Tom Larson

MBX Systems, a manufacturer of purpose-built and deployment-ready hardware devices for technology companies, has expanded its line of pre-built, pre-engineered hardware platforms for physical security applications to help ISVs right-size deployments for specific end-user environments. All products are paired with value-added MBX services ranging from expert software imaging to an exclusive cloud-based supply chain toolset that saves ISVs hours of time and associated costs. Varion reference platforms MBX’s expanded Varion reference platforms span access control servers, analytics/AI servers and much more MBX’s expanded Varion reference platforms for the safety and security industry span access control servers, analytics/AI servers, client workstations, compute servers, video storage arrays, and video recording servers designed on Dell Technologies base platforms to deliver the best performance for the price. Options include rackmounts, small form factors and towers, each suited to specific use cases for physical security and IP video surveillance. ISVs benefit from MBX’s engineering expertise and a full-service program that provides: Speed to market - All platforms are in stock at MBX to shorten lead times, and the company’s automated Forge production infrastructure accelerates onboarding of new customer projects as well as configuration, imaging and testing. Quality assurance – MBX manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified with ESD controls. In addition, the Forge production infrastructure includes QC fail-safes at every work center to ensure consistent quality of integrated systems. No need for customer scripting – MBX platform engineers prepare customers’ software for deployment on hardware platforms before systems go into production, relieving ISVs of scripting responsibilities for new products as well as updates. Reduced program administration time and cost – In a toolset not available from any other provider, MBX Hatch consolidates engineering, manufacturing status, logistics and other supply chain data in a single cloud-based interface that enables customers’ program management and customer service staff to access needed information without making multiple phone calls or consulting multiple spreadsheets. Global logistics – With global market information and shipment tracking built into Hatch as well as a dedicated global support team, MBX helps customers create a roadmap for global expansion, manage regulatory and country-specific product certifications, coordinate details from documentation to freight handling, and more. Integrated hardware systems for turnkey installations Other MBX services include custom engineering when needed, product lifecycle management to ensure platform longevity and timely component updates, kitting to enable shipment of integrated hardware systems for turnkey installation, and branding from bezel to box. “Hardware deployments for security applications require matching the right platform to the right use case as well as wide-ranging support services to manage all aspects of the project. MBX offers the industry’s deepest and most robust capabilities in both areas,” said Tom Larson, Director, Safety and Security, at MBX Systems. Tom adds, “With our expanded product catalog and comprehensive tools and services, we can not only meet the full gamut of ISV hardware needs but also substantially reduce the in-house resources needed to run successful hardware programs.”

The security industry provider in purpose-built video surveillance recording appliances, BCDVideo, announced the launch of a new line of harsh environment, rail, and in-vehicle servers. The new product line delivers quality performance in diverse environments with a long product life for customers with complex requirements worldwide. Video servers BCDVideo’s new line of Harsh Environment Video Recording Servers features Intel® Core™ Processors, coupled with up to 10 TB of max storage. The video servers include a fanless design that performs in temperatures between -14°F and +131°F and has additional options such as cell, GPS, and WiFi modules. The Harsh Environment Video line also includes a 3-year advanced replacement warranty that lowers the total cost of ownership to ensure project success. RAIL Certified Servers The RAIL Certified Servers feature Intel® Core™ Processors, extended temperature, and up to 20TB of storage “We are excited to expand BCDVideo’s innovative video surveillance recording products to new customers working in harsh environments around the globe. With our latest product line of harsh environment, rail, and in-vehicle servers, clients receive peak performance, long lifespans, and cutting-edge technology, no matter where they work,” says Tom Larson, Chief Technology Officer. The RAIL Certified Servers feature Intel® Core™ Processors, extended temperature, and up to 20TB of storage. The servers are certified with both EN50155 as well as MIL-STD-810G. Each model supports cell, GPS, and WiFi modules, with a 3-year advanced replacement warranty. In-Vehicle Servers The In-Vehicle Servers feature Intel® Core™ Processors, up to 16 POE Ports and up to 20TB of max storage. The in-vehicle servers support vibrations up to environmental standards (IEC) 60068-2-64, as well as temperatures from -40° to +158°F. A 3-year advanced replacement warranty is included to lower the overall cost of ownership.

BCDVideo has expanded its offering of uninterruptible power systems (UPS) through its partnership with Xtreme Power Conversion, a global provider of power quality solutions. Founded in 2006, Denver-based Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation (XPCC) develops, engineers, and manufacturers’ UPS solutions, as well as power conditioning and surge suppression equipment. Video surveillance market With locations throughout the United States and Europe, XPCC has created a strategic network that provides efficient support to its industry partners such as BCDVideo. BCDvideo is proud of its ongoing and growing partnership with the industry leader in power protection solutions" “BCDvideo is proud of its ongoing and growing partnership with the industry leader in power protection solutions,” said BCDVideo Chief Technology Officer Tom Larson. “Xtreme Power’s high quality and reliable UPS systems will further enable BCDVideo to provide security integrators with complete and trusted solutions for the video surveillance market.” Isolated online topologies XPCC’s UPS solutions provide the most reliable power protection for mission-critical applications in the video surveillance space. Its innovative product portfolio ensures customer peace-of-mind with ideal solutions for maximum uptime. UPS solutions range from 350VA to 140kVA and are available in standby, line-interactive, online and isolated online topologies. “We could not be more pleased with our partnership with BCDVideo knowing customers will receive complete solutions, full compatibility, seamless protection and service, all provided in the most cost-effective and efficient manner in the market,” said Tom Ebner, president and CEO of XPCC.

Historically, storage has been a challenge for video system designers and installers, with requirements rising along with camera resolutions. The addition of big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), integrated systems and IT applications to the mix have multiplied storage needs exponentially. Another thing contributing to increased storage demands is the expanded use of video surveillance for more than just security. Video deployments are growing rapidly because organizations recognize the value of video data for a wide variety of purposes, including operational efficiency, situational awareness, risk mitigation and even marketing and merchandizing. Wide application of video surveillance “Right now, video is the most prominent big data application in the world, and these applications are having a direct impact on storage technologies,” said Brandon Reich, Vice President of Security and IoT, Pivot3, Austin, Texas. “While storage has always been an essential part of any video surveillance system, in the current market, it is critically important,” he adds. Efficient video storage Since data is so valuable, the process of storing it becomes one of the most important components of a system" “Since data is so valuable, the process of storing it becomes one of the most important components of a system,” Reich said, adding “When it comes to video storage, there are myriad ways to save video, but many of these solutions are not designed for the complexities of video surveillance deployments or cannot handle the rapid rate in which video is recorded.” According to IHS Markit, the global enterprise and IP storage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 24 percent between 2016 and 2021. However, the demand for high-resolution images, and the associated storage requirements have held back overall market growth. Affordable high-resolution cameras The combination of high-resolution cameras becoming more affordable and the growth in data storage in general has created increased demand for reliable, affordable video storage solutions. “End users and systems integrators alike are primarily looking for reliable, high-capacity, surveillance; purpose-built drives that support multiple cameras; enhanced vibration; 24x7 availability; and firmware to maximize streaming and frame rate performance,” said Jessica Burton, Global Product Marketing Manager, Seagate Technology, Cupertino, Calif. Factors affecting video storage platforms According to Brian Carle, Director of Product Strategy, Salient Systems, Austin, Texas, there are several factors affecting storage platform selection: scalability, speed, storage management, fault tolerance, reliability, and cost. For more distributed or lower camera count systems, the scalability and speed that comes with platforms such as storage attached networks (SANs) are generally unnecessary. Video storage technologies Most storage technologies provide a suitable speed for the needs of video surveillance" Brain said, “Most storage technologies provide a suitable speed for the needs of video surveillance. The notable exception is tape systems, which may be considered for deployments requiring low-cost, long-term, onsite storage such as some deployments in the cannabis industry.” He adds, “If real-time access is required then tape may not be ideal. Accessing archived video on tape may require a manual import process due to the latency associated with robotics accessing a tape which contains the appropriate data.” Rise of Artificial Intelligence Higher resolutions and frame rates mean higher storage requirements. That’s an unavoidable truth that has given rise to a number of innovations, including compression algorithms and deployment of video analytics in an effort to alleviate storage requirements and concerns. Jessica Burton said, “While having onboard analytics capabilities is not new, there is one big change. Built-in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are becoming capable of ever more complex recognition and analysis with greater accuracy and speed. This allows them to solve problems and suggest potential solutions very quickly.” Data interpretation using deep-learning algorithms Burton adds, “Video is a complex form of data, and interpreting it requires systems capable of running deep-learning algorithms. So bringing the power of AI closer to the source of data is important.” She further said, “As data analysis applications shift from being centralized in cloud data centers to being out at the edge, developers are putting AI directly onto the systems that support cameras, video recorders and the video servers in the field.” Importance of choosing right storage architecture When it comes to choosing a video storage solution, a main factor that integrators should consider is the architecture upon which it is built. “This is not a one-size-fits-all marketplace; it’s not even a one-100 terabyte solution-fits-all marketplace,” said Tom Larson, Vice President, BCDVideo, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, adding “Integrators need to understand the end user’s needs and deliver the proper solution. But to do so effectively, they need to understand what the pros and cons are of each architecture.” There are three primary architectures to draw from, which include distributed, centralized and hyper-converged. Centralized storage architecture Centralized storage is a server-based system with SAN or scaled network attached storage (NAS) Distributed storage consists of servers with storage contained within the chassis. This model offers cost and performance benefits, but is not a high-availability solution. Centralized storage is a server-based system with SAN or scaled network attached storage (NAS), with the benefits being that all servers and storage are in one location, making it easy to service and the solution can be easily scaled. The drawback is the higher price and requirement of a robust network. Hyper-converged architecture The hyper-converged model utilizes servers within the cluster to eliminate any single point of failure. This is the only architecture that can ensure access to the archived video, and like the centralized model, hyper-converged storage can be easily scaled and requires a robust network. When designing and specifying a system, security integrators should make sure customers know the maximum capacity required to record a system 24/7 at full resolution, what will be necessary to support additional cameras in the future, and how that will be accomplished. Optimal use of video storage, bandwidth “After the ramifications of capturing everything in real time at full resolution are understood, the integrator has the opportunity to discuss technology that will allow the user to save storage space and bandwidth, such as record on motion, record on schedule and bandwidth throttling,” said Mark Espenschied, Director of Marketing, Digital Watchdog, Cerritos, California. Mark adds, “Just like all your other data, consider what needs to be saved and what is not critical to be retained. With NAS devices and cloud storage, you could back up everything forever. But do you need to do that?”