Video compression

VOSKER, a pioneering provider of cutting-edge surveillance solutions, is excited to announce the successful closing of USD $125 million in senior debt financing. The oversubscribed financing round marks a significant milestone for VOSKER, enabling the company to advantageously recapitalise its debt structure and strategically position itself for future growth initiatives. Danny Angers, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of VOSKER, expressed his enthusiasm about the financing, stating, "This substantial debt financing represents a pivotal moment for VOSKER as we advance towards our ambitious goal of becoming a global champion in the surveillance technology industry. With this capital infusion, we have the means to execute tactical growth projects and solidify our position as an industry pioneer." Appreciation to the RBC VOSKER expresses its gratitude to its capital providers, whose support has been instrumental VOSKER expresses its gratitude to its capital providers, whose support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. In particular, the company would like to extend its appreciation to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the largest bank in Canada based on market capitalisation, for spearheading the banking syndication and acting as the sole lead and bookrunner, and administrative agent.  VOSKER also thanks Export Development Canada (EDC), the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), National Bank of Canada, and the Fédération des Caisses Desjardins du Québec for their commitment and confidence in VOSKER's vision. Long-standing EDC customer “VOSKER is a long-standing EDC customer and we have witnessed first-hand their relentless pursuit to provide the world with innovative, reliable and sustainable surveillance solutions,” said Guillermo Freire, Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Group. “Our continued financial support demonstrates our belief in their global growth and success over the long-term and is a reflection of their commitment to delivering value for their customers.” Invaluable support of its partners Additionally, VOSKER acknowledges the invaluable support of its partners throughout the years. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has played a key role as a trusted legal advisor, providing invaluable guidance and expertise. Deloitte Corporate Finance served as the main advisor, offering strategic insights, and facilitating the financing process seamlessly. McCarthy Tétrault LLP acted as the Lender’s legal advisor, bringing forth constructive solutions to ensure the success of the transaction. Furthermore, VOSKER extends its appreciation to its longstanding financial sponsors Caisse de Dépot et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), GardaWorld, and Stéphan Crétier, for their unwavering support in propelling VOSKER's journey towards global technology leadership.

IDS expands its product line for intelligent image processing and launches a new IDS NXT Malibu camera. It enables AI-based image processing, video compression, and streaming in full 4K sensor resolution at 30 fps, directly in and out of the camera. The 8 MP sensor IMX678 is part of the Starvis 2 series from Sony. It ensures impressive image quality even in low light conditions and twilight. Industrial camera with live AI IDS NXT Malibu can independently perform AI-based image analyses and provide the results as live overlays in compressed video streams via RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol). Hidden inside is a special SoC (system-on-a-chip) from Ambarella, which is known for action cameras. An ISP with helpful automatic features such as brightness, noise, and colour correction ensures that optimum image quality is attained at all times. The new 8 MP camera complements the recently introduced camera variant with the 5 MP Onsemi sensor AR0521. New software release To coincide with the market launch of the new model, IDS Imaging Development Systems has also published a new software release. Users now also have the option of displaying live images from the IDS NXT Malibu camera models via MJPEG-compressed HTTP stream. This enables visualisation in any web browser without additional software or plug-ins. In addition, the AI vision studio IDS lighthouse can be used to train individual neural networks for the Ambarella SoC of the camera family. This simplifies the use of the camera for AI-based image analyses with classification, object recognition, and anomaly detection methods.

TrueConf is recognised as a High Performer in G2 Grid® Report for Video Conferencing for two times in 2024. TrueConf Server was included in the list of Best Video Conferencing Software in winter and spring based on customer satisfaction and global market presence. G2 is one of the largest online review platforms for business software and services. Every season, experts select the best software among developers of video conferencing and unified communications systems. Unique scoring methodology TrueConf Server is an all-in-one powerful software platform with team messaging TrueConf was named a High Performer in G2 Grid® for Video Conferencing Software products for two times in 2024. Using a unique scoring methodology, G2 included TrueConf Server, a flagship video collaboration platform, in the list of Best Video Conferencing Software based on customer satisfaction and global market presence.  TrueConf Server is an all-in-one powerful software platform with team messaging, 4K UltraHD video conferencing, and collaboration tools. Since 2022, the company has actively developed AI-powered features that enhance the quality of online communications and improve the user experience. TrueConf’s developments TrueConf offers an ecosystem of software and hardware solutions designed for building private collaboration networks for up to one million users and TrueConf’s developments are used by government agencies, businesses of all sizes, nuclear plants and space organisations, manufacturing, as well as telemedicine service providers and representatives of the educational and financial sector.

Healthcare institutions have invested in technologies for many years to improve efficiency and patient safety. These innovations have developed with time, offering practical solutions to emerging challenges. One such technology is video analytics, which has become a priority for most healthcare organisations. Advanced video technology and data analysis improve operational efficiency and safety in hospitals. They enable data collection, which they can leverage to optimise processes, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. This guide evaluates common healthcare challenges, the application of big data and video analytics technology in healthcare, and the strategies for leveraging such innovations. Common Health Care Challenges Healthcare institutions face many challenges, including: 1. Safety and Security Healthcare facilities face many safety and security challenges, such as: Slips and falls: Injuries related to slips and falls are commonplace in most healthcare facilities, especially when patients are left unattended. Although some hospitals and nursing homes have emergency call buttons, weak patients may find it challenging to reach them. Motion detection analytics sends instant alerts, enabling healthcare workers to respond to emergencies. Wandering patients: According to research, approximately 36% of people with dementia wander off, exposing them to various risks. When such incidents occur in facilities with inadequate surveillance systems, it can be challenging to track the patients down. Video surveillance and analytics enable workers to monitor people with wandering tendencies, keeping them safer. Hygiene and cleanliness: The prevalence of contagious and drug-resistant superbugs, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses health challenges in most healthcare facilities. These diseases can spread quickly unless the area is regularly and thoroughly cleaned. With systems like video analytics, staff can monitor cleaning activities and ensure they comply with the required standards. Disease transmission: Disease transmission is a concern in the healthcare industry, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This challenge has prompted medical professionals to invest in personal protective equipment (PPE) monitoring and detection systems to reduce exposure to illnesses. The technology uses computer vision algorithms to analyse video feeds and detect PPE violations. Besides the above-listed, there are also security concerns like unauthorised access and theft in organisations that still use conventional safety systems. Data-driven video networks can enhance security by automatically detecting and alerting staff of suspicious activities and breaches in real time. 2. Workflow With this information, management can streamline operations, reducing time while saving resources Hospitals are complex environments with multiple departments, staff and patients. Combining these various facets of the organisation can affect workflow, making it crucial to optimise processes and allocate resources efficiently. Video analysis provides invaluable insights, assessing staff-staff and staff-patient interactions and equipment movements to identify patterns and bottlenecks. With this information, management can streamline operations, reducing time while saving resources. For example, video analytics can decrease patient wait times by monitoring heavily used machinery, such as X-rays and MRIs, or overcrowding. This approach minimises situations where injured or sick patients stand in lines waiting for hours to access a machine for diagnosis. 3. Staff Performance Medical professionals must adhere to high standards, which is challenging when organisations over-rely on conventional methods. Most healthcare institutions are investing in intelligent video analytics, which allows them to reduce workload and human errors. These modern innovations can analyse activities, measure adherence protocols such as PPE detection, and assess response times during critical situations. The information can help identify areas of improvement and guide decisions concerning training and support, and resource allocation to ensure consistent and efficient care delivery. 4. Asset Management Healthcare organisations have valuable assets, including medication, medical equipment and supplies. Video analytics can automatically monitor inventory levels of both PPE and medicine. The system can also enable them to detect anomalies such as misplaced and missing items, unauthorised personnel engaging with prescription drugs, and even detecting low inventory levels of medicine or PPE. These capabilities ensure the efficient utilisation of material resources and inventory management, reducing losses and theft. What Are the 4 Vs of Big Data Analytics in Health Care? To understand the application of video and big data analytics in health care, it’s crucial to know the four Vs and how they impact the industry: Volume: The amount of data collected is critical to data analytics. The analyst must ascertain how much data they require depending on the size of the facility and the purpose for collecting the data. Velocity: Refers to the speed at which the system collects and analyses data. It’s essential for some data, such as patient vital signs in the ICU, to be updated in real-time and displayed immediately at the point of care. Other datasets, such as patient collection rates and readmission reports, may be updated leisurely without significant impact. Variety: Refers to the points of reference used to collect data. The sources may include medical records, radiology images and patient behaviour. Veracity: Refers to the information’s reliability. This feature sets the standard for data quality in the healthcare industry regarding quality and accuracy.

VITEC, a market-pioneering provider of IPTV, video streaming and digital signage solutions, is launching the MGW Diamond-H 4K HDMI encoder to further enhance its broad portfolio of HEVC encode and decode products. “VITEC is proud to introduce the MGW Diamond-H, a powerful compact 4K HDMI Encoder demonstrating our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” says Richard Bernard, Head of Product Management, at VITEC. “With its impressive encoding capabilities, seamless integration features, and Power over Ethernet support, the MGW Diamond-H opens up new possibilities for IPTV distribution and video contribution across various industries." VITEC's portable HEVC encoder MGW Diamond-H ensures a smooth workflow and enhanced connectivity with existing video equipment The MGW Diamond-H, a portable 4K HDMI Encoder is a significant addition to VITEC's portable HEVC encoder product line, setting a new standard for quality, efficiency, and integration. With the ability to encode up to 4 channels from two HDMI inputs, the MGW Diamond-H empowers users to capture and stream content with unparalleled quality and minimal latency. The unit is designed to facilitate integration into existing setups. Featuring HDMI loop through, the MGW Diamond-H ensures a smooth workflow and enhanced connectivity with existing video equipment. For optimal reliability and power efficiency, the MGW Diamond-H can be powered via Power over Ethernet, streamlining installations and reducing the need for additional power sources. Demand for 4K video encoding VITEC is a pioneer in video encoding for many different workflows from military, enterprise, broadcast, education, and sports venues.  The MGW Diamond-H meets the growing demand for 4K video encoding, while delivering low-latency delivery of high-quality video in an efficient, compact form factor.

Videosoft Global, a Viasat ELEVATE partner, and Viasat, Inc., a global pioneer in satellite communications, have announced an agreement to integrate Videosoft's video streaming technology into INTELIE - Viasat's operational AI platform.  The agreement means Viasat will be able to provide Videosoft’s live-streaming capabilities via INTELIE to increase situational awareness for businesses, help them respond to events in real time, and make informed decisions.  Live video streaming solutions Videosoft Global’s live video streaming solutions use adaptive video compression and transmission technology to deliver high-quality, low-latency streaming over satellite communications. With streaming capabilities from as little as 4kbps over satcom, cellular, and mesh networks, the technology ensures stability in challenging network conditions, while lowering data costs.  INTELIE The platform provides a real-time view of what is happening in the field, delivering operational intelligence INTELIE is Viasat's advanced operational AI platform for industrial applications, for example, energy and mining. The platform provides a real-time view of what is happening in the field, delivering operational intelligence and real-time predictive analytics. This enables companies to take better actions where they need most to mitigate the risks of downtime and financial loss.   AI-driven real-time monitoring The integration of Videosoft’s video streaming capability into INTELIE will create a next-generation AI-driven real-time monitoring and analytics solution for delivering mission-critical communications from remote locations around the world.   This deal demonstrates the unique value of Videosoft’s technology as a key enabler in the advancement of monitoring solutions for driving industrial operational efficiency. Applications in other sectors Videosoft’s partnership with Viasat will extend the reach of Videosoft’s solutions beyond their current customer base As a pioneering live video streaming solution provider with an established reputation in serving the oil and gas sector, Videosoft’s partnership with Viasat will extend the reach of Videosoft’s solutions beyond their current customer base including maritime, aviation, uncrewed vessels, military, defence, and homeland security applications.  "We are thrilled to be partnering with Viasat on this important initiative," said Stewart McCone, Chief Executive Officer at Videosoft. Situational awareness Stewart McCone adds, "The integration of our live video technology into INTELIE adds an essential layer of situational awareness that will give customers greater control over their operations." "We are excited to be working with Videosoft on such a cutting-edge solution offering," said Simon Hawkins, Vice President, Enterprise Commercial & Innovation at Viasat. Cost and operational efficiency Simon Hawkins adds, "This partnership is a clear example of how Viasat ELEVATE can bring innovation and new business development opportunities to our partner network." He continues, "By combining Videosoft's live video technology and our expertise in satellite communications, we believe that we can help businesses operate more efficiently – both in terms of cost and operational control.”

Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision-makers must make throughout product specifications.  From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And where security remains at the forefront of decision-making, modern access control systems may often hold the answers. Physical security systems Hospitals in particular have developed into multi-faceted spaces that house hundreds to thousands of patients, staff and visitors at any one time. In England for example, research has found in the three months leading to June 2023, an average of 44,626 people visited major hospital A&E departments each day, with over 16 million attendances typically recorded over the course of a year-not to mention an additional nine million logged at other minor units. For any building, this level of sustained footfall can request severe security difficulties For any building, this level of sustained footfall can invite severe security tests. With that, the need to deploy effective physical security systems in healthcare is clear. And so, as access control continues to become more readily adopted and new products enter the market, decision-makers are reminded to consider the requirements of their building, ensuring they select the solutions most suited to their settings and budget. Security controlled Patient safety will always remain the top priority in healthcare settings, and where matters of health and social care come into question, a diverse set of professional regulatory bodies are tasked with setting and maintaining high standards. When it comes to healthcare premises specifically, patient security and perimeter security often come hand in hand and are amongst the most pressing of challenges that decision-makers must face. To help address operational planning and potential design concerns in the NHS, the Health Building Note (HBN), provides general design guidance for healthcare buildings under HBN 00-01-citing the use of access control measures as a way of maintaining security and protecting the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Use of access control Hospital buildings control varied levels of access for a number of security purposes Hospital buildings, for example, must control varied levels of access for a number of operational and security purposes. Routine scenarios exist where vulnerable patients are under monitoring and thus refrained from exiting the premises for their own safety, while at the same time, permitted staff must be able to reach their patients and medicines when required. For this, the use of access control is key. Equally, access credentials can also help management teams keep track of those who may be entering or exiting rooms with equipment and pharmaceutical supplies, deterring any unwanted visitors and opportunists in the process. Incorporation of access control systems On a similar note, regulations have set a minimum standard for how personal data should be stored and managed in healthcare environments, giving decision-makers an added responsibility to regulate staff-controlled areas with patient medical records. While instances of personal data breaches are rare, healthcare facilities and professionals are at legal risk should confidential data be found misused or missing. As such, the incorporation of access control systems has become essential in keeping data storage areas secure, with intuitive online systems capable of permitting access to staff with the correct credentials while simultaneously tracking who has requested clearance at digital entry points. HBN guidance Healthcare experts are better fitted to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as safe places by the people who reside within them, and as HBN guidance implies, a unified physical security system can help address key safety and security concerns while enhancing patient and staff experience. Opportunely, access control systems are more accessible and adaptable than ever and combine several technologies such as mechanical locks and automatic doors with electronic access credentials in the form of smartphone apps, badge readers and biometric scanners.  By integrating these systems into the building’s existing infrastructure, healthcare professionals are better equipped to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting the premises without impairing the general flow of movement and coordination around the facility. Better by design Despite the clear benefits offered to healthcare facilities, there are a number of considerations to be mindful of when choosing an access control solution. Poorly implemented systems can have an adverse effect on security and functionality - quickly costing healthcare organisations time and budget to rectify and replace the inadequate products that don’t meet the building’s requirements. For that reason, decision-makers and design teams are reminded that there is no single solution that fits all healthcare buildings. As such, it’s crucial for decision-makers to understand the systems that are being put in place throughout each of the touchpoints in their facility. Clear collaboration is required during periods of specification, where together, teams can ensure the selected product works on all angles, from meeting fire safety and sustainability standards to aesthetics and scalability. Modern access control products Scalability is a key area that decision-makers must review when selecting access control systemsFrequently overlooked, scalability is a key area that decision-makers must review when selecting access control systems. Such is their diverse nature; healthcare facilities can often change and develop as years go by, and by selecting a system that facilitates growth, such as a cloud-based solution-security and efficiency is long-established. While modern access control products are known for seamless integration, there are some systems that may restrict the ability to use different vendors throughout the remainder of the building’s infrastructure. This, in effect, causes a monopolisation of products throughout the estate, which can have an adverse effect on growth by increasing costs and reducing the levels of service associated with the security system already in place. Improve security and safety A scalable and reliable access control system will continue to improve security and safety by adapting to a building’s new requirements-and all while having minimal impact on its operational network.  And so, while technology will no doubt continue to influence and transform the access control market, healthcare facilities and their professionals must continue to remain educated on their own systems, ensuring they have the best options in place to keep their patients, staff and visitors safe and secure for years to come.

Security systems represent a significant investment, yet many organisations still only use a small percentage of their physical security systems’ capabilities. That’s before we even begin to consider the different ways that the likes of video, access control and ANPR can add additional value beyond security by serving the needs of other business functions. Whether that be to obtain additional insight, streamline compliance or drive operational efficiencies.  Consumption gap When users aren’t tapping into the full power of the solution they bought, they aren’t realising their full return on investment. This creates a consumption gap. It’s a situation that has the potential to go in one of two very different directions. A misreading of a system, its capabilities and functionality can fast result in user discontent Left unchecked a consumption gap can create frustration for system integrators, manufacturers and end users alike. A misunderstanding of a system, its capabilities and functionality can quickly result in user dissatisfaction. Leading to a greater likelihood that they’ll look to change or focus investment into overlapping and likely competing solutions. Customers’ security goals Addressed appropriately it can help manufacturers, system integrators and end users to build trusted partnerships in which everybody wins. Understandably, systems integrators are primarily focused on installation—delivering reliable solutions that meet customers’ security goals to ensure their long-term success. However, engagement can go beyond deployment. Closing the consumption gap can be a strategic way to differentiate yourself from competitors. The deeper you understand your customer’s business, the better advice you’re able to offer—and the stronger the partnership you form.  Why do consumption gaps exist?  For customers, finding the time to learn multiple capabilities of a security system can be time-consuming. Often, taking advantage of new tools and solutions takes a backseat to the urgency of daily tasks. Often, taking use of new tools and keys takes a backseat to the speed of daily tasks   There are many reasons why customers may not be taking full advantage of the features available to them in their security platform. They may feel overwhelmed by a steep learning curve after deployment and might delay diving into the additional system features. Sometimes, there might be a lack of awareness of the technology’s full capabilities, and despite a willingness to learn, there are few options for training. Often, it can simply be they are not aware of the benefits of their system or are too busy with day-to-day and urgent tasks to learn other features.   Bridging the consumption gap  Systems are built to deal with a wide variety of use cases and broaden market appeal, but the goal isn’t to get everyone to use all the features of every product. You want to guide your customers towards the features and functionality that best meet their needs. This could entail reducing the friction they experience in their day-to-day operations, solving unique issues related to their business, or addressing their most important challenges.   Having these conversations with your customers deepens your relationship and can organically open up new revenue streams. Continuous engagement allows you to recommend other relevant products or services that they may find helpful. Customised training plan Customers can learn at their own pace and gradually expand their understanding of their system Furthermore, customers are often not able to implement all features at once. You can help by proposing a plan to gradually evolve systems and processes over time. This could include a customised training plan to get the most value from their investment.   Some manufacturers are also now providing learning management tools that system integrators can pass on to their customers. Customers can learn at their own pace and gradually expand their understanding of their system in accordance with their bandwidth. This allows them to get more out of their system.  Simplifying deployment   With the right software partners, systems integrators can focus on solving customer problems, not reactively troubleshooting issues. Look for manufacturers who offer good support systems for integrators. This includes not only quality technical support but also configuration and training services you can build on. Look for partners that offer tools and consultation services you can use to complement your value-added services, either to spend less time on the basics or for specialised expertise on complex projects.  Beyond support and services, one telling sign is the configuration interface and tools that you as an integrator will primarily interact with. Ask yourself whether the manufacturer invests in their back-end tools and their primary user interface. Is there a noticeable difference between these two interfaces in terms of look and feel? Does one feel more dated?  Widening consumption gap  The harder it is to implement upgrades, the more reticent customers are to make the changes If the end user interface is easy to use but changes on the back end are difficult, the resulting friction can contribute to the widening consumption gap. It can become too time-consuming or difficult to upgrade or make changes to the system. The harder it is to implement upgrades, the more reticent customers are to make the changes.  Configuration should be painless. If the system has a solid graphical user interface, you’ll be able to interact with the software in a fluid and intuitive way. When the system is intuitive for both you and your customers, you spend less time on setup and training. You can invest more attention in value-added activities.   Conclusion  A consumption gap could be a sign that technological innovation is outpacing people's ability to implement them in their day-to-day lives. You can work with your customers to simplify the adoption of the innovations so they can more easily implement them and realise the full value of their investment.  By reviewing opportunities to bridge the consumption gap for your customers, you increase the likelihood of growing and renewing your system and service contracts. You also build relationships as a trusted partner. Customers will turn to you when looking to expand their security system and proactively solve new and incipient problems.

Global transportation networks are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital systems playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of ports and supply chains. However, this reliance on technology can also create vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the recent ransomware attack on Nagoya Port. As Japan's busiest shipping hub, the port's operations were brought to a standstill for two days, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to national economies and supply chains.  Transportation sector  The attack began with the port's legacy computer system, which handles shipping containers, being knocked offline. This forced the port to halt the handling of shipping containers that arrived at the terminal, effectively disrupting the flow of goods. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in ports and other critical infrastructures.  This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The transportation sector must respond by bolstering its defences, enhancing its cyber resilience, and proactively countering these threats. The safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure, and by extension our global economy, depend on it.  Rising threat to port security and supply chains  XIoT, from sensors on shipping containers to automatic cranes, are vital to trendy port functions OT, once isolated from networked systems, is now increasingly interconnected. This integration has expanded the attack surface for threat actors. A single breach in a port's OT systems can cause significant disruption, halting the movement of containers and impacting the flow of goods. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that has been demonstrated in recent cyberattacks on major ports.  Adding another layer of complexity is the extended Internet of Things (XIoT), an umbrella term for all cyber-physical systems. XIoT devices, from sensors on shipping containers to automated cranes, are now integral to modern port operations. These devices are delivering safer, more efficient automated vehicles, facilitating geo-fencing for improved logistics, and providing vehicle health data for predictive maintenance. XIoT ecosystem  However, the XIoT ecosystem also presents new cybersecurity risks. Each connected device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and the interconnected nature of these devices means that an attack on one, which can move laterally and can have a ripple effect throughout the system.  The threat landscape is evolving, with cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and their attacks more damaging with a business continuity focus. The growing interconnectivity between OT and XIoT in port operations and supply chains is also presenting these threat actors with a greater attack surface. Many older OT systems were never designed to be connected in this way and are unlikely to be equipped to deal with modern cyber threats. Furthermore, the increasing digitisation of ports and supply chains has led to a surge in the volume of data being generated and processed. This data, if not properly secured, can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. The potential for data breaches adds another dimension to the cybersecurity challenges facing the transportation sector.  Role of cyber resilience in protecting service availability  Cyber resilience refers to organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats As the threats to port security and supply chains become increasingly complex, the concept of cyber resilience takes on a new level of importance. Cyber resilience refers to an organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, focusing not just on preventing attacks, but also on minimising the impact of attacks that do occur and ensuring a quick recovery.  In the context of port operations and supply chains, cyber resilience is crucial. The interconnected nature of these systems means that a cyberattack can have far-reaching effects, disrupting operations not just at the targeted port, but also at other ports and throughout the supply chain. A resilient system is one that can withstand such an attack and quickly restore normal operations. Port operations and supply chains The growing reliance on OT and the XIoT in port operations and supply chains presents unique challenges for cyber resilience. OT systems control physical processes and are often critical to safety and service availability. A breach in an OT system can have immediate and potentially catastrophic physical consequences. Similarly, XIoT devices are often embedded in critical infrastructure and can be difficult to patch or update, making them vulnerable to attacks.  Building cyber resilience in these systems requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing robust security measures, such as strong access controls and network segmentation, to prevent attacks. It also involves continuous monitoring and detection to identify and respond to threats as they occur. But perhaps most importantly, it involves planning and preparation for the inevitable breaches that will occur, ensuring that when they do, the impact is minimised, and normal operations can be quickly restored.  Building resilience across port security and supply chains   In the face of cyber threats, the transport sector must adopt a complete method of cybersecurity In the face of escalating cyber threats, the transportation sector must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. This involves not just implementing robust security measures, but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and compliance throughout the organisation.  A key component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is strong access controls. This involves ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive data and systems. It also involves implementing multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing and updating access permissions. Strong access controls can prevent unauthorised access to systems and data, reducing the risk of both internal and external threats. Network segmentation Network segmentation is another crucial measure. By dividing a network into separate segments, organisations can limit the spread of a cyberattack within their network. This can prevent an attack on one part of the network from affecting the entire system. Network segmentation also makes it easier to monitor and control the flow of data within the network, further enhancing security.  Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management are also essential. Vulnerability assessments involve identifying and evaluating potential security weaknesses in the system, while patch management involves regularly updating and patching software to fix these vulnerabilities. These measures can help organisations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce the risk of exploitation.  EU’s NIS2 Directive EU’s NIS2 Directive came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law The transportation sector must also be prepared for greater legislative responsibility in the near future. The EU’s NIS2 Directive recently came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law. The Directive aims to increase the overall level of cyber preparedness by mandating capabilities such as Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Transport is among the sectors labelled as essential by the bill, meaning it will face a high level of scrutiny. Getting to grips with the complexities of XIoT and OT integration will be essential for organisations to achieve compliance and avoid fines. Global transportation infrastructure Finally, organisations must prepare for the inevitable breaches that will occur. This involves developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a breach. It also involves regularly testing and updating this plan to ensure its effectiveness. A well-prepared organisation can respond quickly and effectively to a breach, minimising its impact and ensuring a quick recovery.  In conclusion, mastering transportation cybersecurity requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. It involves implementing robust technical measures, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and preparing for the inevitable breaches that will occur. By taking these steps, organisations can enhance their cyber resilience, protect their critical operations, and ensure the security of our global transportation infrastructure.

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

For an enterprise, addressing cyber security requires that stakeholders have immediate access to critical information compiled from multiple sources and presented where and how they need it. Various data sources monitor the cyber security status of a company’s computer systems to provide real-time visibility. Aggregating that data into visual dashboards and presenting it to operators enables any cyber security problems to be flagged quickly and resolved. Software system enhances cyber security Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise, enabling stakeholders to envision various cyber security factors, such as application security, network security, cloud security and IoT (Internet of Things) security. The software system empowers operators to respond more efficiently. Working in conjunction with a company’s existing IT infrastructure, Userful software combines datasets from diverse systems into a visual format and delivers the information to a desktop computer, a video wall, or even to a home office. Real-time visibility “It provides a new dynamic to how cyber security issues are resolved,” said Shane Vega, Userful Corporation’s Vice President (VP) of Product Marketing, adding “The individuals who have flagged a cyber security issue may not be the ones to respond. Having real-time visibility provides more value to the overall response.” A typical cyber security operations centre resembles a physical security command or emergency management hub – large video walls, individual desktop workstations, and operators that need to share information and respond quickly to any incident. Userful’s software helps in managing operations centres Userful’s software manages how data is presented in an operations centre environment, without relying on proprietary hardware, operating outside an end-user customer’s IT infrastructure. Managing operations centres is a core offering for Userful Corporation, including command centres of all types, from traditional network operation centres to emergency network systems to security systems. The ability to use one software system throughout an enterprise is appealing to companies that have historically grappled with proprietary and siloed systems. Solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale" “We are a platform that can be utilised across the enterprise,” said Shane Vega, adding “Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale, so they can manage all the threats every day.” Compiling and displaying information to an operations centre has historically involved silos of proprietary audio/video (AV) hardware. Ironically, the hardware approach presents cyber security risks that undermine the very mission of protecting a company’s data and networks. The proprietary systems operate outside the company’s network infrastructure, and IT professionals do not have visibility into the systems. Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) Instead of hardware, displaying information on Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) can be accomplished using software running on off-the-shelf components, managed by the IT department and featuring all the cyber security protections required, throughout the enterprise’s network infrastructure. SOAR includes threat and vulnerability management, security incident response and security operations automation, enabling companies to collect threat-related data from several sources and automate the responses. Cyber security threats Possible threats might include an influx of packet generation, malware, someone seeking access to the network, or a malicious email. Various tools manage each threat, and each must be visualised. Because the threats are related, a comprehensive dashboard enables operators to create parallels and respond more efficiently. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware In the Userful AV-over-IP scenario, an IT department takes full ownership of the computers and subsystems installed on the network. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity. Single platform/solution The single platform/solution also extends beyond operations centres to include meeting rooms and digital signage. All images are captured using existing protocols, such as Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), and so forth. In contrast, the AV industry is hardware-centric and has been known to circumvent software approaches in order to justify selling more hardware. AV systems typically operate in terms of pixels rather than bytes of information and use proprietary software. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity Different departments in a company have historically installed their own specific AV systems, based on proprietary hardware, so that each department is siloed from the rest of the organisation. Dangers of random hardware on a network Random hardware on a network, beyond the reach of the IT department, can provide access points to the network for hackers and other cyber security threats. Each proprietary hardware system exists outside the existing security protocols of the enterprise and each represents a cyber security vulnerability. Some companies end up with five or six different operations centres that involve three or four manufacturers, all siloed. Software versus hardware Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware" “Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware,” said Shane Vega, adding “The industry is inundated with hardware, and the risk is the unknown. Customers may not be familiar with a software solution that can accomplish what they have historically depended on hardware for.” Userful Corporation works through channel partners (integrators), who assemble complete systems using Userful software and other components, such as video screens, large-format commercial displays, groups of tiled displays, projectors – any type of display with an input. Corporate policy specifies security at every level Userful’s corporate policy specifies security at every level, including user authentication, encryption, endpoint security, air-gapped servers, information security policies, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a solution built on industry-leading IT standards. To spread the word about Userful Corporation’s capabilities related to cyber security, the company will be participating in Infosecurity Europe 2022, taking place from June 21 to June 23, 2022 at ExCeL, London, United Kingdom (UK).

A new generation of video cameras is poised to boost capabilities dramatically at the edge of the IP network, including more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and higher resolutions, and paving the way for new applications that would have previously been too expensive or complex. Technologies at the heart of the coming new generation of video cameras are Ambarella’s newest systems on chips (SoCs). Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S product families are bringing a new level of on-camera AI performance and integration to multi-imager and single-imager IP cameras. Both of these SoCs are manufactured in the ‘5 nm’ manufacturing process, bringing performance improvements and power savings, compared to the previous generation of SoCs manufactured at ‘10nm’. CV5S and CV52S AI-powered SoCs The CV5S, designed for multi-imager cameras, is able to process, encode and perform advanced AI on up to four imagers at 4Kp30 resolution, simultaneously and at less than 5 watts. This enables multi-headed camera designs with up to four 4K imagers looking at different portions of a scene, as well as very high-resolution, single-imager cameras of up to 32 MP resolution and beyond. The CV52S, designed for single-imager cameras with very powerful onboard AI, is the next-generation of the company’s successful CV22S mainstream 4K camera AI chip. This new SoC family quadruples the AI processing performance, while keeping the same low power consumption of less than 3 watts for 4Kp60 encoding with advanced AI processing. Faster and ubiquitous AI capabilities Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions" “Security system designers desire higher resolutions, increasing channel counts, and ever faster and more ubiquitous AI capabilities,” explains John Lorenz, Senior Technology and Market Analyst, Computing, at Yole Développement (Yole), a French market research firm. John Lorenz adds, “Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions for meeting the growing demands of the security IC (integrated circuit) sector, which our latest report forecasts to exceed US$ 4 billion by 2025, with two-thirds of that being chips with AI capabilities.” Edge AI vision processors Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S edge AI vision processors enable new classes of cameras that would not have been possible in the past, with a single SoC architecture. For example, implementing a 4x 4K multi-imager with AI would have traditionally required at least two SoCs (at least one for encoding and one for AI), and the overall power consumption would have made those designs bulky and prohibitively expensive. By reducing the number of required SoCs, the CV5S enables advanced camera designs such as AI-enabled 4x 4K imagers at price points much lower than would have previously been possible. “What we are usually trying to do with our SoCs is to keep the price points similar to the previous generations, given that camera retail prices tend to be fairly fixed,” said Jerome Gigot, Ambarella's Senior Director of Marketing. 4K multi-imager cameras “However, higher-end 4K multi-imager cameras tend to retail for thousands of dollars, and so even though there will be a small premium on the SoC for the 2X improvement in performance, this will not make a significant impact to the final MSRP of the camera,” adds Jerome Gigot. In addition, the overall system cost might go down, Gigot notes, compared to what could be built today because there is no longer a need for external chips to perform AI, or extra components for power dissipation. The new chips will be available in the second half of 2021, and it typically takes about 12 to 18 months for Ambarella’s customers (camera manufacturers) to produce final cameras. Therefore, the first cameras, based on these new SoCs, should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. Reference boards for camera manufacturers The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK" As with Ambarella’s previous generations of edge AI vision SoCs for security, the company will make available reference boards to camera manufacturers soon, allowing them to develop their cameras based on the new CV5S and CV52S SoC families. “The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK that is already available on our previous generations SoCs, which makes the transition easy for our customers,” said Jerome Gigot. Better crime detection Detecting criminals in a crowd, using face recognition and/or licence plate recognition, has been a daunting challenge for security, and one the new chips will help to address. “Actually, these applications are one of the main reasons why Ambarella is introducing these two new SoC families,” said Jerome Gigot. Typically, resolutions of 4K and higher have been a smaller portion of the security market, given that they came at a premium price tag for the high-end optics, image sensor and SoC. Also, the cost and extra bandwidth of storing and streaming 4K video were not always worth it for the benefit of just viewing video at higher resolution. 4K AI processing on-camera The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm. By enabling 4K AI processing on-camera, smaller objects at longer distances can now be detected and analysed without having to go to a server, and with much higher detail and accuracy compared to what can be done on a 2 MP or 5 MP cameras. This means that fewer false alarms will be generated, and each camera will now be able to cover a longer distance and wider area, offering more meaningful insights without necessarily having to stream and store that 4K video to a back-end server. “This is valuable, for example, for traffic cameras mounted on top of high poles, which need to be able to see very far out and identify cars and licence plates that are hundreds of meters away,” said Jerome Gigot. The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm Enhanced video analytics and wider coverage “Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S SoCs truly allow the industry to take advantage of higher resolution on-camera for better analytics and wider coverage, but without all the costs typically incurred by having to stream high-quality 4K video out 24/7 to a remote server for offline analytics,” said Jerome Gigot. He adds, “So, next-generation cameras will now be able to identify more criminals, faces and licence plates, at longer distances, for an overall lower cost and with faster response times by doing it all locally on-camera.” Deployment in retail applications Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once Retail applications are another big selling point. Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once (e.g., in a mall), to provide not only security features, but also other business analytics, such as foot traffic and occupancy maps that can be used later to improve product placement. The higher resolution and higher AI performance, enabled by the new Ambarella SoCs, provide a leap forward in addressing those scenarios. In a store setup, a ceiling-mounted camera with four 4K imagers can simultaneously look at the cashier line on one side of the store, sending alerts when a line is getting too long and a new cashier needs to be deployed, while at the same time looking at the entrance on the other side of the store, to count the people coming in and out. This leaves two additional 4K imagers for monitoring specific product aisles and generating real-time business analytics. Use in cashier-less stores Another retail application is a cashier-less store. Here, a CV5S or CV52S-based camera mounted on the ceiling will have enough resolution and AI performance to track goods, while the customer grabs them and puts them in their cart, as well as to automatically track which customer is purchasing which item. In a warehouse scenario, items and boxes moving across the floor could also be followed locally, on a single ceiling-mounted camera that covers a wide area of the warehouse. Additionally, these items and boxes could be tracked across the different imagers in a multi-headed camera setup, without the video having to be sent to a server to perform the tracking. Updating on-camera AI networks Another feature of Ambarella’s SoCs is that their on-camera AI networks can be updated on-the-fly, without having to stop the video recording and without losing any video frames. So, for example in the case of a search for a missing vehicle, the characteristics of that missing vehicle (make, model, colour, licence plate) can be sent to a cluster of cameras in the general area, where the vehicle is thought to be missing, and all those cameras can be automatically updated to run a live search on that specific vehicle. If any of the cameras gets a match, a remote operator can be notified and receive a picture, or even a live video feed of the scene. Efficient traffic management With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself Relating to traffic congestion, most big cities have thousands of intersections that they need to monitor and manage. Trying to do this from one central location is costly and difficult, as there is so much video data to process and analyse, in order to make those traffic decisions (to control the traffic lights, reverse lanes, etc.). With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself. The camera would then take actions autonomously (for example, adjust traffic-light timing) and only report a status update to the main traffic control centre. So now, instead of having one central location trying to manage 1,000 intersections, a city can have 1,000 smart AI cameras, each managing its own location and providing updates and metadata to a central server. Superior privacy Privacy is always a concern with video. In this case, doing AI on-camera is inherently more private than streaming the video to a server for analysis. Less data transmission means fewer points of entry for a hacker trying to access the video. On Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S SoCs, the video can be analysed locally and then discarded, with just a signature or metadata of the face being used to find a match. No actual video needs to be stored or transmitted, which ensures total privacy. In addition, the chips contain a very secure hardware cyber security block, including OTP memory, Arm TrustZones, DRAM scrambling and I/O virtualisation. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to replace the firmware on the camera, providing another level of security and privacy at the system level. Privacy Masking Another privacy feature is the concept of privacy masking. This feature enables portions of the video (say a door or a window) to be blocked out, before being encoded in the video stream. The blocked portions of the scene are not present in the recorded video, thus providing a privacy option for cameras that are facing private areas. “With on-camera AI, each device becomes its own smart endpoint, and can be reconfigured at will to serve the specific physical security needs of its installation,” said Jerome Gigot, adding “The possibilities are endless, and our mission as an SoC maker is really to provide a powerful and easy-to-use platform, complete with computer-vision tools, that enable our customers and their partners to easily deploy their own AI software on-camera.” Physical security in parking lots With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot One example is physical security in a parking lot. A camera today might be used to just record part of the parking lot, so that an operator can go back and look at the video if a car were broken into or some other incident occurred. With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, first of all, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot. Additionally, it will be able to detect the licence plates of all the cars going in and out, to automatically bill the owners. If there is a special event, the camera can be reprogrammed to identify VIP vehicles and automatically redirect them to the VIP portion of the lot, while reporting to the entrance station or sign how many parking spots are available. It can even tell the cars approaching the lot where to go. Advantages of using edge AI vision SoCs Jerome Gigot said, “The possibilities are endless and they span across many verticals. The market is primed to embrace these new capabilities. Recent advances in edge AI vision SoCs have brought about a period of change in the physical security space. Companies that would have, historically, only provided security cameras, are now getting into adjacent verticals such as smart retail, smart cities and smart buildings.” He adds, “These changes are providing a great opportunity for all the camera makers and software providers to really differentiate themselves by providing full systems that offer a new level of insights and efficiencies to, not only the physical security manager, but now also the store owner and the building manager.” He adds, “All of these new applications are extremely healthy for the industry, as they are growing the available market for cameras, while also increasing their value and the economies of scale they can provide. Ambarella is looking forward to seeing all the innovative products that our customers will build with this new generation of SoCs.”

360 Vision Technology, the UK manufacturer of ruggedised HD, radar, and thermal PTZ imaging cameras, has supplied its Invictus TX streaming camera surveillance technology for installation at South Tyneside Council (STC) car parks.  Part of a wider STC CCTV surveillance scheme, thirty 360 Vision Invictus TX cameras have been installed by integrated technology solutions provider, North, to provide 24-hour monitoring for car parks located across South Shields.   Challenges with existing CCTV Daniel Chappell, Technical Account Manager at North takes up the story, “Historically, South Shields had an existing public safety CCTV system, which was mainly street-focused." "However, this camera network had become unreliable with age, with some cameras being removed. As part of a project to overhaul the system, an opportunity arose for the STC car parks department to allocate a new surveillance solution, to cover its twelve town centre car parks." New solution requirements “After discussing the car parks’ CCTV requirements with long-term client STC, we set about securing a robust solution, with technical support supplied in discussions with the team at 360 Vision. We outlined the technical requirements and video transmission restrictions of the project to 360 Vision’s technical team and were delighted with the enthusiasm and technical understanding of the demanding requirements of this installation." “While cameras were required to replace existing devices, mostly in existing camera tower locations, the choice of video transmission needed to be re-considered, as the legacy fibreoptic cabling had become unreliable and a replacement fibre network would have been prohibitively expensive." TX streaming camera “On consideration of the cabling issue, 360 Vision suggested that we consider their TX streaming camera option, to transmit camera video wirelessly, over 4G mobile networks. This would have the benefit of substantially low-cost video transmission compared to the expense and civil works disruption required to own or lease a new fibre network, totally negating the need for fixed cabling." "Taking up the idea and to secure the best 4G network supplier for each TX camera, exact camera locations were provided and cross-referenced with network operators to provide the best quality of signal at each specific camera location.”  Invictus PTZ TX cameras Authorised operatives in the field can view selected Invictus TX camera images using a laptop browser Utilising 4G unlimited data sim cards and backed-up by on-the-edge built-in camera recording, the new Invictus PTZ TX cameras are securing STC car parks with video streaming, supplying high-quality wireless images to a Veracity Viewscape VMS in the main STC control room. In addition to control room monitoring, authorised operatives in the field can view selected Invictus TX camera images using a laptop browser or mobile phone.  Car park safety and security Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, said, “This investment forms part of wider improvements to our CCTV provision which is a vital tool in helping to keep our residents and visitors safe." “The surveillance flexibility and technology that comes with this new system greatly enhances the safety, security, and management of the car parks." Real-time monitoring "Staff has a reliable video system for monitoring the cameras and supporting them to manage and respond to incidents in real-time more quickly and effectively." "The upgrade demonstrates our commitment to providing safe and secure car parks, many of which hold prestigious Park Mark awards in recognition of good management and maintenance, as well as appropriate levels of lighting, signage, cleanliness, and surveillance.”  Camera features Invictus TX cameras installed deliver close-up imaging via their 32x zoom lens and excellent night-time vision Featuring a continuous rotation pan, unobstructed 360-degree view, and 160-degree tilt, the 360 Vision Invictus TX cameras installed deliver close-up imaging via their 32x zoom lens and excellent night-time vision, being equipped with optional on-board white light LED technology.   “If a network becomes crowded and the transmission bandwidth reduced, for example, during events such as the Great North Run, the TX camera will automatically optimise its video compression to maintain the best quality of video available,” Daniel explains.  Comprehensive coverage “This advanced functionality offers peace of mind for STC car parks that the best quality video will always be received for monitoring, whatever the network conditions. And in the case of a network outage, no essential video will be lost, as back-up recording is stored in the Invictus TX camera head, ready for ‘on-demand’ download and viewing when the network has recovered.”  The cameras provide comprehensive coverage of the STC car parks, at a fraction of the cost associated with traditional hard-wired video transmission infrastructure.  Ultra-low light technology Adrian Kirk, Business Development Director at 360 Vision Technology commented, “The combined Invictus TX camera and integrated LED white light technology makes it the perfect choice for the demanding coastal environment at STC’s South Shields car parks." "For the ultimate in imaging performance, Invictus’ ultra-low light technology 1/1.9’’ ULL sensors deliver brighter, crisper, and more defined colour images, even at night time. We are proud to have delivered a practical Invictus TX-based camera solution as part of the STC CCTV network upgrade.” 

Ipsotek, an Eviden Business at Atos Group, has announced that it was appointed to provide its AI video analytics technology at the soon-to-be-opened new Midfield Terminal Building at Abu Dhabi International Airport, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Delivered in partnership with Atlas Security, deployment of Ipsotek’s AI video analytics solutions is anticipated to improve operations, security, and safety across various areas of the Midfield Terminal Building, which is renowned for its iconic architecture and recently gained international attention as a filming location for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. Advanced surveillance capabilities Ipsotek's AI video analytics technology is well-equipped to address these circumstances Safety and security are clearly paramount in any airport environment, and Ipsotek's AI video analytics technology is well-equipped to address these concerns. The advanced surveillance capabilities of the solution enable operators to detect and identify potential threats across various zones of the airport.  By leveraging intelligent algorithms and machine learning, the system can recognise suspicious behaviours, unauthorised access attempts, or other pre-defined security risks in real time, allowing for swift response and mitigation. Ipsotek's AI video analytics By leveraging Ipsotek's cutting-edge video analytics solutions, the airport aims to enhance its security measures by effectively detecting abandoned baggage scenarios. Security teams at the airport will be able to quickly identify and respond to any unattended baggage, reducing potential security risks and ensuring a safe environment for passengers and staff. "The deployment of Ipsotek's AI video analytics solutions at the Midfield Terminal Building signifies a significant leap forward for the aviation industry," said Sophiene Marzouk, Ipsotek’s UAE Country Manager. Sophiene Marzouk adds, "We are proud to collaborate with Atlas Security to deliver state-of-the-art technology that enhances operations, security, and safety in one of the world's most iconic airport buildings." Ipsotek's solutions Ipsotek's solutions also play a crucial role in optimising queue management and crowd control “Atlas Security aspires to implement the best technology for security systems in airports and we therefore look to partner with companies bringing innovation in security applications with Artificial Analytics. One company that brings this cutting-edge technology is Ipsotek and Atlas Security is proud to work in the Midfield Terminal Building with Ipsotek,” said Khizer Rehman, Project and Technical Manager at Atlas Security. Ipsotek's solutions will also play a crucial role in optimising queue management and crowd control throughout the airport. By analysing video feeds, the software can determine queue lengths and alert airport staff to potential bottlenecks. New standards for excellence The intelligent system will empower operators to proactively manage queues, allocate resources effectively, and ensure a smooth flow of passengers. As travellers eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the Midfield Terminal Building, the deployment of Ipsotek's AI video analytics solutions is set to improve the airport experience, from safety to security and operations setting new standards for excellence in the aviation industry and turning an impossible mission into a successful deployment.

Robots do monotonous workflows and less pleasant, repetitive tasks with brilliance. Combined with image processing, they become “seeing” and reliable supporters of humans. They are used in quality assurance to check components, help with the assembly and positioning of components, detect errors and deviations in production processes and thus increase the efficiency of entire production lines. An automobile manufacturer is taking advantage of this to improve the cycle time of its press lines. Together with the latter, VMT Vision Machine Technic Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH from Mannheim developed the robot-based 3D measuring system FrameSense for the fully automatic loading and unloading of containers. Pressed parts are thus safely and precisely inserted into or removed from containers. Four Ensenso 3D cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH provide the basic data and thus the platform for process automation. Application The actual workflow that FrameSense is designed to automate is part of many manufacturing operations. A component comes out of a machine-here a press- and runs on a conveyor belt to a container. There it is stacked. As soon as the container is full, it is transported to the next production step, e.g., assembly into a vehicle. All these tasks are now to be taken over by a robot with a vision system-a technological challenge Up to now, employees have been responsible for loading the containers. This actually simple subtask is more complex than one might think at first glance. In addition to the actual insertion process, the first step is to determine the appropriate free space for the part. At the same time, any interfering factors, such as interlocks, must be removed and a general check of the “load box” for any defects must be carried out. All these tasks are now to be taken over by a robot with a vision system-a technological challenge. This is because the containers also come from different manufacturers, are of different types, and thus vary in some cases in their dimensions. Positioning of the components For their fully automatic loading and unloading, the position of several relevant features of the containers must be determined for a so-called multi-vector correction of the robot. The basis is a type, shape and position check of the respective container.  This is the only way to ensure process-reliable and collision-free path guidance of the loading robot. All this has to be integrated into the existing production process. Time delays must be eliminated and the positioning of the components must be accurate to the millimetre. 3D point cloud These point clouds of all four sensors are combined for the subsequent evaluation To counter this, VMT uses four 3D cameras per system. The four sensors each record a part of the entire image field. This can consist of two containers, each measuring approximately 1.5 × 2 × 1.5 metres (D × W × H). Two of the cameras focus on one container.  This results in data from two perspectives each for a higher information quality of the 3D point cloud. These point clouds of all four sensors are combined for the subsequent evaluation. In the process, registrations of relevant features of the container take place in Regions of Interest (ROIs) of the total point cloud. Interference contours  Registration is the exact positioning of a feature using a model in all six degrees of freedom. In other ROIs, interference contours are searched for which could lead to collisions during loading. Finally, the overall picture is compared with a stored reference model. In this way, the containers can be simultaneously checked for their condition and position in a fully automated manner. Even deformed or slanted containers can be processed. All this information is also recorded for use in a quality management system where the condition of all containers can be traced. The calibration as well as the consolidation of the measurement data and their subsequent evaluation are carried out in a separate IPC (industrial computer) with screen visualisation, operating elements and connection to the respective robot control. Image processing solution The entire image processing takes place in the image processing software MSS developed by VMT The main result of the image processing solution is the multi-vector correction. In this way, the robot is adjusted to be able to insert the component at the next possible, suitable deposit position. Secondary results are error messages due to interfering edges or objects in the container that would prevent filling.  Damaged containers that are in a generally poor condition can be detected and sorted out with the help of the data. The entire image processing takes place in the image processing software Multi-Sensor Systems (MSS) developed by VMT. FrameSense is designed to be easy to use and can also be converted to other components directly on site. Robust 3D camera system On the camera side, VMT relies on Ensenso 3D cameras-initially on the X36 model. The current expansion stage of FrameSense is equipped with the Ensenso C variant. The reasons for the change are mainly the better projector performance-thanks to a new projection process-as well as a higher recording speed. In addition, the Ensenso C enables a larger measuring volume. This is an important criterion for FrameSense, because the robot can only reach the containers to be filled up to a certain distance. The specifications of the Ensenso C thus correspond exactly to VMT's requirements, as project manager and technology manager Andreas Redekop explains: "High projector performance and resolution together with fast data processing were our main technical criteria when selecting the camera. The installation in a fixed housing was also an advantage.” Ensenso models Housing of a robust 3D camera system meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67 The Ensenso C addresses current challenges in the automation and robotics industry. Compared to other Ensenso models, it provides both 3D and RGB colour information. Customers thus benefit from even more meaningful image data. The housing of the robust 3D camera system meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67.  It offers a resolution of 5 MP and is available with baselines from current to approx. 455 mm. This means that even large objects can be reliably detected. The camera is quick and easy to use and addresses primarily large-volume applications, e.g., in medical technology, logistics or factory automation. Outlook By automatically loading and unloading containers and the integrated 3D container inspection, manual workstations can be automated with the help of FrameSense. Against the background of the shortage of skilled workers, the system can thus make an important contribution to process automation in the automotive industry, among others. It meets the prevailing challenges of the industry. Ensenso C provides the crucial basis for data generation and exceeds the requirements of many applications. Lukas Neumann from Product Management sees their added value especially here: “The high projector power and large sensor resolutions are particularly advantageous in the field of intralogistics. Here, high-precision components have to be gripped from a great distance with a large measuring volume.” For other stacking or bin-picking applications in classic logistics, he could imagine a similar camera with high projector power but lower resolution and fast recording. So nothing stands in the way of further developments and automation solutions in conjunction with "seeing" robots.

The Rewley Road Swing Bridge, an integral part of Oxford's industrial history, underwent a remarkable transformation in 2023 from rusting to restoration. Through a collaborative effort between the Oxford Preservation Trust, the Railway Heritage Trust, Historic England, and input on security solutions from Jacksons Fencing, this iconic landmark was meticulously restored and safeguarded for the enjoyment of present and future generations. A journey through time Dating back to 1851, the Rewley Road Swing Bridge played a pivotal role in the movement of goods and people during the 19th century in Oxford. However, changing times lead to its disuse and subsequent state of disrepair. By the 1980s, the bridge stood permanently fixed in an open position. Recognising the historical and cultural significance of the bridge, the Oxford Preservation Trust embarked on a restoration journey to bring this historical treasure back to life. Jacksons Fencing was specified by the Railway Heritage Trust and Historic England to provide demarcation fencing around the landmark, playing a vital role in ensuring the successful establishment of the bridge as a visitor attraction. Modern security meets historical elegance Fencing's unique vertical bar design not only exudes visual grace but also helps as a robust barrier To ensure the safety of visitors and protect the bridge from potential vandalism, Jacksons Fencing provided a thoughtful protection plan that seamlessly integrated modern security features with the bridge’s historical aesthetic. In the pursuit of safeguarding the Rewley Road Swing Bridge, Jacksons Fencing introduced a total of 57 metres of 1.25 m high Barbican Imperial® fencing which seamlessly harmonised security with the bridge's historical charm. The fencing's unique vertical bar design not only exudes visual elegance but also serves as a robust barrier against unauthorised access. This fence choice is ideal for a heritage project as it offers the look of traditional metal railings but with a modern, stronger, and more sustainable tubular design. Barbican Imperial fencing Concealed connectors and the absence of visible bolts or fixings further amplify the fencing's security prowess while maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. As an integral part of the protection strategy, a 3.6 m wide double leaf gate was integrated, complete with a pad-lockable slide latch. This innovative latch ensures controlled access, reinforcing security without compromising convenience. The specification of high-quality materials was paramount for this project. The selected Barbican Imperial fencing was meticulously crafted from high-quality hot dip galvanised steel, equipping it with exceptional strength and resistance against the corrosive forces of time. To ensure the bridge's appearance would not wither, a black polyester powder coating was applied. This not only adds a touch of timeless sophistication but also guarantees durability and a long-lasting finish. By embracing modern techniques, the bridge's protective features are seamlessly integrated into its historic context, allowing it to confidently stand the test of time. A safe haven for local wildlife Gaps between the pales of the fencing facilitate the free movement of animals through the site Jacksons Fencing's commitment extended beyond human safety to encompass the thriving local ecosystem. With a profound understanding of the importance of coexistence with nature, the new security solution was intentionally designed to accommodate the movement of local wildlife. Gaps between the pales of the fencing facilitate the free movement of animals through the site ensuring that while security remains uncompromised, the natural ecosystem can flourish undisturbed. Now fully restored, a new life has been breathed into the Rewley Road Swing Bridge. Beyond its full restoration, the bridge now symbolises a link between the past and the future. Author's quote Peter Jackson, Managing Director, Jacksons Fencing, comments: "We're thrilled to have been part of restoring the Rewley Road Swing Bridge's historic charm while infusing modern security. Our commitment to eco-conscious solutions mirrors the Oxford Preservation Trust's vision for a biodiverse landscape. He adds, "By strategically integrating wildlife-friendly features, we've created a haven for both heritage and nature. The bridge's removal from the Heritage at Risk Register and its recognition with the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award in 2022 spotlight our collective dedication to preserving history while embracing security and sustainability."

Located in Kerala, India, the Somatheeram Ayurveda Hospital with a Resort Ambiance is the best place for not only visual rejuvenation but also physical and mental rejuvenation. Through Ayurveda, Somatheeram provides a means to shed all worries, anxieties, and illnesses.  With the objective of combining Ayurveda and Tourism, the Somatheeram Research Institute & Ayurveda Hospital was founded in the year 1985, thus making it the world’s first-ever Ayurvedic Hospital in a Resort Ambiance. The Somatheeram Group of Companies came into being with the efforts of the Founder Managing Director, and Architect Mr. Baby Mathew. Challenges Multi-location transmission proves to be an expensive affair if devices are not chosen wisely Somatheeram has multiple resorts, located at different locations. Multi-location communication can prove to be an expensive affair if communication devices are not chosen wisely. Their dependence on public service providers for communication added to their woes of communication between their resorts. To elaborate: Feasibility of existing telephony: Existing telephony became impracticable considering the frequent communication between multi-located properties. Managing different protocols: Interface with different telecom networks requires managing different protocols, which can be cumbersome, time, and energy-consuming. Absence of modern phone features: The lack of advanced features like abbreviated dialing, call pick up, and internal call restriction, prevented them from becoming efficient in day-to-day operations. Transition to modern communication with existing infrastructure: Their investment in existing infrastructure needed protection while also a provision had to be made to modernise the communication using existing infrastructure. Solution The solution offered was based on the fundamentals of multi-location communication solutions Matrix analysed the challenges of communications for Somatheeram, and crafted a solution that was the best fit. The solution offered was based on the fundamentals of multi-location communication solutions. This included the Matrix range of IP-PBX (ETERNITY GENX12S) and GSM Gateway (SIMADO GFX11 and SIMADO GFX11 4G) that optimised the feasibility of communication and helped the firm become more efficient. Solution includes: The Hybrid IP-PBX included ETERNITY GENX12SAC, which enabled them up to 240 Analogue users with 64 CO Ports.  Another Hybrid IP-PBX included ETERNITY PENX, which allowed them access to 100 IP Users, onboard IP User Support, LDAP Client support, support of 4G VoLTE ports, COSEC Door Integration, and much more. The GSM gateway included SIMADO GFX11 and SIMADO GFX11 4G which enabled them to make and receive calls from analogue extensions. The capability to integrate with almost all industry-pioneering PBXs enabled them a smooth transition to modern communication while maintaining existing infrastructure. Results The solution so implemented enabled all properties to work as a single communication platform and proved to be beneficial for Somatheeram and its properties in more than one way.  The Hybrid IP-PBX enabled them, unified communication facilities like Email to SMS, audio/video calling, unified messaging facilities, and multi-location collaboration features like UC client integration, one-number reach, etc.  The Hybrid IP-PBX also enabled, investment optimisation through universal network connectivity, easy and centralised phonebook management through LDAP client support, mobility convenience through 4G VoLTE support, and much more. The GSM/4G gateway enabled them, GSM/4G connectivity to existing infrastructure, hotline extension dialing, emergency number dialing even in the absence of a sim card, etc. through secure network bridging.

The Public Security Department is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and upholding the law in the region. Established in 1873, the force has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the area, particularly in counter-insurgency operations.  In addition to its core operations, the department conducts community service activities to bridge the gap between the department and the public. The force works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure effective coordination and cooperation. Dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of every citizen, it is committed to building a safe and secure environment in the region. Business scenario The lack of centralised monitoring capabilities at the head of the department's office The department is divided into multiple zones, ranges, and districts, with each district housing several branch offices. However, monitoring these dispersed stations posed a challenge. The lack of centralised monitoring capabilities at the head of the department's office and inadequate infrastructure at the department branches could have helped with real-time updates and efficient communication.  To address this, the department aimed to enhance surveillance infrastructure, enable streaming access to all stations, and establish a centralised monitoring system. These efforts would improve coordination, data management, and security services for the people of the state. Challenges Monitoring challenge: The stations are dispersed across multiple locations Lack of centralised monitoring capabilities at the head of department’s office Inadequate infrastructure at the stations for local data recording Hindered real-time updates and efficient communication across the network Solution A total of 70 cameras were installed with varying focal lengths and capabilities to cover 20 branches in the jurisdiction. Based on their requirement the experts suggested high-resolution 5MP bullet cameras with audio support to capture clearer images and for playback and investigation. The motorised varifocal lens and PTZ cameras can be manoeuvered remotely for better control over the cameras. Motorised varifocal lens and PTZ cameras can be handled remotely for better control To enable the streaming and recording of footage for a longer duration, eight-channel network video recorders (NVRs) with 1 SATA port (each SATA port supports 10TB storage support) were installed across 20 locations. These NVRs were connected to television screens using HDMI cables, enabling the streaming of live footage at local offices. Matrix SATATYA SAMAS For centralised surveillance, all NVRs related to Matrix SATATYA SAMAS use static public IP. The video management system was connected to the desktop for monitoring purposes and provided Matrix SATATYA VISION 24×7 surveillance on the go.  The Matrix team also provided training to the officials on how to use the video surveillance infrastructure effectively. They were taught to leverage the system's full potential, including best practices for monitoring, managing, and analysing data captured by the system. Products offered SATATYA CIBR50FL40CWP: 15 Nos. 5 MP Project Series IR Bullet Camera with 4 mm Fixed Lens and Audio Support SATATYACIBR50MVL12CWP: 40 Nos. 5 MP Project Series IR Bullet Camera with Motorised Varifocal Lens and Audio Support SATATYA PZCR20ML25CWP: 10 Nos. 2 MP Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera with 25× Optical Zoom and Audio Support Matrix SATATYA NVR0801X: 20 Nos. Eight-channel NVR with 1SATA Port Support Matrix SATATYA SAMAS Video Management System with 70IP Camera Licences and three Concurrent User Licences Benefits Matrix's video surveillance solution has empowered the department with real-time updates. The robust infrastructure enables centralised monitoring, enhancing public safety and quick response to incidents. Matrix's expertise and technical capabilities have significantly contributed to maintaining law and order in the region.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is driving innovation in the security marketplace, just as it is in almost every other market. IoT devices, also known as ‘edge devices’, provide sensing, processing ability, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data. The most common edge devices in the world of IP security are video cameras, which are becoming more intelligent and capable of processing the data they collect. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are edge devices transforming the security marketplace?

When it comes to security and to ensuring the integrity of gaming operations, today’s casino market is risk-averse. Regulations direct the required surveillance of table games and slot machines, while modern casinos are often sprawling complexes that have a variety of other risks to be addressed, too. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges of the casino market relating to security and surveillance technology?

Industry standards make it possible for systems and technologies to connect and work together. Standards enable today’s integrated systems. But does adherence to standards stifle innovation? Does the necessity to interface using an industry-wide standard slow down the implementation of newer (and possibly not standards-compliant) capabilities? Or do standards eliminate extraneous variables, empower more integration and encourage greater innovation? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does the use of standards either stifle or jump-start innovation?