Harness the Benefits of Network Storage Units Equipped With AXIS Video Hosting

Iomega, San Diego, an EMC company, provides data storage solutions for small and medium businesses as well as distributed enterprises. Recently, it announced the integration of its Iomega StorCenter™ network storage products with the AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS) from Axis Communications Inc., Chelmsford, Mass., a network video provider. Iomega is now shipping the first of its StorCenter™ network attached storage (NAS) models with an integrated AVHS client that enables customers to store video files locally and at HDTV or megapixel resolution while simultaneously streaming video data to a secure off-site storage facility developed by their hosting provider.

The AVHS-enabled Iomega network storage devices, along with Axis network cameras and encoders, allow resellers and integrators to deliver video surveillance capabilities to small- and medium-sized customers that are secure, remotely accessible, and a cost-effective solution compared to DVR-based analog systems with small camera counts.

More on AVHS

AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS) software is Axis’ platform for creating a service provider-specific portal to manage video surveillance hosting and monitoring services for any end user with an Internet connection. The platform, which was created for professional-level video surveillance, is currently designed for fast onsite deployments of a few cameras per site — typically less than 10 — and is especially beneficial for organizations with many sites, such as franchises and bank branches.

“Before the emergence of hosted video surveillance, end users who needed only a few cameras per site to secure their properties — such as convenience stores, gas stations, and small offices — were left to use outdated analog technology as the most cost-effective solution,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis. “By working together with reputable storage and IT security partners such as EMC’s Iomega, we can deliver IP-based video systems to these end users, which provides much more flexibility, superior image quality and local intelligence with easy-to-install products.”

As part of the Axis Technology Partner Program (TPP), Iomega co-developed the solution with Axis. Iomega included the AVHS client on its new double-drive desktop Iomega® StorCenter™ ix2-200 Cloud Edition NAS unit, which ships with up to 6TB of networked storage capacity, as well as the new quad-drive desktop Iomega® StorCenter™ ix4-200d Cloud Edition, with up to 12TB of storage capacity.

In video storage terms, users monitoring even a busy scene can expect approximately 40 days worth of storage for four cameras recording to 4TBs of usable capacity at typical default settings (640x480, 30 percent compression, and full frame rate). To maximize storage functionality, integrators can work with end users to set event-based recording triggers that will stream higher quality, HDTV or megapixel video to the device on motion or audio detection, for example.

In the second half of 2011, Iomega will integrate the AVHS client into its rackmount network storage products, including the four-drive Iomega® StorCenter™ ix4-200r, with up to 8TB of networked storage capacity; and the 12-drive Iomega® StorCenter™ ix12-300r, with up to 24TB of networked storage capacity.

An Integrator’s Take

“Iomega’s unique StorCenter devices are proof that end users are the ultimate beneficiary when the physical security industry works closely with innovations driven from the IT and consumer worlds,” said Phil Atteberry, director of managed security solutions, Siemens Industry Inc. “Those customers operating limited surveillance assets are no longer confined to using analog technology because of cost. They now have the option to reap all the benefits of IP surveillance at an attractive price.”

The combination of Iomega StorCenter storage devices and Axis network cameras allows customers to select different recording and retention policies for both on-site and off-site video files, and also allows remote access from any Web browser. The solution enables businesses to leverage the power and cost effectiveness of cloud services, or select a proprietary on-site system with the StorCenter unit acting as the NAS. Hosted video customers will pay for only the storage they need.

For information visit www.iomega.com.

ESA Re-Launches Website With a Consumer Focus

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced the re-launch of its website: www.alarm.org, at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Charlotte, N.C. The site has been recast as a consumer-facing destination where people can find information on safety and security for their homes, businesses and communities. It also offers visitors the ability to find an ESA member company in their neighborhood, learn about new technologies for security and lifestyle enhancement and hear expert advice from fire and law enforcement officials.The new alarm.org welcomes visitors with a clean, uncluttered design and useful content including frequently updated safety tips that move across the screen. There are enhanced features to help visitors search for and locate all ESA member companies. Consumers interested in purchasing an electronic security system can easily find an ESA member company by entering their zip code.

“Building on the power of our membership and the strength of positive relationships with police and fire departments, the new alarm.org offers information consumers need to make informed decisions about safety, security and the new technologies that are right for them,” D’Ascoli added.

Cernium & Sprint Partner to Offer Intelligent Video Surveillance

Cernium and Sprint announced they will offer CheckVideo|Sprint 3G, an intelligent, wireless mobile broadband video surveillance and alarm verification solution. CheckVideo|Sprint 3G is a combination of Sprint’s nationwide wireless network and CheckVideo’s edge-based advanced video analytics technology and software as a service (SaaS).

CheckVideo|Sprint 3G transforms ordinary security cameras into a proactive solution that sends critical, real-time video alerts users can act on to verify and prioritize alarms, stop crimes in progress and reduce false-alarm fines. It “watches” every camera 24/7 for events of interest and extends the security perimeter, protecting outdoor and remote areas that are too cost-prohibitive to monitor with conventional video surveillance systems.

“CheckVideo’s advanced technology, together with Sprint’s expansive wireless mobile broadband network, means cameras can now be placed virtually anywhere at a fraction of the cost of conventional surveillance systems,” said Philip Robertson, vice president, Security and Alarm Division, Cernium Corporation. “CheckVideo|Sprint 3G also easily adds on to existing security systems, and Sprint’s proven anti-jamming and eavesdropping technology provides the added benefit of highly secure wireless transport.” The Sprint 3G network provides multiple layers of enhanced security and protection against wireless jamming and eavesdropping.

“Sprint is committed to M2M security, and we’re excited to expand our solutions portfolio with CheckVideo|Sprint 3G,” said Wayne Ward, vice president, Sprint Emerging Solutions Group. “CheckVideo|Sprint 3G surpasses traditional video surveillance by enabling customers to extend and reinforce the security perimeter and protect more effectively, while not disturbing their existing IT infrastructure.”

CheckVideo|Sprint 3G is remotely managed from the CheckVideo Web portal. Users can log on to the CheckVideo Web portal to view live, recorded or alarm video from any camera in the system, at any time and from anywhere within the Sprint 3G nationwide coverage area. Video alerts of user-defined events of interest are based on the presence of a person or vehicle, not just motion, and can be sent to email addresses, smart phones, the secure CheckVideo Web portal or professional central monitoring services.

For information, visit www.cernium.com/checkvideo.asp and www.sprint.com/m2m.

Partnership Enables ZigBee-Driven Security Devices From Visonic

Ember Corporation, Boston, a provider of low-power, wireless mesh networking technology, and Visonic Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of wireless home security and safety systems and components, announced a partnership to integrate ZigBee communication protocols with Visonic security peripherals. Following joint development efforts by the two companies, Visonic said will bring to market new sensors and other security peripherals based on its market-leading security devices and Ember’s robust ZigBee communication technology.

The new security devices will be dedicated for use with the iControl OpenHome™ software platform from iControl Networks, a provider of broadband home management services. Their availability will enable broadband service providers to expand their next generation services offering to include home security, remote monitoring and home control services.

The ZigBee RF communication protocol offers numerous benefits for security devices designed to operate as part of a complete home management solution, including long battery life and long range. Ember’s EM357 ZigBee SoC (system on chip) will be integrated in the Visonic line of sensors and other security peripherals for the iControl OpenHome platform. The new ZigBee-driven Visonic sensors and peripherals will provide energy usage and range performance.

“As the first major security vendor to develop a wide range of ZigBee-based security peripherals, Visonic has taken on an important role in the ZigBee ecosystem,” said Dennis Natale, vice president of sales at Ember Corporation. “We are excited about the potential this opens, for us and Visonic, and for broadband service providers, who can integrate the new sensors and devices into an expanded services offering.”

The first Visonic ZigBee-driven security sensors and peripherals will be available later this year. For information, visit www.visonic.com or www.ember.com.

ADS: Customers Expect Remote Management Services in 2011

ADS Security (ADS), Nashville, Tenn., introduced ADS® Aniware®, a new service that offers remote management of security systems from anywhere in the world. Customers can check-in on a home or business with remote video, arm or disarm a security system with the virtual keypad or receive real-time alerts of alarm activity from a computer or mobile device.

The new service is a response to widespread adoption of automation technology by home and business. The ADS Aniware® virtual keypad, which can be accessed on the Internet or with the iPhone®, Android™ or BlackBerry® application, operates just like a security system keypad and offers control of a security system while on-the-go.

“There is a peace of mind that comes with being connected anytime, from anywhere and that’s what Aniware does for ADS customers,” said Tom Szell, ADS senior vice president. “It puts the security of their home or business right in their pocket.”

The remote management service allows users to check the status of an alarm system while at work or bypass security on a door from across town, as well as receive real-time alerts about event-generated alarm activities. These personalized alerts are received via text message or email and allow users to decide whether action needs to be taken when events occur, like a cabinet being opened or power failure detected.

In addition to receiving alerts, users can check-in on their home or business with the Aniware® remote video feature. They can look-in live on a family, pets or employees or receive video clips or pictures via e-mail when motion is detected at the front door, service entrance or other vulnerable area.

“The ability to instantly view video of a home or business from anywhere in the world is an extremely powerful tool,” said John Cerasuolo, ADS president and chief operating officer. “Aniware offers our customers the convenience and flexibility that they should expect from their security system in 2011.”

Pinnacle Security Launches ‘Security Plus’ to Meet the Needs of Seniors

Pinnacle Security, Orem, Utah, a residential security provider, announced the launch of its Security Plus package. Bundling two-way voice communication, an emergency panic button, which can also be programmed to indicate a medical emergency, and the choice of either a smoke or carbon monoxide detector where appropriate, Security Plus aims to delivers greater safety, convenience and communication to seniors, according to the company.

Because the majority of alarms received at monitoring stations are medical alerts triggered by panic buttons, Security Plus is now offered as the standard for customers over age 70. Prior to the release of this feature, a customer’s inability to answer the phone, having triggered an alarm, would make it difficult to prepare emergency personnel for the situation prior to arrival.

“We are pleased to provide this service as a standard option for these customers,” said Kelly Walker, chief executive officer, Pinnacle Security. “This suite of features, in combination with a 30-day trial period, allows our customers the best innovations and customer protections in the industry, letting seniors become familiar with the functionality of the services and giving them the flexibility they want.”

Pinnacle Security extended the government mandated three-day right of rescission to 30 days to ensure customers are comfortable with their new system.

Smoke detectors and CO detectors are offered in alignment with local licensing and installation requirements and may not be available in all areas.

Comcast Begins U.S. Xfinity Home Security Expansion

Comcast Corporation, a provider of entertainment, information, and communications products and services, expanded its new home security business into six additional United States market areas. Xfinity Home Security offers traditional home security components, like police and fire alarm protection backed by 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as the ability to adjust digital thermostats, turn lights on or off and watch secure live streaming video from wireless cameras while away from home. The service also comes with a new, free Xfinity Security app.

The service was first unveiled in Houston in mid 2010 (see SDM, December 2010, p. 17) and is now being rolled out in parts of Philadelphia, Portland, Jacksonville, Sarasota/Naples, Chattanooga and Nashville. Additional markets will be introduced on a rolling basis.

“Xfinity Home Security brings digital home monitoring to a new level,” said Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of new businesses for Comcast Cable. “It comes with a range of broadband-based technologies that empower customers to stay better connected to their home virtually anytime, anywhere.”

Xfinity Home Security offers consumers the ability to create personalized settings that can do things like provide real-time e-mail or text alerts when doors open or close or when motion detectors report activity occurring inside or outside of the home. The service comes with a tablet-like touch screen with a menu of widgets that allow access to the latest weather, news, traffic and sports scores.

In addition to 24/7 professional monitoring, Xfinity Home Security gives customers the ability to watch live streaming video of their home via video wireless video cameras; access security controls remotely via a Web portal or the Xfinity Security app for the iPhone; manage home utilities like digital thermostats and lights; and access features from some of Comcast’s existing services such as Xfinity Voice voicemail. Both battery and cellular backup help ensure customers remain fully protected even in the event of a power outage.

Today, Comcast is selling the Xfinity Home Security Preferred Package for $39.95 per month. For information, visit www.xfinity.com/homesecurity or the Comcast Voices blog for a video demonstration.

Stanley CSS Expands Lenel/UTC Partnership With Additional Product Lines

Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc. (Stanley CSS), Naperville, Ill., expanded its strategic partnership with Lenel Systems International Inc. to support the Picture Perfect and Facility Commander™ Wnx product lines. Lenel is a business of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

According to Stanley CSS, the Unix-based, Picture Perfect software suite and the Facility Commander for Windows (FC Wnx) platform are adeptly tailored towards high-security IT centric applications and solutions. With API connectivity to industry standard data platforms and modular expandability, the platforms provide solutions to the diverse needs of customers managing new and existing systems for facility or enterprise security.

“By matching up Stanley’s best-in-class security solutions and delivery platform with the advanced technology inherent in Picture Perfect and FC Wnx, formerly known as Casi, we see a robust and seamless turn-key enterprise solution to bring to commercial, national/global, government and high security accounts seeking HSPD 12 compliancy, expert platform integration and industry leading support from a global company with local resources to support all customers at all levels,” said Tony Byerly, president, Stanley CSS Direct, North America and United Kingdom.

Luis Orbegoso, president of Lenel, said, “For over a decade, Lenel and Stanley have shared an outstanding strategic partnership. Stanley’s expertise in the government sector will expand Lenel’s footprint in this segment and offer Lenel additional avenues for growth. With Lenel’s Picture Perfect and FC Wnx product support for U.S. Government certification requirements, Stanley’s customers are equipped with the advanced technology required to meet today’s high security business needs.”

PSIA’s Demo Video Shows Complete System Interoperability

Standards for the physical security industry took an important step forward earlier this year at ISC West with the successful demonstration of interoperable products from Honeywell, UTC F&S, Tyco, Hikvision, Arecont Vision, IQinVision and ObjectVideo, according to the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA). PSIA is a global consortium of physical security manufacturers and integrators. The consortium stated that it is clear that its objective to develop a systems specification supporting video, storage, analytics, access control and intrusion has been achieved.

This video, produced by PSIA, shows a fully interoperable security system with monitoring station, IP video, DVR/NVR, storage device, video analytics, intrusion and access control. To view the video, visit http://psialliance.org/PSIASystemsSuiteDemo.html.

Potter Electric Launches New Line of Fire Panels

Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC of St. Louis, announced the release of a new line of fire panels with a full complement of modules, detectors, notification devices and voice evacuation systems. This new suite of systems features advanced technology such as system-wide synchronization, Ethernet connection and e-mail communication capability.

The PFC-6030 and PFC-6075 panels have the ability to connect to a local or wide area network (LAN or WAN) and obtain an IP address. The panel configuration software allows custom programming and configuration for all points using the network or a standalone computer. At the click of a mouse, you can fine tune device behavior characteristics or create mapping zones for a more sophisticated fire protection system.

The Potter Fire Panel Programmer is used to program the Potter PFC-6075 and PFC-6030 addressable fire alarm control panels. This utility is used to program the FACP via a direct connection, LAN connection or remote location via the UD-1000 communicator. This software also provides access to the FACP history buffer and detector status log for ease of maintenance and troubleshooting. The Potter Fire Panel Programmer is compatible with Windows®-based PCs running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems.

Potter has been a privately held company specializing in fire protection since 1898. For information, visit www.pottersignal.com/pfcseries.