Network / IP security - Expert commentary

Security by design or designed for security?

Utilising the principals of IT security can help developers create a secure physical system that meets an organisations needs Secure Systems start with secure design and smart planning. In this article, Albert Derckson, Research and Development Director at Nedap, discusses the necessary design elements for building a more secure system based on security principles.  These principles of physical security, many of which can be drawn from proven principles of IT security, su...

Panoramic megapixel cameras boost wide area surveillance

High definition (HD) megapixel cameras can help in the surveillance of larger areas with fewer cameras while delivering superior detail and improving overall security operations. This translates into lower infrastructure costs and improved overall return on investment (ROI), enabling users to deploy less expensive video systems with megapixel cameras and achieve better performance and functionality. In this article, Scott Schafer, Executive Vice President of Arecont Vision ex...

A long-lasting alliance between system integrators and customers promises to be favourable for both

Project productivity improves when systems integrator and client personalities “integrate” Long-term business relationships can be a win-win proposition for system integrators and customers alike. In this article, Jason Oakley, CEO of North American Video (NAV), explains that compared to simply transactional relationships that are typically short-term projects, long-term relationships generally provide better working relationships, increased satisfaction, reduced c...

Creating a safe and secure workplace environment using a culture of openness

Companies that have developed a culture of openness can provide and receive feedback at all levels The nail that sticks out gets hammered down” is an old Japanese saying that encourages an unspoken rule of conformity combined with an authoritarian hierarchical structure. Brent O’Bryan, SPHR at AlliedBarton Security Services, explains that a winning formula for both the organisation and an individual is a culture actively exhibiting healthy behaviours and practi...

How high definition video surveillance can help crime prevention

72% of British consumers express preference for HD CCTV over standard CCTV systems According to a survey by YouGov and Avigilon, 38 percent of people feel safe in areas where they know CCTV is being used because it acts as a deterrent, and a further 41 percent attribute the feeling of safety to the fact security forces can use the footage if anything were to happen. The presence of CCTV in the UK makes people feel safe, but the images captured by today’s CCTV cameras are...

Enhancing security with 360-degree video surveillance

One alternative purpose for a 360-degree camera is the ability to provide a panoramic view in a wall-mounted orientation Surveillance cameras that capture 360-degree images are unique. However, cameras with technology that enables a user to retrospectively track an incident back in time are even more unique. This combination provides customers with total situational awareness—a field of view much larger than the capability of narrow-field, fixed-view cameras. In this art...

Unifying identity management and access control

For many companies, the current state of their access control infrastructure is best described as being fractured Identity management has now become a very important requirement for companies. The challenge, of course, lies in proper integration of different physical access control systems with an identity management system. Sophisticated security software can help overcome this challenge, says Ajay Jain, President and CEO of Quantum Secure, who adds that increasing regulatory...

Addressing school security challenges with access control systems

There are many factors that have an impact on the security of students, staff and the public In this article, Matt Thomas Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Access Control discusses the safety and security of schools and universities in the UK. There are many factors, such as the rise in tuition fees and the development of free schools, that have an impact on the security of students, staff and the public. The failure to protect and secure people and physical assets has serious a...

IP network requirements for video surveillance/physical security

IT networks are expanding to include more users and applications The use of corporate IT network infrastructure for physical security applications such as video surveillance presents unique challenges. Jack Fernandes, President & CEO of American Fibertek, makes a case for separate networks using specialized equipment and technologies specifically designed for video surveillance which could also integrate other physical security functions. In today’s business world,...

Managing Physical Security Systems & Information in a Multi-Building Campus

The requirements of a physical security solution for a multi-building campus are quite different from those for the security of a single building. Gadi Piran, President of OnSSi, lists the immense potential and benefits of implementing an integrated security solution and the key characteristics of an effective solution. Multi-building campuses such as universities, research facilities, convention centers and hospitals face unique problems in implementing a total physical security s...

Accurate and cost-effective outdoor video security

Designing a surveillance system that is accurate and cost-effective for the outdoors has been a significant challenge for the security industry. However, time-proven technologies are now available that are specifically designed to accurately detect security breaches in a wide range of outdoor environments while addressing the core issue of nuisance alarms. In this article, John Romanowich, CEO of SightLogix, lists some of the typical challenges with outdoor surveillance as well as...

Power supplies: critical component of security solution effectiveness

Security integrators prefer to standardizetheir choices of system components such as power supplies using security manufacturers they are familiar with Power supplies may be inconspicuous and literally out-of-sight; however, they play a critical role in the effective functioning of security solutions.  Selecting and using the right power supply is an important aspect of ensuring that the installed security system delivers the desired outcome and of course, a good ROI. In...

Debunking megapixel camera cost myths

End users should consider the cost of anentire surveillance system rather than the cost of a single megapixel camera There is a misconception in the security industry that megapixel cameras are more expensive than conventional surveillance cameras. However, to understand real value, it's important to focus not on the price of a single camera but on the overall surveillance system cost. Looking at the cost holistically and contrasting it with the benefits will clearly demonstra...

Video systems: delivering value to enterprise business intelligence

If you think of video surveillance as an instrument of the security department, you risk overlooking the broader benefits of video. The fact is, video is much more than a security tool, it is a business intelligence (BI) tool. In this article, Gadi Piran President of OnSSI discusses how video systems can be used as an effective BI tool in a range of different vertical markets. The advances in video management systems that include cutting-edge video analytics present a huge opp...

Four tips to buy the right integrated security solution

An integrated security system needs to fulfil user's security objectives and needs To meet a user’s specific needs, a truly integrated security solution must include video surveillance and other security systems on a single platform. Although this is a high criteria for any system designer to meet, it is now becoming increasingly possible. Integration solutions require a commitment and expertise on the part of systems integrators as well as security product manufacturers...

Casino surveillance integration adapts to a new scale

The changes to the economic climate over the past few years have affected the construction industry as a whole, and the booming casino industry was naturally affected as well. While there are still new casinos being built, overall the scale of construction does not approach the mega-casinos that have dominated the industry for the previous twenty years. Many of the new builds today are smaller casinos with different budgets and requirements of past projects. In addition, existing c...

Using CCTV security systems to deal with rising rural crime

Innovative surveillance technology, relaxation in UK Data Protection Laws and shared resources are key to curb rural crimes The significant rise in crime in rural areas in recent times in the UK has led to growing calls from security and crime prevention experts for government to make it easier for communities and law enforcement to fight back. “In our areas, every farm within a 5 mile radius has had trespass, some kind of theft of property, plant or livestock in the las...

IP technologies fuel global expansion and standardisation of security systems

Networking is a powerful way to effectively converge and integrate security In an ever-changing world, business organisations require efficient security partners in order to focus their expansion towards growing economies. This physical expansion leads to a need for expanded and enhanced security programs to protect a growing network of people and facilities. In this article, Renae Leary, Senior Director, Global Accounts, at ADT Worldwide, provides an insight into cost-effecti...

Benefits of a modern access control system go beyond security

An access control system can be an excellent and an invaluable tool for enhancing business efficiency The picture that comes into most people’s minds when thinking about access control systems is someone offering a badge up to a card reader to unlock a door or release a barrier so that they can get into or out of a building. And, of course, this is a primary function for most installations. The capabilities of modern access control systems extend far beyond simply contro...

Security consultants get tech-savvy, redefine role

The intertwining of security and IT is requiring consultants to redefine their role Security consultants have traditionally operated inconspicuously while providing quality, independent advice to customers around their security requirements. However, the relentless intertwining of IT and security in the form of IP technology has required consultants to adapt, and consequently redefine their role within the space. In this article Daniel Wan, Channel Marketing Leader UK at Honey...

Automated key control and management systems boost electronic access control

  An automated key control system bridges the gap between mechanical and electronic access control systems The vast array of doors, entrances and restricted areas securing semi-public locales are increasingly demanding the need for effective and easy access control management. In this article, Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing at Morse Watchmans, highlights the effectiveness and convenience offered by automated key control systems that have narrowed the gap...

Intelligent security components pave the second wave of convergence

   Network-enabled "intelligent" security components increasingly have better computational and memory capacity The use of Internet Protocol (IP), or networking, is commonly associated with convergence. In this article, Markus Lahtinen of Lund University's LUSAX project, contends that the shift to network-enabled "intelligent" security components which increasingly have better computational and memory capacity has a significant impact on the present and future dy...

Open standards in physical access control gain momentum as ONVIF adoption grows

 The outlook of the access control is bright despite economic downturn Belying the tough economic environment in which it is operating globally, the security industry is apparently ‘weathering the storm' quite well. Despite some expected adverse impact of the economic downturn, overall the security industry has been relatively immune and resilient compared to some other sectors. This could well be because of the growth in unemployment and higher crime rates necessi...

Fibre optic transmission in security and surveillance solutions

  Fibre optics enhances the operation and business bottom line of surveillance solutions Designers and end users of security systems, integrators and installers must consider and balance the functionality required of a video surveillance camera with its methods of transmission. This is the first of a 3-part examination by Mark Wilson, Marketing Vice President of Infinova, of how chief security officers (CSOs), directors and managers can understand the benefits of and...

True open platform IP video: the distinguishing characteristics

  Acquiring a true open platform surveillance software requires an informed decision Research reports pertaining to the IP video surveillance market repeatedly talk up the trend of "Open Platform". Keeping with that trend, it seems that every manufacturer is claiming its offerings to be IP-based and Open Platform. In the security industry these days, it has become almost embarrassing for a company to admit having a proprietary (single vendor) solution - there seems to be a...

Understanding transform, quantisation and entropy encoding in H.264 video compression

Understanding the complexities of the transform matrix In the concluding part of this 3-part review of the H.264 video compression standard, Kate Huber, Peter de Konink and Piet Nieuwets of Siqura discuss the transform, quantisation and entropy encoding - various block-encoding steps following motion estimation. Describing data in the transform matrix In contrast to the motion estimation step, the transform phase in the encoding process is relatively similar in H.2...

IP security: a case for switching over

  Migration to IP-based systems is a necessary way to future-proof an organisation To say that IP security offers myriad benefits will merely be stating the obvious. The value proposition of IP is strong, as can be seen from its growing adoption. However, navigating the road to IP requires careful consideration of many factors, from network infrastructure to physical security needs. Jeremy Kimber of Honeywell analyses the true benefits of IP and provides some insights on c...

Benefits of video security systems in the mining industry

Video surveillance systems can be used in a variety of ways within the mining industry The development of specialised, integrated video security systems for specific environments has vastly increased the benefits they deliver to users. However, the mining industry has considerable scope for exploiting the more sophisticated functions provided by integrated systems with data mining techniques which have added significant value in other business environments. In this article Jan de Be...

Benefits of migrating to an all-IP video surveillance solution

  Migrate to a better system by adopting an all-IP video surveillance solution With declining prices for IP cameras and advancements in video compression technology such as the latest H.264 compression standard, IP video surveillance is increasingly becoming the preferred security solution. The convergence of voice, video and data in the world of surveillance has truly  arrived, a fact amply highlighted by the projected growth of the network video market to over $2.6...

Motion estimation in H.264 video compression

Image quality of objects in motion is greater with H.264 technology In the first part of this three part series, the authors described the H.264 video compression standard including its history. In part two, the authors discuss motion estimation, the phase during which H.264 really distinguishes itself from other MPEG standards. Differentiating from other MPEG standards: Adapting raster block sizes for more detailed images H.264 distinguishes itself from the other MPEG s...

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