In the physical security and public safety industry, communications management systems, such as intercom solutions, are becoming an integral part of developing effective and comprehensive security strategies. This white paper highlights the importance of a standards-based approach to communications, explains the benefits of intercom integration with physical security systems, and outlines key features to look for in a security system when planning to unify communications with access control or video surveillance in a single security platform.

Demand to unify audio/voice communications

Currently, there is an increasing demand from end users to unify audio/voice communications together with access control and/ or video within a single security platform for both live operations and investigations. Some of the more traditional approaches to integration include:

• Dedicated wiring between an intercom system and an ACS system where the push-to-talk (PTT) function of the intercom station triggers an input on an ACS module, which, in turn, triggers an event in the ACS monitoring interface,
• Dedicated wiring between an intercom system and a video system where the PTT function triggers an input on a video camera or IP encoder, which then triggers an event in the video monitoring interface or live video viewing, or
• Integration through a proprietary protocol that integrates the video or ACS system with the intercom system server using a proprietary Software Development Kit (SDK) or Application Programming Interface (API).

A more recent approach involves leveraging an industry-standard or open protocol like Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) to enable the integration. This approach avoids the use of proprietary intercom manufacturer protocols and allows end users to select, according to their needs, best-of-breed communications and intercom equipment that leverage such standards.

In addition to presenting an overview of intercom management systems, this white paper considers the benefits of intercom integration and explains the importance of a standards-based approach to communications, especially as it applies in the context of security. It also outlines key features to look for in a security system when an organisation is planning to unify communications with various security systems.

What's inside?

• Overview of Intercom Systems
• Intercom System Trends
• Three Approaches to Systems Integration
• Benefits of Unification using Standards-based Communications
• Innovative forms of communication – User-to-User Video Calls
• What to look for in a Security System When Intercom Integration is Needed
• Overview of Sipelia Communications Management from Genetec