Security devices

PSA, the security and systems integrator consortium, announces the call for presentations for PSA TEC 2020 is open. Sessions will be selected that serve a variety of disciplines and focus on emerging technologies, critical issues in the industry and tool development to augment attendees’ knowledge base needed to drive the industry forward. TEC, presented by PSA, is the premier education and networking event for all professional systems integrators in the security and audio-visual markets. TEC features education and certification programs, networking, and dedicated exhibit hours designed to advance the skills and expertise of industry professionals nationwide. Professional systems integrators This premier training venue is open to all industry professionals and is designed to meet the educational needs of all employees within an integrator’s organization. TEC 2020 will be held at the Sheraton Downtown Denver in Denver, CO on April 20-23, 2020. PSA is accepting submissions to complete the education program with content that provides knowledge PSA is accepting submissions to complete the education program with content that provides knowledge for professional systems integrators in the physical security and pro-AV markets or sessions that will help advance their personal skillsets within their professional disciplines. Topics represented at TEC include cybersecurity, leadership/management, managed services, marketing, operations, procurement, sales and technical. General education sessions Proposals are welcome for both certification programs and general education sessions for the security and pro-AV markets. All sessions must be unbiased with no brand or product emphasis and minimize commercial references and overt branding. Submissions are evaluated based on topic relevance, speaker expertise and originality of the content. Additional guidelines are provided in the call for presentations submission process. Accepted and approved presenters will receive complimentary registration to TEC 2020 and will have the opportunity to solidify their reputation as an industry resource and subject matter expert while expanding their own professional network and gaining access to strategic partnerships. PSA does not pay honoraria or expenses for accepted proposals.

Keysight, the test and measurement vendor, has announced that Ixia, its cybersecurity and visibility business, has announced BreakingPoint QuickTest, which enables organizations to quickly evaluate the performance and security of devices and networks to assess their cybersecurity readiness. Today’s IT departments struggle against increasing network security threats while suffering from a cybersecurity skills shortage. According to Jon Oltsik, principal analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group, “more than half of organizations report a problematic shortage of cybersecurity skills.” The lack of testing expertise creates opportunities for vulnerabilities in IT environments. Optimizing speed of cybersecurity testing This innovation enables organizations to optimize the speed of their cybersecurity testing without compromise"“Organizations are under pressure to make the right security investments to ensure their networks and applications are secure. This pressure, combined with the shortage of expert resources, forces organizations to compromise on the quality of their security testing,” said Sunil Kalidindi, vice president of product management at Ixia, a Keysight Business. “BreakingPoint QuickTest offers users all the power of BreakingPoint in pre-packaged test methodologies with expert analysis capabilities. This ground-breaking innovation enables organizations to optimize the speed of their cybersecurity testing without compromise.” Features of the Test suites BreakingPoint QuickTest offers concise and actionable test scores for rapid result analysis, and complete automation for continuous assessment. Test suites include: Performance: to measure system performance while handling various types of application traffic mixes that include encrypted traffic NetSecOPEN: to validate the device or system against NetSecOPEN standardized tests, industry guidelines and best practices for testing modern network security infrastructure including firewall, next generation firewall (NGFW), intrusion protection system (IPS), and threat detection solutions and services Encryption Performance: to measure the system performance of TLS inspection devices or networks, while handling traffic encrypted using various types of ciphers and key sizes Security: to validate the effectiveness of a security device or system in mitigating attacks and breach attempts while maintaining traffic continuity Powered by threat intelligence BreakingPoint QuickTest is powered by threat intelligence provided by Ixia’s Application Threat Intelligence (ATI) Research Center, a globally distributed team of dedicated cybersecurity professionals that monitor and analyze the ever-evolving indicators that could threaten the security of IT networks worldwide. Ixia’s ATI Research Center has been performing advanced security research for over a decade, providing intelligence updates to customers around the globe.

Matrox Graphics Inc. is pleased to announce a series of major updates to its award-winning Matrox Maevex 6100 Series of multi-channel 4K enterprise encoders. Supporting all of today’s most widely-used streaming protocols, the Maevex 6100 Series enterprise encoder appliances and cards now include built-in HLS support that allows enterprises to deliver multiple, dynamically-optimized streams to a broad range of devices over the internet. Maevex 6100 encoders now also support IPv6 addressing that is essential for enterprises migrating to this new Internet Protocol (IP) standard. In addition, fMP4 file format support equips administrators with multi-recording redundancy functionality to reliably preserve all recordings, while the popular MOV format is ideal for video playback and video management applications. Cloud-Service transcoding Matrox Maevex 6120 and Maevex 6150 dual- and quad-4K enterprise encoders will be in action at InfoComm 2019 Matrox Maevex 6120 and Maevex 6150 dual- and quad-4K enterprise encoders will be in action at InfoComm 2019, in Matrox booth 3055. In addition to multiple-protocol support for LAN, WAN, and internet streaming—including RTSP, RTP, MPEG2.TS, RTMP, and SRT—Maevex 6100 Series encoders now support on-device, multi-channel HLS stream delivery. Using adaptive bitrate streaming supported by HLS, Maevex 6100 Series encoders enable small and medium-sized enterprises to stream to multiple remote devices over the internet, adapting instantly to each device’s unique circumstances to ensure the best quality stream possible. The ability to dynamically serve optimized streams directly from Maevex encoders also allows organizations to save on cloud-service transcoding and/or additional software licensing costs. Network infrastructures Supporting the next-generation Internet Protocol standard, IPv6 offers an enormous leap to 340-undecillion unique-address-spaces to succeed the 4.3 billion addresses used in IPv4. The transition to IPv6 addressing is significant as Maevex 6100 Series encoders can now integrate seamlessly with network infrastructures and devices leveraging updated IP addressing. Maevex 6100 encoders support fMP4 file recording to both network and local USB locations simultaneously fMP4 file format support allows recordings from Maevex 6100 Series encoders to be more resilient to network and power failures and allows files to be easily recoverable when recordings are interrupted by these types of unpredictable events. Maevex 6100 encoders support fMP4 file recording to both network and local USB locations simultaneously, allowing administrators to have significant redundancy safeguards built directly into the encoder. The MOV digital multimedia format developed by Apple® meanwhile, is widely adopted for high-quality video playback or video editing and management applications. Lowest possible cost “Matrox Maevex 6100 Series encoders continue to make video capture, streaming, and recording easier and more effective for enterprises of all sizes,” says Ron Berty, business development manager, Matrox Graphics Inc. “Organizations are placing a tremendous amount of value on building, sharing, and storing data and content. With these latest updates, Maevex encoders ensure that highly-produced rich-media content is being delivered worldwide—at the lowest possible cost, at the industry’s very best quality, latency, bitrate utilization, and reliability possible.” The new HLS, IPv6, fMP4, and MOV updates will be available as a free Maevex firmware download from the Matrox website in early Q3 2019.

ELATEC introduced the TCP3 authentication/release station, a small network appliance that enables devices without a USB port to incorporate an RFID or biometric reader, PIN pad or other form of user authentication and access control, and which supports USB 3.0 and gigabit Ethernet networks. Most organizations extend the use of their employee ID badge or card to authenticate for applications beyond building access. This includes most multi-function printers. However, not all printers and devices have support for the direct connection of a card reader, such as those with no USB port. In these situations, the ELATEC TCP3 station extends ID card-based capabilities such as authentication for pull printing to any printing device regardless of the manufacturer, make or model. Minimize information technology support costs TCP3 provides unmatched security, performance, device management and flexibility"“The TCP3 station was designed to minimize information technology support costs associated with additional IP or MAC addresses while consuming only one network drop from its Host port,” said Kenneth Buck, Solutions Architect for ELATEC. “TCP3 has two Ethernet connectors designated as Host and Device. The Device port enables connection of a printer or other peripheral without requiring a second network drop.” While primarily designed for the secure printing market, the station can also be used to control access to devices which require special operator training and certification such as sophisticated manufacturing equipment. The TCP3 station would communicate ID card data to the authenticator responsible to unlock such equipment. “TCP3 was designed around ever-increasing network performance requirements for high speed graphic printers and engineering plotters allowing simultaneous communication of print data and printer status at gigabit speeds,” added Buck. “But whichever the application, TCP3 provides unmatched security, performance, device management and flexibility – welcome benefits for any IT network and networked devices.”

Tech Data announces the launch of the RECON Security Suite in Europe. RECON offers a targeted and simplified range of multi-vendor subscription and consultation-based security solutions that help to protect against the most common cybersecurity threats. Built by Tech Data security experts from the company’s portfolio of vendor solutions, RECON enables resellers to rapidly accelerate their security offerings without investing in developing their own in-house skills, resources and tools. The suite also allows mature security partners to augment their existing offerings with a robust set of services and solutions. Managed security services RECON is structured into the following targeted categories: RECON MSP: Managed security services focused on the day-to-day management of security solutions, including managed next-generation firewall; managed identity; managed endpoint; 24x7 support and monitoring services; reporting services RECON ProServ: Security-focused consulting services RECON Risk: Consultation services which assess and offer solutions for an organization’s key security risks RECON SOC: Security Operations Centre services including incident response and real-time alerting RECON Restore: A portfolio of backup and recovery solutions that can restore a system from catastrophic ransomware or malware attacks Growing cybersecurity market With RECON, Tech Data is bringing structure and clarity to a fragmented and fast-growing cybersecurity market" The RECON Security Suite will evolve to reflect the ever-changing threat landscape and emerging technology categories such as IoT. David Ellis, vice president, Security and Mobility Solutions, Europe, at Tech Data said, “With RECON, Tech Data is bringing structure and clarity to a fragmented and fast-growing cybersecurity market." "The suite enables us to more effectively connect partners with a leading range of solutions, services and Tech Data security experts, making it easier than ever for our partners across the region to increase and complement their own security specializations and, of course, grow their businesses.” Also available in the Americas region, Tech Data’s RECON offering is based around the U.S. National Institute of Standards in Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework, a recognized standard that enables organizations to better protect themselves against cyber security threats.

With the introduction of a striking new Iron Black finish to its smart lock collection, Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division, is heightening its already strong focus on lock design and aesthetics. The contemporary versions of Kwikset’s SmartCode 914 Deadbolt Lock and SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt will be the first connected locks to feature the new Iron Black finish. With this new finish, in addition to the existing Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel, and Venetian Bronze finishes, Kwikset is continuing to meet customer demand for a broader range of aesthetic options. Aesthetically pleasing secure locks “Kwikset is once again expanding the design and color choices available to our customers,” said Nick English, Kwikset’s North American Sales Manager, Residential Access Solutions. “With contemporary versions of our most popular locks, as well as new finishes like the Iron Black, we’re highlighting our commitment to not only creating the most secure locks on the market, but the most aesthetically pleasing locks as well, capable of blending with any décor.” Both SmartCode 914 and SmartCode 916 with Home Connect technology incorporate the new Z-Wave 500 Series chip The contemporary SmartCode 914 and SmartCode 916 smart locks feature an updated, modern design, while continuing to utilise Kwikset’s Home Connect technology. As a result, they integrate with home security and automation systems to deliver convenience and peace of mind to homeowners with complete remote locking/unlocking via smartphones and tablets. Z-Wave 500 Series chip Both SmartCode 914 and SmartCode 916 with Home Connect technology incorporate the new Z-Wave 500 Series chip. The new chip provides a number of enhancements, including extended wireless range and wireless security features that reduce the vulnerability of the network during enrolment, as well as increased battery life. The SmartCode 916 features Kwikset’s unique SecureScreen, which helps mask “smudge” attacks in which users’ codes can be potentially jeopardized by detecting frequently used numbers from the oily residues on the touchscreen surface.

In 2017, IoT-based cyberattacks increased by 600%. As the industry moves towards the mass adoption of interconnected physical security devices, end users have found a plethora of advantages, broadening the scope of traditional video surveillance solutions beyond simple safety measures. Thanks in part to these recent advancements, our physical solutions are at a higher risk than ever before. With today’s ever evolving digital landscape and the increasing complexity of physical and cyber-attacks, it’s imperative to take specific precautions to combat these threats. Video surveillance systems Cybersecurity is not usually the first concern to come to mind When you think of a video surveillance system, cybersecurity is not usually the first concern to come to mind, since digital threats are usually thought of as separate from physical security. Unfortunately, these two are becoming increasingly intertwined as intruders continue to use inventive methods in order to access an organization's assets. Hacks and data breaches are among the top cyber concerns, but many overlook the fact that weak cybersecurity practices can lead to physical danger as well. Organizations that deploy video surveillance devices paired with advanced analytics programs often leave themselves vulnerable to a breach without even realizing it. While they may be intelligent, IoT devices are soft targets that cybercriminals and hackers can easily exploit, crippling a physical security system from the inside out. Physical security manufacturers Whether looking to simply gain access to internal data, or paralyze a system prior to a physical attack, allowing hackers easy access to surveillance systems can only end poorly. In order to stay competitive, manufacturers within the security industry are trading in their traditional analog technology and moving towards interconnected devices. Due to this, security can no longer be solely focused on the physical elements and end users have taken note. The first step towards more secured solutions starts with physical security manufacturers choosing to make cybersecurity a priority for all products, from endpoint to edge and beyond. Gone are the days of end users underestimating the importance of reliability within their solutions. Manufacturers that choose to invest time and research into the development of cyber-hardening will be ahead of the curve and an asset to all. Wireless communication systems Integrators also become complicit in any issues that may arise in the future Aside from simply making the commitment to improve cyber hygiene, there are solid steps that manufacturers can take. One simple action is incorporating tools and features into devices that allow end users to more easily configure their cyber protection settings. Similarly, working with a third party to perform penetration testing on products can help to ensure the backend security of IoT devices. This gives customers peace of mind and manufacturers a competitive edge. While deficient cybersecurity standards can reflect poorly on manufacturers by installing vulnerable devices on a network, integrators also become complicit in any issues that may arise in the future. Just last year, ADT was forced to settle a $16 million class action lawsuit when the company installed an unencrypted wireless communication system that rendered an organization open to hacks. Cybersecurity services In addition, we’ve all heard of the bans, taxes and tariffs the U.S. government has recently put on certain manufacturers, depending on their country of origin and cybersecurity practices. Lawsuits aside, employing proper cybersecurity standards can give integrators a competitive advantage. With the proliferation of hacks, malware, and ransomware, integrators that can ease their client's cyber-woes are already a step ahead. By choosing to work with cybersecurity-focused manufacturers who provide clients with vulnerability testing and educate end users on best practices, integrators can not only thrive but find new sources of RMR. Education, collaboration and participation are three pillars when tackling cybersecurity from all angles. For dealers and integrators who have yet to add cybersecurity services to their business portfolios, scouting out a strategic IT partner could be the answer. Unlocking countless opportunities Becoming educated on the topic of cybersecurity and its importance for an organization is the first step Physical security integrators who feel uncomfortable diving headfirst into the digital realm may find that strategically aligning themselves with an IT or cyber firm will unlock countless opportunities. By opening the door to a partnership with an IT-focused firm, integrators receive the benefit of cybersecurity insight on future projects and a new source of RMR through continued consulting with current customers. In exchange, the IT firm gains a new source of clients in an industry otherwise untapped. This is a win for all those involved. While manufacturers, dealers and integrators play a large part in the cybersecurity of physical systems, end users also play a crucial role. Becoming educated on the topic of cybersecurity and its importance for an organization is the first step. Commonplace cybersecurity standards Below is a list of commonplace cybersecurity standards that all organizations should work to implement for the protection of their own video surveillance solutions: Always keep camera firmware up to date for the latest cyber protections. Change default passwords, especially those of admins, to keep the system locked to outside users. Create different user groups with separate rights to ensure all users have only the permissions they need. Set an encryption key for surveillance recordings to safeguard footage against intruders and prevent hackers from accessing a system through a backdoor. Enable notifications, whether for error codes or storage failures, to keep up to date with all systems happenings. Create/configure an OpenVPN connection for secured remote access. Check the web server log on a regular basis to see who is accessing the system. Ensure that web crawling is forbidden to prevent images or data found on your device from being made searchable. Avoid exposing devices to the internet unless strictly necessary to reduce the risk of attacks.

In the next three years, software as a service ‘SaaS’ is likely to grow by around 23%. That’s according to reports by Cognizance. It’s growth rests on the adoption of cloud public, private and hybrid. Without the cloud applications can’t truly pervade an organization, nor can operational or customer benefits be derived. But there’s no point in adopting the cloud if it’s not secure - the proliferation of SaaS demands security, none more so in a GDPR world. Large cloud environment But modern applications are difficult to secure. SaaS based, web, mobile, or custom made all work on different platforms and frameworks. It’s a headache managing all the APIs needed to automate and sync tools. This introduces risk. The greater the number of apps the broader the attack surface and therefore the greater the chance there will be blind posts. Keeping up to date with updates and new security policies is never easy There are also added hazards. Applications are always changing. Keeping up to date with updates and new security policies is never easy, but especially hard in a large cloud environment. Failure to adopt changes puts the organization and customers at further risk. But the biggest obstacle is keeping applications and APIs out of harm’s way. It’s a near on impossible task when attack methods and sources are constantly changing. More advanced threats To be specific there are four emerging challenges when it comes to protecting apps. Firstly, managing the good and the bad bots and spotting which is which, secondly securing APIs as IoT adoption intensifies, thirdly the relationship between securing apps and DevOps and ensuring ownership of security, and finally denial of service attacks that use newer tactics such as brute force. Basic security hygiene dictates that security teams refer to the OWASP Top 10. It’s considered the ‘ten commandments’ in security circles, providing a starting point for ensuring the most common threats and vulnerabilities are managed, detected and mitigated. Web Application Firewalls also come into the fray with guidance on testing for the ways hackers exploit vulnerabilities. However, though the basics are good to have in place, there are always more advanced threats to take care of. Bots being a big one. Bot management The more sophisticated bots will go as far as to mimic human behaviorAstonishingly about half of internet traffic is bot generated. Half of it is from bad bots. Discerning the good from the bad isn’t easy though and explains why around 80% of organizations can’t make a clear distinction between the two. Bad bots can do a lot of damage like take over user accounts and payment information, scrape confidential data, or hold up inventory and skew marketing metrics. The more sophisticated bots will go as far as to mimic human behavior and bypass tools like CAPTCHA and even device fingerprinting based protection ineffective. Securing APIs Then there’s the complications derived from machine-to-machine and internet of things (IoT) communications. The more integrated ‘things’, the more data there is, the more events there are report on, and the more activity there is reliant on APIs to make the ‘things’ useful and agile. That’s what makes them a target and the threats to API vulnerabilities include injections, protocol attacks, parameter manipulations, invalidated redirects and bot attacks. There’s the risk that business will grant access to sensitive data, without inspecting nor protecting APIs to detect cyberattacks.   There’s the risk that business will grant access to sensitive data, without inspecting nor protecting APIs to detect cyberattacks Denial of service (DoS) You might think there’s little to add to the swathes of denial of service warnings. Yet when businesses are still being targeted and feeling the ill effects it’s worth mentioning again that different forms of application-layer DoS attacks are still very effective at bringing application services down. Even the greatest application protection is worthless if the service itself can be knocked down This includes HTTP/S floods, low and slow attacks (famous examples being Slowloris, LOIC, Torshammer), dynamic IP attacks, buffer overflow, Brute Force attacks and more. The IoT botnets are the culprits and have made application-layer attacks so popular that they have become the preferred DDoS attack vector. Even the greatest application protection is worthless if the service itself can be knocked down. Continuous security It may seem easy to say but for modern DevOps, agility is valued at the expense of security. We see time and again examples of where development and roll-out methodologies, such as continuous delivery, mean applications are exposed to threats each time they are modified. There’s no doubt it is extremely difficult to maintain a valid security policy and protect sensitive data in dynamic conditions without creating a high number of false positives. But we now find that this task has gone way beyond the capability of humans. Organizations now need machine-learning based solutions that map application resources, analyse possible threats, and create and optimise security policies in real time. Reaching this level in security planning should be a big wake-up call that security automation is an essential not a nice to have. Running security plans The board needs to know that investment is critical to protect their profits It’s critical that the security solution your company adopts protects applications on all platforms, against all attacks, through all the channels and at all times. The board needs to know that investment is critical to protect their profits. As such there are six things they need to know: Application security solutions must encompass web and mobile apps, as well as APIs. Bot management solutions need to overcome the most sophisticated bot attacks. DDoS mitigation must be an essential and integrated part of application security solutions. A future-proof solution must protect containerized applications, severless functions, and integrate with automation, provisioning and orchestration tools. To keep up with continuous application delivery, security protections must adapt in real time. A fully managed service should be considered to remove complexity and minimise resources. No amount of human power will beat the bots. That last point is the most critical. Skill is essential in designing and running security plans and policies that work. But the plans can’t be executed without automated tools. There are just too many decisions to make in a split second. Combining both is the path to an effective app protection strategy and a stronger brand to boot.

There’s no question that the popularity of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) security and home automation products is on the rise. The reasons for the growth in DIY sales are numerous, including increased awareness of home automation products, fast set-up, limited (if any) installation costs, and interoperability with other smart security products. In fact, with the parallel rise of smart home hubs like Alexa and Google Home, many people are opting to attempt the set-up of smart home devices without any professional assistance. According to a 2018 Residential Security Market Report prepared by Parks Associates and Security Sales & Integration magazine, “More than 60% of installing dealers now report that DIY systems are biting into demand for their services.” But the rise in DIY is not entirely bad news for security and home automation installers and dealers. There are a number of ways to view this glass as half-full. Let’s look at a few of them. Increase In Revenue For Dealers With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchaseThere are reasons for dealers and installers to be cheerful about the rise of DIY. For one thing, according to that same Residential Security Market Report from Parks Associates, residential security dealers are doing quite well. The report states, “In 2017, revenues were up an average 7.72% for security dealers.” What about installations? The report goes on to say, “For 2017, the average number of installs per dealer was 22 per month, compared to 17 per month in 2016.” So, revenues are up for security dealers, and at least part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that DIY products can raise overall awareness of and spur interest in other home automation and security products. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for the additional purchase, and installation, of complete, professionally installed systems. Wireless, Connected Smart Locks For example, the sale of wireless, connected smart locks (viewed by some consumers as DIY) can lead to opportunities for further home automation product sales and professional installations. Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller. They can be used to wirelessly communicate with and control all the devices that make up a home automation system, including lighting, entertainment, thermostats, air, alarms, shades and more. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for new security installations And they can do all this from a prime, convenient location – the front door, as well as other points of entry like the side or back doors. Plus, smart lock conversion kits like Kwikset Convert let homeowners easily bring home automation capabilities to their door without altering the aesthetics of the entry. Connected smart locks can allow homeowners to set up their home with custom scenarios, right before they step inside. For example, residents can program their lock so that every time they unlock the door, a foyer light goes on, temperatures begin to rise to a set level – even connected coffee makers can begin to make a cup. Portfolio Of Home Automation Products One of the best ways to mitigate the ‘threat’ of DIY sales is for dealers and installers to become more versatileSmart locks are just one example of the potential of DIY products to spark a homeowner’s interest in a wide range of other home automation devices, many of which would benefit from professional installation. One of the best ways to mitigate the ‘threat’ of DIY sales is for dealers and installers to become more versatile and offer a complete portfolio of home automation products. The larger the home automation offering, the more devices there are to sell and install, the larger the installation required, the greater the need for professional installation. Many homeowners who feel like they have a certain level of handiness will start by trying to do it themselves with a DIY product. But things don’t always go as planned, especially if they are attempting to set up a robust home automation system. First off, just because a product is DIY doesn’t mean that the old products that are being replaced are going to easily make way for the new. A DIY thermostat or smart lock might require that the old equipment (and possibly wires) get tugged out of the wall. Messy holes might need to be filled. Advantages Of Professional Installation Even after the old system has been removed, homeowners planning on setting up a connected system may soon realize they don’t have the electrical skills or technological know-how to install and connect all devices, get a system programmed correctly, and get everything up and running smoothly. Professional installers have learned from experience; there’s very little that they haven’t seen before. With their years of experience, installers know the best way to automate a home and how to create a custom smart home experience Do-it-yourselfers might be able to solve problems by searching the internet and finding videos. But, then again, they might not. After going the DIY route once, many full-home automation system enthusiasts are beginning to realize that the best way to get things done right the first time is to leave the installation and set-up to a professional. Professional installers can and should bring an extra level of experience and guidance to the process. Their services should go beyond tech installation and also include interface design. With their years of experience, installers know the best way to automate a home – how to create a custom smart home experience that doesn’t make the user feel less than smart. Selling Additional Home Automation Products If a problem arises due to installation error, the DIYer does not have any recourse to correct these mistakesResidential security dealers who offer professional installation should be willing to embrace the DIYer who has attempted to do a self-install but has not been able to complete the process successfully. With an open mind to this scenario, they can save the day for the DIYer, as well as create an opportunity to sell additional home automation equipment that the DIYer may not have known to be available.  The disparity between DIY and professional installation also brings to light the fact that there are no ‘satisfaction guarantees’ and no ‘installation/labor warranty’ available when a home automation system is installed by a DIYer. If a problem arises with either the equipment connectivity due to installation error, or if a piece of equipment is installed incorrectly, the DIYer does not have any recourse to correct these mistakes. This may not be as critical if a DIYer installs a minor piece of equipment, but with something as critical as securing and protecting their home with a home automation and security system, most people want full peace of mind that everything has been installed correctly. Reduces Connection Instability According to a 2017 study by the analyst firm, IHS Markit, “The quality of the equipment is usually higher in professionally installed systems, and professional configuration and setup greatly reduces the potential for connection instability…” This is an issue that DIYers may come to realize over time. On the other hand, one issue DIYers may recognize right away, especially if they are attempting to connect multiple devices, is that the connectivity may be inconsistent. Professionally installed devices operating on a wireless protocol might deliver better, consistent, longer-range connectivity IHS Markit explains that, “DIY systems rely on open protocols and Wi-Fi connectivity that can sometimes be unreliable, creating connection issues. Some of the sensors can become unrecognizable to the system, requiring intervention from the user. In contrast, professional wireless systems rely on UL- or EN-certified equipment to operate on the basis of proprietary frequency, enabling them to work with the control panel much more seamlessly.” In other words, professionally installed devices operating on a wireless protocol, even an open-source protocol like Z-Wave, might deliver better, consistent, longer-range connectivity, and fewer headaches. Not Everyone Is A DIY Customer There are customers who want someone to install the devices correctly and help them learn how to use and maintain themThere’s no doubt that there’s a segment of the security and home automation market that loves to spend their free time doing their own home improvement. They are watching videos, reading how-to books and manuals, and enjoying every minute. There’s also a segment of the market whose top goal is to save money up front. For these customers, there’s no getting around the joy of saving money with the lower cost of many DIY products. But there are also a great number of prospective customers out there for whom DIY is of absolutely no interest. These consumers do not want to be their own IT department. They want expert help: they want someone to install the devices correctly and help them learn how to use and maintain them. The IHS Markit study points out what many home automation dealers already know: that the elder and aging-in-place markets are an ideal destination for the security and convenience of home automation products. The study says, “Many senior citizens are not tech savvy enough to install a DIY system by themselves, so they tend to rely on professionally installed systems that are usually maintained by a family member.” Along with the senior citizens market, there are many other market segments out there that still desire worry-free professional installation. Installers should offer a range of products that includes some DIY products, and some leave-it-to-a-pro products Producing Complete And Custom Solutions Perhaps the best way for dealers and installers to stave off that feeling of doom that they might have about DIY is to tackle the problem head on and be creative. Offer a range of products that includes some DIY products, and some leave-it-to-a-pro products – consider the DIY product a great entry point for a more comprehensive system. Play up the peace of mind that comes with professional installations and support that pitch with flexible monitoring contracts and service plans. Share what you do and why; relay your passion for producing complete and custom solutions and communicate how you add value to any and every sale. No one, not even the most tech-savvy consumer, wants to install their own products if the end result is that the product doesn’t work the way it should. That’s where the pros can, should and will always come into play.

Facial recognition has seen huge breakthroughs since the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) first began testing in 2010. Accuracy has seen massive gains, especially from 2013-2018. In the 2018 test, the most accurate algorithm was 20 times more accurate than the 2013 equivalent. Essentially, 95 percent of the matches that failed in 2013 now yield correct results. Compare that to 2010-2013, when the most accurate algorithm reduced its error rate by 30 percent. This reduction in error rates since 2013 is due to wholesale replacement of the old algorithms with new ones based on deep convolutional neural networks — completely revolutionizing the technology. Optimal recognition results SAFR says it delivers optimal recognition results with 99.86 percent accuracy in under 100 milliseconds One entrant in the newly energized market is RealNetworks, whose SAFR for Security is an AI-based facial recognition solution for live video that integrates video management system (VMS) solutions. With 24/7 monitoring, SAFR detects and matches millions of faces accurately in real time, enabling teams to manage a watchlist across any number of video feeds. SAFR says it delivers optimal recognition results with 99.86 percent accuracy in under 100 milliseconds, even in real-world conditions where faces are in motion, at different angles, under poor lighting, or partially obscured. SAFR builds on RealNetworks’ 23-year history in video technologies. Launched in July 2018, SAFR — secure, accurate facial recognition — is enabling new applications for security, convenience, and analytics. Create security responses “We seek to be the world’s most trusted facial recognition platform and are delighted to partner with customers in the security industry and elsewhere to shape a more secure, convenient future worldwide,” says Dan Grimm, Vice President of Computer Vision and General Manager of SAFR at RealNetworks. “Security professionals are asked to keep us safe 24/7, monitoring a burgeoning number of cameras, and we help make them more effective.” SAFR targets facial recognition for live video, identifying camera-unaware faces moving in real-world conditions. In the April 2019 NIST results, SAFR tested as the fastest and most compact solution among algorithms with less than 0.022 False Non-Match Rate — 62 percent faster than the average speed, according to the company. SAFR now provides capabilities such as live video overlays alerting security professionals to events in real time, automatic bookmarks with rich metadata for investigative work, and alerts that can be customized to create security responses. SAFR uses one-sixth the compute power of competing facial recognition solutions Facial recognition algorithms Five years ago, facial recognition algorithms would struggle to match forward-facing people from still images, let alone camera-unaware moving faces from live video with variations in rotation and tilt. SAFR says they have achieved a balance of accuracy and performance for live video. A contributor to this accuracy is consistency across a range of skin tones. The algorithm was trained on a highly diverse global set of over 10 million non-simulated real-world faces. SAFR was optimized for speed and can sample a face multiple times during the same period of time as other algorithms, subsequently increasing its accuracy. SAFR achieves the performance through edge processing. Distributed architecture enables efficient bandwidth consumption, reducing the roundtrip latency of facial recognition speed to under 100 milliseconds. The savings lower total cost of ownership (TCO): SAFR uses one-sixth the compute power of competing facial recognition solutions, equating to $500,000 or so in savings on a 250-camera deployment. Integrated experience SAFR also uses off-the-shelf hardware and is optimized to leverage inexpensive GPUs SAFR also uses off-the-shelf hardware and is optimized to leverage inexpensive GPUs. SAFR can be deployed on premises or in the cloud, and supports Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. When SAFR is paired with a VMS, such as Milestone XProtect or Genetec Security Center, the integrated experience includes 24/7 monitoring to detect and match faces in real-time. Features include live video overlays within the VMS to identify strangers, threats, concerns, unrecognized persons, VIPs, employees, or other tagged individuals in live video. Real-time alerts can be customized for when persons of interest appear on a video camera feed. Additionally, automatic bookmarks with rich metadata make for easier investigative review of security footage. Facial recognition technology is increasingly in demand to improve safety across various industry verticals. Better customer experience Large enterprises with high-visitor flows and heightened security — such as transportation hubs, stadiums, universities, and hospitals — need to know in real time when persons of interest or those on watchlists appear on camera. Sports stadiums could apply facial recognition to deny entry to banned patrons, locate lost children, or recognize VIPs to deliver a better customer experience. Hospitals need access control to restricted areas and pharmaceutical storage closets Hospitals need access control to restricted areas and pharmaceutical storage closets. Airports and transit centers value traffic flows, demographic composition, and dwell times to help improve scheduling. SAFR for Security is available worldwide, and the company partners with VMS providers such as Milestone, Genetec, Digifort, and IPConfigure by Paliton Networks. They are actively working to support additional VMS solutions and have sales teams located in major metropolitan cities around the world. Security professionals “The job of the security professional is critical in today’s world,” says Grimm. “SAFR for Security helps mitigate the challenges of the important work security professionals do to keep us all safe.” In designing and developing SAFR, RealNetworks considered diversity and the uniqueness of each person; Grimm says their massive global training data set is a competitive advantage. SAFR is designed with privacy in mind. All facial images and signatures are AES-256 encrypted in transit or at rest. “SAFR is powerful enterprise-grade software that is continuously improving through innovation and many years of expertise,” says Grimm.

Managed services provided through the cloud offer multiple advantages for system integrators. These Include: Increased Recurring Monthly Revenue: Managed services are a new business model that generates more stable and predictable income streams for integrators. Stickier Customers: Managed services foster a more involved relationship between integrators and their customers, which can help boost customer retention.  High Gross Profit Margins: Cloud managed services create an opportunity for a service and technology to be purchased together, helping to generate a higher gross profit margin from the beginning of the customer relationship. They Are Easier To Provide: The cloud enables integrators to serve more sites without hiring additional technicians. Problems Can Be Fixed Proactively: When a problem occurs on a site that is managed by a cloud-based system, the integrator can receive a real-time notification regarding the issue - possibly before the customer even notices a disruption in service. Increased Valuation Of Business: According to a study by Dell, companies that utilize cloud, mobility, and security technologies are experiencing as much as 53 percent higher revenue growth rates compared to those who do not such technologies. Importance Of Cloud-Based Solutions The cloud also challenges integrators to educate customers on the value of the new approach The cloud also challenges integrators to educate customers on the value of the new approach. For example, the cloud changes the expense model of security systems. It allows customers to shift from a capital expenditure (CapEx) model, where large capital funding is required to purchase equipment, to an operational expenditure (OpEx) model, where the costs of the solution become an operating expense. Since the cameras, installation, storage, and software are packaged into the service, you don’t need a large capital outlay up front - you simply pay a predictable expense every month. Leveraging this difference opens new sales opportunities for integrators. The benefits of cloud services on how physical security equipment and software services can be monitored and maintained through a connected service is a particular benefit to integrators. Data Monitoring And Security “By having data describing the health of the system shared on the cloud, system integrators can observe data on demand and create proactive maintenance plans in coordination with the end user,” says Stuart Rawling, Director of Business Development, Pelco by Schneider Electri, and one of our Expert Panelists. A daily challenge for end users is balancing human resources used in the operation of a system “Such plans should result in increased system reliability and less downtime. If system performance data is aggregated and anonymized, it could also be used by manufacturers to analyze and form conclusions about maintenance schedules and system lifespan.” A benefit is happier customers. “A daily challenge for end users is balancing human resources used in the operation of a system and daily maintenance, with maintenance having shared responsibility with the system integrator,” says Rawling. The Cloud Software As A Service The SaaS model gives companies the resources to improve the deep learning model" The cloud also can help to make cutting edge technologies more affordable. Economies of scale provided by the Cloud (Software as a Service, or SaaS) are making the sophisticated capabilities of deep learning affordable to a wider audience. Meanwhile, deep learning augments cloud systems with capabilities that may not be available (or affordable) in on-premise systems, thus accelerating the broader move to cloud systems. “Having a SaaS model gives companies the resources to improve the deep learning model,” says Shawn Guan, CEO and co-founder of Umbo Computer Vision, a provider of deep learning video analytics. “We can make more accurate systems that scale better and faster. SaaS enables vendors to do something great with deep learning. You don’t have to redo it for everybody. One customer benefit from another customer and all the knowledge is aggregated together.”

Despite any negativity you may hear, Hikvision is optimistic about their role in the U.S. market. “We demonstrate that we can be trusted, and that we should be trusted,” says Jeffrey He, Vice President, Hikvision, and President, Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. “We have sound products and technology. Our mission in the security industry is to protect, not to harm. Otherwise why would we be in this industry?” Hikvision is committed to investing in the North American market, where there was ‘positive year-over-year growth’ in 2018 and ‘strong’ sales in Q1 this year, according to Eric Chen, General Manager of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. HikCentral Central Management Software The company’s U.S. focus is shifting from products to solution sales, with emphasis on ‘mid-market’ small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The largest verticals are retail and education, and there are emerging opportunities in the cannabis market. Launch of the HikCentral central management software (CMS) is a component of the company’s solution-sales approach. Launch of the HikCentral central management software is a component of the company’s solution-sales approachMr. He acknowledges the growth of ‘anti-China sentiment’ in the United States and other parts of the world, which he says will impact Hikvision’s operations globally. Specifically, in the U.S., ‘political’ elements impacting Hikvision’s business include ongoing tariffs and a trade war, Congressional calls for export controls and sanctions, and a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that bans use of Chinese video surveillance products in government applications. Specifying Cybersecurity Initiatives At ISC West In spite of it all, Hikvision’s message at the recent ISC West show was overwhelmingly positive, and the company also detailed cybersecurity initiatives they say put the Chinese company ahead of many competitors in the industry. Eric Chen came in as General Manager last year; he previously spent a decade working for Hikvision in China. Chen reports solid 18.8% year-over-year growth for Hikvision globally, totaling $7.4 billion last year. He notes the company saw 40% compounded growth between 2010 and 2018. Globally, there are 34,000 employees, 16,000 of whom are research and development (R&D) engineers. Hikvision’s expanding global footprint includes 46 international branches. There are three manufacturing facilities in China, in addition to one in India. HikRewards Program For HDP Customers At ISC West, Hikvision’s theme was ‘Focus on Your Success’, including introduction of the HikRewards program that provides rebates to HDP (Hikvision Dealer Partner) customers, their core dealer base. A new online Hikvision Knowledge Library for HDPs provides training and reference materials dealers can share with employees. A new tech center, introduced in December, provides data sheets, product information, and support resources. There is also a North American R&D team headquartered in Montreal. At the industry’s largest U.S. trade show, Hikvision unveiled a brand-new booth with plenty of open space and video walls A customer satisfaction survey launched in March provided good feedback from customers. “They know who to call if they have a problem,” says Chen. “We want to focus on making customers successful.” The success theme also extends to Hikvision employees, who are featured in videos describing their jobs and enthusiasm for Hikvision. There are some 400 employees in the North American operation. At the industry’s largest U.S. trade show, Hikvision unveiled a brand-new booth with plenty of open space and video walls. Half of the booth was focused on solutions, especially retail and education, and also gaming and commercial real estate. Security Products Displayed At ISC West A variety of devices, including access control, intercoms and cameras, are integrated using the HikCentral CMS systemProduct highlights at the ISC West booth included the 32-megapixel PanoVu multi-sensor dome camera, whose 180-degree panoramic image was displayed on a 65-inch monitor. A variety of devices, including access control, intercoms and cameras, are integrated using the HikCentral CMS system. Some products new to the North American market, including intercoms, turnstiles, emergency call stations, and under-vehicle inspection, were displayed. Hikvision’s deep learning products are moving into their second generation, including the ability to obscure private information on videos to comply with GDPR/privacy requirements (previewed at ISC West and released later in the year). Algorithm components of Hikvision’s DeepInMind artificial intelligence are being adapted into a platform called AcuSense for value-priced products, which can recognize a human or vehicle and help filter out false alarms. Also being adapted to products with lower price points are the ColorVu system that incorporates visible light LEDs to provide color images at night, and DarkFighter low-light capabilities. Penetration Testing Of Cameras And NVRs As a global manufacturer, Hikvision faces a high level of scrutiny about cybersecurity, which Mr. Chen says is “a good thing for us,” enabling them to highlight the steps they are taking to improve cybersecurity. Chuck Davis, Director of Cybersecurity, outlined specific milestones Hikvision has achieved in its quest to provide world-class cybersecurity. Chuck Davis, Director of Cybersecurity, outlined specific milestones Hikvision has achieved in its quest to provide world-class cybersecurity In September 2017, Hikvision began working with third parties (including Rapid7) for penetration testing (ethical hacking) of its cameras and recorders. That same month, Hikvision set up a Cybersecurity Hotline open to anyone with questions about cybersecurity, including white-hat hackers and researchers. Even before that, Hikvision had an open-door policy on cybersecurity and a program for patching and disclosing responsibility. In February of 2018, Hikvision released a 40-page Cybersecurity White Paper describing cybersecurity testing and processes built into the software development lifecycle. That same month, Hikvision launched an Opened Source Code Transparency Center and offered an open invitation to anyone wanting to inspect Hikvision’s source code and let them know of any vulnerabilities. FIPS 140-2 Certification By NIST Hikvision has also become a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Numbering Authority (CNA), which ensures their patching and incident reporting programs have been reviewed by a CNA partnering company. Hikvision's encryption module (HIKSSL) received Level 1 FIPS 140-2 certification to be used in both IP cameras and NVRsIn August, Hikvision received Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 certification, a U.S. government encryption standard created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Hikvision's encryption module (HIKSSL) received Level 1 FIPS 140-2 certification to be used in both IP cameras and NVR products. Davis said the FIPS 140-2 certification process began before the NDAA ban on use of Hikvision products in the U.S. government, and in any case is a standard that ensures a high level of encryption. “We wanted to make sure we had the same level of technology,” he says. “It was not to win over the government.” Making Industry More Cybersecure “We are really trying to have third parties test and certify our equipment,” adds Davis. “We are trying to be open and transparent. Education and awareness are key.” “We need the trust of customers in the security community,” says Mr. He. “No matter what, we have to follow the highest standards to offset the concerns and accusations.” In April 2018, Davis became a member of the Security Industry Association (SIA) Cybersecurity Advisory Board to help make the entire industry more cybersecure through education, awareness and standards. Hikvision has also joined the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST at first.org), a global cybersecurity incident response consortium that cooperatively handles computer security incidents and promotes incident prevention programs. Davis has presented Cybersecurity Road Shows in 22 cities in the United States and Canada, and also in Australia and New Zealand. The 90-minute presentations focus on education awareness around cybersecurity and seek to get attendees engaged and aware about cybersecurity in business and also in their homes.

Located in the South East of England, Basingstoke and Deane is a local government district and borough in the county of Hampshire. With Basingstoke as its largest town, the area is known for family-friendly living and is home to over 175,000 people. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council consists of 60 elected members who discuss local politics, municipal budgets and taxes at regular meetings. For full transparency with the members of their constituency, the council streams live video of all its meetings, including public votes, on their YouTube channel. Automatic camera control To ensure a high level of video production, the Borough Council decided to upgrade their conference system. After discussing their requirements with Andover-based system integrator VP Bastion, a fully IP-based DICENTIS Conference System from Bosch was installed. The system meets the council’s key priorities by offering the highest audio quality, full integration of live voting, built-in automatic camera control and direct streaming with speaker-name indication. Council members wanted the freedom to sit anywhere in the council chamber during council sessions Additionally, council members wanted the freedom to sit anywhere in the council chamber during council sessions – while still being automatically identifiable on camera – and the installation needed to accommodate for the limited desk space and cabling voids. The system includes 63 DICENTIS Discussion devices with touchscreens (to support the required voting and identification capabilities for council members), nine DICENTIS discussion-only devices for guest speakers, and automatic camera control software. High directive microphones All the discussion devices are mounted on raised brackets to maximize desk space and are equipped with high directive microphones to deliver crystal-clear audio. Council members have the freedom to sit at any seat in the meeting room, as the system automatically registers their presence at a specific location thanks to the NFC (Near Field Communication) card registration on the discussion devices. When a speaker activates its microphone, the system’s automatic camera control points the camera towards their location, zooming in and displaying their image on the big screen. Additional features were added to the installation thanks to DICENTIS’ compatibility with third-party software. Two companies – Arbor Media, European market leader in conference recording and streaming services, and MVI Engineering, expert in creating conference software solutions – worked together to create a webcasting and conference control software package that was integrated with the DICENTIS system. Integrated conference system The new DICENTIS system has supported a seamless and transparent democratic process This solution helped to fulfill all the Borough Council’s requirements, including report generation via live image feed and identification by name and party affiliation on the council’s YouTube channel. In addition to displaying the DICENTIS-enabled voting results on the council chamber’s big screen, it is now possible to share the voting results on the YouTube Live feed. Since the installation, the new DICENTIS system has supported a seamless and transparent democratic process at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. “Having a fully integrated conference system with audio-video feeds from meetings automatically streamed to the council’s YouTube channel was a must,” says Iain Steele, Director of VP Bastion. Behind the scenes, via the third-party MVI Engineering application, the system automatically upgrades to the latest software versions. These centralized updates save time and operating costs. With the potential to increase the system’s functionality and size in the upcoming years, the council has a future-proof and expandable conference solution from Bosch, which already supplies around 50 percent of councils in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  

With a population of more than 40,000, the City of Linden, New Jersey is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. It is located 13 miles southwest of Manhattan and borders Staten Island. In an effort to improve public safety and reduce crime, the city decided to modernize its video surveillance system. The City of Linden (the City) had more than 150 outdated, analog cameras deployed throughout its buildings and parks. These consisted of an assortment of off-brand devices that lacked sufficient resolution, speed, and frame rates. To provide the highest quality video, the City decided to invest in a new citywide IP camera system. Purpose Of Video Surveillance System Moving to IP cameras would require the City to increase its bandwidth capacity and upgrade its network video recorders (NVRs) to a more efficient, reliable, and secure video storage solution. This video surveillance system would need to: Support megapixel camera quality Be deployed at the network’s edge in various City buildings Stream video back to City Hall yet not be a burden on costs or bandwidth Be secure, simple to deploy, and easily expandable Work with world-class IP cameras and video management systems The City’s Department of Public Safety, led by the Police Department, oversaw the project. They hired Eastern Datacomm, a highly recommended system integrator out of Hackensack, New Jersey, to manage the entire project, from the installation of fiber lines for Internet to deploying the IP cameras and video surveillance appliances. Extra Layer Of Security For Clients Razberi makes it simple to manage and secure video surveillance and network-connected device solutionsOne reason the City of Linden chose Eastern Datacomm is because it has standardized on Razberi Technologies video surveillance appliances and software for all installations, providing an extra layer of security for its clients. Razberi makes it simple to manage and secure video surveillance and network-connected device solutions. Razberi appliances are highly reliable and network-optimized for megapixel quality. With the ability to record at the network’s edge and centrally, the Razberi suite of appliances also provide the flexibility that the City requires. A one-click VLAN setup establishes a private, secure network for camera traffic. Razberi’s intelligent video solutions are rightsized for the application including data center, edge/fog, and rugged applications along with the ability to add cybersecurity protections. The appliances are also open to work with world-class video management solutions (VMS) and IP cameras. Built-in Razberi Monitor health monitoring software ensures the video surveillance system – all the way to each camera – is operating 24x7 without video loss or disruption. Installation Of 250 IP Cameras A Razberi EndpointDefender appliance is integrated with each Core device to provide Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+)Today, the City of Linden has more than 250 Panasonic IP cameras deployed across 13 locations. The main site is City Hall, which includes the Police Department. Cameras are also installed in four fire houses, two youth centers, the library, and various points around the train station and parking lot. At City Hall, Eastern Datacomm installed four Razberi Core appliances. These robust, server-class appliances centrally record heavier video surveillance workloads. This enables the City to be in compliance with the State of New Jersey’s retention law, which mandates that municipal video recordings be kept for 90 days. In addition, a Razberi EndpointDefender appliance is integrated with each Core device to provide Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+). EndpointDefender includes the Razberi CameraDefense cybersecurity software solution, should the City need it in the future. This extends industry best practice cyber protections all the way to the camera or Internet of Things (IoT) endpoint. ServerSwitchIQ Edge Appliances The ServerSwitchIQ’s compact size and ease of deployment worked for the City’s remote outdoor security camera locationsIn the City’s other buildings, the integrator deployed 12 Razberi ServerSwitchIQ edge appliances. More than an NVR, these devices combine a PoE+ switch, server, storage, and intelligence. By recording video near the network’s edge closer to the cameras, the appliances enable City workers at each location to monitor and play back video when needed. There is no need to constantly stream video back to City Hall, which reduces the impact of megapixel cameras on the network. The ServerSwitchIQ’s compact size and ease of deployment also worked for the City’s remote outdoor security camera locations. Each is small enough to fit into telco rooms under lock and key while handling the amount of cameras required. The City did not have to deploy servers, cabinets, and other equipment traditionally used for video surveillance systems. Eastern Datacomm monitors the video surveillance system via the Razberi Monitor software, which provides automated, real-time collection of system component properties and status such as storage disks, CPU Temperature, RAID arrays, and network traffic. With 24x7 monitoring and alerts, especially if a camera fails or goes down, Eastern Datacomm can take corrective action immediately. Reducing Crime And Enhancing Quality Of Life The system is enabling the Police department to fulfill our mission to reduce crime, improve the delivery of Police services"“Our upgraded video surveillance system with the IP cameras and Razberi appliances gives the City of Linden one of the most state-of-the-art video surveillance systems in the country,” said David Hart, Chief of Police, City of Linden Police Department. “The system is enabling the Police department to fulfill our mission to reduce crime, improve the delivery of Police services, and enhance the quality of life for Linden residents. We have already solved some criminal cases using the security system with its reliable, high-quality video footage.” The City of Linden anticipates adding more cameras over time. They are working on a five-year plan to put more cameras in their 39 parks and other buildings. Each Razberi appliance can accommodate up to 24 IP cameras, making the system easily expandable.

Surveillance solutions business Synectics develops and delivers a solution to help enhance safety and security monitoring at Nottingham Trent University. With more than 28,000 students and 3,100 staff to protect, surveillance footage at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is captured by over 1,300 cameras covering the estate of 75 buildings. Each of the university’s three main campuses has a 24/7 control room and its own security team, ensuring that safety measures enable free movement while protecting the community from both external and internal threats. Integrated surveillance solution Synectics deployed a tailored solution based around its Synergy 3 command A progressive development plan, coupled with the need to optimize legacy technology, meant the university required an integrated surveillance solution that would enable teams based at each control room to monitor and manage footage from both IP and analog cameras, supporting a gradual transition to digital solutions and full-IP ambitions. In one of the UK’s first cloud-based surveillance contracts, and in collaboration with integrator PFS, Synectics deployed a tailored solution based around its Synergy 3 command and control platform to support NTU’s long-term objectives. Interactive camera map Mark Stacey, Security Systems Operational Manager, NTU, said: “Moving the university onto a sophisticated surveillance monitoring platform has significantly improved the provision of student security, saving our team vital minutes in the event of emergencies.” “As well as supporting both analog and IP inputs, where many solutions on the market do not, Synectics’ Synergy 3 offers impressive functionality and is easy to use. The ability to import an interactive camera map means we can now bring up footage in just seconds, where operators previously had to spend time manually correlating sensor triggers to the relevant cameras – an enhancement that keeps our students safe in real time.” Cloud-Based system “Synectics even created a new feature at our request, which enables us to circle an area of the on-screen map and immediately view up to nine local cameras in that zone. Furthermore, opting for a cloud-based system means we don’t have to look after a physical server, freeing up space and our resources.” The system will help us in our mission to provide an ever-safer environment for our students" “Throughout the process, Synectics has gone the distance to deliver, as highlighted by the tailored training sessions provided for the team and its commitment to support us throughout the life of the system. We’re delighted with the results and sure the system will help us in our mission to provide an ever-safer environment for our students.” Future-Proof solutions Martin Bonfield, Sales Manager at Synectics, commented: “We passionately believe that command and control systems should be flexible enough to allow for the evolution of customer needs. Only then can you provide seamless, future-proof solutions that improve safety both now and in the long term.” “Working closely with the team at NTU to understand their needs, the Synergy 3 platform has been designed to ensure they have an intuitive system that saves staff-hours and significantly improves incident response times. Nottingham Trent University is nationally recognized, having received the University of the Year award three years in a row. I’m delighted that we’ve provided them with this leading-edge solution, along with support, and ongoing training, to help safeguard their students, staff, and premises.”

Pengsheng Industrial Park is the first investment project by a Chinese private enterprise in Uzbekistan that has been acknowledged and ratified by the governments of the two countries. Located in Uzbekistan's Sirdaryo state, the Pengsheng Industrial Park is the biggest non-energy cooperation project between China and the Central Asian country. At present, there are over 10 workshops covering various fields with a total number of more than 1,500 employees. As a model project of China-Uzbekistan cooperation, it has contributed to a large number of job opportunities and high output value for local economic development. High-End monitoring system The expansion of the production scale of the park brought inconvenience to management and the current simple front-end camera plus back-end storage video surveillance system cannot meet the growing production management and modern monitoring needs any more. Dahua provided the park with a complete, high-end monitoring system that contain over 500 HD cameras, 100 IP camerasDahua provided the park with a customized complete, high-end monitoring system that contain over 500 HD cameras, 100 IP cameras, central management, central storage, third-party contact as well as display and control system all around factory, fence, outdoor and indoor areas to protect the whole park. To better secure the access between the network of video surveillance system, the data is gathered from front-end devices by PON transmission to establish looped network for video surveillance and to ensure reliability. Advanced technology solutions This project is the first general contracted project with great significance in Uzbekistan. Dahua is not only the supplier of the equipment, but also responsible for the whole project life cycle including construction, delivery, system documentation, technical support, operation training and long-term maintenance. The solutions have effectively reduced the difficulty during production process, which greatly improved the management efficiency for customers. In the future, Dahua will continue to provide more advanced technology solutions such as face recognition, personnel and vehicle management IT systems, industrial machine vision, etc. for the Peng Sheng industrial Park.

Two of the most important priorities in a manufacturing environment are safety and productivity. Failure to follow safe work practices around machinery on a factory floor can result in serious injury, while poor productivity can erode profits and ultimately threaten the viability of the business. At WCCO Belting, a Wahpeton, North Dakota-based manufacturer of custom rubber products for agriculture and light-industrial conveyor equipment, a March Networks® video surveillance solution plays a key role in enhancing both safety and productivity. Monitor Work Processes “Recently, for example, we had a minor safety incident on one of our machines that was captured by the system,” said Michael Marsh, Senior Technology Administrator. “The video not only allowed us to determine the cause of the incident, it also helped us create a proprietary piece of equipment to ensure that the accident would never happen again.” Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015 Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015, but the company soon discovered it could use the technology for other equally important priorities. “We found that we could use the video solution for time studies, to be more effective and efficient,” said Marsh. WCCO engineers use the video to monitor work processes and then tweak them to speed production, while ensuring optimum quality. Security System Integrator The company selected Marco Technologies as its security system integrator in 2015, and acquired March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs shortly thereafter. Two years later, when WCCO Belting decided to also equip a second production facility in Arlington, Texas, it upgraded to a March Networks Command™ Recording Software (CRS) solution in North Dakota and moved the 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs to its Texas facility. At the same time, the company deployed March Networks Command Enterprise Software to tie all the video from its geographically-dispersed facilities together, said Marsh. The software enables WCCO Belting “to oversee everything and manage the entire system from a single point of entry.” In addition, approximately 50 March Networks IP cameras — including indoor domes with wide dynamic range and outdoor IR bullet cameras — provide crystal-clear video of activity on the company’s factory floors, loading docks and parking lots. Remote Configuration Marsh cites ease of use and outstanding support as the main reasons for selecting the video solution. “The technology is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to navigate. Support has also been great. When we ran into some early issues, they responded quickly to help resolve the problem.” We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place" “More recently, when we decided to expand the system to include our second location, it was Marco that recommended the CRS solution and the redeployment of our NVRs to Texas. It was really plug and play. That was the winning piece for us. We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place.” A system that was easy to rollout was important because WCCO Belting’s IT department does the physical camera install themselves, while partnering with Marco Technologies for remote configuration. Command Mobile App “It’s one of the reasons we like March Networks, because we’re a hands-on IT department,” explained Marsh. “We like to make sure we’re always on top of things and that we understand the equipment we’re working with. If we can’t install it ourselves and need someone to come in and do it for us, it just creates future costs.” Aside from the IT department, which has administrative access to the system, authorized supervisors and managers at WCCO Belting are able to audit video for safety and security purposes. Temporary access is also provided to engineering staff for time studies. Marsh and several supervisors also have access to video through the Command Mobile app on their smartphones. Available as a free download from the Apple Store and Google Play, Command Mobile runs on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Track Offending Vehicle Remote, after-hours access to video proved valuable during the previously mentioned safety incident, for example, “by allowing managers to pull up video from home and use it to make decisions quickly,” said Marsh. The video solution has also proven useful to local law enforcement, as some of the bullet cameras covering the employee parking lot at the North Dakota facility also have a clear view of North 9th St., a busy artery in the town of 8,000. The video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle" “One day, I was called to the front desk and met by two police officers and three sheriffs,” recalled Marsh. “They wanted to come to my office but didn’t say why. I was never so nervous in my life. Once in my office, they explained that they wanted to see if we had any recorded video to help them solve a hit and run a block and a half down the road. We did, and the video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle.” Rubber Belting Solutions “We’ve had two law enforcement visits since then, so now when they show up, I know I’m not in trouble,” joked Marsh. A family-owned business, WCCO Belting was founded in 1954 by Ed Shorma, a Korean War veteran who mortgaged the family car and borrowed $1,500 to buy a shoe repair shop. Propelled by Shorma’s strong work ethic and talent for ingenuity, the business grew and evolved as a manufacturer of rubber belting solutions, leading to Shorma’s recognition as Small Business Person of the Year by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1982. WCCO Belting is currently led by president and CEO, Tom Shorma, Ed’s son, and has 270 employees — 200 in North Dakota and 70 in Texas. The company’s rubber product solutions are sought after worldwide, and exported to customers in more than 20 countries. The company won North Dakota’s Exporter of the Year award in 2003, and in 2010 and 2016 it was the recipient of the Presidential ‘E’ Award and ‘E-Star’ award for its export promotion efforts.

Each of Denmark’s 550 individual Free Schools shares a common ethos: parents and students participate together in activities outside school hours, including weekends. It’s excellent for building a school community. Not so easy for managing security, when issuing and tracking keys becomes a 7-day task every week. The Vejle Friskole turned to SMARTair® wireless access control for a solution. Previously, key management ate up “a very long time, approximately 5 hours a week,” explains Henrik Kækel, Technical Service Officer at Vejle Friskole. Individual Access Permissions Vejle Friskole’s mechanical keys have been replaced by a SMARTair access control system Secure wireless electronic locks, already proven in schools across Europe, were the answer. Vejle Friskole’s mechanical keys have been replaced by a SMARTair® access control system. Over 80 doors and cabinets around the school are secured with SMARTair® wireless devices. Even at a historic property like Vejle Friskole, battery-powered SMARTair® devices are easy and unobtrusive to retrofit. Now approximately 250 students, teachers and parents each carry their own key fob, programmed with individual access permissions. Because the SMARTair® system portfolio has locking devices tailored to different kinds of openings, everyone at the Friskole opens the right doors and cabinets with a single fob. There’s no more need for the school to distribute separate keys for student or staff lockers, for example. Issuing Fobs “It was really bad because we had big problems with keys that were lost,” says Henrik Kækel. “There was a lot of work in key administration.” SMARTair® is easy for the school to manage. Today, Vejle Friskole staff spend around 5 minutes a week managing their access system. It's incredibly easy to figure out... it takes 1 minute to code a student" “It's incredibly easy to figure out... it takes 1 minute to code a student,” he adds. Even managing the leasing of school buildings for non-school events is simple and secure. School facilities staff issue fobs for the duration of the event, then cancel them immediately afterward – with no concerns someone may have copied a physical key. Saving Staff Time In addition to making everyday life easier and saving staff time and admin costs, SMARTair® has increased security. Using the intuitive SMARTair® software, they always have an overview of who has been at the school, and when. Audit trails are generated and monitored in real time using their SMARTair® system. And it's no disaster if a credential gets lost. Henrik adds: “Then we cancel the credential and issue a new one.” Vejle Friskole’s SMARTair® system is easy, fast and cost-effective to extend to new doors, cabinets and users — at the beginning of a new school year, or any time they choose.

Technology advancements often come with new terms and definitions. The language of our marketplace evolves to include new words that describe innovations in the industry. In the skilled hands of marketers, terms intended to be descriptive can also take a new element of ‘buzz,’ often presaging exciting developments that will drive the future. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable:  What new buzzword have you heard, and what does it mean for the industry?

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

The new year 2019 is brimming with possibilities for the physical security industry, but will those possibilities prove to be good news or bad news for our market? Inevitably, it will be a combination of good and bad, but how much good and how bad? We wanted to check the temperature of the industry as it relates to expectations for the new year, so we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How optimistic is your outlook for the physical security industry in 2019? Why?