Benjamin Low

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), unveils the findings of Video Surveillance Solutions in Singapore, a research study commissioned by Milestone Systems. The study revealed that while satisfaction with video surveillance continues to remain high, few firms are fully taking advantage of intelligent video solutions, beyond basic functions such as surveillance today. 92 percent of surveyed retail businesses are satisfied with their current video surveillance solutions, with more than 50 percent of businesses recognizing basic benefits of video surveillance for security (96 percent), live recordings (61 percent), and entry and exit logs (53 percent). Despite this, video surveillance is still only seen as a necessary business cost, rather than a tool which can help optimize business processes to drive growth. Just under half of businesses surveyed (47 percent) were unable to assess the true benefits of video surveillance solutions and how it has improved staff productivity or profitability, but instead merely view video surveillance as a measure against security threats. Organizations, in particular, remain unaware of additional functions such as facial recognition and heat mapping, that can help improve operational efficiency by generating a strategic overview of their processes and/or customers. Intelligent Video Surveillance Intelligent video surveillance will be the key to retail businesses surviving the disruption caused in their industry by e-commerce players. Improving technology, layered with analytics, will help companies to upgrade capabilities to combat productivity challenges while expanding their customer base. “Video surveillance is still seen as a deterrent to threats, not as a business enabler. With the retail industry facing a productivity crunch and operating in diverse and complex environments, it is important to embrace technology that can help them to leverage the full potential of video beyond surveillance to achieve their long-term business goals”, said Benjamin Low, Vice President of Asia Pacific, Milestone Systems. “Businesses have valid concerns when it comes to the adoption of video surveillance solutions, and there is a need to educate businesses on the various benefits of video surveillance. As technology continues to develop in the Asia Pacific, video surveillance will play a large part in helping organizations optimize their business processes.” Using video management solutions, the retail industry can continue thriving in an innovative and vibrant economy amidst rapid technological change.

Milestone Systems, the provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS), has successfully completed a seamless 24/7 security surveillance solution for Goyang City in South Korea. One of the 10 most dynamically developing cities in the world, Goyang is now safer than ever, as civil safety staff are equipped with Milestone’s integrated IP video solution to crack down on crime-prone districts and blind spots in the city. Goyang City Goyang City, a top tourist destination with a rich 600-year history, attracts thousands of tourist arrivals throughout the year. To ensure a safe and pleasant experience for both citizens and tourists, the city implemented a comprehensive, integrated overhaul of its security solutions. Under the previous video surveillance system, many incidents of downtime occurred, requiring a manual reboot each time its function failed. Staff resources were heavily overutilized, as several members had to be placed on duty around the clock for constant monitoring, which added on to already high maintenance costs. In order to maintain security and to more effectively conduct 360-surveillance checks, Goyang City opted for Milestone XProtect software to replace its old video surveillance system. Milestone XProtect Software Working in partnership with Omecca, a Milestone Platinum Partner, Goyang City implemented an integrated surveillance solution that offers scalability, flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. With over 2,500 video cameras to implement, a seamless transition without causing disruption to daily operations was crucial. Omecca worked with Goyang to replace the old video management software with Milestone’s enhanced XProtect solution. Within two weeks, all video cameras were replaced with the new system, allowing each staff member to monitor approximately 100 cameras simultaneously using the carousel feature and comprehensive XProtect Smart Wall overview.  “As the city continues to grow, we remain confident that the Milestone security surveillance system can be easily expanded to accommodate additional security demands,” commented An Dong Soo, head of civil safety centre, Goyang City. “Public safety is of paramount importance, and we are committed to investing in the latest technologies to help us reduce administrative time and improve the efficiency of our resources.” Benjamin Low, Vice President for APAC at Milestone Systems, said, “We understand the importance of public safety in Goyang, the smart city of Korea. The upgrading of Goyang’s video management software to a flexible and future proof one is a huge step to that, and we’re delighted to have worked with one of our Platinum partners, Omecca, to help Goyang achieve their safe city vision.” Enhanced Scalability And Flexibility Milestone provides Goyang with the scalability and flexibility to expand on the security with more innovations at any time Milestone provides Goyang with the scalability and flexibility to expand on the security with more innovations at any time. Since the initial installation of 2,500 video cameras, an additional 2,200 cameras have been added – bringing the total number of cameras to 4,700 at present. Milestone XProtect also helps operators to respond rapidly to unfolding events by integrating two new pieces of software – a facility management system to manage IP camera devices on site and a video export software application for remote searching/playback/export of video data from other locations. This open interoperability designed by Milestone Systems enables installing partners to implement best-in-class solutions for customized, enhanced security, providing a future-proof, scalable platform. “The ability to install flexible, scalable Milestone software on our existing hardware infrastructure, and subsequently to add new features from interoperability with facility management software and remote video exporting, has helped us make continual improvements in the quality of our video surveillance technology,” said An. “Milestone Systems is committed to working with Goyang City Hall, to provide industry leading video surveillance software for public safety. As the smart city of South Korea, Goyang will continue to grow, and we are confident that our open platform integrated surveillance system will be able to meet its security needs,” Benjamin Low, Vice President for APAC at Milestone Systems, comments.

Milestone Systems, the leading provider for open platform IP video management software (VMS), announced the successful implementation of an integrated video surveillance solution for Thailand’s largest state-owned power producer, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Thailand’s leading state-owned power utility manages hydropower plants in classified and sensitive areas, relying heavily on video footage to monitor sites and enhance security. As a single plant sometimes requires more than 200 cameras, EGAT needed a scalable and cost-efficient video surveillance system. Being situated over an hour away from the city was also a challenge. Without a unified video surveillance system, monitoring and surveying the water level of 14 dams across the country proved challenging, with inappropriate response times leading to floods and potential loss of lives. Selecting XProtect VMS 8 Bit Solution, a trusted provider of Milestone solutions, carried out a comprehensive needs analysis evaluation process for EGAT. Milestone’s XProtect video management software, a cost-effective solution, was selected to manage and integrate existing cameras located at all six hydro power plants, without causing disruption to daily operations. With this in place, EGAT was then able to distribute its resources more efficiently, saving energy and resources. “Besides the 35 percent reduction in manpower and labor costs, Milestone XProtect video management software continued to enhance security of our premises and ensure the safety of all employees,” said Mr. Kriangsak Chinwong, System Analyst, and Head of Control Equipment, North-eastern Region, EGAT. “Milestone provided a flexible and future-proof solution for the various power generation sites that we are monitoring,” said Chinwong. “The flexibility and scalability of Milestone’s solutions allowed us to integrate our cameras seamlessly for round-the-clock surveillance.” Future Integrations Benjamin Low, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Milestone Systems, added, “Milestone’s solution for EGAT mirrors our values to our clients. We will continue to pursue greater innovation in surveillance and serve as a reliable solution for managing risk and protecting people and assets.” Looking ahead, EGAT is looking to take advantage of Milestone’s open platform to integrate additional features, such as XProtect License Plate Recognition and Milestone XProtect Access, a module that helps customers integrate third-party access control systems, to fully maximize the potential of their current video surveillance solution. “Milestone’s open platform makes it easy to integrate with other systems, and we plan to make use of that.” commented Chinwong, “A high-quality security system with stable, scalable and flexible features helps us to put safety at the heart of our business.”

Promise’s Vess A2000 Series NVR was one of the first IT infrastructure solutions to be certified by Milestone At the Milestone Community Days event in Macau, Promise Technology was named the Best Storage Solution Partner in APAC by Milestone Systems for the second consecutive year. Milestone is a provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS) and Promise is a provider of servers and storage solutions optimized for video surveillance. The synergy and close cooperation between the two companies was a key factor in Promise receiving the award from Milestone in addition to Promise’s commitment to creating innovative solutions that help the companies’ shared customers meet their unique needs. Vess A2000 Series NVR Promise’s Vess A2000 Series NVR was one of the first IT infrastructure solutions to be certified by Milestone for interoperability with XProtect VMS. This dedication by Promise to provide solutions that are interoperable and optimized for XProtect VMS has continued throughout the years as the company’s newest Vess A2330 and A3340 NVRs have also been certified by Milestone. As a Milestone-certified solution provider, customers are assured that Promise’s servers and storage products can be deployed with XProtect VMS knowing the solution will not only offer an optimized user experience but will also perform reliably. Interoperable IT Infrastructure Solution “As market competition continues to intensify, we are committed to seeing one another succeed. Co-creation is a value which is unique to our open platform community, which offers a framework for us to succeed together, by leveraging each other’s innovations. Promise was one of the first providers of a Milestone-certified interoperable IT infrastructure solution, and we are delighted to present Promise the Best Storage Solution Partner award in APAC for the second year running,” commented Benjamin Low, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Milestone Systems. Extensive Partner Ecosystem “At Promise, we take pride in not only having an extensive partner ecosystem, but in the fact that we work tirelessly with these partners to ensure our customers are offered optimal solutions for every project,” said John van den Elzen, General Manager, Surveillance Business Unit, Promise Technology. “We are honored to have received this award from Milestone for the second year in a row as it validates our dedication to providing solutions purpose-built for the video surveillance market.”

Promise’s Vess NVR and external storage solutions are certified by Milestone for interoperability with XProtect VMS At the Milestone Partner Open Platform (MPOP) Asia event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Promise Technology was named the ‘Best Storage Solution Partner’ for Asia by Milestone Systems, the world-leading provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS). Close cooperation and integration with partners throughout the surveillance ecosystem is important for Promise and the commitment towards its alliance with Milestone was a key reason for the company beating other storage vendors for the award. Being named the ‘Best Storage Solution Partner’ by Milestone is recognition of Promise’s position as a leading video surveillance storage solution provider. Close Integration Provides Optimized Experience Promise has worked closely with Milestone for years in providing proven surveillance solutions for customers around the globe. Promise’s Vess network video recorder (NVR) and external storage solutions are certified by Milestone for interoperability with XProtect® VMS, making the combined solution suitable for any type of application and project size. Additionally, the close integration between the two companies aims to provide an optimized user experience with the development of features such as the XProtect plug-in available with Vess NVRs. The unique plug-in makes storage management significantly more convenient for users as the Vess graphic user interface is embedded in the XProtect application and runs as an integrated part of the software. “Promise Technology is one of our important Alliance Partners in APAC and we really value their commitment to Milestone over the years,” said Benjamin Low, Vice-President Sales for Milestone APAC region. “We had a few key wins with them in 2015 and we look forward to even greater success with them this year.” "Receiving the award as Milestone’s best storage solution partner is important to Promise as it is a representation of the success our shared customers have experienced in designing the best performing solutions for their video surveillance projects,” said John van den Elzen, General Manager, Surveillance Business Unit, Promise Technology. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Milestone so we can deliver even more integration possibilities and innovative solutions to the benefit of our users.”

Asahi Net will build and supply a cloud solution based on Milestone XProtect Corporate VMS Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), held a Signing Ceremony with Asahi Net at the Danish Embassy in Tokyo on June 23. The gathering of media, security associations, distributors and market research analysts witnessed the signing of the agreement for Asahi Net to become an official Milestone Service Provider Partner. Asahi Net will build and supply a cloud solution based on Milestone XProtect Corporate VMS in collaboration with Milestone IT Infrastructure Partner PROMISE Technology, manufacturer of data storage servers designed for flexible, reliable cloud services. At the ceremony, Asahi Net President Jiro Hijikata and Milestone Systems VP Asia Pacific Japan Benjamin Low signed the partnership contract. “Japan has one of the most advanced internet infrastructures in the world, and combined with Asahi Net's long experience, deep expertise and extensive network, Milestone is confident we will build a cloud solution that will be attractive to even the most demanding Japanese customers. The Asahi Net cloud surveillance solution is based on our flagship software, XProtect Corporate. Besides the VMS, other critical components for success are network stability and bandwidth, which Asahi Net can deliver,” said Benjamin Low. “Milestone XProtect is running cloud solutions elsewhere in the world but this will be the first Milestone-based cloud solution in Japan. Both Milestone and Asahi Net understand that customization and thorough testing are necessary, and that is why the implementation and release of this cloud service is divided into several phases leading to the general launch next year.” In this new partnership, PROMISE Technology is responsible for providing the surveillance cloud platform, as well as customizing the XProtect Corporate VMS according to Asahi Net's requirements. Milestone engineers will be involved providing Custom Development services, as well. Asahi Net will provide the cloud service (including VMS licenses), network, and camera options through Milestone distributors and resellers. Milestone channel partners can add this new service to an already comprehensive on-premise XProtect product line as another flexible monitoring tool to serve varied customer needs. Asahi Net is an independent internet provider also offering cloud services through a communications environment allowing connection between web sites and networks globally. Their services are provided in partnership with major telecom carriers throughout Japan.

Low will focus on working with the APAC sales personnel and partner ecosystem of distributors Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), announces Benjamin Low as the new VP Sales, APAC. He will be based out of the company’s office in Singapore, and report directly to Kenneth H. Petersen, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at the Danish headquarters. Low will focus on working with the Asia Pacific Milestone sales personnel and partner ecosystem of distributors, installers, solution partners and camera manufacturers. Benjamin on being appointed as VP Sales “I am profoundly honored to join Milestone Systems in this important strategic position, and very much look forward to working with the global teams to further fulfill the region’s need for solutions to optimize the safety of citizens,” said Benjamin Low. “Open platform technology is a game changer and the key to fulfill wide-ranging market demands in APAC. I aim to contribute to Milestone Systems’ continued success in an open world.” Background with international sales Low comes to Milestone with extensive experience and a strong track record in cyber security and IT sales. His background is in international sales with high-profile security systems technology companies. He has spent the majority of his career in Singapore and Hong Kong, working most recently as Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Guidance Software. There, he worked with a team across the Asia Pacific region that successfully tripled the preceding year’s entire FY13 revenue. Previously, Low was Vice President, Asia Pacific, at Proofpoint, an international organization that specializes in cyber security. He has attended Stanford University and the National University of Singapore for a Graduate Program in International Management, and an MBA from Adelaide University, Australia. Milestone CMO of Sales comments “Benjamin has demonstrated significant leadership and sales skills that drive growth in the Asia Pacific region,” says Kenneth Petersen. “We know his depth of experience in APAC will enable him to significantly enhance our ability to serve customers effectively in this quickly expanding market.”