DALLAS — ASIS 2010 may be in the books, but the experience is likely to have left a lasting upbeat impression with many of the participating exhibitors and attendees alike. Held Oct. 12-14 at the Dallas Convention Center, the show opened with a brisk turnout that endured throughout most of the event.
Historically, the conference has served as a destination in which to gauge the latest product-centric trends in the electronic security industry. While there was no shortage of new technology introductions in Dallas, this year’s convention on the whole exhibited a continuation of prominent industry trends aside from products.
For instance, many companies touted the need for interoperability and their efforts to join in strategic partnerships. High definition (HD) and megapixel technology is also continuing its thrust into new and wider market niches as price points become more affordable. Hosted managed services are increasingly being adopted to meet end-user needs. New security applications for mobile devices also garnered much attention.
Following is a closer look at just some the offerings on the show floor.
SightLogix, a provider of open architecture, automated outdoor surveillance systems, made a couple of key announcements at the show. The SightLogix video intrusion detection system has been selected by Buffalo Niagara Int’l Airport utilizing thermal SightSensor detection cameras and SightTrackers to provide situational awareness of the airport’s perimeter. Also, the company introduced a Web-based perimeter security design tool that enables security professionals to quickly model a video intrusion detection system.
Axis Communications announced the expansion of its surveillance capabilities with the introduction of Axis’ Corridor Format. Adapted to address a critical need across a variety of industries from retail to enterprise security, the format is said to be the first to allow a vertical field of view for improved surveillance in narrow areas of interest, like staircases, hallways, aisles, roads, runways and tunnels. In addition, Axis General Manager Fredrik Nilsson believes the recession has actually hastened the adoption of IP video because the technology helps end users better justify spending money on security and surveillance. However, he cautioned that there remains confusion in the marketplace about what high definition surveillance, as well as software as a service (SaaS), really are and how to best capitalize on the opportunities they offer.
OnSSI, a provider of open-platform network video management software, announced the release of Ocularis 1.1, the latest version of its flagship product. The update improves upon the software platform that puts information from large video surveillance and physical security systems at operators’ fingertips with an intuitive interface that incorporates touchscreen functionality and map-based navigation. The new version includes better performance for greater efficiency and two key new features: Ocularis VideoSynopsis and OpenSight. The latter is an add-on that lets users consolidate and share information from video surveillance and other security systems that are outside their own system. It makes handling emergency situations more efficient because first responders and security personnel are better informed.
Samsung Techwin America reaffirmed the unified approach the company assumed earlier this year to establish Samsung as a comprehensive supplier of security systems, including video surveillance and access control. In addition to highlighting its line of megapixel, IP-based and analog video systems at ASIS 2010, the company introduced several new video products and unveiled an extensive new access control product line. The company’s access control offerings provide professional-level system solutions that span a range of technologies including fingerprint, proximity/smart cards and keypads. On the video side, introductions included megapixel, network and analog cameras, as well as DVR/NVRs.
IP-based megapixel camera maker Arecont Vision introduced its new line of lower-cost H.264 compact megapixel cameras that are half the size and a third of the weight of previous models. Model AV1315 1.3-megapixel camera and Model AV2815, 1,080p HD camera are said to be easy to install and can now fit into smaller housings and domes. Both camera models use H.264 compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements. The cameras are also fully compatible with the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) industry standard and have passed PSIA conformance tests.
Access control specialist AMAG Technology introduced its Symmetry Intrusion Management, an integrated solution for intrusion detection and access control for homeland security applications. The product is said to meet all government requirements for access control and intrusion, making it suitable for local, state and federal facilities that must meet stringent security requirements such as FIPS 201, FICAM, ICD 705 and 800-116. Programming and managing the system is simple as it is all controlled from either the Symmetry Security Management software or from a single remote keypad reader. Authorized security guards or personnel present their card to an access reader to disarm the intrusion system and unlock the door, eliminating the need to enter a PIN and possibly causing an alarm.
DVTel turned some heads by presenting innovative 3D technology based on its patent pending Adaptive Visualization Technology (AVT), which is also the power behind the company’s award-winning SceneTracker Video Stitching Solution. HD-3D can be deployed two ways – either embedded directly into a new generation of 3D cameras or used with existing Altitude IP cameras. According to DVTel, either solution is easily installed and configured to produce full HD resolution and 3D imagery to be displayed in the firm’s Latitude NVMS enterprise video management system, providing improved depth perception and situational awareness.
Next Level Security Systems (NLSS), a provider of a new breed of unified networked security solutions, showcased its advanced IP-based security devices including its HD media decoder, gateway, gateway micro and remote management system. The company demonstrated the capabilities of its products alongside integration partners including Arecont Vision, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, HID Global, IQinVision, Panasonic, Pelco and Sony. NLSS’ gateway product integrates multiple subsystems including video management, access control, video analytics, t
wo-way audio and intrusion into one platform to give users a comprehensive view of security operations and business processes.
American Dynamics, part of Tyco Int’l, kicked off the first-day action with a morning press conference at its booth for an unveiling of Victor, a unified video management system (VMS) that enables users to migrate from analog to IP cameras. Mark Vandover, president of Tyco’s electronic security solutions division, proclaimed Victor marks a significant expansion of American Dynamics’ IP video solutions portfolio. The solution offers the ability to use both existing analog cameras and new IP cameras in a single software client.
HID Global hosted a strategy briefing titled “Megatrends in Access Control” to discuss the growth and evolution of the access control industry. HID Global President and CEO Denis Hébert and CTO Selva Selvaratnam led the briefing and outlined technological advances that are driving developments in cards, readers and credentials. Hebert said to expect the emergence of virtual credentials, which he forecast to become widely available and highly convenient. These will come in multiple form factors – including your cell phone – that promote convergence and drive new applications. Call it credential virtualization. In other HID news from the show floor, executives let it be known HID Global’s parent company ASSA ABLOY acquired authentication and credential management firm ActivIdentity.
Also in the card credential space, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies used the ASIS stage to introduce its aptiQ smart card from Schlage. The card utilizes the MIFARE DESFire EV1 technology, which product managers at the IR both explained provides a higher level of security and greater functionality than other prox cards for a comparable price. The new offering has the capability to provide a pathway to other credential applications, such as cafeteria charges and checking out equipment.
At the Milestone Systems booth, the VMS provider offered attendees a fine working example of the blossoming of open platform partnerships that are sweeping across the industry. Using its new XProtect Corporate 4.0 product as the underpinning, the company hosted several of its solution partners that presented their own innovations that are integrated with XProtect. Among the participants were Intransa, demonstrating its access control and analytics appliance software, and BriefCam, which demonstrated a new investigative tool that lets operators quickly browse video by creating a summary of the original footage.
Among industry leaders pressing forward with strategic partnerships, Honeywell discussed its efforts in joining with other manufacturers to increase interoperability among third-party IP systems. In February, the company formed the Honeywell Open Technology Alliance with sites/sights firmly set on IP technology. As part of the accord, Honeywell works with other security and IT manufacturers to integrate their IP cameras and systems with its flagship MAXPRO video management solution. Among the cameramakers: Axis, Panasonic, Pelco and Samsung. Also seen at the Honeywell booth throughout the show, JoAnna Sohovich, who was recently appointed president of Honeywell Security & Communications.
UTC Fire & Security President Mark Barry, as well as other executives, were on hand to discuss the progress that has been made in integrating UTC’s acquisition of GE Security, as well as channel and brand strategies. The gist: the company will go to market with a comprehensive range of security products and solutions with four main brands – Interlogix, Lenel, Supra and Onity. Each of the four brands will operate as individual businesses with product development, customer support and sales teams.
Sony arrived in Dallas with 15 new products in tow, including new models for its E-Series and X-Series camera lines, plus two new analog cameras. Analog you ask? You bet. Although Sony has staunchly asserted its commitment to IP, the company continues to develop and manufacture analog devices. Executives say these introductions allow the company to leverage existing technologies while offering the market competitively priced analog solutions with rich features. There may be an inexorable market shift toward IP systems across numerous verticals, but analog continues to provide end users with a cost-effective platform on which to run surveillance systems. And that’s the message Sony boldfaced and underlined during ASIS with these new analog releases.
Evening press events are commonly hosted during big conferences such as ASIS and ISC West. In Dallas, FLIR Systems staged a demonstration after the sun went down at an area country club to showcase its latest thermal and night vision imaging solutions. In particular, the company showcased its new line of color night vision IP security cameras. The core technology here is an EMCCD (electron multiplied CCD), which FLIR brought in-house after its recent acquisition of Salvador Imaging. To display its qualities, a pair of FLIR staffers slipped onto the golf course at some distance. Guests were prompted to look out to the dark abyss. To the naked eye, it was a dark abyss. Look on color monitor, however, and plain to the eye, in vivid living color, were the two gentlemen, one in a blue shirt, the other red.
And speaking of evening engagements, the mother of all postshow bashes goes to Stanley Convergent Security Solutions. The integrator hosted several hundred of its customers for a barbecue blowout at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. The affair included a welcome greeting by Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, performances by the Cowboys cheerleaders, stadium tours and a whole lot of football tossin’ and catchin’ fun down on the field.