Secure Logiq and Seagate join forces on video surveillance storage

Secure Logiq and Seagate are bringing together their combined strengths to create “the ultimate storage solution” for the video surveillance industry. This partnership will draw on Seagate’s expertise in very high-density storage applications and Secure Logiq’s own cutting-edge understanding of the surveillance industry.

This new partnership provides the perfect solution for security professionals operating in the Middle East, where retention times for CCTV footage are comparably longer than in other territories and exacting standards mean that second best will never do.

The collaboration will see Secure Logiq’s management servers, processing servers and client machines all designed and optimised for the application and combined with Seagate’s SAN storage units which offer large storage, resilience, expandability and vertical integration.

The combination creates a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario for the companies’ mutual clients as it has realises an end-to-end solution which is designed, supplied, tested and supported by experts in HD surveillance and data storage.

“This is a powerful combination that will deliver real advantages for surveillance system users right across the whole of the Middle East,” explained Secure Logiq’s Robin Hughes. “The benefits are there for everyone to see. Seagate has excellent products for storing large volumes of data and we have the understanding of the market to add real intelligence to a surveillance system. Together, can deliver a complete solution that will revolutionise how HD surveillance video is stored in the region.”

Secure Logiq and Seagate highlighted their new partnership at Intersec 2022.

*For further information visit www.securelogiq.com

IDIS sets sights on developing video surveillance projects in Middle East and North Africa

Surveillance solutions specialist IDIS is now targeting video-based projects in resilient Middle East market sectors and encompassing the banking, grocery retail and education sectors as the business seeks looks to build on recent successes when it comes to delivering compliance-driven solutions.

Despite continuing disruption and uncertainty in the global economy, the company feels the outlook is positive in the Middle East region as it supports its systems integration partners to focus on both resilient sectors and markets showing continued growth.

The video technology developer, which is known for its end-to-end solutions, highlights opportunities for video tech projects in the education sector where it already has successful deployments in in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Kuwait.

“The sector continues to expand due to investment from private equity firms and Government infrastructure funding, as well as international higher education institutes expanding their presence in the region,” explained Jamil Al Asfar, senior sales manager for IDIS in the Middle East and Africa.

In the banking sector, major investments in more robust surveillance infrastructure over the last three years have been driven by compliance pressure as banks look to meet more stringent Government standards.

IDIS-developed video technology has already been deployed to protect more than 3,000 bank branches and ATMs for the National Commercial Bank in Saudi Arabia and was also chosen to secure the Central Bank of Jordan. Both projects demonstrated the benefits of robust, cyber-secure technology and proved how compliance can be delivered at pace, even on a challenging scale and in tough environments.

Upgrade projects

IDIS solutions are fully compliant with requirements in the financial sector, including the Saudi Arabia Monetary Authority regulations. As a result, upgrade projects are driving strong activity for the company and its integration partners in the KSA, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Pakistan.

In the grocery and retail sector, Carrefour’s recently reported expansion across the Middle East, and its choice of IDIS video tech, has paved the way for further opportunities, among them projects in hypermarkets.

“Working alongside its integration partners, IDIS boasts in-depth experience of retail applications globally and we’re focusing on continuing demand for not just affordable video, but also scalable solutions that offer advanced analytics and deep learning tools,” continued Jamil Al Asfar. “These will help stores compete in the current tough trading conditions as well as into the future.”

Jamil Al Asfar

Further, he stated: “Security Industry Regulatory Agency certification for the latest range of our cameras and NVRs also means that we’re gaining momentum in commercial, residential and Government sectors across the UAE. In Dubai, we’ve seen construction and re-development rapidly bounce back. The new facilities involved need compliant, cyber-secure and resilient video tech to ensure public safety and security.”

Ahmad Shanawani, managing director of Ametrad Technology Services, concluded: “Despite the undoubted economic challenges in some sectors, we’re still seeing strong demand for video solutions that combine low total cost of ownership, high performance and robust cyber security standards and that meet compliance needs. We’re now seeing how much IDIS’ end-to-end solutions and the company’s collaborative approach are suited to the growth projects with which we’re involved.”

“Adopt Date of Withdrawal as effective implementation date of standards” urges Euralarm

Euralarm is pushing for the updating of national Codes of Practice at the point when new standards become available. The development of new or otherwise revised standards follows a certain process that’s finalised with the ratification of the standard by the standardisation body (eg CEN, CENELEC, etc). Following the ratification there are dates that the new or revised standard is available, announced and published followed by a date that the former standard or the former version is withdrawn. 

When a new or revised standard is published, Euralarm asserts that the national authorities must clearly define when the new (edition of a) standard will be implemented into the local building, fire or other codes. Given that products have to be compliant and therefore must be tested, certified and approved by recognised test laboratories, certification bodies and approval agencies, this means that some time is required following the date of availability of the standard.

In certain countries, though, local authorities require to demonstrate compliance to the latest edition of the standards (ie “as soon as published”). For example, this is very much the case with the Civil Defence Fire Code operated by the United Arab Emirates that’s widely used in the Middle East.

Obviously, it’s impossible to comply with this requirement. Due to general industry readiness, a delay is necessary to allow manufacturers time to develop fully-compliant products and – when required – to have their products tested, certified and approved.

On that basis, Euralarm is recommending that regulatory authorities adopt the Date of Withdrawal as stated in every EN standard as the effective date of implementation of new standards into Codes of Practice. The Date of Withdrawal marks the date that former versions of a given standard become obsolete.

Information referencing the Date of Withdrawal of standards can be found on the respective websites such as those operated by CEN or CENELEC.

Rosehill Security targets Middle East and North Africa with Westminster International Ltd strategic partnership

Rosehill Security, the manufacturer of perimeter security solutions, has announced an agreement with Westminster International Ltd to distribute its range of hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) barriers and perimeter security products across the Middle East and North African region.

Westminster International Ltd has added Rosehill Security’s range of perimeter security solutions to its product portfolio, focused especially on Rosehill’s Impakt and Rapid Defender to help protect crowded public spaces and entertainment, sporting and political venues in light of the growing threat of vehicle borne attacks worldwide.

For its part, Westminster International Ltd is a broadly based British security and defence organisation that operates worldwide in 50 countries through an international network of agents and regional offices providing solutions to almost any fire, safety, security and defence requirement. Its extensive range covers all forms of anti-terrorism, risk reduction, defence and homeland security that includes facilities and utilities security products, police equipment and access control.

Chairman Sir Tony Baldry said: “For 20 years, everyone at Westminster International Ltd has been passionate about offering the best solutions to solve the world’s security issues, so Rosehill Security’s perimeter security products are an excellent addition to our product range. Above all else, if it means that we can protect more people from Vehicle-as-a-Weapon attacks on a larger scale across the Middle East and Northern Africa region, then this agreement will prove to be invaluable.”

Dalton Marshall of Rosehill Security

Rapid and Impakt Defenders: the fine detail

Manufactured from 100% recycled rubber and bonded with polyurethane for strength, Rosehill Security’s robust Rapid and Impakt Defenders require no foundations and can be installed almost anywhere, removed and re-used as required.

Made up of units weighing 49 kg each, the Rapid Defender temporary vehicle security barrier has been specifically designed to be manually installed in minutes to protect people at events from Vehicle-as-a-Weapon attacks. Requiring no special tools or lifting equipment, a four-man team can manually install a 15 m barrier in under five minutes.

The much larger, IWA 14-rated Impakt Defender has been designed for temporary, semi-permanent and permanent applications, providing the flexibility to protect both entrance areas and site perimeters against hostile vehicle attack. Each 430 kg solid rubber unit is connected by steel securing cables or rods to create a barrier capable of stopping heavy vehicles travelling at 48 kph.

Engineered using the same manufacturing process, Rosehill Security’s interlocking, T-shape Ballistic Blocks are used to construct temporary or permanent sangars and customised, heavy-duty perimeter structures, providing ballistic protection to BS EN 1522/23. These structures can be combined with the Rapid and Impakt Defenders to create an holistic solution as part of a wider HVM strategy.

Effective perimeter security

Dalton Marshall, sales manager at Rosehill Security, said: “Since our launch, we’ve worked tirelessly to design and manufacture an innovative and effective range of HVM and perimeter security solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients worldwide. The speed and ease with which our products can be deployed makes them an ideal addition to Westminster International Ltd’s offering, so we’are delighted to partner with them and provide their clients access to our proven product range.”

Westminster International Ltd is part of the Westminster Group that includes Longmoor Security, whose operators have served with the British Army’s Royal Military Police, UK Special Forces and the police service and have protected high-profile international personalities as well as organisations including the BBC.

TDSi promotes British exporting excellence as ‘Export Champion’

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi is supporting the UK Department for International Trade’s ‘Great’ initiative as an Export Champion, encouraging British businesses to think globally when it comes to tapping into potentially lucrative markets.

TDSi’s managing director, John Davies, who has personally been appointed as a South West Export Champion, commented: “TDSi has been actively exporting its products since 1984. Currently, exports comprise 40% of our sales. Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations with the EU, there are huge opportunities in selling revered UK products and services around the globe. We’re keen to encourage and inspire other British businesses to embrace all available markets.”

The ‘Great’ scheme strives to encourage customers from around the world to engage with and buy from UK producers and expert service providers, while the latter offer advice and support (including legal, financial and networking assistance) for UK businesses looking to embrace these potential markets.

John Davies

As an Export Champion, TDSi is offering advice and experience to support other businesses looking to expand their export reach.

South East Asia and the Middle East

In conversation with Risk Xtra, Davies continued: “In the past, France and the EU have been our biggest export market, but South East Asia and the Middle East are due to eclipse their position this year. China is also a very important market for TDSi because, despite being one of the great ‘workshops of the world’, savvy security buyers there know British manufacturers like ourselves have a well-deserved reputation for offering innovation, quality and excellent value for money.”

Exporting shapes TDSi as a business. “It keeps us on our toes to deal with the competition and ensures we listen effectively to new customers and markets, adapting our products and services to maintain and establish relevance in each territory,” stated Davies.

Exporting also offers fresh opportunities aside from those in the domestic market. Davies said: “Despite being an SME manufacturer/exporter, we can take on the big boys, in other words competitors considerably larger than we are, and beat them. We offer specialised, top-quality security solutions and are highly responsive with great service delivery. This is why we’re winning in these overseas markets.”

Project involvement

TDSi has capitalised on these advantages by working on many impressive projects, including China Petroleum’s headquarters in Beijing (where it beat a $20 billion competitor), the Shanghai Metro and other Metro systems in China along with telecom and electricity companies in Thailand, Brunei and Malaysia.

In conclusion, Davies observed: “We’re keen to share this experience and knowledge through schemes such as ‘Great’, helping other UK companies to embrace a diverse selection of potential markets and help ensure the nation remains a powerful force in the sphere of international trade and exports.”

Zaun hosts ‘Made in Britain’ event to promote value of British manufacturing

A 1,000-strong manufacturers’ organisation that actively promotes the value of British manufacturing as a genuine differentiator visited Wolverhampton last week for its first Sales and Marketing Workshop of the new Autumn season.

Pioneering steel fencing systems manufacturer Zaun hosted and presented at the ‘Made in Britain’ Workshop on Wednesday 19 September with a keen focus on marketing, sales, exports and PR. Delegates heard about digital marketing for manufacturers and received a marketing ‘Masterclass’ from Young’s Seafood’s marketing team. They also learned from Zaun about the company’s sales, marketing and export journey and enjoyed a tour around Zaun’s factory.

The ‘Made in Britain’ initiative highlights the community spirit of the British manufacturing industry. Four events in the Spring brought together members to share stories, ideas and advice. Previous events have been hosted by pioneering recycler Axion in Manchester, iconic British car maker Vauxhall, Knowsley cable manufacturer Tratos and global coffee machine manufacturer Fracino in Birmingham.

John Pearce: CEO of ‘Made in Britain’

‘Made in Britain’ CEO John Pearce observed: “All the greatest British manufacturers have a story to tell, and the Workshops offer them a chance to sell those stories to each other.  British SME manufacturers need each other more than ever to increase the strength of the British-made supply chain. Typically, at each Workshop two or three new trading relationships are born. We’re all united in the use of the official collective mark to point to the quality, innovation and excellence of British manufacturing.”

Zaun’s marketing manager Steve Roberts responded: “As a company, we’re very proactive at trading on our ‘Britishness’ throughout our business. We’ve seen major success through this route, especially so in the Middle East and following on from our bespoke project work for the London 2012 Olympic Games.”

After the Zaun event, the final two ‘Made in Britain’ Workshops of the year will be at ethical luxury brand The Soap Co in London on 10 October followed by the ESSE foundry in Barnoldswick, Lancashire on 14 November.

‘Made in Britain’ events are for members across all of its 50 product sectors.

Linx International Group to deliver security management programmes at new SIRA Training Centre in Dubai

The Linx International Group has announced that it will be delivering its award-winning security management programmes from the new training centre of the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA) in Dubai.

SIRA was created in 2016 and is the Government department responsible for setting the regulations, training and enforcements of security within Dubai.

Training will be delivered to international students by expert tutors at SIRA’s new Training Centre, which includes state-of-the-art technical workshops designed in collaboration with Linx International Group company Tavcom Training.

Security professionals will study and complete internationally-recognised and fully-accredited (BTEC and City & Guilds) security management courses including: Security Management, Risk Crisis and Disaster Management, Managing Security Surveys, Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector, Kidnap and Ransom Management and Sea Port Security Management.

SIRA’s Training Centre director Ahmed Albalooshy commented: “Through partnership with the Linx International Group we are providing Best-in-Class training at SIRA’s new state-of-the art Training Centre. Together, we’re delivering an exceptionally high-calibre of training to create experts whose talents are in demand in Dubai, as well as the wider Middle East.”

David Gill CSyP, managing director of the Linx International Group, added: “Dubai is a major global hub and well respected as a Centre of Excellence, and particularly so in the areas of technology, security and policing. The Linx International Group is proud to be working with SIRA to provide security professionals and those seeking to develop a career in security management in the Middle East with the UK’s premier security management training.” 

ISM heralds success of ‘Technology Days’ aimed at promoting benefits of PSIM in the Middle East

Intergrated Security Manufacturing (ISM) has hosted the first of a series of ‘Technology Days’ in Oman to demonstrate the design, development and thinking behind the latest Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) technology.

The company, whose Genesys PSIM platform is already installed in a number of high security sites throughout the Middle East, organised the events to promote the key considerations in specifying a PSIM solution: system architecture (ie how the system works, its resilience/redundancy and the impact of networks, etc), ease of use (including the simplicity of operator training) and life-cycle costs (as well as the overall return on investment).

Petri Hitches, ISM’s sales manager for the Middle East, enthused that the response to the presentations has been overwhelming. “The days were designed to be informative and educational, to heighten the awareness of what today’s PSIM systems are able to achieve and what makes a project successful. They were extremely well received.”

Audiences included high ranking officials from the regulators and local law enforcement agencies, as well as consultants, security integrators and end users responsible for various critical infrastructure projects.

The Technology Days were in part co-hosted by Ingenuity Technologies LLC of Oman.

ISM intends to organise and announce further dates later in the year.

TDSi set to showcase latest web-based security solutions at Intersec 2017

Integrated security solutions developer TDSi is gearing up for its forthcoming appearance at Intersec 2017 (running from 22–24 January in Dubai), which will feature the introduction of the company’s new GARDiS web-based range of software and hardware solutions to the Middle East market on Stand S1-A09. 

John Davies, managing director of TDSi, commented: “Intersec always provides an exciting start to the security calendar every year. The event affords visitors and exhibitors a first glimpse of what will be entering the market for the new year. Dubai is the perfect host location, boasting a vibrant and interesting venue which draws crowds from across the Middle East and beyond.”

The TDSi team at Intersec 2017 will include international business development manager Mica Negrilic and senior technical sales engineer Kevan Fry.

Negrilic told Risk UK: “The Middle East is a key export market for TDSi and has seen significant growth for us in recent years. Intersec offers our team the opportunity to talk directly to the people who buy and sell the products across the region and beyond. This gives us a much better and deeper understanding of the demands and needs from this important security market.”

The TDSi Stand will feature its product portfolio as well as GARDiS, the company’s forthcoming web-based application that offers even greater flexibility and suitability to modern applications. One software install is all that’s required to provide complete access control security for a given business’ needs.

TDSi’s GARDiS offers all the benefits of a highly secure web-based application. It’s easily adaptable for an increased workload, provides easier maintenance and installation, is more secure and also accessible from anywhere on any device. GARDiS features a simple-to-use and intuitive interface that’s designed and built directly around the needs of users and operators.

GARDiS has also been designed to meet and anticipate important international security standards. These include ONVIF Profiles A and C, which were recently adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission as the de facto new international standard for access control. This ushers in the era of open platforms for access control.

Negrilic concluded: “At Intersec 2016, we recorded a 30% increase in the number of visitors to our stand. It’s trend which continued across our appearances at a number of events worldwide throughout the year, so we’re very keen to engage with our current and potential partners and customers again. If any Risk UK readers are planning on visiting the event in January, we would be delighted to show them our latest systems and talk them through our myriad services.”

CNL Software increases presence in Middle East region

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) specialist CNL Software* will be presenting its IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution at the biennial International Security National Resilience Exhibition & Conference** (ISNR) in Abu Dhabi. The news comes at a time when the business is increasing its commitment to the Middle East region with the addition of senior operations, technical and development staff.

At the last ISNR show in 2014, CNL Software announced its intentions to open a local office and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. Two years on and the company now has a fully functioning team in Abu Dhabi offering operations, sales, delivery, support and development capabilities to support its PSIM customers and partners in the Middle East.

“Our IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution has been in great demand in the Middle East, and we’ve secured strategic projects in the GCC region from Safe City developments through to mass transportation, national security and state-of-the-art buildings,” explained Daniel Bloodworth, general manager at CNL Software in the Middle East.

“We’ve increased our staff count in the region by over 300% since our last visit to ISNR, and will continue to strengthen the team over the next 24 months to support our PSIM customers and partners.”

Adlan Hussain, vice-president of marketing at CNL Software, added: “ISNR has established itself as a leading regional show for fire and security professionals. The UAE’s Ministry of the Interior and Reed Exhibitions have done a sterling job in creating a platform designed to engage regional decision makers.”

Hussain also told Risk UK: “Our PSIM technology has become the region’s leading integration and management product for mission-critical environments. ISNR has been part of that journey, allowing us to meet with the right people in order to demonstrate the capabilities of IPSecurityCenter.”

*For more information about CNL Software’s PSIM solutions and deployments, visit Stand 3131 at ISNR in Abu Dhabi between 15-17 March. To book a demonstration send an e-mail to: marketing@cnlsoftware.com.

**Organised by the UAE’s Ministry of the Interior and Reed Exhibitions, the biennial International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR) is the Gulf region’s foremost platform dedicated to homeland security, safety and national resilience. Now in its seventh year, ISNR will host over 500 exhibiting companies from 40 countries, 18,000 local and regional visitors and over 200 Government buyers and delegation members. For more information visit: http://www.isnrabudhabi.com