wasabi hot cloud storage with BCDVideo’s Harmonise Bridge enables BCD and Video Storage Solutions (VSS) appliances to interact with Wasabi cloud storage and allows BCD to deliver on that commitment. With a cloud storage option that is one-fifth the price and faster than the competition, with no additional egress fees or API request charges, Wasabi is a game-changing, cloud technology provider. Together, these companies are moving the industry forward. Video surveillance storage Wasabi has a goal to make cloud storage a simple commodity and utility" “We see video surveillance storage requirements growing quickly and outpacing the capacities of on-premises storage alone. By adding affordable, high-performance cloud storage to the equation with BCD’s on-premises storage, you get the best of both worlds,” said David Friend, CEO of Wasabi. “Wasabi has a goal to make cloud storage a simple commodity and utility, just like electricity, so together with BCD, we make video surveillance storage simple and affordable in high volumes.” Because Wasabi’s cloud offering integrates with video surveillance vendors, customers can operate surveillance systems using anywhere from one to 1,000 cameras with varying storage needs, all with plenty of room to scale. Wasabi offers existing BCD customers flexibility as well, allowing users to use as much or as little cloud storage as works best for their system. Surveillance storage systems Using cloud storage as part of surveillance solutions allows customers to take advantage of bottomless storage while reducing the close and build-time required for hardware overhauls. Not to mention, with 11x9s of data durability (99.999999999% reliability), Wasabi hot cloud storage is a powerful addition to the BCD suite of appliances. As video is mission-critical, it is crucial to build surveillance storage systems that can archive older data at a lower cost, free up on-premises storage, and reduce the need for new CapEx spending in the meantime. Bringing BCDVideo and Wasabi together achieves that goal and paves an important path forward.

BCD International, the global video data infrastructure manufacturer comprised of BCDVideo, Video Storage Solutions (VSS), and BCDOEM, announced its Harmonize iDRAC plug-in integration with Milestone Systems XProtect® video management software (VMS). iDRAC, which stands for Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller, is a health monitoring agent for secure remote and local server management, powered by Dell Technologies, that resides on BCD servers and appliances. BCD has taken the iDRAC service and tightly integrated it with XProtect® so that hardware events, notifications and alarms are now presented within the VMS. Now, end-users and system integrators can monitor iDRAC features, such as hard disk status, temperatures, fan speed and power supplies, through XProtect®. BCDVideo and VSS appliances will be available with the Harmonize iDRAC plug-in with XProtect® beginning May 2021. BCD Harmonize iDRAC API Continuing to expand its technological prowess from its foundation in 1999 as a provider of high-availability IT servers to Fortune 500 companies to the pioneering provider of purpose-built video appliances in the surveillance security market, BCD remains committed to delivering the best user experience and value to its customer base. BCD achieves this by adding integrations that are available only through BCD’s purpose-built appliances, as standard features on all of its related appliances. The Harmonize iDRAC plug-in for XProtect® is just one of the notable offerings under BCD’s Harmonize portfolio of software solutions. How the integration works is BCD’s Harmonize software suite ingests the iDRAC API and listens for specific events, such as drive failure, and shares this critical system information in real-time to operators. The integration ultimately empowers end-users and system integrators to be ahead of failures and proactively manage any server crashes that may happen. It also gives them insight as to how well or poor the server resources are being utilized by being able to monitor central processing unit (CPU) and random access memory (RAM) consumption. Milestone’s XProtect This has been the missing link for the complete visibility of the health of the Milestone solution" “The BCD Harmonize iDRAC plug-in with Milestone’s XProtect® software is a game changer,” said Andrew Hubble, Managing Director, APAC at BCD International. “BCD’s unique innovation completes the integrated relationship of the BCD appliance and the XProtect® software to provide the ability to receive alarms from both BCD’s appliance and Milestone’s software via the XProtect® graphic user interface.” “This has been the missing link for the complete visibility of the health of the Milestone solution. Additionally, the Harmonize iDRAC plug-in now gives users basic configuration of the BCD appliance along with Milestone’s software, providing better return on investment, competitiveness, and user experience for customers and their supporting system integrators.” As video is mission critical, there has been strong demand for remote server management and health monitoring technologies from a single application across the industry. Any issue that arises from the video surveillance platform should be handled with the same importance as a camera tamper event, a door forced the issue in an access control system, or complex analytics setting. Those events are immediately pushed to an operator. With the Harmonize iDRAC plug-in, operators using XProtect® will now be able to immediately see and respond to storage issues before failure or other catastrophic events occur via the same screen as they are live viewing the site.

Global video data infrastructure pioneer, BCDVideo debuted their new A&E security specifiers program, which is open for online registration through the BCDVideo website. This tailored program will allow specifiers to leverage BCD’s two decades of experience and partnerships through an easy-to-use online portal, offering plentiful technical resources, ongoing education, and expert support. With the help of the skillful A&E taskforce that BCD has assembled for this program, consultants will have direct access to BCD technology specialists that can provide the most up-to-date product specifications and extended guidance. The program is available to security specifiers internationally. Video storage trends Through BCDVideo’s A&E program, consultants can access an abundance of tools for designing custom engineered solutions, leveraging BCD’s trusted video surveillance solutions to create an optimal security system and client satisfaction. The online portal gives 24/7 access to technical documentation and resources, including, CSI MasterFormat 2020 specifications, system designs, product images, and data sheets, calculators, and MSRP pricing, ensuring that consultants can find answers to many product specifications without waiting for a response. Program registration kicks off with a one-hour, virtual Lunch & Learn Additionally, ongoing education in virtualization, accelerated computing for AI, network infrastructure, and current video storage trends will become available to keep specifiers on the cutting edge of how emerging technologies impact growth and convergence. Program registration kicks off with a one-hour, virtual Lunch & Learn to introduce BCD’s products, technologies, and professional services and how the A&E program resources will support system design and provide guaranteed, custom engineered project solutions. Resilient security systems BCD’s renowned support services are extended through the A&E program as well, with designated task force experts ready to offer project consulting, design assistance, and verification that remove risk and liability from specifiers and help position integrators to win the bid. A major differentiator from other A&E programs is that BCDVideo guarantees that the proposed design will fit and perform as intended, or they will fix the shortfall at their own cost, giving partners the ultimate project assurance. “We are excited and proud to launch the BCDVideo A&E program,” said Maureen Carlo, Director of Strategic Alliances in North America. “Consultants need resources they can trust so they can accurately design reliable and resilient security systems and recommend solutions that meet their clients’ needs and budget. BCD has the resources to provide that guidance – and if we don’t have a specific answer, we are partners with some of the largest tech and software manufacturers in the world – an alliance that is supportive of our program.” Creating useful resource BCD has done an excellent job creating a useful resource for the A&E community" Positive feedback is already being generated from initial members of BCDVideo’s A&E Program. “I am very pleased to see BCD taking these next steps with their A&E program to build stronger individual relationships and to provide important tools and information for the consulting community,” said Ray Coulombe, Managing Director at SecuritySpecifiers. “These actions should provide great value to security system specifiers.” “BCD has done an excellent job creating a useful resource for the A&E community,” said Frank Pisciotta, CSC, President, and CEO of Business Protection Specialists, Inc. “Even in its infancy, I have found the BCDVideo A&E Program to be an excellent resource. You have set the bar high for interfacing with the security specifying consultant community.” Video data infrastructure As video data infrastructure continues to change rapidly, it’s crucial that consultants have evolving resources and knowledgeable support available that will enable them to provide clients with top-quality, pinpointed solutions. BCDVideo’s new A&E program presents a dynamic and value-laden platform, especially in combination with their long-standing expertise, strategic partnerships, and unparalleled video data infrastructure offerings. Security consultants around the globe will be able to bring together powerful industry knowledge, support, and products through the BCDVideo A&E program to design winning solutions for diverse clients.