Reliance High-Tech and Secure Logiq form partnership to promote use of specialist surveillance servers

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator, has formed a new partnership with Secure Logiq. Over the last decade, Secure Logiq has become established as an advanced manufacturer of state-of-the-art HD servers that are purpose-built for surveillance-based applications. Reliance High-Tech’s customers will now have access to technology that can process data from up to three times as many cameras as some of the most commonly used servers.

Secure Logiq’s long-standing experience in both the IT and security sectors sits well with Reliance High-Tech’s own background and, as such, both companies aim to change the perception of server technology, highlight its fundamental role and make it a key consideration when it comes to system design. Not only does this benefit the end user in terms of enhanced functionality, but it also means less time specifying, configuring, installing and commissioning.

“Reliance High-Tech only works with Best-in-Class technology providers, so I’m delighted to have formed this partnership with Secure Logiq,” commented Tom Clarke, sales director at Reliance High-Tech. “The worlds of security and IT are now more closely aligned than ever before and we share the view that only servers that have been specially designed for surveillance purposes can create a system that’s fully optimised, energy efficient, reliable and secure. Working with Secure Logiq means that we can add more value and give our customers an unrivalled level of service.”

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Secure Logiq offers a range of off-the-shelf devices alongside a custom build service. Its UK-manufactured servers are specifically optimised to efficiently handle multiple streams of HD video data, with a range comprising 1U, 2U, 3U and 4U devices that enable the recording of more channels at a faster rate and the ability to store data for extended periods.

For example, the top of the range HPS-4U-XL Series offers over one Petabyte of storage, three advanced RAID 6 arrays and dual redundant ‘hot swap’ power supplies for total peace of mind in mission-critical applications.

Uptime is everything

For Reliance High-Tech’s customers, it’s fair to state that uptime is everything. Their surveillance technology must be fully operational on a 24/7 basis. Leveraging Secure Logiq’s Logiqal Healthcheck utility, coupled with Reliance High-Tech’s extensive IT monitoring capability, enables an “unprecedented” level of proactive support for customers. 

In the unlikely event of malfunction, the combination of Secure Logiq’s detailed design configuration and Reliance High-Tech’s ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 experience results in fast, effective, secure and robust systems that are proactively monitored.

This means that Reliance High-Tech’s team members have all the information they need to address any issue immediately, proactively, securely and with information security at the very heart of every action.

Missing piece

“Many installers still specify traditional IT servers that simply do not offer the level of processing, storage density, resilience, throughput and overall performance required by modern surveillance systems,” explained Robin Hughes, Secure Logiq’s co-founder. “We provide the missing piece of the HD surveillance jigsaw with servers that are specifically designed for this purpose.”

Hughes added: “Our dedication to innovation and the highest standards of customer service and support are shared by Reliance High-Tech. Together, we will ensure that end users receive the best value and maximum return from their surveillance investment.”

Tom Clarke concluded: “The marriage of Secure Logiq’s standards of excellence with Reliance High-Tech’s IT capability, service capability and advanced monitoring services delivers a new level of system performance, integrity and pre-emptive maintenance and support which we’re extremely excited to introduce to our customers.”

*For further information visit https://reliancehightech.co.uk/

Evolution launches new Professional Services division

Integrated fire and security systems business Evolution has launched a new Professional Services division designed to provide a range of specialist IT security and software support services for new and existing clients, as well as third party integrators and installers.

The Professional Services division will support clients with server and operating systems upgrade planning and implementation and secure and resilient cyber network design and testing. It will also focus on advanced system programming and migration and maintenance services.

Headed by Evolution’s technical director Derrel Beasley, the Professional Services division will build on the company’s 25 years’ experience of providing clients with solutions that meet the needs of today and tomorrow, with the continual development of complex and integrated solutions and cyber secure systems that protect valuable private data and meet the necessary compliance regulations.

Beasley feels that Evolution’s IT and security knowledge and experience is recognised throughout the industry. “With modern integrated security and fire systems now fully immersed in ever-evolving and often cloud-based IT systems, the requirement for trusted and proven expertise in the design, delivery, management and support of these systems has become essential.”

He added: “I’m excited that we can now offer our IT security design, management and support expertise to all end users and other security integrators around the world with complete confidentiality.”

*Further information is available online at www.evolutionsecurity.com

Hanwha Techwin awarded Milestone Platinum Technology Partner status

Milestone Systems has accredited Hanwha Techwin as a Platinum Technology Partner. The Milestone Technology Partner Programme, which formalises a high level of co-operation between Milestone and leading manufacturers, comes with a rich set of benefits and well-defined requirements.

The main objective of the Partner Programme (which has three levels, with ‘Platinum’ being the highest) is to ensure that mutual end user clients are able to achieve maximum value from their video surveillance systems.“We’re delighted to be acknowledged by Milestone in this way,” said Uri Guterman, head of product and marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “The Platinum Partner accreditation reflects our ability to co-operate with Video Management Software (VMS) developers to assist system integrators in providing end users with easy-to-implement and easy-to-operate integrated video surveillance solutions.”

Guterman added: “The ability of Milestone’s VMS to support existing as well as future generations of Wisenet cameras means they can be controlled and monitored alongside devices and systems produced by other third party manufacturers, as well as being integrated with specialist analytics applications.”

IDIS Europe’s partnership strategy pays off with reported 78% sales growth

IDIS Europe has reported record sales growth for 2018, with a 78% rise attributed to successful projects with long-term partners and continued investment in technology and support services.

Contributing to this success the company, which is Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance manufacturer, was the supplier for major contract wins in the retail, healthcare and education sectors.

Since opening its European headquarters in Brentford in 2013, IDIS has established a strong technical support team and wide sales networks and the company has worked hard to develop profitable partnerships with security installers, system integrators and distributors.

“Our core strategy as a company is to pursue sustainable growth alongside our partners as a one-stop supplier for video solutions,” urged James Min, managing director of IDIS Europe. “This means working together to ensure customer satisfaction, delivering better value and better technology.”

James Min

For security installers and system integrators, IDIS is now focusing on reducing Total Cost to Serve, giving them complete, easy-to-source video solutions that offer more profitable implementations and predictable revenue streams. Going forward this is a priority,  stated Min, and it will be achieved by continuing to invest in video technology that eliminates complexity and earns the loyalty of end users.

“The most encouraging thing is that, whenever customers switch to IDIS technology, they find that it gives them higher performance and a lower total cost of ownership. They also know that we’re working on new forward and backwards compatible technology to meet their future requirements.”

Once on board, customers tend to upgrade, but not switch away from IDIS, which is good news for installers. “We saw that with our new 12 MP Super Fisheye camera, launched last year as a step up from of our original 5 MP model. This has proven attractive for lots of our established customers as well as new users. It’s already our best-selling unit.”

For the integrator, IDIS’ model of simple-to-install technology from a ‘one solution, one company’ supplier means more realistic and attractive maintenance and service agreements. True plug-and-play performance was developed to reduce complexity for engineers installing and maintaining systems and, in turn, reduce cost and disruption for end users. The IDIS Ultimate Warranty also offers greater long-term protection for both parties.

“Anything that helps us to earn customer loyalty results in more sustainable long-term business,” added Min. “We also recognise that our installation partners make a commitment to IDIS when they invest their time on engineer training and product knowledge, so it’s important that we repay that commitment by supporting them to open up new opportunities.”

Looking ahead, IDIS predicts that strong sales performance will continue in 2019, with more major projects in the pipeline and new technology launches making it an attractive proposition to expand existing systems as well as install new ones.

Dahua welcomes high-level UK trade and investment delegation to China

Dahua Technology’s global headquarters in China was recently visited by a senior trade delegation from Leeds as part of a trip to capitalise on existing trade arrangements and reinforce a long-standing relationship between the region and the Chinese city of Hangzhou.

Among the Leeds City Region delegation were representatives from Leeds City Council, Kirklees Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Council, the Universities of Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield and businesses from the region. In addition to discussing co-operative business opportunities, the visitors also enjoyed a tour of Dahua’s headquarters, including the cutting-edge demonstration room.

The visit comes on the back of Dahua Technology’s UK subsidiary opening a new office in Leeds to provide support for local distributors, integrators and installers, as well as deliver training and client demonstrations.

“This trade and investment mission will build on our long and prestigious relationships with our Chinese partners,” said Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council. “We saw a hugely positive outcome of this activity with the announcement that Hangzhou-based Dahua is opening an office in Leeds. They join Hisense, which has its UK headquarters in Leeds, and Silver Cross owner Fosun. We want to encourage more investment and trade between our cities.”

Significant growth

As part of a presentation to the delegation party, Jason Zhao (Dahua vice-president and general manager of the Overseas Business Centre), said: “We’re very honoured to be part of this historical development, having held a relationship with Leeds before we were even established in the UK. Three years ago, we opened our first UK office with only a few people and even fewer local employees. We’ve had significant growth over these past three years, whereby we now have over 40 people supporting the UK and Ireland markets. Three of them are staff hired from Leeds and the surrounding area.”

Hangzhou and Leeds have been partnered since 1988, co-operating in the fields of business, education and culture and resulting in links between many businesses and public bodies.

The Leeds City Region covers Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York. It has a £1 billion-plus Local Growth Deal to boost jobs and growth across the region. It’s also home to the UK’s largest regional financial centre and has a digital technology sector now worth more than £6.6 billion.

TDSi partners with Milestone at Integration Expo UK

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi will be appearing as a partner at the Milestone Integration Expo UK, which is being held at the Hilton at St George’s Park Hotel, Burton Upon Trent on Wednesday 19 September.

The Milestone Integration Expo UK provides visitors with a greater insight into the powerful integration of Milestone’s XProtect VMS (Video Management System) solution by a number of complementary security systems, including TDSi’s EXgarde security management software.

Alex Rumsey, director of UK sales at TDSi, commented: “Given that it’s the world’s Number One provider of VMS solutions, we’re proud that Milestone has invited us to partner with them at this event. This is the perfect opportunity for installers, specifiers and end users to view and understand the powerful integration capabilities of using Milestone’s XProtect VMS and our EXgarde solution in order to provide a truly 360-degree view of security management.”

Alex Rumsey of TDSi

The event will feature eight Milestone Partners, all of them providing insights into the flexibility of their integrated security products. Live demonstrations will be held throughout the day from 9.30 am until 4.45 pm, giving visitors the opportunity to attend and participate in as many of these as required.

The Milestone Integration Expo UK is free to attend, but requires registration. Visitors will have access to the newest technologies within access control, video analytics, body-worn cameras, system design and storage optimisation, along with networking opportunities with some of the most successful IP video systems integrators, resellers and distributors in the UK.

Rumsey concluded: “Unlike a general trade show, this is a highly focused event which will provide specific details and assistance for anyone that uses Milestone’s market-leading systems. All of the presentation teams will be there to provide a solid educational forum and to discuss specific applications for the technology in the real world.”

*For further details and to register for Milestone Integration Expo UK visit www.milestonesys.com/events/events-and-webinars/milestone-integration-expo-uk/

Dahua UK to open northern office in ‘partner’ city of Leeds

Dahua Technology is expanding its presence in the UK with the opening of a new office in Leeds. This is the first time that Dahua – the world’s second-largest video surveillance solutions manufacturer – has expanded in the UK beyond its existing offices in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The new northern office will be located at the White Rose Office Park in Millshaw Park Lane, Leeds, which is around four miles south of the city centre. With its handy location between the M62, M1 and M621 and also with nearby rail connections to Leeds city centre, the new office boasts excellent transport links.

The main aim of establishing a permanent presence in the North of England is for Dahua to provide better support for its local distributors, integrators and installers, as well as to offer training locally and provide a local base for partner events and client demonstrations.

Dahua Technology’s global headquarters in China is located in Hangzhou, a city that has been twinned with Leeds since 1988. It was no surprise, then, when the company approached Leeds City Council to help the business find a suitable location for its new offices. The link between the two cities generates co-operation in the fields of business, education and culture. Last year, officials and representatives from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership visited Dahua’s global headquarters as part of a delegation to Hangzhou and Shanghai.

Dahua’s connections with Leeds and the fact that its home city of Hangzhou is twinned with the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ have resulted in links with many local companies and public bodies. “Working with a proactive organisation such as Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership really helps us, because the partnership goes out of its way to create mutually beneficial business activities,” explained Ben Perkins, head of marketing for Dahua UK and Ireland.

Perkins added: “The partnership attracts business and international money to the region, which not only makes a positive impact on the lives of the people who live and work in Leeds, but also brings a great wealth of talent into the area. This will benefit Dahua as we grow our presence in the region.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, stated: “Leeds has a long and prestigious relationship with China. Our trade and investment missions have helped build relationships. It’s great to welcome Dahua to Leeds as a result of this activity. We will be holding a series of business meetings in Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Qingdao to review how our cities can work together to increase trade and deliver economic growth.”

The Leeds City Region covers Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York, and has a £1 billion-plus Local Growth Deal in place to boost jobs and growth across the region. It’s home to the UK’s largest regional financial centre and has a digital technology sector now worth more than £6.6 billion.

Biometric credentials added to Inner Range’s access control solutions

Inner Range’s access control customers can now benefit from biometric credentials thanks to a new partnership initiated with biometric technology company Zwipe. The new service, which uses clients’ existing card readers, is one of several intelligent integrations that Inner Range will be demonstrating at a free Integration Showcase on April 24 at its European headquarters near Reading.

Other integrators at the event include Morse Watchmans, which combines key locker control and asset management systems with Inner Range’s security solutions, as well as Stentofon (which offers intelligent intercom solutions via Inner Range software).

Tim Northwood, general manager of Inner Range Europe, said: “Integration is at the heart of what we do. Our products allow clients to control access to all manner of places, spaces, systems and products at the local, national and even global levels. Our new partnership with Zwipe is the latest in a long and ever-increasing line of integrations designed to help our customers better control their buildings and systems and streamline their processes. We very much hope that our Integration Showcase will highlight the options and sophistication available with our products and afford potential new clients the opportunity to see them in action.”

The new partnership with Zwipe means that Inner Range’s clients can add fingerprint data to credentials and, crucially, continue to use their existing card readers. They don’t need to buy costly new readers. The system can employ Inner Range’s encrypted Sifer readers and only stores the biometric data on the card rather than in a central database.

Morse Watchmans will be demonstrating how its key control system can integrate with Inner Range products to strengthen security, ensure personnel safety and restrict movement if necessary, as well as improve reporting compliance and reducing damage and resulting lost productivity.

Stentofon will showcase how its intercom solutions integrate with Inner Range products to enable clients ‘to hear, be heard and understood, every time’ by providing interactive graphical representations, status and controls across multiple sites.

 

IFSEC organiser UBM previews ‘The Future of Security’ Seminar Theatre powered by Tavcom Training

In partnership with Tavcom Training, the provider of accredited security systems training courses, IFSEC International organiser UBM has unveiled some of the detail behind ‘The Future of Security’ Seminar Theatre. Sponsored by Panasonic UK, this will deliver a range of essential CPD-accredited presentations on the very latest in security technology design and integration when IFSEC 2018 runs at London’s ExCeL from 19-21 June.

Physical security systems are now heavily dependent on IT-based platforms. This intersection of technologies has opened up significant potential for security installers and engineers to offer even better solutions for their end customers. To reflect this demand, ‘The Future of Security’ Theatre will focus on these opportunities in offering a full set of free seminars. The sessions will expertly target key areas addressing cyber security, IT Best Practice, practical IP networking, integration and system design plus a wide range of additional core areas. All sessions will be delivered by specialist Tavcom trainers.

Delivering insight into the major security challenges, the cyber security sections will look into how robust approaches can strengthen an existing physical security system, providing the end user with even greater resilience to cyber threats.

From an IT security aspect, the sessions will include sessions on understanding firewalls and identifying vulnerabilities which can be inherent in the installation process. In addition, there will be exclusive sessions on the use of drones in security and how this technology is both a benefit and a hazard.

‘The Future of Security’ Theatre will be a major element in the new ‘Show Me How’ project at IFSEC International 2018, which will identify education opportunities and exhibiting companies as key destinations where visitors can go to learn about Best Practice and capabilities. Exhibitors will host technical experts on their stands to ensure visitors gain a direct understanding of the products and solutions and making sure they leave fully equipped with the right knowledge.

At the event, all ‘Show Me How’ areas and exhibitors will be clearly signposted to help visitors make the best possible use of their time at IFSEC 2018.

With cyber crime being an ever-present threat exploiting business weaknesses around storing data in multiple locations, Panasonic UK is proactively taking action to thwart such threats by expanding its cyber offerings. In particular at IFSEC International 2018, the business will focus on how integrators and installers can bring additional value to end users by providing ‘cyber safe’ environments.

Paul Tennent, sales director at Tavcom Training, stated: “As a leading training provider for the security and fire installer sectors, Tavcom is excited to be part of the new position IFSEC is taking as a major education provider. Its been interesting to see the insights and research IFSEC has gained over the past year, particularly so in regard to the expectations and direct needs of the installer community. It’s also acutely apparent that growth areas and technologies in and around cyber security are becoming critical, so we’re happy to lend our expertise to the wider IFSEC audience.”

Gerry Dunphy, brand director for IFSEC International, responded: “We’ve been through an extensive research programme over the past 12 months which has provided IFSEC with a clear set of directions, matching the direct needs of our customers. They’ve told us they have a need to understand the future. They need guidance on areas such as how cyber security impacts on physical systems and they need to hear from specialists they can trust. Working with Tavcom Training on ‘The Future of Security’ Theatre is the perfect solution given Tavcom’s history and expertise in these core areas. Our customers have told us what’s keeping them awake at night and it’s IFSEC’s duty to help them rest more comfortably.”

*IFSEC International 2018 is co-located with FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo and The Facilities Show, offering a strategic blend of related business to business events focusing squarely on the protection and management of people, property and assets

Dahua’s open platform boosts integration potential with third party Apps

Third party Applications can now be downloaded directly on to Dahua network cameras thanks to the company’s newly launched Dahua Open Platform (DHOP), giving integrators, resellers and end users alike “unprecedented” integration opportunities.

Currently available on the Ultra IP camera series, but in the future available on all new models, DHOP is user-friendly in several ways. For third party partners, it eliminates some of the previous restrictions, allowing them to develop their own Applications. They can also develop their own webpage/web clients to manage their Applications.

For integrators, resellers and end users, it provides choices for the most suitable add-on Applications developed by third party partners. These have been comprehensively tested and verified by Dahua for their interoperability and reliability.

Working with Dahua through DHOP will bring wider benefits in the long term. Strong support is guaranteed not only during development, but also during the later stages. Verified and tested Applications will be released on Dahua’s website with its global user base. DHOP partners have the potential to participate in various marketing activities and be promoted via the Dahua global partner networks. End users can purchase licences directly from DHOP partners, whom Dahua will help to release the licence in cameras.

AxxonSoft was first to develop a DHOP-based solution. An Application installed on the camera collects information about moving objects, including co-ordinates, direction of movement, size, speed and colour. This metadata is transmitted to the AxxonSoft Next VMS server along with the video stream. The data can then be used for powerful scene analytics, or otherwise saved in the archive for instant criteria-based searches.

Multiple advantages realised

The joint solution by Dahua Technology and AxxonSoft has multiple advantages over systems with server-side video analytics, because it allows the server to process around ten times more video. Passing raw metadata (instead of events) makes the system very flexible. Users are not limited to the detection tools available on a camera, either, because they can use any of the Axxon Next VMS video analytics tools: detection of line-crossing, motion and stopping in a restricted area, loitering and abandoned objects, etc.

The AxxonMomentQuest fast video search system is also based on metadata and doesn’t require pre-configuring detection tools. The video search criteria are set ‘on the fly’ (for example, find a red car in the parking lot), which makes it truly interactive.

“Our joint solution brings smart video surveillance systems to a new level of accessibility and cost-effectiveness,” said Alan Ataev, AxxonSoft’s global sales director. “Initial investments are reduced significantly due to lower equipment costs. At the same time, the system stays current for a long time due to the continual development of Axxon Next video analytics and free updates.”

James Wang, deputy general manager of Dahua’s overseas business, added: “We believe this open platform will gather all sorts of exciting new ideas and innovative solutions in the field. By combining our strengths, we will benefit the industry as a whole.”