Joe Byron

Fire and security systems are two elements of the same mission: To keep buildings and their occupants safe. However, the two systems often operate independently and may not be integrated. Should there be more integration and what are the pitfalls? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating security and fire systems?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?

There will be more artificial intelligence, more machine learning, video systems with more capabilities, and all of it will add greater value to our solutions. Those are among the expectations of our Expert Panel Roundtable as they collectively look ahead to the remainder of 2019. One unexpected prediction is that AI will not prove to be a game changer – at least not yet. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the biggest surprise for security in the second half of 2019?

People are an essential component of any physical security system. Automation hasn’t taken over completely yet! But how has innovation changed the skillsets security operators need to operate systems effectively? The two elements – technology and manpower – must operate seamlessly and hand-in-glove to ensure that modern systems live up to their full potential. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does technology innovation in security systems impact the skillsets needed by security operators and officers?

ISC West 2019 is in the industry’s rear-view mirror, and what a show it was! The busy three days in April offered a preview of exciting technologies and industry trends for the coming year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at ISC West 2019?

The year ahead holds endless promise for the physical security industry, and much of that future will be determined by which technologies the industry embraces. The menu of possibilities is long – from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things to the cloud and much more – and each technology trend has the potential to transform the market in its own way. We tapped into the collective expertise of our Expert Panel Roundtable to answer this question: What technology trend will have the biggest impact on the security market in 2019?

MOBOTIX, global manufacturer of high-quality secure IP video systems, will showcase its award-winning lineup of smart IoT devices for a range of vertical applications at ISC West 2019 from April 9-12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas (booth #16089). MOBOTIX solutions are quality engineered for high-performance and reliability with a multi-layer approach to cybersecurity safeguards. Attendees will also be able to meet with key members of the MOBOTIX leadership team, including MOBOTIX CEO and security industry veteran Thomas Lausten. IoT Wall MOBOTIX will highlight its Programable Logic Devices (PLDs) in a unique IoT wall booth design. The IoT Wall will showcase pre-programmed cameras alongside peripherals, such as lightbulbs, fans and switches, for automation demonstrations. These intelligent IoT devices reach beyond security to create more efficient operations for businesses in many verticals, from predictive militances in industrial applications to data-based merchandising strategy in retail. Similarly, MOBOTIX will be hosting in-booth presentations covering a wide variety of topics. MOBOTIX will also showcase the MOBOTIX MOVE line, featuring enhanced infrared technology and a pan-tilt-zoom functionality MOBOTIX will also display its T26 Outdoor Station and Access Module for education campuses, which is a high-resolution hemispheric IP video door station with emergency-duress functionality allowing for keyless entry to secured buildings. MOBOTIX MOVE IP Cameras MOBOTIX will also showcase the MOBOTIX MOVE line, featuring enhanced infrared technology and a pan-tilt-zoom functionality, and its thermal imaging line in which the M16 thermal camera won a SIA New Product Showcase Award last year. Both product lines are embedded with MOBOTIX’s layered cybersecurity protocols and support ONVIF standards to enable seamless integration into third-party systems. “This year at ISC West, MOBOTIX will be focusing heavily on our intelligent IoT solutions. We are looking to educate integrators and end users on Programable Logic Devices, or PLDs, to highlight the endless customizable solutions we offer to our customers,” said Joseph Byron, Vice President: Americas MOBOTIX. “All of MOBOTIX’s products are quality engineered in Germany, with outstanding performance capabilities that reach far beyond simple security and surveillance applications to provide an enhanced value and business intelligence for customers.”

Change is happening at MOBOTIX, and the German company wants to get the word out. “This company has been around since 1999, and people still give us a blank stare because they don’t understand what’s behind the curtain,” says Joe Byron, Vice President Sales Americas, MOBOTIX CORP. “As we gain visibility, people really want to know ‘what’s going on over there?’” There’s a lot going on. A new CEO, Thomas Lausten, who joined the company last year, is a former Milestone employee who brings with him the Milestone philosophy of open systems. It’s a culture shift for MOBOTIX, which has historically favored closed systems. “We needed a new leader to take us to the next level,” says Byron. “Thomas brings an open-platform mentality. He listens to a variety of opinions – from end users, architects and engineers, and MOBOTIX employees – before formulating a smart decision. That will take us to the next level.”MOBOTIX has been well ahead of the industry’s technology curve, and several early innovations have recently become more common The MOBOTIX Ecosystem Over the years, MOBOTIX has developed a unique “culture” that has many rabid devotees; some say it’s the security industry’s version of tech giant Apple. “MOBOTIX has many loyalists, who are enthused about the products and the culture,” says Byron. “We can build on that with a new level of products, more excitement and a new direction.” In addition to a new CEO, MOBOTIX will soon have a new chief technology officer (CTO), Hartmut Sprave, who will be joining this summer. Providing “fresh eyes on the subject” and an outside perspective from the IT industry will drive further innovation. “We don’t want to be on the bleeding edge, but on the cutting edge, and know the audience and its needs and challenges,” says Byron. MOBOTIX’ existing technology mix provides a foundation as the company makes the transition. In some cases, MOBOTIX has been well ahead of the industry’s technology curve, and several early innovations have recently become more common. An example is MOBOTIX’ decentralized system approach with edge-based recording. Tradeshow Successes  Products highlighted by MOBOTIX at the recent ISC West show included the M16 AllroundDual Multisensor IP camera, S16 DualFlex IP camera and the Q26 Hemispheric 360-degree panoramic IP camera for indoor and outdoor applications. MOBOTIX Management Center (MxMC) 1.8 can change the camera settings on 80 cameras at a time. MOBOTIX IP Video Door Stations can interface with iOS and Android smartphone apps. “We have had so many things in place over so many years that people haven’t known about,” says Byron. He argues that MOBOTIX’ emphasis on technology development sets it apart from some camera companies in the U.S. market. Joe Byron, Vice President of Sales, and Ashley Grabowski, Regional Marketing Manager, at ISC West 2018  “People have been let down in the U.S. market with cameras that have been over-marketed, over-reaching and have little substance,” he says. The German engineering of MOBOTIX products and systems provides an antidote to the technology void, he says. “They are looking for the substance, and that’s what we have,” says Byron. What was missing – until now – was the “layer of integration” with other systems in the market, contends Byron. That separated MOBOTIX from the rest of the industry.MOBOTIX offers cybersecurity features that pre-dated the current industry obsession, such as HTTPS/SSL encryption in recording and playback video “But now we are an open platform, and we have these features sets and are the best of both worlds,” he says. “We can align with technology products and bring MOBOTIX to the masses. It’s a matter of listening to customer challenges and formulating a path to meet those challenges.” The fruits of that open system approach were on display at ISC West. The MOBOTIX booth featured integrations with ClearSite, Omnicast by Genetec, Konica Minolta and Mx-MSP by APB Technology. Other MOBOTIX technology partners include Avigilon, Bosch, Exacq, Gallagher, IndigoVision, Lenel, Milestone, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Salient Systems, Verint and Video Insight (Panasonic). Targeting Local Markets Another change under the new leadership is more flexibility to address the needs of local markets. “We need to be aware of our audience in the Americas,” says Byron, “and how approaching the market and the product mix may be different. We have the ability to create what we need here to be successful.” One particular concern in the Americas market is cybersecurity, and MOBOTIX offers cybersecurity features that pre-dated the current industry obsession, such as HTTPS/SSL encryption in recording and playback video. “We already have it, but we have never broadcast it to the masses,” says Byron. “We have the substance but haven’t communicated it.” Looking to enter the government market, for example, MOBOTIX faces the important requirement to be “IA compliant.” The company qualifies as IA (information assurance) compliant but just needs to go through the process of getting the “rubber stamp.” “We have so much under the hood when it comes to our products,” says Byron. He says MOBOTIX’ Internet of Things (IoT) approach can meet any end user challenges. “We can be all things to all people, if they truly get to know us. We just need to develop a vehicle to allow customers to communicate with us: What is the challenge? Nine times out of 10 we can meet that challenge with one of our cameras.”

MOBOTIX, a manufacturer of premium end-to-end network physical security solutions, is displaying an impressive array of surveillance solutions based on the company's unique value proposition that pairs extreme performance and quality here at ISC West 2018 (Booth #16089). Unlike conventional surveillance solutions, MOBOTIX continues to build its global base of resellers, technology partners and users by delivering high-end solutions with the unparalleled security of German-engineered reliability. "MOBOTIX surveillance solutions have a different value proposition than conventional, commoditised camera offerings. We don't compete solely on price. Instead we differentiate our surveillance cameras based on their outstanding performance, unparalleled quality and proven reliability you can trust to protect all that is most important to you. That is the MOBOTIX difference," said Joseph Byron, Vice President: Americas, MOBOTIX CORP. MOBOTIX surveillance solutions are built to perform and survive over the long run with average MTBF rates documented to exceed 9 years Superior Built And Quality In fact, MOBOTIX surveillance solutions are typically priced above conventional cameras from China and Korea, and the reams of products sourced from suppliers in these countries. Designed and engineered in Germany, MOBOTIX surveillance solutions are built to perform and survive over the long run with average MTBF rates documented to exceed 9 years. All MOBOTIX surveillance cameras are equipped with independent memory management, a wide range of communication options (including SIP technology), innovative video analysis and event logic. In addition, they come with MOBOTIX Management Center Software (MxMC) driving down the total cost of ownership of the system. MOBOTIX also offers an industry-leading selection of sensors that are interchangeable in certain models, providing a large degree of versatility to meet specific camera locations and applications. MOBOTIX Solutions At ISC West 2018: The MOBOTIX M16 AllroundDual Multisensor IP Camera captures brilliant color during the day and high-contrast black/white footage in dark settings. The M16’s innovative housing features a VarioFlex mount that allows different sensor modules to be combined as desired (for example, day/night, telephoto/wide angle), which also facilitates extreme ease of maintenance. The MOBOTIX S16 DualFlex IP Camera provides a truly unique surveillance form factor consisting of two camera modules that are independently connected to a single camera control unit via two 3m cables. This makes it possible to monitor two neighboring areas or rooms with a single camera system with day or night sensor modules and various lens options. The MOBOTIX Q26 Hemispheric 360° Panoramic IP Camera is an ultra-compact and weatherproof dome camera available as a ‘Day’ model with a 6-megapixel color sensor and IR blocking filter, or as a ‘Night’ model with a 6-megapixel black and white sensor. In addition to providing a fisheye view of an area, it can also capture panoramic and double panoramic views. The MOBOTIX T25 Door Station is an innovative IP Video Intercom/Access Control solution that is both easy to install and provides panoramic, high-resolution images that eliminate blind spots. All modules offered for use outdoors are weatherproof and maintenance-free, and based on the VoIP/SIP Video Intercom standard. The MOBOTIX Thermal Cameras are based on the modular M16 and S16 series. These weatherproof cameras detect and register objects and people using a thermal signature, even in total darkness at a distance of over 100 meters - and can also be complemented by a high-resolution image sensor module. The MOBOTIX Management Center Software (MxMC) requires no additional software, license or update costs for use and included with every MOBOTIX camera. Soon to be released MxMC v1.8 will offer a new ‘Configuration’ view, enabling users to change the configuration on up to 80 cameras simultaneously with a single click. The MOBOTIX Cybersecurity Initiative, the Cactus Concept, is designed as a solution for reliable and holistic protection of end-to-end video systems against cyberattacks.

MOBOTIX continues to expand its growing portfolio of integration partners to seamlessly accommodate and further enhance the company's premium end-to-end network physical security solutions. New integration partners showcased at ISC West 2018 (Booth #16089) include ABP Technology, ClearSite Communications, Genetec and Konica Minolta. These four new additions join MOBOTIX's family of over 50 integration partners to date. "We have been unusually quiet about the vast number of integration partners we have been working with for the past few years, as we have continued to enhance our surveillance offering with new technologies and capabilities." "These relationships are now more important than ever for the seamless migration of our latest surveillance innovations into premium level installations," said Joseph Byron, Vice President: Americas, MOBOTIX CORP. "As we continue to incorporate emerging technologies like AI into our products, you can expect MOBOTIX to be working with even more best-in-class technology providers." Security Partnerships MOBOTIX technology partners at ISC West 2018 include: ABP Technology – offers MxMSP, tailored for MOBOTIX surveillance users, which provides resellers and MSPs with a central command and control center for multiple IP surveillance systems enabling faster response times, low installation costs and remote maintenance for added RMR. ClearSite Communications, Inc. – a software and hardware engineering and product development company focused on outdoor security with a complete platform that allows cameras and sensors to be rapidly and cost-effectively deployed at remote locations. Genetec – a provider of VMS solutions that unify video management, access control, license plate recognition and communication management on one platform. Konica Minolta – a technology company that provides innovative physical security solutions that leverage mobility, cloud services and optimize business processes with workflow optimization. Seamless Integration According to Mr. Byron, these four companies join an impressive family of technology partners such as Avigilon, Bosch, Cisco, DVTel, Exacq, Gallagher, Indigo Vision, Lenel, Lensec, Milestone, OnSSI, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Salient Systems, Suretek, SureView Systems, SeeTec, Vectron, Verint, Video Insight (Panasonic) and more. "MOBOTIX offers various Developer Tools and Software Development Kits (SDK), including our EventStream Client SDK, MxMessage System SDK and MxCamera System, free to partners to facilitate fast and seamless integration of our innovative surveillance solutions with their applications," said Byron. "Where the perception was once that we were lagging on the integration front, MOBOTIX has now jumped ahead with more integration partners than the majority of surveillance providers in the market today."

MOBOTIX, a manufacturer of premium end-to-end network physical security solutions, is demonstrating its innovative line of high-performance, ultra-reliable video surveillance cameras here at ISC West 2018 (booth #16089). Featured MOBOTIX surveillance cameras being demonstrated at ISC West include: M16 AllroundDual Multisensor IP Camera, S16 DualFlex IP Camera and the Q26 Hemispheric 360° Panoramic IP Camera. All MOBOTIX surveillance cameras are manufactured with the highest levels of quality and multi-layered cybersecurity safeguards to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. Their numerous distinguishing characteristics include: no moving parts resulting in a MTBF of 9 years; exceptionally low power consumption of only ~4W; 6MP image sensors or higher in every device; up to 256GB of on-board storage with independent memory management, a wide range of communication options (including SIP technology), along with innovative video analysis and event logic. Additionally, MOBOTIX surveillance cameras are provided with MOBOTIX Management Center Software (MxMC), which requires no additional software, license or update costs for use. The M16’s innovative housing features a VarioFlex mount that allows different sensor modules to be combined as desired M16 AllroundDual Multisensor IP Camera "MOBOTIX surveillance cameras are designed, engineered and built like no other cameras in the world, as evidenced by our latest portfolio of imaging solutions for professional security applications being demonstrated here at ISC West," said Joseph Byron, Vice President: Americas, MOBOTIX CORP. "By enabling users to select the image sensors they need to fulfill their specific camera location and application needs, MOBOTIX delivers the precise performance and functionality that customers want – with unmatched German quality and reliability." The MOBOTIX M16 AllroundDual Multisensor IP Camera captures brilliant color during the day and high-contrast black/white footage in dark settings.The M16’s innovative housing features a VarioFlex mount that allows different sensor modules to be combined as desired (for example, day/night, telephoto/wide angle), which also facilitates extreme ease of maintenance. Additional core features include: MOBOTIX's powerful Mx6 system platform with H.264 and ONVIF compatibility; recording on an internal MicroSD card (4GB as standard); two-way audio; integrated shock detector and PIR sensor; wall, ceiling or pole mounting; and an optional IR illuminator. The features of the S16 DualFlex IP Camera include the powerful MOBOTIX Mx6 system platform with H.264 and ONVIF compatibility S16 DualFlex IP Camera The MOBOTIX S16 DualFlex IP Camera provides a truly unique surveillance form factor consisting of two camera modules that are independently connected to a single camera control unit via two 3m cables. This makes it possible to monitor adjacent areas or rooms with a single camera system employing day or night sensor modules and various lens options. Additional core features include: the powerful MOBOTIX Mx6 system platform with H.264 and ONVIF compatibility; recording on an internal MicroSD card (4GB as standard); diverse installation options and mounting accessories for different sensor modules; a microphone which can be used in a sensor module; additional microphone and speaker connections for intercom applications; integrated shock detector and a weatherproof and robust camera housing (IP66, IK06 rated). Q26 Hemispheric 360° Panoramic IP Camera The MOBOTIX Q26 Hemispheric 360° Panoramic IP Camera is an ultra-compact and weatherproof dome camera available as a ‘Day’ model with a 6-megapixel color sensor and IR blocking filter, or as a ‘Night’ model with a 6-megapixel black and white sensor. In addition to providing a fisheye view of an area, it can also capture panoramic and double panoramic views for detailed wide area surveillance. Additional core features include: Mx6 system platform with H.264 and ONVIF compatibility; recording on an internal MicroSD card (4GB as standard); available in day or night configurations (6MP color or BW sensor); equipped with shock detector and MxAnalytics; a weatherproof and shock-resistant housing (IP66, IK10 rated); ceiling, wall or pole mounting; and an optional vandal proof stainless steel housing.

Byron is tasked with the continued growth of sales activity across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces Arecont Vision®, the industry leader in IP-based megapixel camera technology, has appointed Joe Byron as the Regional Sales Manager for the New England and Eastern Canada region. Byron is tasked with the continued growth of sales activity with systems integrators, distributors, and partners for customer projects across a region composed of multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Background In Video Security And Technology “With over twenty years in network video security, audio visual technology, consumer electronics, and broadcast video, Joe brings outstanding experience and knowledge in understanding and exceeding customer needs,” said Carole Dougan, Vice President of North American Sales, Arecont Vision. “We believe that he will continue to grow our sales success across New England and Eastern Canada while fully addressing end user expectations.” “This is a great opportunity to grow Arecont Vision sales while continuing to address customer needs with the best megapixel cameras in the industry,” said Byron. “I look forward to bringing Arecont Vision to more projects across New England and Eastern Canada.” Bryon brings a record of sales success earned at Network Video Technologies, Panasonic, and Sony across a wide range of high technology products.