Network monitoring

Arecont Vision Costar, the provider of network-based video surveillance solutions, announces the addition of Desjardins Technologies to its Authorized Manufacturer’s Representative Program to increase coverage for customers in Canada. Desjardins Technologies will deliver French and English pre-sales support in much of Eastern Canada, including the National Capital Region and the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. “Desjardins Technologies brings a wealth of experience in both the Ottawa area and throughout the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick,” said Kyle Parker, Vice President, Americas, Arecont Vision Costar. “They offer expertise in both security and home automation systems that will be of benefit to our customers in this part of Canada, including for training and design assistance in both English and French.” Video surveillance products I look forward to the opportunity to bring the company’s solutions to customers throughout the Ottawa area" Based in Blainville, Quebec, CEO and Founder Jean Pierre Desjardins brings twenty-five years of experience providing outstanding pre-sales support and assistance to customers across the region. “Arecont Vision Costar and its web-enabled Total Video Solution are an ideal fit for those in the region who are looking for proven video surveillance products combined with an easy to deploy and manage offering,” stated Mr. Desjardins. “I look forward to the opportunity to bring the company’s solutions to customers throughout the Ottawa area and across both Quebec and New Brunswick.” Cloud-Enabled offering “Jean Pierre and his team will enable Arecont Vision Costar to reach many new customers in this region for the first time,” stated John Bujarski, Senior Regional Sales Director, Arecont Vision Costar. “Our Total Video Solution is proven, simple to deploy, and a truly modern cloud-enabled offering that will benefit those in this part of Eastern Canada, just as it has across the United States and around the world.” Desjardins Technologies and the other members of Arecont Vision Costar’s Manufacturer’s Representative Partner Program are focused on bringing the industry’s best, cyber-secure video surveillance offerings to their assigned regions. Participants in the program extend the reach of Arecont Vision Costar by providing expert pre-sales assistance while interfacing with and educating customers, system integrators, and distributors on available solutions for even the most challenging video surveillance requirements.

As public security concerns spread across the globe, public areas that lack guard during non-business hours are requiring reliable surveillance equipment in the case of high crime rate at night or poor lighting conditions. In response, Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, develops “Starlight Technology” with comprehensive camera portfolio including PTZ, IPC and HDCVI to serve various needs of low-light environment. Starlight cameras Compared to traditional video monitoring cameras, Dahua Starlight cameras feature high light sensitivity to provide brighter view under low-light environment. Offering clear image with rich details and ultra-high definition from 1080P to 4K, the Starlight cameras guarantee 24/7 reliable and detailed monitoring of public places such as parking lot, street, campus, store, etc. Besides, the high color reproduction and longer color video period enable the probability of collecting valid human, vehicle, and event evidence. Starlight, Starlight+ and Full-Color Variations From Value Starlight to Full-color, Dahua Starlight family meets both entry-level and high-end needs  Under same lighting condition, a Starlight camera turns Black/White later and presents brighter image with far more details whereas a full-color camera presents 24/7 color image. From Value Starlight to Full-color, Dahua Starlight family meets both entry-level and high-end needs according to different lighting conditions. While Value Starlight represents cost-efficient solutions for entry-level markets, Starlight, Starlight + and Full-color respectively offer right solutions for common users, critical scenarios and toughest environment with their various performance. Smart IR and Smart Light technology Behind Starlight’s great performance is Dahua Technology’s strong R&D ability and technological attention paid on different parts of camera. Starlight camera employs high-performance sensor or large-sized sensor with 1/1.8” or even 4/3” inch dimension to present better light sensitivity. Large aperture lens instead of conventional lens are utilized to present more vivid and brighter image under low-light environments. High performance DSP and advanced image processing properly balances noise reduction and smear suppression while retaining appreciable clarity, which better enhances the Starlight performance. Furthermore, proper light compensation, like IR lighting (for B/W image) or LED lighting (for full-color image) is equipped together with Smart IR or Smart Light technology to present better night view while avoiding overexposure in total dark environment. All these advantages make Starlight Technology stand out. And undoubtedly, Dahua Technology’s complete Starlight product portfolio are ideal choices for customers who are looking for surveillance equipment with excellent performance for various low-light applications. With a mission of “Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Living”, Dahua Technology will keep focusing on “Innovation, Quality and Service” to serve both partners and customers around the world.

ExtraHop announces ExtraHop® Reveal(x) Cloud™, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based network detection and response (NDR) solution for the cloud-first hybrid enterprise. Reveal(x) Cloud provides deep and continuous visibility, enabling Security Operations (SecOps) teams to analyze every transaction, detect threats, and respond to attacks to gain control over their hybrid attack surface and protect their investment in the cloud. While the cloud has proven to be a force multiplier for DevOps and IT Ops, for SecOps teams already struggling under the burden of a sprawling attack surface and a shortage of skilled analysts, adopting cloud platforms can be a vulnerability. With SecOps taking the blame for stalled migration efforts, enterprises are recognizing the need to take a cloud-first approach to securing elastic workloads rather than trying to retrofit old practices to new technology design patterns. Investigate complex threats Without native network visibility in the cloud, enterprises have been limited to log- or agent-centric tools Without native network visibility in the cloud, enterprises have been limited to log- or agent-centric tools, making it difficult to detect and investigate complex threats in a timely manner due to lack of continuous visibility across all environments. Reveal(x) Cloud is a SaaS-based solution that provides security teams with a zero-infrastructure service for AWS that deploys quickly, delivers immediate asset discovery, and offers threat detection, investigation, and response. The solution takes advantage of new enterprise features introduced by AWS during AWS re:Inforce 2019, including Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC) traffic mirroring that supports passive observation of network traffic from cloud workloads, and private network peering that allows for the secure transmission of data between AWS accounts. It also connects natively with AWS data sources, such as Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudTrail, and Amazon VPC flow logs. Purpose-Built solution “Today, security operations teams often rely on tools and data sources like logs that don’t provide a complete picture,” said Dave Brown, Vice President, EC2 Compute and Networking Services, Amazon Web Services, Inc. “With the introduction of Amazon VPC traffic mirroring, we’re allowing customers to extract traffic of interest from any workload in an Amazon VPC and send it to the right tools to detect and respond faster to attacks often missed by traditional log- and agent-centric tools. With Reveal(x) Cloud, ExtraHop is delivering a purpose-built solution designed to enable AWS customers to take full advantage of network traffic for better cloud visibility, detection, and response.” Reveal(x) Cloud offers a host of features designed to help SecOps teams support the shared responsibility model, protect cloud workloads by ensuring compliance, and deliver security across the hybrid attack surface. Track rogue instances Automatic Discovery and Classification: Up-to-the-minute visibility and classification across all cloud workloads allows SecOps teams to track rogue instances, prioritize investigations by risk score, and correlate malicious activity and asset criticality to focus on the highest-risk threats. Application Layer Decoding: Full support for AWS services, such as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), and AWS Elastic Load Balancing means visibility into behavior, not just activity, while machine learning at the application layer provides immediate detection of exfiltration activity. Encrypted Payload Visibility: Reveal(x) Cloud decrypts SSL/TLS-encrypted traffic at line rate, including cipher suites supporting perfect forward secrecy, providing complete visibility into all communications, including encrypted malicious traffic. Rich Integrations: AWS CloudTrail events enrich network-based threat detection with on-box activity (disabled logging, suspicious processes, suspect file execution), while connection with Amazon CloudWatch allows granular tracking of privilege manipulation. Customers can also leverage integrations with orchestration platforms, such as Phantom, ServiceNow, and Palo Alto Networks, to automate response workflows. Complex attack surface It's time to stop retrofitting old models onto the new reality and start building cloud-first security operations" “The modern hybrid enterprise has created an expansive and complex attack surface that cannot be managed by traditional security tools or architectures," said Jesse Rothstein, CTO and co-founder, ExtraHop. "It's time to stop retrofitting old models onto the new reality and start building cloud-first security operations. With Reveal(x) Cloud and Amazon VPC traffic mirroring, SecOps teams finally have inside-the-perimeter visibility and control over their hybrid attack surface.” “With Amazon VPC traffic mirroring in Reveal(x) Cloud, ExtraHop is further reducing the barriers to cloud adoption, by giving enterprises the same level of insight they’ve always had into their on-premises traffic,” said Mike Sheward, Senior Director, Information Security, Accolade. Native security features “Visibility has always been key in security, combine Reveal(x) with the native security features you find in AWS, and you’re going to have more actionable visibility than ever. Cloud providers continue to work with security vendors and with enterprise customers to provide functionality and integrations that make it easier, more efficient, and more secure to build presence in the cloud,” said Fernando Montenegro, Principal Analyst, 451 Research. “Amazon VPC traffic mirroring is just the latest example. ExtraHop’s Reveal(x) Cloud fits within this trend, as it allows customers to use traffic monitoring to achieve better network visibility, detection and response, and to do that as a service. This is likely to assist SecOps teams making the transition to support cloud deployments. At ePlus, we believe the right technology transforms IT from a cost center to a business enabler,” said Justin Mescher, Vice President of Cloud and Data Center Solutions, ePlus. Evolving business models Pervasive enterprise digital transformation efforts are dramatically expanding the attack surface" “We’re building Reveal(x) Cloud into our CyberSecurity and Cloud practices to allow us to act quickly and accurately to improve our customers’ cloud readiness and security posture. Pervasive enterprise digital transformation efforts are dramatically expanding the attack surface, but many organizations are failing to transform their cybersecurity approaches to keep pace, continuing to use the same cybersecurity methods they have always used while attempting to support continuously evolving business models,” said Joe Vadakkan, Global Cloud Security Leader, Optiv. “Combining industry-leading technologies such as ExtraHop’s Reveal(x) with Optiv’s end-to-end services, enables us to provide clients with an approach to cybersecurity that is aligned to new business models and centered on client-focused outcomes. We believe that ExtraHop Reveal(x) Cloud will deliver great value to cloud workloads by providing the necessary visibility to more efficiently detect and respond to incidents.”

The winning products and services of the 2019 Innovation Awards were revealed at ESX 2019 on June 4 in Indianapolis. Each year, the ESX Innovation Awards program recognizes outstanding products and services that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward. This year’s winners continue that legacy with novel innovations and improvements. To determine the best of the best, judges selected winners from a pool of applications from manufacturers and service providers serving the industry with innovative end-user offerings and tools that help dealers, integrators and monitoring professionals become more efficient and profitable. category Winners were as follows: Access control pdqSMART+, Grade 1 Cylindrical Lock by PDQ Industries Enterprise Access Control by Alarm.com OmniAssure Touch by Honeywell Commercial automation / control systems / networking TruProtect™ Integrated Security Solution by Interlogix Dealer services QuoteAnywhere G2.0 – Mobile Sales Quote & Sign Platform by WeSuite CSR Readiness PRO by CSR Privacy Solutions, Inc. Digital health / well-being systems Essence 3D Sense Fall Detector by Essence Smart Care Fire / life safety DynamixSmoke by Advanced Honeywell Home SiXCOMBO Two-Way Wireless Smoke/Heat and Carbon Monoxide Detector by Resideo Installation / service tools fireNspec by PnewSoft, LLC. System Surveyor by System Surveyor Intrusion systems BX Shield Outdoor Boundary PIR Series by Optex, Inc. IQ Panel 2 Plus by Qolsys 1122 Wireless (PIR) Motion Detector by DMP - Digital Monitoring Products BAT-Connect Communicator by Alula Mobile apps for consumers Honeywell Total Connect VISTA Partitions by Resideo Video Verification App by DICE Corporation Smart Signal by Alarm.com Monitoring station CHeKT Visual Verification Bridge by CHeKT Specialty products & services WattBox 150 IP Power Outlets with OvrC (1 controlled bank, 2 outlets) by SnapAV Video surveillance SecureCom Video NVR™ by DMP - Digital Monitoring Products Thermal-Optical DeepinView Turret Camera DS-2TD1217-3/V1 by Hikvision USA Umbo AICamera by Umbo Computer Vision DuraVisionDX0211 by EIZO Inc. Umbo Light by Umbo Computer Vision Next-gen products Judges from across the country were invited to provide their expert opinions  The winners selected are recognized as next-gen products and services that offer significant opportunities for growth. Judges from across the country were invited to provide their expert opinions based on thorough criteria. This year’s judges were: Rodger Reiswig, Johnson Controls (Florida); Grady Medcalf, Spectrum (Colorado); Michele Monheim, Amherst Alarm (Upstate New York); Steven E. Paley, Rapid Security Solutions (Florida) and Adam Thompson, Wired-Up Systems (Arizona). Criteria of judging Entrants to the Innovation Awards program were judged on: features and functions, innovation, end-user experience, ability to solve a problem, revenue growth potential, impact on company efficiencies and compliance with regulations. These metrics provided a rubric that determined the most innovative and exceptional products and services in the industry. Winners of the Innovation Awards were featured in the ESX Innovation Awards Showcase in Booth 615 during live expo hours.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) sought to redefine the traditional purpose of industry shows within the electronic security and life safety channel. On June 3-6, ESX 2019 offered an outlet for professionals to come together in a collaborative environment — and it was a hit for many looking for a more modern take on the traditional “badge scan” expo, according to the organizers. Networking and connections Throughout the two expo days of the event, 78% of attendees reported having quality conversations that can actually lead to business. In fact, 75% reported they will make a purchase or form a partnership as a result of a conversation had at ESX this year. Many are reporting they have already made purchases. Products and services were honored with ESX Innovation Awards. With a mission of bringing leaders together to learn more, share more and interact more, this year’s event in Indianapolis did just that. More than 2,000 professionals registered for the show this year, with nearly 30% registering for the very first time. Many attended for four days of networking, quality connections with peers and vendors, and industry education. Challenging ESXers ESX provides a great opportunity to network with industry professionals" On the Main Stage, speakers challenged ESXers to rethink the future of the industry, talking through potential disruptor technologies like drones for the masses. They also inspired the audience to lead more efficiently, make an impact every day and be the hero for those around them. “A great moment to reflect on outward appearances of your team and entropy,” says John Hopper, global systems and technology at Uber. “ESX provides a great opportunity to network with industry professionals, participate in a variety of educational paths, explore new products and connect with suppliers,” says attendee David Speer, operations manager for Custom Alarm in Minnesota. “I don’t know of a more insightful convention to attend,” says Deric Morrow, commercial account manager at Johnson Controls. “This was the most beneficial three days of my career. I’m left with a ton of ideas I can’t wait to share with my colleagues.” Becoming responsive The peer-led sessions were rich in best practice sharing, and professionals were immersed in actionable ideas and strategies that affirmed their integration and monitoring firms as trusted partners in keeping people, places and things safe. Quality education is delivered at registration prices that allow integration and monitoring companies of all sizes With peer-led educational sessions, a focused expo, and meaningful networking opportunities, this event provides a blueprint for industry professionals to better run, grow, and maximize their companies. It is an opportunity to rethink traditional operating models — to pivot into becoming more agile and responsive in this changing competitive landscape. Integrating and monitoring “This event is an excellent way to meet with industry leaders outside of your area who can put topics into perspective,” says attendee Brian Deschenes, vice president of Double D Security Solutions in Rhode Island. “These people are almost always willing to lend a hand and help solve issues.” The event — owned by industry trade associations the Electronic Security Association and The Monitoring Association — has invested significant resources in ensuring quality education is delivered at registration prices that allow integration and monitoring companies of all sizes to bring their leadership teams — elevating the industry as a whole.

DW (Digital Watchdog) Complete Surveillance Solutions, globally renowned manufacturer of digital video recorders, surveillance cameras and management software solutions, has announced the release of our new 5MP complete Universal HD over Coax (UHDoC) surveillance solution. The new products include 5MP Star-Light Plus color in ultra-low-light UHDoC cameras, VMAX A1 Plus UHDoC digital video recorders (DVR) and C3 CMS, a brand new remote management software for DW’s VMAX A1 Plus DVRs and VMAX IP Plus NVRs. The complete solution and individual products are ideal for users looking to discover new ROI by utilizing their existing coaxial infrastructure and upgrade to HD multi-megapixel resolution image quality. Star-Light Plus Universal HD over Coax cameras 5MP Star-Light Plus Universal HD over Coax cameras offer image enhancement features such as Star-Light Plus ultra-low-light technology for clear color or monochromatic images in almost zero light, true WDR and Smart DNR 3D digital noise reduction. The new cameras come in a variety of housing options, including new vandal ball cameras with true 90° field-of-view angles and zero IR distortion. All DW Universal HD over Coax cameras are engineered to work with our new VMAX A1 Plus Universal HD over Coax DVRs to easily get new ROI from existing coaxial infrastructure. The DVR’s powerful capabilities are easily managed with an intuitive and simple-to-operate User Interface A VMAX A1 Plus DVR can record cameras with up to 5MP resolution, including 1080p video at real-time 30fps. The DVRs simplify camera installation and adjustment through Up the Coax (UTC) remote configuration, available with all compatible cameras. The DVR’s powerful capabilities are easily managed with an intuitive and simple-to-operate User Interface. Unique and dynamic features include P2P Pathfinder remote connection, camera event group recording, auto channel signal swap and live system monitoring. VMAX A1 Plus DVRs The VMAX A1 Plus DVRs can be controlled remotely via a built-in web server, our new powerful and easy-to-use C3 CMS software, DW mobile apps including the new state-of-the-art DW Mobile Plus app for iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, as well as on Apple TV with the DW Site Viewer app. The VMAX A1 Plus models are available with up to 20TB of storage. The C3 client and event server make up a remote management software suite for DW VMAX A1 Plus and VMAX IP Plus embedded recording solutions. It provides users a powerful and easy-to-use new way to monitor a system from anywhere. Full-featured yet lightweight, the software delivers simultaneous live views and playback of recorded video. The C3 client and versatile event management software support hundreds of devices simultaneously. C3 CMS provides actionable information in real-time, helping users to make more informative decisions as events happen. HD video over coaxial infrastructure “HD video over coaxial infrastructure is one of the fastest growing segments in the video surveillance industry,” said Mark Espenschied, Director of Marketing, DW. “DW makes it easy to breathe new life into that investment in cabling by swapping recorders and cameras for an instant HD upgrade. Our development of the C3 software has made it possible for us to offer powerful remote management features at no charge for which users would expect to pay a premium.”

Where are video surveillance cameras headed? At the core of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are advanced chips with artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, enabling cameras to gather valuable information about an incident: scanning shoppers at a department store, monitoring city streets, or checking on an elderly loved one at home. Thanks to advanced chip technology, complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras —professional to consumer — fueling the democratization of AI in the IP camera market.Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras Expanding The Global IP Camera Market  The video surveillance equipment market grew to $18.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase this year, according to IHS Markit. The latest research points to video everywhere, edge computing, and AI as the top technologies that will have a major impact in both commercial and consumer markets in 2019. Computing at the edge means that the processors inside the camera are powerful enough to run AI processing locally, while still encoding and streaming video, and are able to do it all at the low-power required to fit into the limited thermal budget of an IP camera. New SoC chips will be able to perform all of the processing on camera and provide accurate AI information, with no need to send data to a server or the cloud for processing. Instead, data can be analyzed right in the camera itself, offering high performance, real-time video analytics, and lower latency — all critical aspects of video surveillance. This new AI paradigm is made possible by a new generation of SoCs, a key driver behind the market growth of IP cameras. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras to fuel the advent of AI in the IP camera market Micro-Processor-Enabled Video Analytics Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most timeMicroprocessor-enabled analytics allow users to more easily extract valuable data from video streams. How about an insider’s view into retail customer behavior? Consider video cameras at a department store, monitoring shoppers’ behavior, traffic patterns, and areas of interest. Next-generation cameras will recognize how long a shopper stays in front of a specific display, if the shopper leaves and returns, and if the shopper ultimately makes a purchase. Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time, so retailers will be able to adjust product placement accordingly. Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly. By understanding customers’ behavior, retailers can determine the best way to interact with them, target specific campaigns, and tailor ads for them. Cue the coupons while the shopper is still onsite! Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly Fast Processing For Rapid Response At City Level City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations such as loitering, big crowds forming, or cars driving the wrong way.Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyze traffic situations Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyze traffic situations, adjust traffic lights, identify license plates, automatically charge cars for parking, find a missing car across a city, or create live and accurate traffic maps. Real-Time HD Video Monitoring And Recording When it comes to home monitoring, what will next-generation video surveillance cameras offer? Real-time monitoring and notification can detect if a person is in the back yard or approaching the door, if there’s a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, or if a package is being delivered (or stolen). Advanced video cameras can determine when notifications are and aren’t required, since users don’t want to be notified for false alerts such as rain, tree branches moving, bugs, etc. Next-generation video camera capabilities can also help monitor a loved one, person or pet, helping put families at ease if they are at work or on vacation. For example, helpful analytics may be used to detect if someone has fallen, hasn’t moved for a while, or does not appear for breakfast according to their typical schedule. City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations Next-Gen IP Cameras When evaluating next-generation IP cameras (cameras on the edge), look at the brains. These cameras will likely be powered by next-generation SoCs chips. Here is what this means to you:       Save on network bandwidth, cloud computing and storage costs. There is no need to constantly upload videos to a server for analysis. Analysis can be performed locally on the camera, with only relevant videos being uploaded. Faster reaction time. Decisions are made locally, with no network latency. This is critical if you need to sound an alarm on a specific event. Privacy. In the most extreme cases, no video needs to leave the camera. Only metadata needs to be sent to the cloud or server. For example, the faces of people can be recognized in the camera and acted upon, but the video never reaches the cloud. The cameras can just stream a description of the scene to the server “suspicious person with a red sweater walking in front of the train station, has been loitering for the last 10 minutes, suggest sending an agent to check it out.” This could become a requirement in some EU countries with GDPR rules. Easier search. Instead of having to look through hours of video content, the server can just store/analyze the metadata, and easily perform searches such as “find all people with a red sweater who stayed more than five minutes in front of the train station today.” Flexibility/personalization. Each camera at the edge can be personalized to work better for the specific scene it is looking at, compared to a generic server. For example, “run a heat map algorithm on camera A (retail) as I want to know which sections of my store get the most traffic; and run a license plate recognizer on camera B (parking lot) as I want to be able to track the cars going in/out of my parking lot.” No cloud computing required. For cameras in remote locations or with limited network bandwidth, users have the ability to perform all analytics locally, without relying on uploading video to a server/cloud. Higher resolution/quality. When AI processing is performed locally, the full resolution of the sensor can be used (up to 4K or more), while typically the video streamed to a server will be lower resolution, 1080p or less. This means more pixels are available locally for the AI engine so that you will be able to detect a face from a higher distance than when the video is streamed off camera. AI At The Edge Professional-level IP cameras capable of performing AI at the edge are coming soon with early offerings making their debut at this year’s ISC West. As we enter 2020, we will begin to see the availability of consumer-level cameras enabling real-time video analytics at the edge for home use. With rapid technology advancement and increased customer demand, AI is on the verge of exploding. When it comes to image quality and video analytics, IP cameras now in development will create a next-generation impact at department stores, above city streets, and keeping an eye on our loved ones.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance Of Ease Of InstallationEase of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labor to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labor costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labor in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labor cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying Installation Of Cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement Through Modular Cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles  Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB Dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilize magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular Cameras Offer Flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analog video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software Programs Help In Enhancing Installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (video surveillance at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labor to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS Design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open Architecture Platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth  The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple Licensing Processes And Pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing And Matching Camera License Types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto Camera Detection And Configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart Camera Driver Technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance Of Network Security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomized video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic Updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

In five states in the Western United States, 200 video surveillance cameras keep are keeping watch to provide early warning of wildfires. In the near future, the number of wildfire surveillance cameras will be growing dramatically. Soon there will be more than 1,000 of the cameras in California alone, keeping watch on thousands of acres at risk of destructive events like last year’s deadly Camp and Woolsey wildfires. It is a striking example of how video surveillance technology can be used effectively beyond the realm of corporate or institutional security. The wildfire surveillance cameras are providing extra eyes to avoid a disaster before it can happen. ALERTWildfire surveillance cameras The ALERTWildfire surveillance cameras are installed through a consortium of universities – the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of California San Diego; and the University of Oregon. Dozens of partners also participate in ALERTWildfire, including the National Forest Service, other government agencies, utilities and other private companies, state and local fire departments, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Wildfire surveillance cameras can provide early warning when a fire starts and help firefighters respond quicker “It takes a lot of people, pushing in the same direction, to deploy cameras rapidly,” says Graham Kent, University of Nevada, Reno. “We are connected into the community, which is a positive thing.” The wildfire surveillance cameras can provide early warning when a fire starts and help firefighters and first responders scale the resources needed to respond. The cameras also monitor fire behavior until it is contained, enhance situational awareness during evacuations, and ensure fires are monitored appropriately through their demise. Axis Q6055-E PTZ network cameras ALERTWildfire currently uses Axis Q6055-E outdoor-ready pan-tilt-zoom network cameras that provide 1080p HDTV signals, 32x zoom and low-bandwidth compression. (Earlier versions of similar Axis camera models were also installed previously.) The camera’s robust aluminum casing can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees F, although the cameras are positioned on the tops of towers where temperatures from wildfires are not a factor. In addition to surveillance cameras, each installation site includes a range of equipment including hard power or solar power (on about a third of installations), both with battery backups. Resilient, hardened microwave/fiber networks carry video signals from the cameras to servers at University of Nevada, Reno, which makes them available on the Internet. Geolinks, an ALERTWildfire partner, provides resilient Internet connectivity to mountaintops throughout the West. Firefighters can even watch fires on their mobile devices while they are en route to a fire breakout site Mobile Surveillance Dispatchers around the West have access to video from the cameras, and fire management can move the camera views through their iPhones. Firefighters can even watch fires on their mobile devices while they are en-route to a fire. Cameras are located currently in California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. There have been 85 cameras in place for five years or so, and the number of cameras has more than doubled since the beginning of 2019. The accelerated installation schedule is courtesy of a new policy of using existing infrastructure for cameras rather than creating it from scratch. The large number of cameras on the horizon for California is being funded by utility companies such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric. AI in video surveillance The public can view the camera feeds and often call 911 to report early warnings of fires The public can view the camera feeds and often call 911 to report early warnings of fires, thus providing a kind of crowdsourcing, a fire-warning version of “Neighborhood Watch.” In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to monitor the video feeds to provide early warning. For now, the system is largely used by 911 dispatchers to confirm reports of fires. “Cell phones are so ubiquitous, people call in fires before the AI could react,” says Kent. “We could never beat 911.”  A model for early detection of wildfires is in operation in San Diego, where San Diego Gas and Electric manages an emergency center that uses sophisticated real-time modeling to predict fire events based on weather conditions, vegetation, etc., tracked on a threat map. The system enables firefighting resources to be deployed quickly at the first hint of fire and thus to avoid a larger, sweeping wildfire event. Enhancing surveillance for quick wildfires detection “If you can get on top of it quickly enough, it makes all the difference,” says Kent. “In the case of extreme conditions, 10, 20 or 30 minutes can make a big difference.” Other locations are looking to replicate the San Diego model to discover and confirm fires quickly and then reposition assets to respond. Phos-Chek long-term fire retardant, applied by air from a fixed or rotor-wing aircraft, is used to slow or stop the spread of wildland fires. Our successes have led to a demand to get more cameras out right now" Installing more cameras to provide early warning of wildfires is “a grave need in the Western states,” and the system is likely eventually to be deployed in other areas, too. Wildfires can be a challenge in non-Western states such as Florida and Oklahoma, and a similar approach could also be used to provide early warning of other emergencies, such as tornados. “Once we do the West, we will be looking to do the rest of the United States,” says Kent. Increasing demand for video cameras Currently, the biggest challenge is keeping up with demand. “Our successes have led to a demand to get more cameras out right now,” says Kent. “Funding isn’t the largest issue. The money is there to do it, but we have to be able to scale up quickly, working with partners. It’s a wild ride.” Key words for success of the ALERTWildfire system are “location, location, location” combined with “coverage, coverage, coverage,” adds Kent. “We can solve 90 percent of the problem with coverage.”

As political winds present new challenges for Chinese companies doing business in the U.S. market, the countdown is under way to implementation of a ban on sale of Chinese manufacturers’ video surveillance products to the Federal government. Some good news is a delay enacting the wider-reaching “blacklist” aspects of the ban. Meanwhile, possible sanctions to prevent U.S. manufacturers from selling components to Chinese companies are posing immediate public relations difficulties – and the possibility of eventual more tangible ones. Chinese ban imposed by U.S. government The “Chinese ban” provision [[Paragraph (a)(1)(a) of section 889 of Title VII of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2019] prohibits Federal government procurement of “equipment, systems, or services provided by specified entities.” The “specified entities” are Huawei Technologies Co., ZTE Corp., Hytera Communications Corp., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Dahua Technology Co. Hikvision and Dahua are two of the largest manufacturers of video surveillance equipment, and Huawei manufactures HiSilicon chips widely used in video cameras. NDAA specifies that the ban be implemented within a year of the law taking effected The “Chinese ban” provision is an open Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Case, and a proposed FAR draft rule is due in early June. NDAA specifies that the ban be implemented within a year of the law taking effected (signed by President Trump on August 18, 2018). Blacklisting integrators that sell Chinese products Implementation of a “blacklist” provision has been spun off into a separate FAR Case, and enactment has been delayed allowing time for public comments on its ramifications. The provision [Paragraph (a)(1)(B) of section 889 of Title VII of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2019] addresses “entities that use covered equipment.” As it relates to the video surveillance market, this provision has been interpreted to mean, for example, that an integrator that sells Hikvision equipment to anyone (e.g., to a small retailer) would be banned even from selling non-Hikvision equipment to the U.S. government or ‘recipients of Federal loan or grant funds.’ Obviously, this represents a broader impact on the industry compared to the Chinese equipment sale ban.   The government’s stated reasons for the delay include concern about a dramatic reduction in the available industrial base Reduction in available industrial base The government’s stated reasons for the delay include concern about a dramatic reduction in the available industrial base (including small business suppliers), who will no longer be able to sell to the government, either because their non-government business is more valuable, or due to the cost of the potential regulatory burdens associated with compliance. Another concern is that Federal grant recipients in rural areas may be ‘disproportionally impacted … due to the limited number of market options in rural areas.’ The delay will allow time for a public meeting to solicit input on the proposed rulemakingThe delay will allow time for a public meeting to solicit input on the proposed rulemaking. In fact, the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) are hosting a public meeting on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Department of Interior (DOI) Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Interested parties may also attend virtually via the Internet. NDAA ban on Chinese technology, equipment Furthermore, a proposed rule of implementation will be published, followed by a second public meeting. The Office and Management and Budget will solicit feedback on proposed changes to existing grants and loans and consider public comments and feedback prior to finalizing changes. The White House has sent a legislative proposal to Congress to "adjust certain implementation deadlines to allow for additional stakeholder engagement." The Federal Acquisition Security Council would be tasked with submitting a report “containing a discussion and recommendations regarding any changes required for effective implementation of that section.” Do these processes represent hope for leniency? Hikvision targeted in ban The NDAA ban is one of several issues facing Chinese companies in the U.S. market The NDAA ban is one of several issues facing Chinese companies in the U.S. market. Another is snowballing backlash about the involvement of surveillance companies in human rights abuses at detention camps in the Xinjiang region of China. For example, a number of Congressmen and Senators have sent a letter asking the U.S. State Department and Treasury to impose sanctions, export controls and financial disclosures to counter the human rights abuses. In response, Hikvision has retained human rights expert and former U.S. Ambassador Pierre-Richard Prosper to advise the company regarding human rights compliance. According to a company spokesperson: “Hikvision takes these concerns very seriously and has engaged with the U.S. government regarding all of this since last October.”  (See Hikvision USA’s full statement here.) Furthermore, Hikvision expressed optimism at the ISC West trade show.  The Trump administration has also singled out Hikvision and is considering seeking limits on the video surveillance giant’s ability to buy American technology, similar to a ban already implemented against chipmaker Huawei. HiSilicon chips, manufactured by Huawei, currently run millions of security cameras across the United States, and several video camera manufacturers are rethinking their use of HiSilicon chips in wake of the ban.

The mindset behind a new law to prohibit the use of facial recognition and other security-related technologies by San Francisco police and other city agencies is obvious in the name of the new ordinance: “Stop Secret Surveillance.” Ordinance To Stop Secret Surveillance The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance 8-1 with two abstentions on May 14, and there will be another vote next week before it becomes law. We have an outsize responsibility to regulate the excesses of technology precisely because they are headquartered here" The irony of such a law emanating from northern California, where tech giants promote the use of numerous technologies that arguably infringe on privacy, is not lost on Aaron Peskin, the city supervisor who sponsored the bill. “We have an outsize responsibility to regulate the excesses of technology precisely because they are headquartered here,” he told the New York Times. Regulating Facial Recognition Technology  Although the facial recognition aspects of the ordinance have been the most publicized, it also targets a long list of other products and systems. According to the ordinance, "Surveillance Technology" means “any software, electronic device, system utilizing an electronic device, or similar device used, designed, or primarily intended to collect, retain, process, or share audio, electronic, visual, location, thermal, biometric, olfactory or similar information specifically associated with, or capable of being associated with, any individual or group.” Broadly interpreted, that’s a lot of devices. Includes Biometrics, RFID Scanners The ordinance lists some examples such as automatic license plate readers, gunshot detection hardware and services, video and audio monitoring and/or recording equipment, mobile DNA capture technology, radio-frequency ID (RFID) scanners, and biometric software or technology including facial, voice, iris, and gait-recognition software and databases.   Among the exceptions listed in the ordinance are physical access control systems, employee identification management systems, and other physical control systems; and police interview rooms, holding cells, and internal security audio/video recording systems. The ordinance ban applies to city departments and agencies, not to the general public and exceptions include physical access control systems, employee identification management systems, and internal security audio/video recording systems Airport Security Not Part Of Ordinance The ban only applies to city departments and agencies, not to private businesses or the general public. Therefore, San Franciscans can continue to use facial recognition technology every day when they unlock their smart phones. And technologies such as facial recognition currently used at the San Francisco airport and ports are not impacted because they are under federal jurisdiction. Furthermore, the San Francisco police department does not currently use facial recognition anyway, although it has been deployed in places such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and New York City. Safeguarding Privacy Of Citizens The ordinance appears to have a goal of avoiding government uses of technologies that can invade individual privacy, seeking to avoid worst-case scenarios such as an existing system in China that uses millions of surveillance cameras to keep close tabs on the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority population. Any new plans to use surveillance technology must be approved by the city government, and any existing uses must be reported and justified by submitting a Surveillance Technology Policy ordinance for approval by the Board of Supervisors within 180 days. Surveillance Technology Policy  Banning use of facial recognition just when its capability is being realized is counterproductive But might such a ban on technology uses undermine their potential value as crime-fighting tools just when they are poised to become more valuable than ever? Ed Davis, a former Boston police commissioner, told the New York Times it is “premature to be banning things.” He notes: “This technology is still developing, and as it improves, this could be the answer to a lot of problems we have about securing our communities.” Technology development doesn’t happen in a vacuum and banning uses of facial recognition and other technologies just when their capabilities are being realized is counterproductive. We should be thoughtful, deliberate and transparent in how we embrace new technologies. However, discarding them out-of-hand using emotionally charged words such as “secret surveillance” does not promote the best use of technology to the benefit of everyone.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) deploys unique security solution to protect medieval chapel as important restoration work begins Axis Communications, globally renowned firm dealing in network video technology, has been working alongside The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) to bring a medieval property back to life so that one day it can be used as a home. Deploying Axis network cameras The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, a UK charity organization, based out of London, sought a unique solution to protect a circa C15 chapel in need of restoration and deployed a network camera solution to monitor the site remotely for intruders and to act as a deterrent against theft of materials. The SPAB is dedicated to protecting and repairing historic buildings, and recently purchased former chapel St Andrews The SPAB is dedicated to protecting and repairing historic buildings, and recently purchased former chapel St Andrews near Maidstone, Kent, with the aim of breathing life back into the structure. In recent years its main roles have been advice, training and campaigning. However, the recently purchased building, its first new repair project in almost 50 years, will allow the SPAB to teach others the practical skills required to care for such a building, while also returning a historic building to the housing market. Protecting and securing historic buildings The Axis solution has negated the need to have a security resource on site to protect the premises. The video surveillance and intrusion detection system has already successfully identified intruders entering the grounds of the building. Additionally, the network cameras can document the restoration work as it takes place on a daily basis and have also been useful in detecting local wildlife to provide the Kent Wildlife Trust with an idea of the range of animals with homes around the location, including many foxes. The technologies used included: Four AXIS Companion Bullet LE cameras, delivering HD video quality with built-in IR illumination for effective surveillance in darkness An AXIS Companion Cube camera with a built-in microphone and mini-speaker to effectively deter intruders AXIS Companion Recorder, providing a wireless access point for mobile devices. Network camera surveillance The image quality of the cameras is fantastic, especially at night" Matthew Slocombe, director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, commented, “The image quality of the cameras is fantastic, especially at night when it is, of course, usually more difficult to identify potential threats. We are grateful to Axis Communications for providing this work and equipment free of charge, it means we can put our resources into saving St Andrews, Boxley – a truly special building.” The SPAB believes that ensuring the future of our culturally and historically important buildings can improve our environment and wellbeing. Because this drive to create a better world is in line with Axis’ ethos of innovating for a smarter, safer world and doing good in the community, the cameras were donated for the purposes of securing the premises during the conservation works. Efficient intrusion detection David Needham, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Axis Communications, said “We felt we wanted to get involved with this project as we recognized an organization that was trying to help others and do good in the community, which is core to our values as a business. Since the installation, the cameras have identified young adults entering the building’s grounds, but not harming the property. It’s also seen local residents stopping and challenging people looking to enter unlawfully. This has meant there is no need to deploy security personnel to secure the site, saving the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings time and money.”

Wintec (The Waikato Institute of Technology), established in 1924 is a major New Zealand Government-funded tertiary institution, which has three Hamilton campuses; a city site overlooking the central business district, Avalon campus on the northern outskirts of the city, and a horticultural campus at Hamilton Gardens. In addition, it has regional operations at Te Kuiti and Thames and also an office in Beijing. The Avalon campus, a ten-minute drive from the city, is home to specialist trades training facilities, a state-of the-art sport and exercise complex and custom designed facilities for the School of International Tourism, Hospitality and Events. The third Hamilton campus, the Horticultural Education Centre, is situated amidst the 58 hectares of Hamilton Gardens. On-Line distance education Wintec’s programs and qualifications are nationally and internationally recognized Wintec is one of the largest institutes of technology in New Zealand, and has more than 35,000 full-time and part-time students, more than 500 full and part time staff and eleven schools within its academic faculty. International enrolments exceed 1000 from 47 countries. A range of student services provide its domestic and international students with a high level of support so they enjoy a positive, safe and secure study experience. Wintec’s programs and qualifications are nationally and internationally recognized and its degrees have equal status to those from universities. The degree programs include Media Arts, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Business Studies, Engineering, Technology, Information Technology, and Sport and Exercise Science and a wide range of full and part time courses for those already in the workforce. Wintec is also recognized nationally in the delivery of on-line distance education for those unable to attend regular classes for reasons of geographical access or other constraints. Electronically controlled doors Wintec strives for a balance of unobtrusive yet robust control of site activity, essential for maintaining an open campus environment. Shane Goodall, Security Manager at Wintec, describes the approach to security as highly proactive and collaborative: “by focusing on preventing issues arising, we now have a minimal policing role and the crime resolution rate is high”. This environment is underpinned by Gallagher’s security system, a core access control, intruder alarms and integration platform. Wintec first installed the Gallagher system (formerly Cardax FT) in 1999 and has since migrated this legacy system to Gallagher’s latest security technology platform. Security for the entire organization, including satellite sites, is managed and monitored centrally from Wintec’s single Gallagher security system. Since initial installation, Wintec’s Gallagher access control system has grown from 7 to 240 electronically controlled doors in 2009, with another 40 planned - testimony to the scalability and flexibility of the system. Network friendly system communications The organization first installed 6 cameras in 2004 which has increased to 7 DVRs and 85 cameras Wintec has integrated its imaging system to the Gallagher system delivering a visual record which can be matched to the audit trail of events in Gallagher Command Centre software. The organization first installed 6 cameras in 2004 which has increased to 7 DVRs and 85 cameras (both analog and IP). Another compelling aspect of the system for Wintec is the scalability and TCP/IP network friendly system communications. As well as monitoring and controlling staff and student access, equipment including computers, TVs, printers, audio visual resources at Wintec are also monitored through the Gallagher system. The ‘Gallagher Hub’, a new computer laboratory offering comprehensive IT resources is open 24 hours. The Hub contains 125 workstations, and there are plans to extend that number. Active monitoring of equipment though the Gallagher system has significantly reduced theft. Students and staff have scheduled access to shared IT resources, classrooms and lecture theatres. Manage cardholder data ‘Cardholder Import’, an XML Interface, supports the importation of cardholder data including course enrolments from their student record system to Gallagher Command Centre. Shane comments, “Student card issuing is an automated process which is enrollment-driven – a student’s access privileges are assigned according to their enrolled courses.” “To implement this, we defined a rules-based allocation of access groups in the Gallagher system using the XML interface. The interface is ‘live’ so that changes in the student enrolments database are immediately reflected in the Gallagher system. The student’s updated access privileges come into effect without delay.” Staff that interact directly with students are now empowered to manage cardholder data enabling the security team to focus on security. Students and staff utilize Mifare SmartCard functionality extensively, embracing them as an integral multiapplication tool in their modern educational environment – SmartCards are used to issue resources from the library and as pre-stored value cards enabling prepaid printing and photocopying. In the near future they will also be used in Wintec’s Pay and Display car-park and potentially as passes onto city council buses. Electronic access control At Wintec, security is not viewed as a discrete functional activity relegated to security staff only Stewart Brougham, Director of Internationalisation at Wintec, says students have given very positive feedback about their ID cards. In particular, the ability to verify the identity of staff members from their ID access cards provides peace of mind for students. The end result is a people-friendly campus. Future enhancements of Wintec’s security may include the utilization of the CommCard solution from Gallagher to manage and monitor access to student accommodation. CommCard is a unique high level integration between the Gallagher Command Centre software and Salto off-line readers, delivering offline, non-monitored electronic access control for lower security doors. An overriding philosophy of collaboration has seen Wintec take a lateral approach to security, the value of which many organizations have yet to realize. At Wintec, security is not viewed as a discrete functional activity relegated to security staff only. The ongoing management of security is a joint effort between the security services team and the information services team. Increasing operational security The security services team manages the Gallagher system while IT looks after back end functions such as installation on the network and backup. Wintec has leveraged the convergence of security (access control) and other operational business functions recognizing the tremendous potential for reducing risk and increasing operational security, safety, performance and efficiency. Looking beyond simply controlling and monitoring who goes where and when on site, Wintec is harnessing the reporting capabilities of Gallagher Command Centre to meet regulatory requirements. The Gallagher system enables the institution to report on actual space utilization (not just space booking). Decisions are made for best use, and also to substantiate funding, based on these reports. “The key to space utilization reporting are the frequency of reporting and the integrity and reliability of information,” states Stewart Brougham. It’s a national issue for educational institutes in New Zealand. Extending external partnerships “For Wintec, reporting is about ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and is also a staff time management issue – reducing the administration load on lecturers, who would otherwise have to track student attendance manually.” Brian Fleming, Director of Gallagher Channel Partner, Concord Technologies, sites this lateral application of a security system as key to maximizing the value of Gallagher to Wintec. Wintec has a strong relationship with Gallagher in the ongoing development of its technologies This collaborative philosophy extends to proactive external partnerships with their Gallagher Channel Partner, Concord Technologies, for the installation and maintenance of the Gallagher system, and with system designer and manufacturer, Gallagher. Having signed an agreement to continue in the capacity of a Gallagher field test site, Wintec has a strong relationship with Gallagher in the ongoing development of its technologies. Wintec’s success, in the last 5 years, as a test site reflects the competence of both its IT and security staff and the institute’s commitment to edge student services. Minimal training has been required. Software maintenance agreement There is open communication and information sharing between all internal and external parties involved, which means any issues that arise can be quickly addressed. Wintec has committed to a site maintenance plan with their security partner, Concord Technologies. The plan incorporates both software and hardware maintenance to ensure the system is maintained on the latest operating platforms within a known cost structure. A Software Maintenance Agreement also ensures enhanced ongoing system performance and reliability of the Gallagher system. Acknowledgements Gallagher would like to acknowledge the support of Wintec and security partner, Concord, with the development of this in-site study. Gallagher would also like to particularly acknowledge and thank Shane Goodall for the pivotal role he plays in championing the collaboration of these parties and for his outstanding support of the Northern Region Cardax User Group (NZ) in the capacity of Chairman of the group.

Progress is being made with the installation of HENSOLDT’s ASR-S (Aerodrome Surveillance Radar, Series) for air traffic control modernization at German military airfields. ASR-S aerial surveillance radar With a further ASR-S system having recently been handed over to the German procurement authority BAAINBw and the Air Mobility Training Center in Celle-Wietzenbruch, 17 of 20 radar systems in total have now been supplied to and accepted by the customer. Following the successful final acceptance test, program manager Thomas Oswald handed the latest radar over to the training centre commander, Colonel Jörn Rohmann. The ASR-S aerial surveillance radar systems are being provided by sensor specialist HENSOLDT The ASR-S aerial surveillance radar systems are being provided by sensor specialist HENSOLDT under a 250-million-Euro contract awarded by the BAAINBw are intended to replace older radar systems that have been used to date for military air traffic control. Military airspace surveillance The new radars are being used for approach control at the airfields themselves and for airspace surveillance within a radius of more than 100 kilometers (60 NM) in order to safely coordinate military flight movements with civil air traffic. As a facility for all branches of the armed forces, the Air Mobility Training Center, which is subordinate to the German Army Training Command in Leipzig, facilitates testing of and training in different methods and processes in cooperation between ground forces and aircraft. Air traffic control and identification system HENSOLDT provides air traffic control and identification systems for military and civilian applications on a global scale. For example, the company has received orders for a complete approach control system for the Swiss Air Force as well as for different ASR versions for the German civil air traffic control authority DFS, Australia, the UK and Canada. HENSOLDT’s ASR-S radar is improving air traffic control and air surveillance at the airfields of the German Armed Forces.

Percepto has announced that the company has launched its market-leading industrial on-site autonomous drone solution in Singapore, through partnership with Certis - the leading advanced integrated security services organization. On-site autonomous drone solution In October 2018, Certis announced that it has expanded its industry-leading ops-tech capabilities to deliver Security Plus (Security+) solutions. Today, Certis’ Security+ combines advanced security, facilities management and customer service into a single holistic service, supported and underpinned by technology. Percepto, the provider of the most advanced global Drone-in-Box solution for industrial sites, is a recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Global Enabling Technology Leadership Awards. Percepto CEO, Dor Abuhasira comments on entering the Singaporean market: “Percepto is proud to be selected by Certis to be its premier Autonomous Drone solution partner.” Singapore is breaking new ground in the commercialisation of innovative drone solutions" Abuhasira continues: “Singapore is breaking new ground in the commercialisation of innovative drone solutions, aided by the clear published regulations on the drone activity permit application by the local authority.” Integrated security with Security+ “As a technology-driven company, Certis now provides an integrated approach to advanced security, facilities management and guest services through what we now call Security+. In partnership with Percepto, we are pleased to introduce this technological solution, that enables us to reimagine new concepts of operations for our customers,” said Ms Fong Ying Ching, Vice President, Certis Technology. Percepto drones are equipped with high-definition and thermal cameras to enable day and night operation and can perform in hostile weather conditions including rain, snow and dust. When deployed in-the-field they take-off on-demand or at scheduled times and navigate pre-defined routes. Percepto cloud management system Once the mission has been completed the drone returns to its base station - a highly secure enclosed weather-proof box - where automated post flight checks and fast battery charging are completed, ensuring the drone is primed for the next flight. The system is controlled through Percepto’s cloud management system The system is controlled through Percepto’s cloud management system and it is also the only drone-in-a-box solution that is powered by computer vision and AI and provides communications over LTE. As a result, these drones provide aerial security for total surveillance monitoring and response. Industrial drones The partnership between Percepto and Certis signifies a major development for the use of industrial drones in Singapore in areas of security, surveillance and safety, maintenance, inspection, mapping and operations.

Todd Burgess has an easy answer when asked why he’s used a March Networks video solution in his Quik-E Food convenience stores for more than 15 years. “It’s simple. The system is constantly saving us money.” Networking and IT In his role as Vice President of Quik-E Food Stores, Burgess oversees all the networking and IT requirements for the Lynchburg, Virginia business, which includes 13 convenience stores and gas stations, six car washes, a laundromat and a craft beer pub called The Filling Station known for its unique combination of ‘growlers, grub and gas’. Finding those incidents and stopping them quickly can directly impact Quik-E’s profitability While many things about the family-owned business have changed since its founding in 1973, the need to keep a close eye on each location’s inventory hasn’t. Like every retail organization, Quik-E can cite numerous examples of theft, fraud and inventory errors that have cost the business thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Finding those incidents and stopping them quickly can directly impact Quik-E’s profitability, and that’s where its March Networks intelligent video solution really proves its worth. Video system helps curb thefts “I can’t tell you how many thefts I’ve caught with the help of our video system,” said Burgess. “I had a former employee just finish paying me back $13,000 they owed us in stolen goods, and we recently caught another employee who was stealing probably $50 worth of cigarettes each day.” “And just this morning I was reviewing video of a weekly delivery with one of our managers,” continued Burgess. “We were able to confirm that we’d been charged for $77 worth of gloves that we didn’t actually receive. The video showed the delivery guy come into the store and put everything down. Two boxes of gloves is easy to spot, so it was obvious that that portion of the delivery was missing.” Quik-E Food Stores has upgraded its video solution over the years and Burgess uses the Searchlight software regularly to check for any unusual or suspect transactions and review the data when an incident occurs New software capabilities Over the years, Quik-E Food Stores has upgraded its video solution to take advantage of better performance and new software capabilities. The March Networks video recorders first installed more than a decade ago have been slowly replaced by new generation 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs, able to support both analog and IP cameras or a full complement of IP-only video. Hosted networking solution Burgess has also overseen the transition from older Visual Intelligence software to March Networks Command Enterprise software working with Integrated Technology Group (ITG), the retailer’s long-time systems integrator and March Networks certified partner. That’s in addition to moving the organization from office servers to a hosted networking solution and switching from an existing point-of-sale (POS) system to a new Gilbarco Passport POS solution. “We’ve been proactive about upgrading our IT infrastructure over the last few years, and our video system has always come back online, except in one instance where we couldn’t get the cameras connected again in a couple of locations,” said Burgess. “March Networks Tech Support was wonderful. They managed to diagnose the issue, which wasn’t related to the video products in the end. They were just a big help.” March Networks Searchlight™ Burgess says that he’s a satisfied customer and he won’t be looking for another video solution anytime soon Quik-E is also using March Networks Searchlight™ for retail, a software application that integrates surveillance video with the retailer’s POS transaction data to provide powerful search and investigation tools. Burgess uses the Searchlight software regularly to check for any unusual or suspect transactions and review the data when an incident occurs. “I use Searchlight primarily to look for voids and cancellations, or high dollar value transactions,” said Burgess. “We actually just used it to help catch a manager who probably stole thousands of dollars from us. I knew I was short in inventory, so I pulled up the video and transaction data to see if things were being rung up. It was clear they were not and we had the evidence to prove it. Now we’ll use that evidence to hopefully recoup our losses.” Satisfied customer Ultimately, Burgess says that he’s a satisfied customer and he won’t be looking for another video solution anytime soon. “I think it’s one of the best video surveillance systems on the market. March Networks has been good to me over the years and I’m a very happy customer.”

The University of Birmingham educates over 30,000 students, with more than 6,000 doors providing access to student accommodation. Gallagher’s integrated access control solution is responsible for providing operational continuity and creating a safe and secure environment for residents. The University recently completed its new state-of-the-art student accommodation development, Chamberlain, which consists of a 19-storey tower and three low-rise blocks. An essential requirement was an integrated access control system, reducing the need for keys. Timothy Owen, General Manager of Student Accommodation at the University says, “We wanted to move away from using keys as students are prone to losing them and trying to manage thousands of locks and associated keys was a constant administration and financial drain.” In order to minimize the complexity of managing a new system, the University required a solution that integrated with, or was an extension of, their existing campus access control and accommodation management systems. “We need to maintain control over access to our buildings, while ensuring a duty of care to our residents and staff so that they can go about their business as required,” says Timothy. “Fundamentally, we needed a system that gives both us and our resident’s confidence in the security of the accommodation.” Gallagher Command Center, together with the Aperio wireless locking technology, was selected as the University’s choice Aperio wireless locking technology A large and complex estate with buildings of different construction and age, the University needed a solution that was flexible enough to accommodate their unique requirements. Gallagher Command Center, together with the Aperio wireless locking technology by ASSA ABLOY Access Control, was selected as the University’s preferred choice, meeting their security needs in a cost effective way while still delivering to the overall specification. Timothy says, “The completion of our new state of the art Chamberlain development was extremely close to the date of the first student arrival, so the team had to be dedicated and work flexibly to ensure it was ready in time – which it was.” Gallagher Command Center integration The Gallagher Command Center integration allows for the access key and student ID to be combined into one card, offering a number of benefits to both students and staff. Previously the accommodation arrival process required students to arrive at the University with their contracts and queue up so that a member of staff could sign them in manually and hand them the keys to their accommodation. From there students could head to their room. “Arrivals is always a busy time but with the help of the Gallagher solution we’ve not only improved the student experience but also the administration process,” says Timothy. “Now the student ID and accommodation key is encoded on to one card so it can be posted out in advance and access to the room automatically granted via the accommodation management system. Students no longer need to queue for keys, can get to their rooms instantly, and spend more time enjoying their arrival experience.” Secure, authorized access control The simple act of swiping an access card automatically checks the student in and an attendance report can be instantly generated The simple act of swiping an access card automatically checks the student in and a report can be generated to show who has arrived and who hasn’t, allowing staff to follow up accordingly. If the room is no longer required it can be quickly and easily re-allocated to another student, resulting in improved occupancy rates. Using Gallagher Command Center together with the University’s accommodation management system allows staff to check on the well-being of students by monitoring the use of their access card. Student security and tracking The University also houses students under the age of 18, and one of the safeguarding requirements is that the University can monitor their whereabouts on a daily basis. Timothy adds, “This can be difficult to achieve with many students to track, but Gallagher Command Center can easily confirm the time and location of our resident’s last door access, providing peace of mind that students who may be uncontactable are in fact on site.” University staff are also seeing positive improvements since the installation of the new system – particularly at the start of the year. The arrivals process is now less congested and more relaxed. The team have far fewer issues than with physical keys, enabling them to spend more time on the overall student experience. Since the installation of the first 800 bedrooms at Chamberlain, the University has already extended the system by a further 900 at Mason, with plans in place for an additional 1500 bedrooms this summer. Combined access and student ID card “Replacing keys with a combined access and student ID card has reduced our operational costs as we now have far fewer keys to purchase and store,” explains Timothy. “The student experience has improved and staff are now free to deal with urgent matters and offer a more personal service. We can easily create reports to help us audit access and have generally provided a much more modern and secure place to live and work.”

The ability to treat patients in a secure environment is a base requirement of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Whether facilities are large or small, security challenges abound, including perimeter security, access control of sensitive areas, video surveillance, and even a long list of cyber-risks. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of hospitals and the healthcare industry?

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?

Even the most advanced and sophisticated security systems are limited in their effectiveness by a factor that is common to all systems – the human factor. How effectively integrators install systems and how productively users interface with their systems both depend largely on how well individual people are trained. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the changing role of training in the security and video surveillance market?