Konica Minolta delivers surveillance solution for The Sweyne Park School

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK)’s intelligent video solutions and MOBOTIX c26 3600 cameras are protecting pupils, staff and property at The Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh. The “highly accurate and comprehensive” vision capability of the cameras has enabled the school to reduce a number of analogue cameras (and the associated costs and resources required to operate them), while at the same time enhancing the quality to 4K resolution.   

The solution has also provided The Sweyne Park School with the flexibility to install the equipment themselves, without expensive third party sub-contractors.

Dan Joslin, network manager at The Sweyne Park School, commented: “The models are so easy to install that we can now fit and configure additional cameras within 20 minutes. The quality of the images returned is second to none, providing a clarity that’s above and beyond what our previous solution would provide. In addition to the capabilities of the cameras, the solution provides peace of mind that there will not be any blackspots in viewing, providing 24/7 security for everyone within the school grounds.” 

The school is using the surveillance solution to watch over corridors, dining rooms and vulnerable areas. Konica Minolta’s intelligent video solutions and cameras also deliver “unrivalled” levels of cyber security, with powerful built-in and constantly updated end-to-end cyber protection delivered to thwart hacker attacks (and at no extra cost to the client).

The Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, Essex

The Konica Minolta interior cameras are mounted flush to the ceiling and use cloud-based technology. They also feature built-in and encrypted DVR management technology. A MicroSD card is fitted into each camera as back-up storage and continues to capture video recordings should the external network connection or recording fail for any reason. Upon reconnection, the camera re-syncs the recordings with the central cloud-based storage.

Adding more cameras

It’s easy to add more cameras and any required additional storage. No dedicated servers, recording or software licences are needed, thereby saving time and money both at the point of system purchase and during its lifetime. This low maintenance solution is perfect for any location.

Additionally, the intelligent video solution has the capability to use audio to broadcast messages and alerts, as well as deliver pre-recorded files to support the management of the school. This will form part of the implementation of a programme of pre-recorded lockdown security drills, with audio files providing guidance for pupils around fire safety, crowd management and general safety. 

Gary Fletcher-Moore, head of sales for intelligent video solutions at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK), concluded: “Our solution is intelligent and can expand virtually without any limits, ensuring long-term security for The Sweyne Park School. Software updates are available via a free download. This means that the solution can be updated and enhanced as the requirements of the school and its daily operations evolve. It’s a future-proof solution.”

All MOBOTIX IoT camera solutions integrated in Gentec’s cloud-based Stratocast VMS

MOBOTIX has taken another step towards integrating its technology within partner systems with the news that, after extensive development processes and testing procedures, all MOBOTIX Internet of Things (IoT) camera solutions have now been integrated in Gentec’s cloud-based Stratocast video management system (VMS).

VMS specialist Genetec has been one of MOBOTIX’s most important technology partners for many years now. “The integration of our camera systems in Stratocast, whose high level of cyber security is put to the test in annual stress tests and evaluations, is another milestone in the long-term co-operative relationship that exists between MOBOTIX and Genetec,” explained Hartmut Sprave, CTO at MOBOTIX.

Thomas Dieregsweiler, head of product management for MOBOTIX, added: “When we make our technology available and integrate it with other solutions, it’s paramount to us that we don’t compromise on the cyber security of our systems. Genetec and MOBOTIX speak the same language. We’re one of the world’s first camera manufacturers to successfully integrate with the Stratocast solution.”

The cloud-based Stratocast is designed for SMEs. When using Stratocast, end customers can always rest assured that their company is protected and that seamless operation is ensured. Using a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone, Stratocast guarantees access to live videos and video recordings that are stored ‘cyber-safe’ in the cloud.

The end user themselves requires only basic computer expertise, as no computer infrastructure such as additional servers have to be installed. No maintenance or updates will be required. This makes solutions affordable and very transparent for the end user. They only pay by usage.

Stratocast allows the end user to circumvent typical server-based problems such as additional IT infrastructure or employees, lack of storage space, loss of records and unscaleable prices or functionalities.

The scope of functions provided can also be extended by using the Genetec Security Center for central monitoring. This means the cloud-based network can grow and develop according to the end user’s needs.

Successful co-operation

As is the case for MOBOTIX, cyber security and data protection are the highest priority for Genetec. For example, all communication between the on-site system and the cloud is fully-encrypted with Transport Layer Security. Genetec guarantees 99.5% availability (availability and access to video). All data is backed up three-fold in the cloud.

Genetec works exclusively with hardware and software partners who meet the highest quality standards for cyber security and data protection.

“We have integrated our technology into Stratocast’s technology over the last six months,” explained Thomas Lausten, CEO of MOBOTIX. “All test series were completed successfully. The quality of our video solutions combined with a keen focus on cyber security and our global sales network is how we became one of the first camera manufacturers to integrate our technology in the cloud-based Stratocast . It proves once again that the decentralised intelligence of our camera systems makes MOBOTIX one of the most important players on the global market.”

*For further information visit https://www.mobotix.com/en/mobotix-genetec-stratocast

Genetec announces support of Bosch, MOBOTIX and EUKLIS cameras for Stratocast cloud-based VMS

Genetec (the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions) has announced that Stratocast, its cloud-based Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) offer powered by the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform, now supports new camera models from Bosch, MOBOTIX and EUKLIS.

Stratocast is designed to meet the needs of organisations requiring a reliable and cost-effective video surveillance solution without the expense and complexities typically associated with installing and managing on-premises surveillance systems. It offers a true cloud solution for enterprise customers that want to easily deploy video surveillance in smaller footprint and remote locations.

Stratocast also supports hybrid cloud deployments for those end users wishing to keep certain on-premise storage and infrastructure hardware while gradually transitioning everything to the cloud.

Thanks to Stratocast’s open architecture, the portfolio of supported devices is also continually expanding and, as stated, will now support cameras from Bosch, MOBOTIX and EUKLIS in addition to existing support for hundreds of models from Axis Communications and Vivotek.   

“A driving force behind Stratocast is to deliver a cloud-based video management system based on an open architecture with no need for a local bridge or recorders,” said Oktay Yildiz, product line manager for Stratocast at Genetec. “At Genetec, we want to offer users a non-proprietary solution in the cloud such that they have the flexibility to integrate a variety of cameras to address their specific needs.”

Yildiz added: “With Stratocast, end users can transition to a cloud-based infrastructure while potentially leveraging their existing investment in camera hardware or choosing to install new cameras from a variety of supported brands.”

Georges Tannous, director of global alliances at Genetec, commented: “The growing interest for video surveillance in the cloud is a key driver in partner integration to the Stratocast platform. We’re excited about partner participation and these new integrations by Bosch, MOBOTIX and EUKLIS. We’re looking forward to adding more brands and models as they become available.”

*For a Stratocast trial visit: https://www.genetec.com/solutions/all-products/stratocast/overview#LookingForMoreInformationOrALiveDemo?

**For a full list of Stratocast-supported devices access: https://www.genetec.com/solutions/all-products/stratocast/supported-devices

***Stratocast provides the same SLA as all other Genetec cloud services, which is a credit-backed uptime guarantee of 99.9%

Milestone Systems releases support for ONVIF-based camera line from MOBOTIX

Milestone Systems released its Device Pack 10.0a in October and now supports the MOBOTIX MOVE camera series. MOBOTIX MOVE is an independent product line providing customers with everything from a single source. MOVE stands for the use of mechanically moving parts in the cameras, meaning that MOBOTIX has parted with its previous product policy of only offering decentralised video systems. The MOBOTIX MOVE product line is the first motorised devices and ONVIF-based camera line to be produced by MOBOTIX.

“We’re glad to be supporting the first ONVIF-compliant products introduced by MOBOTIX as we believe this will enable us to realise a faster release to market going forward,” said Jesper Just Jensen, vice-president of products at Milestone Systems.

With the Device Pack 10.0a, Milestone Systems also supports new firmware for MOBOTIX’s Mx6 cameras. Mx6 cameras use a powerful CPU that delivers up to 34 fps in Full-HD. This allows for even better capture of quick movements. The camera line has more capacity for software applications (such as 3D motion analysis and license plate capture) in the camera.

Philipp Helmes, MOBOTIX’s product manager for integration solutions, observed: “Milestone Systems is one of the largest technology partners for MOBOTIX AG. Due to the growing global demand for our cyber-secure premium cameras, we’re very pleased to announce the release of the Device Pack 10.0a, which now enables the integration of the entire MOBOTIX camera world into the Milestone VMS, our Mx6 Internet of Things series as well as the latest MOVE cameras.”

Milestone Systems now supports more than 7,000 devices. 40% of its drivers are integrated through ONVIF, an open industry forum that provides and promotes standardised interfaces for the effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products and solutions.

Genetec unveils product line-up for Security Essen 2018

Genetec, the manufacturer of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions, has announced its show line-up for Security Essen 2018. In its 21st year of delivering global innovation for physical IP security, Genetec will demonstrate Security Center (its scalable, open architecture security platform that unifies video surveillance, access control, ANPR, communications and analytics. The company will also feature its family of security infrastructure appliances and host no less than 11 industry technology partners on its stand, all of them demonstrating their technology integrations and support for Security Center.

Security

Visitors will be able to see the latest features in Security Center (v5.7), including its IP video management system (VMS) designed to scale and adapt to the evolving needs of the security market. This latest version also features enhanced privacy protection, designed to help end users comply with the General Data Protection Regulation’s (GDPR) data privacy and confidentiality mandates, along with a new reporting feature that automatically alerts system administrators to outdated camera firmware.

Genetec will demonstrate its Streamvault turnkey security infrastructure appliances, pre-installed with Security Center to offer a simplified software delivery system. In addition to video surveillance, access control and ANPR support, Streamvault also now provides certified performance with KiwiVision Privacy Protector (a core module in Security Center) that dynamically anonymises video to support GDPR compliance for public and private video surveillance environments.

Genetec will also demonstrate how customers can easily migrate their legacy access control systems to a unified Security Center platform.

Privacy and cyber security

Committed to maintaining the highest levels of privacy protection, Genetec continues to inform IT and security professionals on both cyber security and privacy practices. The company has recently launched the Genetec Trust Center, a central repository of educational materials focused on cyber security, privacy and Security-of-Security topics to help system integrators and end users mitigate risks via trusted Best Practice.

“With our growing presence in Germany, Genetec is happy to bring its many innovations to Security Essen this year,” said Nick D’Hoedt, regional manager for the Benelux and DACH at Genetec. “We will show our customers and partners alike how they can unify their security platforms into a scaleable model that offers one solution through a single interface for improved operational efficiency, adhering to the highest standards of GDPR-compliant data privacy. We’re also proud to welcome 11 of our top technology partners from our growing ecosystem of camera, access control, sensing and software vendors.”

Operations

Also on display will be Genetec Mission Control, a collaborative decision and event management software that provides organisations with new levels of situational intelligence, visualisation and complete incident management capabilities.

Genetec Partner Pavilion

As stated, Genetec will host 11 of its technology partners in individual demo pods on the stand at Security Essen. Each partner will demonstrate their hardware and software integrations with Security Center.

Featured sponsors include Bosch, Edesix, MOBOTIX, OPTEX, Panasonic, Quanergy, Siklu, Southwest Microwave, SimonsVoss, The Safe Group and Schréder. 

All show attendees are invited to visit the Genetec Stand (G30) in Hall 5 at Security Essen 2018.

MOBOTIX launches ‘Cactus Concept’ to set focus on cyber security for video surveillance

MOBOTIX has announced a heightened focus on cyber security by implementing the ‘Cactus Concept’. The concept aims to deliver a comprehensive approach towards protecting MOBOTIX products against the threat of cyber attacks along with education and tools to help customers and partners alike in building and maintaining secure video surveillance and access control environments.

The ‘Cactus Concept’ will raise awareness among potential and existing MOBOTIX customers of the importance of data security in network-based video security systems and how organisations can protect themselves through cost-efficient and intelligent solutions. End-to-end encryption with no blind spots is required, from the image source via the data cables and the data storage through to the VMS on the end user’s computer.

Like a cactus, whose every limb is covered in thorns, all of the modules (camera, storage, cables, VMS) in the MOBOTIX system have ‘digital thorns’ that protect them from unauthorised access.

“Modern video surveillance and access control technologies help protect people, places and property across the world, but they’re increasingly targeted by criminals aiming to infiltrate, take-over or disable them,” explained Thomas Lausten, CEO of MOBOTIX. “With the Internet of Things trend adding billions of IP-connected devices each year, our industry must lead the way in creating secure platforms that can reduce the risks posed by these damaging attacks.”

MOBOTIX firmly believes in its ‘Cactus Concept’ to protect every element of the design, manufacture and operation of each device along with end-to-end encryption across the entire usage and management cycle.

To ensure the highest levels of security, MOBOTIX uses the services of SySS, a highly regarded and independent third party security testing company that examines the security of both software and hardware elements. SySS customers include Basler Versicherungen, Bundeswehr, CreditPlus Bank AG, Daimler, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Flugsicherung, Festo, Hewlett Packard, Innenministerium/LKA Niedersachsen, SAP, Schaeffler, Schufa, T-Systems and Union Investment.

Sebastian Schreiber, CEO at SySS, added: “MOBOTIX has a contract with us to provide further penetration testing of its technology elements. The initial platform testing on a current camera model revealed very positive results. We’ll now continue security testing as an ongoing process.”

Thomas Lausten concluded: “Cyber security has been and will continue to be a core focus for us. We look forward to working with our peers in the industry, as well as customers and Government agencies, in order to protect the very technologies and systems that help make society safer for us all.”

*For more information visit www.cactusconcept.com

MOBOTIX Global Partner Conference 2017 goes ‘Beyond Human Vision’

MOBOTIX has successfully completed its largest Global Partner Conference which hosted 234 participants from 46 countries to coincide with the launch of the company’s new website and a strategy that focuses on ‘Beyond Human Vision’.

The three-day event in Langmeil, Kaiserslautern included over 20 presentations covering market trends, sales strategy and technical sessions in areas such as cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT). The breakout sessions on day three included regional updates and Expert Panels that connected partners with senior MOBOTIX product management executives, developers and solution specialists.

The Global Partner Conference also included project examples from invited customers, among them McDonald’s (Germany), Jashanmal Group (Dubai) and Belfius Bank (Belgium) as well as details of exciting initiatives in Singapore, the United States, Australia and Greece.

For the first time, MOBOTIX welcomed an expanded partner showcase including Gold Sponsorship from Konica Minolta, Genetec, Strops and Milestone Systems plus an additional 11 Silver sponsors across diverse areas such as storage, facial recognition, portable surveillance, wireless connectivity and the IoT.

“Our Global Partner Conference marks the start of a new journey for MOBOTIX that begins with acknowledging our traditions before embracing the transition to a new path that welcomes the opportunities of tomorrow,” enthused Thomas Lausten, CEO at  MOBOTIX, “MOBOTIX is changing and part of that evolution is embracing a future with a new found passion and openness that includes industry standards and third party partners with the goal of delivering higher value solutions.”

Lausten continued: “Our new mission statement to go ‘Beyond Human Vision’ is at the heart of a philosophy that recognises video surveillance is part of a wider potential with MOBOTIX as a foundational platform for innovative solutions to real world challenges in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, transportation and, indeed, many other areas.”

The event coincided with the launch of a new MOBOTIX website, new company branding and the first version of a global partner locator, plus a new White Paper on the vital role MOBOTIX is playing in protecting its technologies from cyber attack.

Genetec and MOBOTIX unveil details of new technology integration partnership

Genetec, a leading provider of open architecture, unified IP security solutions, and MOBOTIX (the German manufacturer of video surveillance devices) have announced a technology relationship in which both companies will work together on R&D, testing, business development and sales support for new and existing enterprise clients.

Both companies enjoy a global reputation for quality, reliability, first class customer support and expertise in delivering flexible security solutions.

Genetec’s Security Center unifies video management, access control, ANPR and communications management within a single intuitive platform. The new technology partnership will offer single and multi-site management for MOBOTIX edge devices, leading to greater efficiency for a higher level of security.

MOBOTIX enhances video for physical security applications, business operations, process monitoring and sustainability through reliable camera hardware, decentralised architecture and energy efficiency. The company’s solutions include both optical and thermal imaging sensors.

Genetec and MOBOTIX have a footprint in more than 70 countries. Through this partnership, they’ll be able to offer customers from SMEs through to those managing enterprise multi-site deployments a flexible end-to-end IP video security solution.

“We’re happy to enter this technology partnership with Genetec as we recognise a natural synergy with the highly-scalable unified security platform that Security Center represents, as well as the catalogue of IP cameras and compression technology that MOBOTIX offers,” said Dr Tristan Haage, chief sales officer at MOBOTIX.

“With two recent 500-plus camera customer deployments in Europe and the Middle East, both companies are already realising the advantages of a highly-integrated hardware and software solution for enterprise deploymentsy,” added Hagge.

“As Genetec grows its presence in Germany, we realised the many symbiotic advantages we share with MOBOTIX,” observed Francis Lachance, director of product management at Genetec. “With MOBOTIX joining the Genetec ecosystem of technology partners, we’ll be able to offer the many differentiating features and capabilities MOBOTIX brings to the table, fully integrated with Security Center. It’s a win-win relationship.”

VMS developer Wavestore and NBM agree terms on distribution partnership

Wavestore, a leading global supplier of video management software (VMS), has agreed a new distribution partnership with NBM Distribution. Under the terms of the agreement, NBM Distribution will supply Wavestore’s hardware-based solutions to its extensive customer base of installers and systems integrators throughout the EMEA region. 

NBM Distribution was established in 1988 to service the growing demands of the computer network market. From an 11,000 sq ft warehouse located in Hemel Hempstead, the company offers the IT channel an extensive portfolio of network solutions developed by leading manufacturers including MOBOTIX, Allied Telesis, Synology, Brand-Rex, Netgenium, Redetec, Riello, GJD Technologies, Prism Enclosures and Rittal.

Supported by an ongoing commitment to provide all customers with the highest level of service in the data cabling industry, the company has increased its sales to over £9 million.

Danny Kindell: managing director of NBM Distribution

“We’ve decided upon a single vendor strategy in respect of video surveillance products and, on that basis, we carefully evaluated video management solutions from a wide range of manufacturers before reaching this distribution agreement with Wavestore,” said Danny Kindell, managing director of NBM Distribution.

“Wavestore’s open platform VMS will provide our customers with the option to deploy a video surveillance solution which can be integrated with a wide range of other  security and IT-related systems. It also works particularly well with Megapixel and 360-degree cameras manufactured by MOBOTIX whom we work with on an exclusive basis.”

Identifying new business opportunities

Also commenting on the new working arrangements, Chris Williams (director of Wavestore) said: “NBM Distribution’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the network sector makes the company an ideal partner to help us identify new business opportunities within the IT channel. We’re looking forward to working with the NBM Distribution team to bring the benefits of our video management solutions to the attention of professionals who work within the network sector.”

Wavestore director Chris Williams

Williams added: “The timing of this partnership agreement could not be better as it coincides with the imminent launch of Wavestore V6 which will incorporate a number of exciting and innovative new features. These include the EcoStore intelligent power saving hard drive management technology offering a potential power saving of up to 90% per hard drive. V6 will also feature Wavestore’s proprietary data storage solution. Its highly scalable recording design supports up to 64 Petabytes of storage per single volume, each with a capacity of up to 64 trillion images, and is configurable for an unlimited number of volumes.”

Wavestore is a powerful and user-friendly Linux-based video recording and management system able to simultaneously record images captured by combinations of analogue, IP, Megapixel, HD, HD-SDI and 360-degree cameras.

As a business, Wavestore is fully committed to an open platform philosophy. This enables the company to integrate and work closely with camera manufacturers and other third party technology partners in offering a comprehensive security solution which can include video analytics, access control, Command and Control, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM), motion detection, license plate recognition, abandoned object and intruder detection, people counting, perimeter security detection and traffic monitoring systems.

WaveView in operation

Wavestore’s video management software is ONVIF Profile S-conformant. Profile S describes the common functionalities shared by ONVIF-conformant video management systems and devices that send, configure, request or control the streaming of media data over an IP network, and includes specific features such as PTZ control, audio streaming and relay outputs.

Paradigm shift in the approach to VMS

The expertise of its hardware and software development teams ensures that Wavestore is able to react quickly to rapidly changing market demands. Indeed, many of the features incorporated within Wavestore V5 were introduced as a direct result of listening and responding to customer requirements.

Some of those features are unique to Wavestore. One such is de-warping software, which facilitates the recording and display of the fish-eye images captured by 180 and 360-degree panoramic cameras.

Wavestore’s DVRs, NVRs and HVRs are rugged, reliable and straightforward to install, configure and operate

Developed on the Linux operating system, Wavestore’s DVRs, NVRs and HVRs are rugged, reliable and straightforward to install, configure and operate.

Wavestore systems are also easily expandable and upgradable as and when a client’s requirements change, while Wavestore’s powerful SDK and metadata capability enables integrated security solutions to be developed that will provide a rapid response to dynamic events for end users.