Tormod Garberg Ree

Vaion, an innovator in end-to-end AI video security, announced that Joel Brunson has joined the company as CEO of Vaion's Federal business. Brunson brings world-class leadership in business growth and proven expertise in the federal government sector. "We're on a growth trajectory as organizations around the world realize the need to take a proactive posture to security in both the physical and cyber realms," said Tormod Ree, Vaion CEO. "Joel brings a unique vision and an incredible depth of experience working with the federal government on both video and cybersecurity solutions, a huge asset both for our team and our customers." Intelligent video security "Vaion is setting the precedent for intelligent video security. I've worked in this industry for nearly three decades, and the only thing that is constant is change," said Joel Brunson, CEO, Vaion Federal. "Organizations worldwide but especially in the government sector, need to rethink their approach to security. Vaion's ability to detect and address incidents through AI and machine learning, combined with our agility to meet the unique needs of different government agencies, is industry-shifting." The more warning we can give security professionals tasked with protecting the public, the better the outcome" Brunson joins Vaion from video conferencing and collaboration company, Acano which was acquired by Cisco. Before Acano, Brunson led teams at Black Box Video, Tandberg, and Avaya. Brunson has a passion for creating and developing successful business teams to meet and exceed targets consistently. In his new position, Joel will oversee both physical and cybersecurity solutions aimed at protecting federal government agencies from internal and external threats. Prevent threats from escalating "Joel has a track record of exceeding market expectations because he's raised the standard when it comes to understanding each unique customer's needs. This is especially important in the federal sector where security takes on a whole new meaning," added Ree. "Vaion offers a solution the federal market absolutely needs," added Brunson. "The more warning we can give security professionals tasked with protecting the public, the better the outcome." Vaion addresses the need for a scalable, intelligent video security solution across markets, federal government, retail, commercial, healthcare, and education. By detecting and addressing threats in real-time, Vaion allows security professionals to prevent threats from escalating. This is made possible through the use of computer vision and a neural network (machine learning) that mimics the human brain's ability to recognize patterns and categorize images. End-to-end security solution Vaion provides the tools to find 'what matters' in recorded video quicklyWith Vaion's end-to-end security solution, organizations can address security issues as they unfold rather than merely reviewing recorded incidents after the fact. And when necessary, Vaion provides the tools to find 'what matters' in recorded video quickly. A vital capability to expedite effective investigations with minimum resources. In the federal government sector, taking a proactive approach to security is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Just consider the reactive alternative for government agencies like the TSA who protects airline passengers and employees or the DOJ who runs the Bureau of Prisons or the CISA who protects critical national infrastructures, to name a few. All of these agencies are tasked with one thing, protecting the employees, buildings, records, and the citizens they serve. Vaion allows these agencies to be vigilant and alert to pre-empt threats rather than just respond. Vaion invites customers to learn more about their video surveillance innovation at ISC West, March 18-20 in Las Vegas. They will be demonstrating their latest technology at booth #19125.

Many exhibitors at GSX 2019 saw the show as a success, despite slower booth traffic on the second and third days. According to show sponsor ASIS International, there were more than 20,000 registrants from 125 countries around the world, including those who attended the conference as well as the exhibition. Exhibitors definitely put their best feet forward, enthusiastically promoting their technology breakthroughs, but how convincing were they? The comments from at least one attendee – a large corporate end user who represents a key demographic for show organizers – bluntly suggest that healthy skepticism was on display side-by-side with the promotional energy in play.On this floor, there are some lies being given out. Ask the tough questions, make the exhibitors show you" “On this floor, there are some lies being given out,” said Rudy A. Wolter, CTO, Security and Investigative Services for Citigroup, a financial services corporation. He advised fellow attendees to “listen for them, ferret them out, ask the tough questions. Make [the exhibitors] show you.” “Don’t be afraid to ask these men and women questions,” added Wolter. “Don’t be afraid to challenge them. If you don’t challenge them, they’re not getting any better which means we aren’t getting any better. At the end of the day, they’re the leaders; they’re the ones making change; they’re the ones touching systems; they’re the ones helping integration.” Banking security with Verint At Citigroup, Wolter oversees 1,300 bank branches in North America that use Verint systems, including 23,000 cameras tied into a single command center. Skepticism aside, Wolter also provided evidence that even tough customers can be brought around. Specifically, he is sold on Verint: “When you have a problem, this company listens,” he told attendees at a Verint gathering on the show floor. New at GSX 2019 is the Verint Video Investigator, which is software that empowers investigators to quickly find the data they need to identify security threats in near real-time. In all, Verint serves in excess of 2,300 individual financial institutions, with tens of thousands of branches. Wolter was one of several end users willing to sing their praises publicly. Other GSX exhibitors were also proud to have their own real-world success stories. Placing the emphasis on outcomes At GSX, I heard more than once that outcomes are more important than technologies. Customers don’t want to hear about technologies, but rather about what those technologies can do for them. Avigilon, now a subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, is another company that is focused on outcomes rather than technology per se. “Instead of focusing on megapixels and terabytes, the end user is focused on perimeter security, loss prevention and risk management,” says John Kedzierski, Sr. VP of Video Solutions at Motorola Solutions. “We are working to provide that outcome." The end user is focused on perimeter security, loss prevention and risk management" How operators work to ensure outcomes is another aspect that is changing, says Kedzierski. “Watching video is obsolete,” he says. Using Avigilon’s new system, the operator instead is looking at color-coded hexagons; one color means motion, another means an analytic event. Operators click on various hexagons to view video. Also at GSX 2019, Avigilon featured its new H5A camera line, with expanded object classification analytics, detailed object detection, and tracking in crowded scenes; and focused on the Avigilon Blue cloud system. They are working to make every camera capable of detecting faces, which can be matched to a watch list. How technology addresses marketplace changes Addressing the changing marketplace was another GSX theme. As the workplace changes, ASSA ABLOY Americas is adapting its technology to address new employment practices such as "hot-desking," and remote and mobile workers, says Peter Boriskin, Chief Technology Officer. Systems have to be able both to protect assets and also to provide flexibility to accommodate the changing workforce, he said. Corporate acquisitions are directly expanding the capabilities that ASSA ABLOY brings to the market. For example, they recently acquired Luxer One, a locker company that enables secure delivery of packages without customers needing to stand in line or wait for service. Deliveries can be made in seconds. Peter Boriskin of ASSA ABLOY Americas led a booth tour, including new power capabilities gained in the acquisition of LifeSafety Power Another recent ASSA ABLOY acquisition is LifeSafety Power, which is expanding the company’s capability to provide proactive data on wired systems by tracking power usage. For example, a spike in current might mean a problem with a component. Compiling “intelligent triggers” enables creation of a dashboard to provide analytics of wired systems. ASSA ABLOY has also been devising predictive analytics of wireless locks to predict battery life, for instance, and to address other maintenance challenges. “We want to know what’s going on at a door without visiting it,” says Boriskin. New exhibitors make their mark New exhibitors were part of the GSX mix. One new exhibitor was Vaion. It’s their first trade show after launching at IFSEC in London in June. Vaion combines a small camera portfolio with on-premise servers and software managed through the cloud for an end-to-end solution. Tormod Ree, co-founder and CEO, calls it a “hybrid cloud delivery model”. Vaion is also a “more proactive security model,” said Ree. Video is analyzed for anomalies, and the server “learns” what is normal and not normal. The system provides alerts and notifications, occupancy counting and traffic control, among other features. And “overlays” are employed to present information on a map. Vaion can highlight video that is more likely to be relevant and prioritize feeds that have more activity. Vaion designs the hardware, which is manufactured in Taiwan. Vaion was a first-time exhibitor at GSX 2019 with their end-to-end video system; Tomod Ree is co-founder and CEO Gunshot detection technology EAGL Technology displayed their “Firefly” gunshot detection technology at GSX 2019. Based on technology originally developed for use in the military for sniper detection, the U.S. Department of Energy adapted it to civilian uses after the Sandy Hook School shooting. Boaz Raz, CEO, said the technology is the “most advanced and affordable, wireless for use indoors or outdoors, and it can control doors and cameras”. It doesn’t “listen” for gunshots like some competitors; rather it measures energy for “6 sigma” accuracy (almost 100%). Defining, and redefining, end-to-end solutions End-to-end solutions were all the rage at GSX 2019, but Allied Universal was one exhibitor that pondered what, exactly, is an end-to-end solution? It means different things to different people. For example, a video company’s end-to-end solution would not include access control. When Allied Universal claims to offer an end-to-end solution, they mean it in the broadest definition of the term, including all security systems deployed for a customer as well as the important human element (i.e., manguarding). “The industry’s emphasis on ‘end-to-end’ doesn’t encompass a full solution,” says Mike Mullison, Allied Universal’s Chief Information Officer. “When somebody uses the term end-to-end, you have to ask: What’s at both ends?” The lines between cyber and physical threats are blurring. Clients want full-service solutions" “The lines between cyber and physical threats are blurring,” adds Mullison. “Clients want full-service solutions.” Allied Universal is adding new technology elements to its offering, and Mullison says “the next phase of growth will be fueled by technology.” Allied Universal recently introduced the Heliaus product, a smart phone app that accesses an analytics engine to predict outcomes and prescribe optimum responses. It literally puts technology in a security guard’s hand. One customer has found that use of the technology resulted in a 20% reduction in safety and security incidents. The latest in access control among exhibitors In addition to video, access control had a big profile at GSX 2019, as evidenced by ASSA ABLOY America and many other companies. Another example is SALTO Systems, featuring its new NEO cylinder for wireless access control and the SALTO Virtual Network (SVN); the SVN-Flex extends and increases the number of updating points directly to the door. The SVN-Flex extends and increases the number of updating points directly to the door The compact SALTO NEO Cylinder is designed for doors where fitting an electronic escutcheon is not possible or required and can be installed on standard doors, server racks, gates, cabinets, electric switches, or sliding doors. Low energy consumption results in 110,000 cycles with just one set of batteries. Other SALTO products are SALTO KS (Keys as a Service); SALTO BLUEnet Wireless for Bluetooth RF-driven real-time control of doors; the XS4 One Deadlatch stand-alone electronic lock; and JustIN Mobile, which replaces the need for an access card by securely sending a mobile key Over the Air (OTA) to an iOS or Android device from SALTO’s ProAccess SPACE management software. The next step in integration A new company reflecting the GSX emphasis on integration is Security and Safety Things (SAST), which is still in launch mode but expects to have its first pilot customers in the Q4. The first camera vendors embracing the SAST platform will have cameras for sale at ISC West in the spring. SAST is creating an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for the next generation of security cameras. The SAST App Store will allow developers to build and market new applications, similar to today’s app stores for smartphones.SAST is creating an IoT platform for the next generation of security cameras “SAST is a technology platform, but it is also a business platform and a relationship platform,” said Emmanuel Ventadour, VP Sales and Marketing. For app developers, SAST also provides non-technical commercial services (i.e., easing their route to market.) Hartmut Schaper, CEO, emphasizes the “openness” of the company. Even though they are a spinoff of Bosch, they are treating every camera manufacturer equally, he says. For integrators, the use of apps can expand their field of play. Apps will empower integrators to use video for more business processes – not just security – and expand their reach with customers, says Schaper. From skepticism to sales There were plenty of product claims at GSX to feed the skepticism of even the toughest of potential customers. Fortunately, product claims were only the beginning of conversations with attendees at this year’s show. No doubt manufacturers were put through their paces more than once, and a few of them even came out on the other side with potential new business to show for their efforts. That’s the true measure of success at GSX 2019, or any trade show.  Click here to read our reviews from Day One and Day Two of the show.

Vaion, just a few months out of stealth mode, today announces its launch into the North American market with comprehensive demonstrations at GSX 2019. Vaion will exhibit in booth #1819 with a rapidly expanding commercial team ready to provide custom demos. Visitors will examine real-world scenarios which showcase how machine learning delivers operator efficiency, provides a rich understanding of surroundings, and offers new operational benefits for improved ROI. Embedded machine learning Vaion quickly deployed Proof of Concepts (PoCs) across a range of verticals with immediate results Vaion seeks to answer a single question: what if companies could detect threats at their earliest stages, mitigating risk instead of merely responding to security threats when they occur? It’s the basis behind Vaion’s innovative end-to-end security system, which brings together video, hardware, and software with embedded machine learning for proactive, rather than reactive, security operations. Highlighting early customer and partner demands for new experiences, Vaion quickly deployed Proof of Concepts (PoCs) across a range of verticals with immediate results. Commercial building operators are taking advantage of intelligent maps with Vaion’s Smart Presence™. The operational insights are providing the opportunity for enhanced workplace productivity and energy management based on occupancy awareness. K-12 administrators are finding Vaion’s real-time anomaly detection to be vital for complete school security. Vaion’s real-time detection gives schools the opportunity to take immediate action in stopping imminent threats from escalating. Healthcare facility operators are using interactive maps powered by Smart Presence™ to safely monitor patients, visitors, and employees. Vaion’s Smart Search™ allows operators to quickly identify a situation and person of interest. Retailers are benefiting from the granular awareness of the people present in their store. Heat mapping customer behavior provides multi-layered solutions beyond strengthening security, and understanding customer activity helps improve the customer experience and increase sales. Enabling surveillance solutions Vaion’s active PoC engagements are an essential step in the company’s continued growth, with real, on-the-ground opportunities to test these advanced solutions and guarantee that Vaion products deliver on what they promise. Ambarella, a chipset manufacturer specializing in intelligent security applications, can attest to the viability of Vaion’s PoC solutions. Machine learning and integrated analytics are set to transform conventional video surveillance systems" Vaion uses Ambarella’s SoC for its ability to deliver powerful deep neural network processing, image processing, and video encoding. “Machine learning and integrated analytics are set to transform conventional video surveillance systems. Vaion’s advanced neural network-based algorithms running on Ambarella’s CVflow AI processors enable surveillance solutions that detect threats in their earliest stages and perform fast and effective investigations,” said Chris Day, VP Marketing & Business Development at Ambarella. Integrated AI analytics At GSX 2019, Vaion’s North American market representatives will provide an up-close look at how integrated AI analytics are set to fundamentally disrupt traditional video surveillance systems. “We are excited to show how artificial intelligence differentiators can safeguard businesses, schools, and entire communities. The positive response received during our PoC engagements proves that our approach to video surveillance uniquely helps our customers react to threats before they escalate, delivers increased situational awareness, and helps reduce resolution time dramatically. Come get the whole picture at booth #1819,” said Tormod Ree, Vaion CEO.

Vaion, a Ubon Partners company, is emerging from stealth mode to disrupt the physical security market by embedding the power of artificial intelligence (AI) into its complete video surveillance solution. Vaion's product line, which includes high-quality security cameras, a video management system and other intelligent solutions, premieres at IFSEC International, an event that takes place between June 18-June 20 in London, U.K. As a global company with offices in New York, London, and Oslo, Vaion is changing the traditional video security landscape with AI capabilities that make it easier for businesses and organizations to monitor their assets proactively. Detecting threats in earliest stages Vaion offers an end-to-end surveillance solution that will help companies detect threats in their earliest stagesWith embedded video and audio analytics powered by machine learning algorithms, focused interfaces, intuitive installation processes and a range of smart cameras, Vaion offers an end-to-end surveillance solution that will help companies detect threats in their earliest stages and perform fast, effective investigations with fewer resources. At the same time, Vaion vastly improves investigations by implementing the fastest, most accurate forensic searches using similarities and intelligent timelines. Initial product portfolio includes: Security cameras (Vaion vcam) with integrated directional audio analytics VMS (Vaion vcore) with embedded video analytics Security appliances (Vaion vserver) Hybrid cloud service (Vaion vcloud) Their first major premiering event will be IFSEC International, the leading security event for Europe and the U.K. There, Vaion representatives will provide an up-close look at how machine learning and integrated analytics offer a significant improvement on security deployments. Easy tracking of people and objects Businesses get instant alerts about suspicious activity and can easily track people and objects as they move through perimetersBusinesses get instant alerts about suspicious activity and can easily track people and objects as they move through perimeters. And exceptional video quality feeds from Vaion vcam Dome and Pano means that there's always a clear picture, no matter the lighting or environmental conditions. Analytics are performed pervasively, at scale and in real-time, from all the cameras in a deployment (even third-party cameras) and are embedded into the VMS (vcore). Vaion’s hybrid cloud approach makes possible the reality of remote configuration and access, instant firmware and software upgrades, and license pooling with great performance and network efficiencies. Sister company to cybersecurity innovator Jazz Networks, Vaion believes that a robust cybersecurity approach is necessary even in the physical security world. That is why its solution is secure by default with always-on encryption for recording and media transport.  Vaion's products are designed in Norway, with software developed in the U.K. and cameras assembled in Taiwan. The portfolio will be available for customer trials and proofs of concept from July and generally available from Fall 2019. operational and business intelligence We deliver a solution that allows customers to react to threats before they escalate rather than just help document the damage""We believe that it’s time to move from a mainly reactive to a proactive security model, and we founded Vaion to help our customers achieve this goal. We believe that the next generation solutions will be based on smarter sensors, software, and services that, instead of record what they see, actually understand the environment they operate in to help businesses act on these insights on time. “We deliver a solution that allows our customers to react to threats before they escalate rather than just help them document the damage. It enables them to find what they are looking for in seconds instead of days and provides them with much better operational and business-relevant intelligence," said Tormod Ree, Vaion CEO. Learn more about Vaion's innovative new security products online and by visiting with Vaion representatives at IFSEC International. Interested security professionals will be able to see Vaion's game-changing security technology in action and find out why AI is the secret to better, more comprehensive protection.