Bulletin

Bulletin Benchmark looks at news and product launches of interest to those involved in the design, implementation and use of smart solutions

Vodafone Lookout Mobile Security Vodafone has launched Lookout Mobile Security, a threat detection service to protect businesses and their employees from application, network, device and phishing attacks via mobile devices. It has been reported that cyber-attacks have already increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, and with the majority of UK employees currently working at home, maintaining robust levels of security is essential for all businesses.

Vodafone is offering the first three months of any Lookout Mobile Security subscription free of charge.

Lookout Mobile Security protects businesses from application threats, alerting users to malicious apps that seek to steal sensitive business or personal data, as well as identifying insecure apps that breach company policies or compliance requirements.

It alsom as sesses network threats and sends an alert to users if they are about to join an unencrypted network.

Device threat assessment notifies users about operating system vulnerabilities, such as out-of-date software or the lack of password protection. Web management alerts users to phishing attempts from browsers, email and SMS messages.

Users can tailor the level of service they require, so only pay for the prot ection they need.

Report Identifies Smart City Growth due to 5G The advent of 4G and 5G IoT-based connectivity will spur the online migration of smart-city applications, helping generate a significant increase in smart city artificial intelligence (AI) software revenues by 2025, according to a report by Omdia.

The global smart city AI software market is set to increase to $4.9 billion in 2025, up from $673.8 million in 2019, according to projections. Wireless data communication standards will enable smart-city applications to move into the digital realm, where they can capitalise on the latest AI innovations. The growing capabilities of AI are enabling data and insights collected via IoT networks to be monitored, analysed and used to drive autmated smart decisions.

Smart city use cases include surveillance, safety and security, taffic management and building control, and are defined by the collection, management and use of data. In the past, trying to enable disparate systems to work together has been challenging due to the lack of solutions which can handle the heavy processing required tro make sense of data. These challenges are being overcome by leveraging advances in AI and connectivity.

The introduction of 4G and 5G wireless data technologies makes it easier and more cost-effective to collect and manage data, promoting the migration of smart city AI software to digital platforms. AI and associated machine learning technologies allow data to be analysed in greater detail than ever before.

The technology can identify patterns or anomalies within the captured data, which then can be employed for tasks such as automation of action s and decisionmaking.

Smart city systems can create municipal systems and services that not only operate more efficiently, but also provide significant benefits to workers and visitors. These benefits can come in many forms, including reduced crime, enhanced safety, reduced pollution, managed traffic flows and more efficient provision of services.

One example of how smart cities are leveraging AI is via vi deo analytics, which scans video streams to identify behavioral or situational anomalies.

Hanwha Techwin Wisenet Q Series NVRs

Hanwha Techwin’s Q series NVRs boast the ability to record images captured by 8 megapixel cameras. The ONVIF compliant 4, 8 and 16 channel plug and play PoE recorders are supplied with an intuitive GUI, and are designed to be suitable for virtually any smallto medium-sized video surveillance application which requires a cost-effective, robust and reliable video recor ding and storage solution.

A dual track recording feature enables the NVRs to simultaneously record two streams of video from each camera, at different resolutions. Intended to ensure operators are able to rapidly verify what may be occurring at a remote site, this feature facilitates the immediate retrieval of standard resolution images and then enables operators to subsequently review the higher resolutio n recordings for post incident forensic analysis.

Support is available for H.265, H.264 and MJPEG compression, and WiseStream II – a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image – is available. When WiseStream II is combined with H.265 compression, bandwidth efficiency is improved.

Installation time is minimised a s it is possible to remotely connect to the NVRs via a smartphone or tablet with any port forwarding, using P2P and QR codes. Power over Ethernet (PoE) also reduces installation time and costs.

The 4 channel model has 1 HDD (maximum 6TB storage) with up to 40Mbps recording, and 4 PoE ports. The 8 channel variant also has 1 HDD (maximum 6TB storage) with up to 80Mbps recording and 8 PoE ports. The 16 channel NVR supports 2 HDDs (maximum 12TB storage) with up to 128Mbps network recording throughput. It also has 16 PoE ports and dual monitor display via HDMI and VGA outputs.

Panasonic iPro Video Insight

Panasonic has upgraded its Video Insight VMS. Video Insight is an enterprise VMS platform with sophisticated plug-in architecture and versatile programmable features. It integrates with the i-PRO MonitorCast access control platform to deliver system management and control with unlimited scalability.

Video Insight combines surveillance and access control onto a unified platform. The latest r elease includes new smart sensor detection and privacy protection capabilities to address issues challenging today’s end users.

The smart sensor integration triggers alerts upon vape detection, as well as the detection of various other environmental impurities. It also supports visitor management integration.

Performance is boosted via support for Intel ninth generation chipsets. A new VITV+ cli ent supports the use of Apple TV media bo xes.

To meet privacy needs, the VMS offers facial recognition redaction to blur individuals’ faces on recorded video used in forensic investigations for privacy protection.

Other features include H.264 and H.265 support for live and recorded video, enhanced search and 360 degree camera de-warping.

Videx offers new GSM app

Videx Security has strengthened its GSM intercom range by adding a new app designed for installers and engineers who fit and maintain Videx GSM systems.

The new app, which complements the existing GSM app, includes a new host of features which are compatible with all GSM models, and enable engineers to program an unlimited number of sites.

The new app provides a wide range of featu res to help make an engineer’s job easier. Within the app, integrators can store information about the site such as the address and contact details, and they’re able to programme all apartments and buttons, access codes, proximity fobs, dial to opens, time bands and general settings too.

Events for each intercom and site can be viewed from the app, and the data is also stored on a cloud server and sent directly from the inter com to the cloud allowingit to be viewed on multiple devices.

An advanced settings page and a diagnostics tools section assist the engineer should there be a need to diagnose a problem.

Dahua in deal with Risco Dahua Technology has announced a distribution partnership with RISCO Group. Under the terms of the agreement, Dahua’s security solutions will now be available from RISCO’s distribution centre.

Dahua’s solutions analyse data, allowing them to be used in applications such as fire detection, video analytics, facial recognition, ANPR, retail analytics, etc..

Steve Riley, RISCO UK & Ire land Commercial Director, said, ‘Installers are demanding greater integration of intruder and CCTV applications to increase opportunities and lower operational costs with parallel installations.’

PAC launches new access range PAC has announced a comprehensive redesign of its range in order to meet the rigorous demands of today’s end users. This streamlines PAC’s offering with products that combine the benefits of state-of-the-art hardware and software, delivering high levels of security, sustainability and ease of use.

Key components of the new PAC portfolio are PAC 512DC networkable access controller s, which replace the PAC 500 r ange. Future-proof and certified to the latest industry standards, PAC 512 comprises two variants: the 512DC analogue and 512DCi digital access controllers. Scalable from 1-2000 doors, these controllers support up to 75,000 unique identification devices via Access Central, PAC’s enhanced management software.

The controllers feature two inputs and two outputs, as well as providi ng functionality including local anti-passback, event to action, mustering, lift call and alarm point control.

By removing the need for ancillary equipment, PAC 512 offers a cost-effective solution which is easy to configure, install, maintain and use.

PAC’s PS50 energy efficient Power Supply boasts 80 per cent efficiency at most loads, and uses less power than PAC’s previously available power supply unit, at the same price point.

PA C’s Access Central management software replaces the company’s SecureNet solution. It can be adapted to suit every access control installation, whether a single site business or a global organisation. Backwards compatible with SecureNet, it is available via digital download in SE and professional licence editions.

The SE licence level delivers a high level of functionality in a fr ee distribution. Access Centr al can beconfigured to operate on a standalone PC or across a corporate network. It displays detailed, real-time event information, including alarms as they occur, across a facility, while also providing ease of management of any installed 512DC and 512DCi devices.

Other features include Active Directory integration, which reduces set-up and management of keyholders when connect ed to an Active Directory feed.

Genetec Clearance at No Cost Genetec has announced it is making its digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance, available free of charge to any organisation looking to efficiently share digital evidence.

Genetec Cle arance allows organisations to manage and distribute media and files from surveillance systems, body cameras, cellphone footage from bystanders and witnesses, and other sources, while avoiding the need to create or distribute physical copies.

Public safety agencies, and other organisations are having to quickly adopt new strategies to address the changes to daily operations to allow them to continue to colla borate with different stakeholders in order to fight crime and solve cases faster. They need to implement precautions to ensure the wellbeing of officers, first responders, staff and the public.

To assist organisations to continue to work together effectively when operating remotely, Genetec is making Clearance available at no cost until 31 December 2020.

Video is a valuable tool to solve crimes, but rece iving video often requires staff to go onsite and collect recordings on USB sticks or disks. With Genetec Clearance, access to case and incident information can be shared with authorised stakeholders at the click of a button, while preserving all user activity to maintain the chain of evidence.

There are no file size restrictions in the application, and videos are automatically converted to a browser-fr iendly format, avoiding the need for recipients to download and install standalone video players.

Businesses and organisations who sign up for a new Genetec Clearance trial account will be provided with a free, personalised remote session to assist with the configuration of the account, and will receive a walkthrough of the application.

Lars Thinggaard to leave Milestone

Milestone Systems has announced Lars Thinggaard, President and Chief Executive Officer, has decided to leave the company. As a result, the Board has started an open search to appoint a successor. During the intervening period, Lars Larsen, Milestone Systems’ Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Interim CEO.

Lars Larsen stated, ‘Lars has played a crucial role in the develo pment of Milestone. Looking ahead, Milestone is a strong company and well positioned to continue as a leader in the open platform video management software business.’

Lars Thinggaard has been President and CEO of Milestone Systems for 17 years and before this worked as a member of the nonexecutive board. For the last six years, since the company’s acquisition by Canon Group in 2014, he has led Milestone a s a standalone company in the Group.

Under his leadership, Milestone has developed into a growth company with a strong team. Looking ahead, as investor and non-executive chairman of several companies in the startup community, Lars sees now is the right time to move on and focus on these new initiatives.

Maxxess upgrades website to enhance support Maxxess Systems has launched a new website specifically designed to strengthen company communications and serve as a platform for providing ongoing value to the integrated security market. The new site features separate dedicated areas for each of the primary offered software platforms, and includes new spaces for case studies and blog posts to share market insigh ts, trends, and examples to benefit the industry.

In addition to being fully responsive to ensure a positive user experience across all platforms, the site features the company’s new theme, ‘Coordinate Your Security’. This theme reinforces the wide range of customisation and implementation choices available for each platform, as well as integrations that have already been completed with dozens of manufactur ers.

Maxxess has also stated it will welcome the opportunity to publish guest blogs, case studies, and other forms of contributed content from customers to add value for the community.