Pelco, Inc - Experts & Thought Leaders

Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) is Nigeria’s preeminent air terminal. In 10 years of operation, it has achieved its objective of becoming a world-class airport operator, setting new standards for the African aviation industry. As the country’s first and only privately-funded terminal, its unique structure, ultra-modern facility, world class terminals, customer service, safety, and security are celebrated in the industry. Three thousand passengers move through the terminal each day and it is a secure working environment for more than 2,000 people. Honoured multiple times Its 800-car multi-story Car Park (MSCP) is the first and largest in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and financial hub. The airport has been honoured multiple times; it was rated the best airport terminal in the country in 2014 by the Federal Ministry of Aviation; received the Most Functional Airport Terminal Award of 2016 by IFC International Limited, an aviation consulting firm; and named Nigerian Airport of the Year in 2017 by WorldStage Limited. Its 800-car multi-story Car Park (MSCP) is the first and largest in Lagos The airport is funded and operated by BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited under the PPP (public private partnership) concession agreement between the Nigerian federal government and Bi-Courtney. The terminal has been renovated several times over the years, and has become a benchmark for airport operations in Nigeria. One important component of this is the airport’s recently upgraded video security system, which modernised the earlier hybrid system. Video security system The airport’s earlier video security system was comprised of 60 Pelco analogue high-speed dome cameras, four Pelco hybrid video recorders, and a Pelco matrix/switcher controller. While still functional, the system could no longer meet either the safety and security challenges of the airport in a post 9/11 world, or Bi-Courtney’s long-term operational needs. Functionally, it was challenged by what was synonymous with typical analogue systems – low throughput, low resolution, low video retention, and limited storage. Added to this were the problems of decaying infrastructure, the high cost of maintenance, and incessant communication failures. To ensure that all bases were covered and their needs would be met, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services began the upgrade process by commissioning a consultant for a site survey and issuing an RFP. Baggage claim points As a local integrator and experienced Pelco channel partner, we met all of these objectives" Based on a number of factors including system design, product features, cost, local support capability, and experience, the bid was awarded to BOW Dynamic Systems Ltd. with a Pelco system design. According to A.O. (Adeniyi) Ajayi, Director, Operations and Engineering of BOW Dynamic Systems, airport management had one primary goal for the upgrade – to offer a safe, secure, and pleasant experience to passengers in all parts of the airport, from the parking lot to the lobby and check-in terminals, as well as baggage claim points, cargo areas, and apron. Finding the right technology partner was imperative to achieving this goal. “As a local integrator and experienced Pelco channel partner, we met all of these objectives,” said Otunba Ladi Animashaun, MD/CEO of BOW Dynamic System. “Our comprehensive understanding of the airport’s needs, combined with our deep knowledge and experience with Pelco products, gave us a competitive advantage over other local and international integrators.” Integrated analytics software At the core of the new system design is the Pelco open platform VideoXpert Video Management System (VMS), which is an upgrade from the previous Pelco Endura VMS. The VMS maintains the database of the newly installed Pelco cameras and recording devices as well as integrated analytics software. The VideoXpert platform enables the aggregation of the various systems into a single, intuitive user experience which is accessed through a convenient web interface for system navigation. The VMS maintains the database of the newly installed Pelco cameras and recording devices By unifying operational and security data via a single user interface, airport management has an intelligent end-to-end IP video solution for proactive response to situations within the terminal. “The benefit of VideoXpert goes well beyond the capabilities of the previous analogue environment. For instance, they can now see live video associated with any triggered alarm,” said Mr. Adetoye Adeyale, BOW Project Supervisor. On-board analytics capability “Essentially, it allows operators to better see what they need to see, when it’s needed, so they can make faster and more effective decisions that will help keep the airport safer and more secure.” The replacement video security cameras are another critical upgrade to the overall security of the airport with improved image quality, streaming, and on-board analytics capability. In total, 187 Pelco cameras comprising 21 different models are in use throughout the facility so that the best combination of technology, lenses, and other factors are used to meet the needs of each location. For outdoor security around the airport and in the airport lobby areas where the lighting conditions change throughout the day, BOW installed Pelco’s low-light Sarix cameras. Optera panoramic cameras High-resolution Spectra PTZ dome cameras are used in the parking structure High-resolution Spectra PTZ dome cameras are used in the parking structure, baggage claim points, cargo area, and other parts of the airport, so that in the event of an incident or alert, critical identifying features can be seen in HD detail. Optera panoramic cameras with PTZ capabilities provide additional situational awareness. Most of the cameras feature Pelco’s SureVision technology for improved Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) performance and Smart Compression technology for reduced bit rate usage and storage savings. According to Mr. Akeem Saliu, BOW Project Manager, the cameras’ suite of built-in analytics provides the airport’s security team with increased advantages that enable them to be more productive and ultimately enhance overall security of the airport and surrounding areas. He says, “In addition to conventional features such as motion detection or camera tampering, these intelligent cameras have advanced tracking capabilities.” Pedestrian traffic flow “For example, it’s possible for the system to alert security operators if a person enters a restricted area or walks against pedestrian traffic flow. The camera analytics can even recognise when a piece of luggage has been left unattended or an individual is loitering, and then notify security.” The VSM provides automatic distributed load balancing and active-active failover For video archiving where a minimum of six-months of video retention is required, BOW installed seven VSM servers for a total of 384 terabytes along with three storage pool devices on RAID 6. The VSM provides automatic distributed load balancing and active-active failover within a storage pool to ensure continued recording if catastrophic failure occurs. The design-build features two control centres; one for operations and one for security. Alert security operators The security centre has a video wall with six 55- inch screen monitors, as well as four 24-inch screen monitors dedicated for alarms, event management, and analytics reports, and two desktop screens for each of the two operator’s workstations. The operations centre focuses on apron activities, airfield, hangers, and takeoff and landing of the aircraft, and has two 46-inch screen monitors as well as two 24-inch screen monitors. Additionally, the operation centre client is utilised remotely by both the CEO and CSO; they can call on any camera for forensic purposes or for an overview of operations within the facility. Accommodating future growth The unrestricted architecture is designed to scale and accommodate future growth" “BOW’s network design, configured by certified CCIE personnel, features a star topology with remote intermediate distribution frame (IDF), which is connected to the main distribution frame with fibre optic cables. The unrestricted architecture is designed to scale and accommodate future growth. Network security, switching, and routing complies with industry and cybersecurity protocols. The design, system architecture, and project delivery is an unprecedented success both for the aviation industry and the system user,” says Adeniyi Lawal, BOW IT Support Manager. “Our new Pelco system is smart, easy to use, and flexible – and exactly what we needed to maintain the safety and security of the airport,” adds Captain Williams, MD, Bi-Courtney Aviation. “It’s a game changer, giving us confidence and more complete control and providing a higher level of security for airport passengers, workers, and operators.”

Nestled into the base of the Sierra Foothills and on the way to California’s Yosemite National Park, the Chukchansi Gold Casino and Resort offers visitors and locals alike a scenic gaming and entertainment destination. It is owned and operated by the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians and features 56,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,750 slot machines and 36 table games as well as a nightclub, players club, and dining and entertainment services.  Challenge  The Casino originally opened in 2003 with a Pelco video security system, including Pelco cameras and the Endura Video Management System (VMS), designed and built by system integrator - SSI. And while casino security was happy with the Endura VMS, it was looking for increased efficiencies, more functional monitoring, and a video security system that also would allow for growth. Improving monitoring and video security  In addition, the casino needed to establish security for a recently- added service station and convenience store The Casino also needed a method to improve its ability to monitor gaming table and slot machine activities, cash rooms, and other areas of the property while establishing the groundwork for future scalability. In addition, it needed to establish security for a recently- added service station and convenience store. Adding complexity to the challenge, the Chukchansi Gold Casino and Resort must comply with strict tribal, state, and federal gaming regulations that include specific video security requirements. Per the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), tribal government gaming is subject to more stringent regulation and security controls than any other type of gaming in the USA.  Solution  The Casino gave the go-ahead for SSI to replace the existing Endura VMS with Pelco’s newest VMS, VideoXpert. “We have worked for hand in hand with Chukchansi for the past 14 years and knew they would benefit greatly from the efficiencies and expansion Pelco’s VideoXpert VMS offers,” said Todd Flowers, President of SSI. Todd Flowers adds, “The upgrade from Endura to VideoXpert was seamless and the changeover was accomplished with little to no disturbance of their operations.” VideoXpert VMS solution The VideoXpert VMS solution tackles the Casino’s need for more functional monitoring and control of the video security system.  The software’s extensive capabilities allow the Casino to plan for growth and added functionality through onboard features, as well as third-party integrations. An intuitive user interface, easy-to-use solution Tagging allows cameras to be tagged with multiple names, providing the means for very specific search operations With an intuitive browser-like interface that utilises tab views for a single source experience, views can be called up via sequencing, alarm tabs, and via event, viewer features such as the bookmark feature. This allows operators to quickly review incidents by capturing scenes from multiple angles and then synchronising the video, utilising VideoXpert’s powerful investigative engine that quickly locates and collates video. Another important feature for improving efficiency is tagging, which allows cameras to be tagged with multiple names, providing the means for very specific and dedicated search operations. Camera control and management  Another new function for the Casino’s VMS is the control and management of cameras deployed in the newly-built service station and convenience store on the property. Video from these cameras is monitored from the same control room as video from the casino, enabling the system to continue to scale and grow in a manageable way. Infrastructure upgrades are often finished before implementing a new video security and control system; in Chukchansi Gold’s case, the infrastructure upgrade was concurrent with the VideoXpert VMS and new control room install. These capabilities allowed for a smooth crossover because SSI could install the new VMS in parallel with the Casino’s existing Endura system. Seamless transition  As an example, the integrator could map Endura components nearly one-to-one with VideoXpert. Pelco’s simple migration application also enabled Chukchansi to migrate their entire Endura database, ensuring a relatively seamless transition between the VMS solutions. The migration process transfers user names, roles, permissions, and associations for all three items, allowing authorised Endura users to maintain their same roles and permissions when using VideoXpert. The migration process also transfers all camera names, numbers, groups, and locations. Pelco IP cameras Plans for the changeover also included the Casino repurposing its existing Endura-based storage Plans for the changeover also included the Casino repurposing its existing Endura-based storage. All that was involved was to upgrade the NSM licences and then deploy the cameras and migrate them over to VideoXpert. This saved the Casino considerable budgeted funds that were subsequently applied to adding new Pelco IP cameras and a more efficient control room. According to Flowers, this made economic sense in several ways for Chukchansi Gold.  Faster video data access Another system advantage can be seen in the control room. The decluttered workstations contain only an enhanced keyboard and a 3D mouse. Operators are trained on VideoXpert is usually less than a day, allowing them to quickly take advantage of the new VMS’s faster access to video data for better and more informed decision making. Result  Chukchansi Gold is confident that their newly upgraded Pelco video security and control system puts them at the forefront of tribal gaming trends in California. “We have been able to meet regulatory demands and ensure a safe and secure experience for our staff and guests by leveraging new technology,” said Tommy McDonald, Surveillance Manager, Chukchansi Gold Casino, and Resort, adding “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.” Scalable design “Our latest release of VideoXpert provides Chukchansi Gold with the user intuitive operation, scalability, performance, and versatility they required to implement all of the system upgrade objectives they set out to accomplish,” said Miki Manjal, Global Vertical Market Manager – Casinos & Gaming at Pelco. Miki Manjal adds, “Additionally, the open platform will allow them to further enhance business operations by implementing any technology integrations in our growing portfolio of solutions to deliver functionality beyond surveillance and security applications.”

The City of Fresno, in California, USA is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Fresno has a lively arts scene and a budding technology hub, along with an established large-scale agricultural community. Fresno Police Department serves the City and surrounding area, which covers approximately 115 square miles and has a population of approximately 515,000 residents. The department comprises five policing districts, supported by an auto theft team, mounted units, air support, tactical teams, canine units and a video policing programme. Pelco video surveillance For more than 10 years, Fresno PD has utilised Pelco video surveillance in the video policing programme, in order to help ensure a safer and more secure community. Images from the cameras installed throughout the downtown area in Fresno were monitored and archived at the city’s Communication Centre. As technology advanced, the City of Fresno kept up with the changes, with new IP high definition cameras phased in to replace aging analogue cameras and the programme was expanded to cover additional areas of the city. Pelco camera technology Pelco camera technology also provided new opportunities for improving situational awareness Pelco camera technology also provided new opportunities for improving situational awareness, but the department’s existing system configuration could not take full advantage of the technology. Cameras were not monitored 24/7 at the Communication Centre, they could not optimise use of the new panoramic cameras, and monitoring multiple scenes from multiple cameras on multiple platforms to quickly assess or investigate incidents was time consuming and inefficient. Operational enhancements The system was also closed in so the department could not view images from cameras installed by local businesses or schools. The Fresno Police Department's move from the Communication Centre to its new Real-Time Crime Centre (RTCC), and the addition of a new Regional Training Centre (RTC), provided the opportunity for Fresno PD to initiate further operational enhancements and expand their video policing programme. Pelco Spectra® and Spectra® Enhanced cameras With the move to the new RTCC, Fresno PD system operators can now monitor approximately 200 video surveillance cameras, which include both Pelco Spectra® and Spectra® Enhanced PTZ dome cameras, along with Pelco Optera® Panoramic multi-sensor cameras, on a 24/7 basis. These newer cameras feature Pelco SureVision™ technology for improved Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) performance and smart compression technology for reduced bit rate usage and storage savings. Pelco Spectra® Enhanced cameras feature a full suite of built-in analytics and single cable Hi-POE installation. Pelco Optera Panoramic cameras The Optera® Panoramic cameras capture superior images in difficult lighting conditions The cameras also feature HD optimised dome bubble technology, a revolutionary solid pendant design to eliminate vibration noise, 20X or 30X optical zoom, and precise 360° PTZ control. Pelco Optera Panoramic cameras provide completely stitched, seamless and blended 360°, 270° and 180° panoramic views with electronic PTZ capability across the entire panoramic image. With Pelco SureVision technology, the Optera® Panoramic cameras capture superior images in difficult lighting conditions, where highly contrasted lighting sources exist within the same scene. Enhanced monitoring and response capability “The advanced technology and imaging quality in our new Pelco cameras has significantly improved our monitoring and response capability,” said Sergeant Steve Casto of the Fresno Police Department, adding “In some locations we have both an Optera and a Spectra camera installed. This gives us a bigger picture and allows us to view what the PTZ may have missed.” He continues, “If something is noticed, we use the advanced optical zoom of the Spectra camera to zoom in and get more detail. The two cameras complement each other and heighten situational awareness.” VideoXpert™ VMS Control of the video surveillance system was upgraded from the Pelco Endura VMS to the company’s VideoXpert™ VMS, at both the RTC and new RTCC. Improvements over the previous VMS solution include a united user interface for improved centralised system management, incident management to easily and quickly correlate related video files, improved event management to customise event alerts with real-time visual notification, and immersive viewing of 180°, 270° and 360° panoramic images from Pelco Optera® Cameras. Third-party applications for operational improvements The VideoXpert’s open platform allowed Fresno PD to cast a wider net for monitoring and response The VideoXpert’s open platform allowed Fresno PD to cast a wider net for monitoring and response, by allowing video sources from local businesses, retail centres, schools and hospitals to be integrated into their resident VMS. It also allows Fresno PD to incorporate third-party applications for additional operational improvements. For instance, by integrating a mapping application within VideoXpert, the Department was able to simplify and speed up the process of addressing and responding to various and multiple alerts and calls. Benefits of 24/7 real-time monitoring The benefits of 24/7 real-time monitoring and better video management and control has been an increase in officer safety, according to Sergeant Casto. When officers are in the field at a scene, operators at the RTCC can quickly and easily pull up a video feed of the scene to assess and offer assistance. He says, “In one instance where an officer was in a physical altercation with a suspect and wasn’t able to broadcast that he needed help, the officers at RTCC could see the situation and dispatched help to resolve the situation safely. Additionally, by seeing and assessing the situation beforehand, we can provide details and warnings to the field so they know what to expect when they arrive on scene.” Pelco’s simple migration process VideoXpert was installed first at the Regional Training Centre and then at the RTCC. Both locations have the capability for monitoring and control of the installed cameras. The changeover was simplified because Endura components map nearly one-to-one with VideoXpert. Pelco’s simple migration process transferred user names, roles, permissions and the associations from Endura to VideoXpert, so that all user data would be maintained in the new system. The migration process also transferred all existing camera names, numbers, groups, and locations to VideoXpert, which made the transition faster and less susceptible to manual input errors. “We couldn’t be more pleased with this upgraded Pelco surveillance system,” said Sergeant Casto, adding “Law enforcement’s first job is safety, and not only are our officers and community safer, but we are more efficient and effective as a police department with the new Pelco cameras and VMS.”

Consolidation is a dominant trend in the security marketplace. Large companies typically swallow up smaller companies as a means of expanding both their technology portfolios and their geographic reach. Sometimes a big fish is swallowed up by an even bigger fish.   Despite the pandemic and resulting economic challenges, the security market has continued to be a desirable environment for both big players and startups, which then provide abundant acquisition targets for the larger companies. Acquisitions of Motorola Motorola Solutions has been among the most acquisitive of the larger players, recently adding several smaller companies to their growing portfolio. Just this year, Motorola has acquired Ava Security, a video security and analytics company; Calipsa, another analytics company; and Videotec, an Italian provider of ruggedized video solutions for critical infrastructure applications. Video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations while supporting customers In one announcement, Motorola chairman and CEO Greg Brown stated the goal of acquisitions is “to support our customers’ evolving security needs by expanding our portfolio of intelligent video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations.” Previously, Motorola Solutions acquired Envysion, a video analytics company for the retail market. On the access control side, Motorola acquired Openpath Security, a cloud-based, mobile access control provider, in 2021. Motorola entered the video surveillance business back in 2018 with the acquisition of Avigilon for around $1 billion. Also now a part of Motorola are IndigoVision and Pelco, among others. ACRE's mergers and acquisition Another company active in the mergers and acquisition market has been ACRE (Access Control Related Enterprises). The company began with a spinoff from Ingersoll Rand in 2012 to become Vanderbilt Industries. As ACRE, the parent company has been active both in acquisitions and divestitures over the next decade. Vanderbilt grew with the acquisition of Siemens’ Security Products in 2015. ACRE owned Mercury Security, a manufacturer of OEM hardware used by access control companies, from 2013 until it was sold to HID Global in 2017. The acquisition of Razberi enhances the ComNet portfolio while providing complementary technologies ACRE’s more recent access control acquisitions are RS2 Technologies (in 2019), Open Options (2018), Feenics (2021), and Matrix Systems (2021). They acquired ComNet, a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment, in 2016. The acquisition of Razberi (in 2020) enhances the ComNet portfolio and provides complementary technologies to the access control brands. Acquisition of ACRE ACRE itself was acquired by European investment firm Triton in 2021, and Joseph Grillo, the company’s founder and CEO, announced his retirement in 2022. His knowledge of the security and access control markets helped to drive the company’s growth, including 11 successful acquisitions in all. Securitas acquiring Stanley Security  The acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry Stanley Security has also made headlines. In December 2021, Securitas signed an agreement to acquire the Electronic Security Business from Stanley Black & Decker for $3.2 billion in cash. Securitas President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist says, “the acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry.” Allegion plc, global security products and solutions provider, later signed an agreement to acquire Stanley Access Technologies and assets related to the automatic entrance solutions business from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. for $900 million. Acquisition by HID Global, ADT Inc. & Allied Universal HID Global has acquired Vizinex RFID, thus increasing its presence and relevance in key vertical markets, including healthcare/medical, manufacturing, oil and gas, data centres, etc. and adding a key technology to HID Global’s RFID tag portfolio. ADT Inc. recently expanded its geographic reach with the acquisition of Key-Rite Security, a locally owned and operated security provider specializing in access control, surveillance, intrusion, and intercom systems in Colorado and for customers across the United States. Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company Allied Universal has acquired Star Protection Agency, the largest Hawaiian-owned and veteran-owned security company in the state. Although Star is primarily a guard patrol service, with workers at 125 sites throughout the state, it provides a range of security technology and consulting services. Internationally, Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company. Allied Universal will integrate Attenti Group with G4S Monitoring Technologies, to create Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring Services. SALTO Systems making acquisition news Also internationally, SALTO Systems has made acquisition news by investing in Bluefield Smart Access, thus strengthening their portfolio of access control solutions. SALTO Systems is a manufacturer of electronic access control and operating system solutions, designed to provide a seamless, keyless and mobile experience for modern buildings. Also joining the SALTO Group is Cognitec Systems, a face recognition company. The goal is to strengthen their research, development and market reach while working with SALTO on new technologies for expanding biometric markets. SALTO strategically selected Cognitec Systems to meet market requests for adding face recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the company’s electronic access control and ticketing solutions. Acquisitions by MOBOTIX and Resideo Technologies  Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products Further, on the international scene, MOBOTIX has reached an agreement to acquire Vaxtor Group, Tres Cantos, Spain, an artificial intelligence (AI) based video analytics provider, specializing in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Deep Learning technologies. On the residential system's front, Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products, from Newell Brands Inc. for $593 million in an all-cash transaction. Established in 1969 and based in Aurora, Illinois, First Alert offers a strong omnichannel presence serving end-users directly through retail and e-commerce channels and professional contractors through relationships with distributors and home builders.

Technology is driving new opportunities in the security industry. Innovation trends include artificial intelligence (AI), edge-based systems, mobile systems, a greater focus on software, and efforts to simplify operation of security systems, even as capabilities become more complex. ISC West 2022 reflected these changing trends. “In addition to emphasising technology innovation, ISC West also reflected an industry that is resilient, dedicated and passionate,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, the Event Director of ISC Security Events. ISC West 2022 “Almost 12,000 dealers, installers, integrators, end users and consultants reconnected at ISC West 2022, and there were nearly 20,000 total industry professionals in attendance (including manufacturers),” adds Mary Beth Shaughnessy. The 550 exhibitors and brands on display reflected an industry that has come through the COVID-19 pandemic in better shape than ever, poised for even greater success in the years ahead. Turning video and access control into knowledge Deployment of AI to ‘watch video’ can inform users of what’s happening in real-time Motorola Solutions emphasized several themes that were heard repeatedly throughout the show. “One trend is fulfilling the need to turn video and access control into sources of knowledge, inside the enterprise,” said John Kedzierzski, Motorola Solutions’ Senior Vice President of Video Security and Access Control. Deployment of AI to ‘watch video’ can inform users of what’s happening in real-time, while monitoring access control yields the equivalent of an operating system inside a building. Using the Cloud offers consumer ease-of-use to systems The second trend listed by Motorola Solutions is working to bring the consumer ease-of-use experience into enterprise security solution applications. Professional security systems were previously complicated to buy, install, manage and upgrade. However, using the Cloud, even distributed enterprises can bring consumer ease-of-use to systems, from improving the out-of-box installation experience to boosting the ability to manage the system. Transition to ‘mobile first’ interfaces The third trend emphasised by Motorola Solutions is transition to ‘mobile first’ interfaces, reflecting the need for busy security executives to be on-the-go, but with full access to their systems, without being chained to their desks. Since the last springtime ISC West show in 2019, Motorola Solutions has grown rapidly, both organically and through acquisition of IndigoVision, Pelco, Openpath, Envysion, and Ava Security. Cloud-based Orchestrate system Integration is simple through a ‘drag-and-drop’ approach that doesn’t involve writing code In addition, the company is making it easier to integrate video and access control systems with Motorola’s radio systems, typically carried by security guards. The cloud-based Orchestrate system translates ‘events’ from access control and video, to trigger notifications on a mobile radio. Integration is simple through a ‘drag-and-drop’ approach that doesn’t involve writing code. Simplifying implementation of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) has traditionally been associated with the use of large servers or even intelligence in the Cloud. Several exhibitors at ISC West helped to change that misconception. For example, Oosto offers a simpler and more economical approach. They supply edge appliances for AI. The purpose-built Vision AI appliance, a small box, puts intelligence at the ‘near edge’, by connecting to up to five cameras. Easy and dependable ‘failover’ ensures redundancy without a big investment, and the system can work with any IP camera, including an end user’s installed base of cameras. Oosto’s TCO (total cost of ownership) calculator Oosto’s TCO (total cost of ownership) calculator spells out how much a customer can save versus using a big server, including lower costs such and power and cooling. AI was probably the biggest buzzword at ISC West, but there was also emphasis on the practical results of applying AI to physical security. Artificial Intelligence (AI) - the biggest buzzword at ISC West I believe our purpose is to bring buzzwords, like Cloud and AI together in a way that is useful to end-users" “What surprises me (at the show) is that there is a lot of generic marketing of AI, but we are trying to step back from our analytics and look at applications that serve certain end-users,” said Jeff Corrall, Vice President - Product Management at March Networks, adding “As an industry, we are still at the stage of AI as a buzzword.” Jeff Corrall further said, “I believe our purpose is to bring buzzwords, like Cloud and AI together in a way that is useful to end-users. We have to live with the buzzwords, but what we really want is to apply them. That creates a stickiness with the end-user — when high technology is making a difference.” March Networks Labs address specific end-user problems and then apply their systems to provide a solution. Jeff Corrall adds, “A lot of AI is responding to what the customer is asking for, and we are stepping back and making sure the end-user will use it on a consistent basis.” ‘Edge versus cloud’ was a common theme at ISC West Edge versus Cloud ‘Edge versus cloud’ was a common theme at ISC West, pondering where in a system the ‘intelligence’, such as AI and machine learning, as well as other functionality, should reside. Among the companies addressing the quandary was Axis Communications, which focused on the issue using a racing theme at their presentation to the industry press. The winner of the ‘race?’ - The combination of both approaches working together as a team, of course. AXIS Speed Monitor on exhibit One introduction at the show was the AXIS Speed Monitor, a speed detection app available using ACAP Axis Communications also highlighted the deep learning analytics of the ARPEC 8 camera chip (introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic), which will be deployed across their camera line. One introduction at the show was the AXIS Speed Monitor, a speed detection app available using ACAP (Axis Camera Application Platform), the capability to load ‘apps’ onto camera chips at the edge. They also introduced the D4100-E Network strobe siren (a smart edge device), the Audio Manager Pro (a cloud-based software system enabling zoning and callouts for specific areas in a building), the W101 body worn cameras with GPS capabilities, and a Barcode Reader for doorstop applications (another ACAP app). ‘App Store’ approach to expanding applications Azena is at the centre of expanding applications at the edge, promoting new applications through an ‘App Store’ approach that sells software apps that can be loaded onto cameras that are equipped with Azena’s operating system. In the last couple of years, the company (formerly known as Security and Safety Things) has expanded its offerings. There are currently 108 apps in the store from 30 to 40 app developers. There are 14 camera models (from six manufacturers) that are commercially available and run their operating system. The newest camera is a fisheye model from Vivotek. “What we have seen is that a lot of the use cases are pretty unique,” said Fabio Marti, Vice President - Marketing for Azena. Two examples are an application that monitors a flame to ensure it is burning cleanly (no smoke). Another system monitors nets covering fish farms to avoid birds getting tangled up in the nets. Fabio Marti said “A challenge is to find new business avenues for integrators. Everybody is not eager to look beyond their comfort zone.” Focusing on software to ensure user experience Software systems are one of the major focal points for innovation in security systems Software systems are one of the major focal points for innovation in security systems and Verkada is focusing on how software innovation can improve systems. “For decades, innovation was on the hardware front,” said Filip Kaliszan, Verkada’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding “We saw an opportunity for more innovation on the software side. The customer experience revolves around software.” Ensuring an end-to-end experience “We want to guarantee an end-to-end experience,” adds Filip Kaliszan. As a new company with a ‘hybrid cloud’ approach, Verkada focused on appealing to end users to convince them of the value proposition. Once an end user was convinced, Verkada brought in an integrator partner to deliver the solution. In effect, Verkada finds demand and brings that demand to the integrator. Software-centric operation of a modern building Verkada is broadly focused on ‘software-centric operation of a modern building.’ After starting out in video, Verkada has since expanded into systems for access control, alarm systems, and other categories. They use a combination of third-party hardware and equipment that is custom designed to work seamlessly with their software systems. Verkada’s end goal is to put the various systems together into a platform. They will continue building each product category, which will eventually be unified into ‘the operating system for the building of the future.’

Consolidation continued in the physical security marketplace in the turbulent year 2020. There were several mega-deals in addition to shuffling among small and medium-sized companies. Here is a sampling of M&A from this year, compiled from our archive of company news. With the changing economic climate, how much more is ahead in 2021? Stay tuned. Wesco merges with Anixter WESCO International, Inc., a provider of business-to-business (B2B) distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced it completed its merger with Anixter International Inc., creating a premier, global B2B distribution and supply chain solutions company. Anixter becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of WESCO International. ACRE acquires Razberi ACRE acquired Razberi Technologies, Farmers Branch, Texas, and the product line of intelligent video appliances, automated security software and health monitoring software will be added to and sold under the ComNet brand and portfolio of products. ComNet will now be selling Razberi products through its established channels. Motorola acquires IndigoVision Among the benefits is enhanced geographical reach across a wider customer base Motorola Solutions says the IndigoVision range of products, global presence and customer base are ‘highly complementary’ to Motorola Solutions' existing presence in video security. Among the benefits is enhanced geographical reach across a wider customer base. Motorola acquires Pelco “Pelco’s track record of innovation, internationally recognised brand, global channel and customer installed base enable us to further expand our global footprint with enterprise and public safety customers,” said Greg Brown, Motorola Solutions’ Chairman and CEO, about the iconic brand. Johnson Controls swallows Qolsys Qolsys Inc., residential and commercial security and smart-home manufacturer, enhances Johnson Controls global innovation platform, delivering next generation security and smart building solutions. JCI had already owned a majority stake in the company since 2014. ADT and Google Home partnership The partnership will combine Nest’s award-winning hardware and services, powered by Google’s machine learning technology, with ADT’s installation, service and professional monitoring network to create a more helpful smart home and integrated experience for customers across the United States. Upon the closing of Google’s equity investment in ADT, Google will own 6.6% of ADT’s outstanding aggregate common equity. Securitas acquires STANLEY in Five Countries The acquisition is aligned with Securitas’ ambition to double the size of its security solutions Securitas acquired STANLEY Security’s electronic security businesses in Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Singapore and India. The acquisition is aligned with Securitas’ ambition to double the size of its security solutions and electronic security business and expands Securitas’ electronic security footprint and capabilities. Allied Universal to Buy G4S Ending the year on a high note, the boards of directors managing Allied Universal and G4S reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer. The deal brings to a close a six-month bidding war for G4S. The combined business is expected to generate approximately $18 billion in annual revenues with a global workforce of more than 750,000 people in 85 countries. Quantum acquires Western Digital business line Quantum Corporation entered into an agreement with Western Digital Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Western Digital Corp., to acquire its ActiveScale object storage business. The acquisition demonstrates Quantum’s commitment to innovation and growth, extending the company’s leadership role in storing and managing video and unstructured data using a software-defined approach. AVA/Vaion/Jazz Networks Ava, a unified security company, announced the completion of the merger between Jazz Networks, renowned cyber security insider threat detection and response firm; and Vaion, an end-to-end video security solutions provider. Ava is now positioned to deliver unified cyber and physical security solutions to organisations worldwide.