Tyco Cloud, a true cloud-based solution for the security industry

Cloud-based surveillance solutions have existed in the New Zealand market for a few years now, but uptake by security integrators has been relatively slow. There’s some confusion around how the systems work, plus it’s a change from the status quo, which can be off putting for people who’ve spent years capturing their corner of the market.

But the digital revolution has left no industry untouched and security isn’t an exception. Cloud-based security systems offer unique benefits that are likely to appeal to many endusers, including tools that add value when it comes to marketing and sales analysis.

One of the main players in the market, Johnson Controls, is hoping to raise awareness around the potential of their cloud-based solution and encourage integrators to bring it on board for clients.

Johnson Controls channel sales manager Chris Whiting says that Tyco Cloud is a unique proposition in the market, as it is a “true cloud-based solution”.

“Many other providers offer a hosting or management service, but Tyco Cloud is a pure cloud solution designed with enterprise level security and scalability from day one ,” he says.

With the move towards 5G technology and the continuing roll out of ultra-fast-broadband, access to cloud-based surveillance solutions has never been easier. One of the benefits of Tyco Cloud is that users don’t have to invest in expensive server hardware and offsite storage of CCTV footage, instead they purchase cost effective cameras and either store video inside the cameras themselves or store video directly in the cloud all for a reasonable monthly service fee.

“Instead of going into your annual capex, the service ends up becoming part of your monthly opex,” says Whiting.

Tyco Cloud is designed to be “elegantly simple” (in the words of the General Manager of Global

Security Cloud Solution at Johnson Controls, Martin Renkis). It’s a “plug and play” system, the interface allows the end user to see the entire system of cameras on one map, get real-time status for each camera, even view 24-hours for footage in 60 seconds through the Hyper View feature. As trailblazer in the internet revolution, Martin Renkis has been at the forefront on technological transformation for decades.

Connect your existing IP cameras to the cloud Not using Illustra Cloud Cameras? No problem. Tyco Cloud Gateways replace your current NVR to let you effortlessly move your current IP cameras into the cloud. The Cloud Gateway is ONVIF-compliant and designed to work with thousands of the most popular camera models from dozens of the leading manufacturers.

Tyco Cloud has been in the cloud surveillance business for 20 years and is the next generation of solutions originally created by cloud surveillance innovator Smartvue Corporation, which was founded by Martin Renkis and acquired by Johnson Controls in 2018.

After starting up Trainersoft Corporation in 1992 as one of the world’s first cloud-based e-learning management platforms, and selling

that in 2002 (now part of IBM), he conceptualised an internetbased surveillance system in which people were able to access cameras positioned in their businesses to ensure they were safe and secure.

“It was the late 1990s, and having worked on Trainersoft for years, I thought ‘wouldn’t the internet be a fantastic way to monitor your business,” he says, down the phone from Nashville, Tennessee. This was when Smartvue was founded.

“The cloud was not a ‘thing’ back then, and the internet was rather new. At the early stages it was innovators and forward-thinking businesses that came on board, people who were ‘crossing the gap’ and embracing the technology.”

As a measure of the product’s ingenuity, Smartvue won best in show at a Consumer Electronics show in 1999, the year of its original release.

But it was far from perfect. The system was originally reliant on dial-up technology, which was unpredictable to say the least. But as the technology developed,

Smartvue changed and the level of sophistication and services offered grew exponentially.

The company grew alongside the market, their offerings morphing and growing to meet their clients’ needs. Tyco Cloud is used internationally by some of the world’s biggest players – Google and UPS are clients. At peak, 72 million minutes of video surveillance footage was being added to and managed in its cloud every day.

Johnson Controls is an Irish-based multinational fire, HVAC, and security firm with 105,000 staff worldwide. It continues to expand the Tyco Cloud offerings, one of the latest solutions of which is a “people detector” function that reacts to real time intrusions by humans and eliminates the problem of false alarms.

“Before this technology was developed, you’d have situations where a dog walked by your loading dock and you’d be interrupted while having dinner for no good reason,” laughs Renkis. “With people detection software, you are only alerted when human movement is detected.”

He says that there are a number of misconceptions around cloud technology that need to be addressed. These often stand in the way of resellers taking on the product offering, which can prevent their clients from getting a system that might work well for them.

One of the leading misconceptions is that the cloud is insecure, and presents a higher risk to your sensitive information than on-premise storage system. This, he says, is untrue.

“Manufacturers and service providers have invested significantly into data security, encryption best practices and cyber development. Cloud provides end-to-end security, which is safer than an onsite system. Onsite systems can be prone to damage through theft, server issues and hacking – all risks that are alleviated with a cloud solution.”

Additionally, the 24/7 monitoring paired with the ability to detect and respond to anomalies in real time mean that providers know about potential threats long before local system operators would.

Another common misconception is that cloud-based security systems are prohibitively expensive. While the cameras may cost a little more, the elimination of systems components such as NVRs and VMS licensing can make it less expensive in both the long and short term.

“If you look at security systems that don’t use the cloud, you need to buy the NVRs, video management systems, servers and panels. Then everything needs to be installed and maintained. With cloud surveillance, you only need to buy the cameras, and then pay a monthly subscription.”

He says that the relative simplicity of cloud systems also makes it less complicated to use and allows users to add cameras to systems that already exist without having to pay for additional hardware.

“This flexible, ‘pay only for what you use approach’ eliminates a scenario where a user would pay for an NVR that supports 64 cameras, while only having 30 installed. Electing to use a cloud-based solution can mean reduced installation, maintenance and software expense.”

The elimination of hardware is great for end users, as it saves money, but it also is part of the reason that resellers may be scared off. Security integrators sell packages that include hardware, which means higher startup fees. A change of mindset around what they provide clients and the long-term nature of this relationship is important.

“It’s almost like selling insurance,” he says. “Integrators are concerned that they are losing the profit from $10,000 of hardware upfront, but

instead they are building a recurring revenue stream. If you sell a service you are actually in a better position as you have monthly revenue coming in, instead of having to convince clients to make significant initial investment.

Bandwidth can also be a subject of concern for those thinking about adopting cloud-based technology. There’s a perception that users need a lot of bandwidth to run the system, but in the case of Tyco Cloud, video can be stored on the camera itself.

A hybrid approach can also be used, which combines on-premises and cloud storage, and is able to be customised to the users’ needs. Videos can be stored in the cloud on a schedule; there are a number of options, all requiring little bandwidth.

On a daily basis, the Tyco Cloud interface allows end users to access their footage simply and manage accounts by themselves. After the initial setup of cameras, the end user simply registers online, and can then download the interface, which connects them with all their cameras in real time.

Managers can see instantly if there is an issue with security and alert the appropriate authorities. There are also a number of useful analytic functions that can be utilised, such as heat maps that reveal when and where customers are gathering, the ability to search by event and reports on motion. They can also see if a camera is down, and then alert the integrator.

There is also a new function for enterprise managers that is designed for integrators to use. “This allows users to see the status of all the cameras, provide firmware upgrades,

and assign services,” says Renkis.

The integrators can’t see the camera footage, which gives peace of mind to the clients, but they are able to manage the system remotely and address any issues that may occur.

With new technology being developed every month, Tyco Cloud is constantly moving and evolving. But its basic function, a cloud-based system that allows for safe and secure storage of limitless footage, is what’s likely to appeal to many users.

Renkis and Whiting are both committed to changing the mindset of the security industry around cloudbased security products. It represents a paradigm shift, which can be challenging, but this shift has many benefits for both resellers and end users.

In a nutshell, cloud-based systems are less complicated than local systems. They offer a setup that is streamlined, and eliminates the need for NVR and VMS systems, and attendant hardware maintenance and management.

There are solutions for every business, and a fixed monthly per camera fee. The “elegant simplicity” offers a new world of opportunities both for resellers and end users and Whiting from Johnson Controls is excited about the possibilities it holds.

“It’s pretty amazing to have it here in New Zealand,” he says. “We are working hard with getting resellers on board. It can be incorporated into existing systems, so it doesn’t need a big up-front investment, and we hope that as more security resellers become aware of it, the uptake will continue to grow.”

REACH NEW HEIGHTS in Professional Excellence ASIS accredited certifications can help you reach your career goals.

Demonstrates proof of knowledge and experience in physical security, including threat assessment and risk analysis, integrated physical security systems, and implementation of security measures. Designed for those with 4-6 years of related experience.

"The PSP certification filled huge knowledge gaps for me. It also gave me the confidence and competence to move forward in my career and my professional goals."

- Ngaire Kelaher CPPPSP

WHY EARN THE PSP DESIGNATION? • Validate your physical security expertise • Gain global recognition by your peers and the industry • Get a competitive edge in the marketplace • Enhance your career and earnings potential • Enjoy personal satisfaction and professional achievement

Be one of the many ASIS board certified practitioners who are leaders, mentors, and trusted strategic partners, serving both their organizations and the profession.

WHY SHOULD AN EMPLOYER HIRE ASIS CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS? • Build a strong, dedicated team committed to high standards and continuing professional development • Promote ongoing education of critical job knowledge and skills • Feel confident that your staff are using best practices • Recruit the most qualified professionals • Reinforce or elevate your organization’s reputation and credibility

Increase the competency level of your staff by supporting your security professionals in their certification journey.