Westfield UK enhances security thanks to Genetec unified security platform

Genetec – the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence-focused solutions – has been engaged by the management team at Westfield UK, which has now standardised on the use of Genetec Security Center across its Stratford City and London sites. Together, the two locations attract over 73 million visitors per year and generate a massive £2.1 billion in retail sales.

“It was immediately apparent that Genetec would be an important strategic partner for us,” explained Adrian Howles, security manager at Westfield UK. “The Security Center platform is comprehensive, intuitive and, as part of our five-year strategy, the open architecture gives us so many options.”

The unified security platform is already driving cost efficiencies and economies of scale across the locations’ operations, with further plans to extend its use over the next five years. With a shared platform in place, Westfield UK is now able to manage security functions from centralised Control Rooms, bringing economies of scale and added resilience to its operations.

The common interface has also brought greater uniformity in terms of how day-to-day security issues are addressed across the two sites.

Phased migration

The ability for Genetec Security Center to support a phased migration of security operations to the cloud also appealed to Howles and his security team. To maximise its return on past investments, Westfield UK is currently running most of its security infrastructure within its on-site Data Centres. However, the organisation is already preparing for greater cloud adoption when existing hardware reaches the end-of-life stage.

“Knowing the system is cloud-ready and can support centralised monitoring if and when we need it to is very attractive,” added Howles. “We can realise significant cost efficiencies and further improve our already high levels of security and resilience.”

Looking ahead, Westfield UK continues to push the capabilities of its Genetec systems, looking beyond ‘pure’ security to find other ways it can add value to the business as a whole. One example is the integration of Security Center with Westfield UK’s delivery management system which has automated the granting of access for pre-approved vehicles in and out of the yard. Another is the adoption of Genetec Mission Control and Genetec Clearance to streamline processes, support operators and simplify the General Data Protection Regulation-compliant sharing of video footage internally and with third parties.

All-encompassing role

“Front line security is an all-encompassing role,” concluded Howles, “so we rely on technology to support our people in responding predictably and effectively to whatever’s thrown at them.”

Francesco Serra, Genetec’s vice-president of sales for Europe, responded: “Westfield UK has consistently demonstrated its ability to thrive within a retail and leisure market that’s both dynamic and challenging. We’re proud to support them for the long-term with technology that drives smarter ways of working and even greater efficiency.”

*The full Case Study can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.genetec.com/customer-stories/unibail-rodamco-westfield

OPTEX Redscan PRO LiDAR sensors fully integrated with Genetec Security Center for enhanced perimeter protection

OPTEX, the global sensor manufacturer, has announced that its Redscan PRO LiDAR sensors are now fully integrated with Genetec’s Security Center to provide enhanced perimeter protection for high-security sites.

The announcement follows a long period of engagement between the two businesses prior to the launch of the latest OPTEX sensor series to ensure the data and algorithms could be fully integrated and interpreted by the Genetec Security Center platform. By integrating the two technologies, a series of advanced features exclusive to Genetec have now been unlocked.

Genetec is the only company to leverage the live X&Y co-ordinates provided by the Redscan LiDAR to create critical area mapping and video tracking, including advanced intelligent features such as automatic target path fusion. This feature automatically merges singles out targets detected by multiple sensors together as one to help reduce the number of events presented via the Security Center Platform to the security staff and make them more relevant.

David Lenot, critical infrastructure practice lead at Genetec, informed Security Matters: “The integration of the OPTEX Redscan PRO Series into our Security Center solution is a game-changer for perimeter security. With detection, tracking and video verification all in one device, it’s not only more efficient and cost effective, but end user customers can now expect higher levels of security and surveillance than ever before.”

Automatic tracking

Automatic tracking of targets and camera handover is also enabled, duly providing a complete visual audit trail of events through a single interface. Additionally, the Redscan integration with Genetec can be used specifically in vertical mode to precisely map areas on a virtual wall. It could be mapping each window of a building façade, for instance, or each painting on a museum wall, in order to enable any intrusion or alarm to be quickly located and visualised.

Tomohiro Tsuji, general manager at OPTEX, believes that the shared beliefs and principles between OPTEX and Genetec have helped to build a strong working partnership.

“At OPTEX,” stated Tsuji, “we like to work in close collaboration with our partners to deliver the very best solutions. We have worked closely together with Genetec for a number of years now, with a clear focus on innovation and the integration of technologies to provide enhanced security solutions for our customers. Our latest collaboration enables a deeper level of integration between our technologies, delivering a truly advanced, secure and agile perimeter protection solution.”

The Redscan Pro Series – which includes two models, the RLS-3060V with a range up to 30×60 metres and the RLS-50100V offering up to 50×100 metres – provides highly accurate detection outdoors and indoors without any ‘gaps’ or the detection reliability ‘fading’ with range.

The rectangular detection patterns provide excellent coverage for virtual wall applications and for virtual planes to cover open areas, ceilings and roofs. Its innovative panoramic camera module means detection can be visually verified through pre- and post-event images, as well as video stream footage.   

*For more information and details on the OPTEX and Genetec integration visit https://www.optex-europe.com/integrations/genetec

Seagate Technology selects Genetec to secure global campuses

Genetec, the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions has announced that Seagate Technology Holdings, itself a specialist in data storage and enterprise storage systems, has deployed Genetec Security Center to secure its global campuses and regional offices.

At the heart of this large-scale global deployment is the Genetec unified security platform which includes Security Center, the Genetec Omnicast IP video management system designed to manage more than 1,150 cameras, the Genetec Synergis IP access control system to manage more than 22,000 card holders, Sipelia for managing communications between intercoms and security operation and Seagate’s own high-efficiency, high-performance Exos X 5U84 mass capacity storage system.

All sites are connected using the Genetec Security Center Federation feature in order to centralise monitoring, reporting and alarm management across the entire organisation.

The solution realised enables Seagate to pull in up to 1.3 petabytes of HD video in a single disk enclosure from hundreds of cameras and other Internet of Things devices without losing a single frame or data packet.

Stringent performance test

“Video, and especially multi-source HD video, provides a stringent performance test for any storage solution,” said Ken Claffey, senior vice-president and general manager of enterprise storage systems at Seagate. “Likewise, the data availability expectation of a robust and unified security platform like Genetec Security Center is formidable. The sheer volume of HD video streams, frames and metadata coupled with increasingly long retention periods represents one of the most challenging IT infrastructures to deploy.”

This enterprise-scale deployment provides a clear blueprint for a state-of-the-art, unified, high-performance physical security environment for modern and large-scale facilities.

“Enterprises with global campuses and Data Centre environments have mission-critical requirements,” stated Christian Morin, vice-president of product groups at Genetec. “Securing a growing number of assets across huge facilities, while staying ahead of emerging threats, is an increasingly challenging task. Through our partnership with Seagate, this enterprise-scale deployment is a great example of how enterprises can implement an holistic approach towards security that encompasses physical and cyber security, while at the same time ensuring compliance with fast-changing regulatory mandates.”

*Further information is available online at http://www.seagate.com

Genetec introduces Security Center v5.10 unified security platform

Genetec – the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions – has recently unveiled version 5.10 of its flagship unified security platform designated Security Center.

Among many new enhancements, this major release allows more system components to run in the cloud, thereby reducing the gap between cloud and on-premises security systems. It also makes it easier to connect external systems and tap external data for use in dashboards, maps and investigations without relying on complex and specialist integrations.

The new version of Security Center brings enterprise video surveillance customers new options to facilitate their migration to the cloud as well as support flexible hybrid cloud architectures. Taking a step further towards unified, enterprise Video Surveillance-as-a-Service, the new version of Security Center Omnicast – the video management system of Security Center – enables the seamless use of tiered cloud and on-premises storage to manage short- and long-term video archives according to customer needs.

In addition, it gives configuration flexibility and reporting capability and supports various scenarios for real-time or on-demand access to video footage stored in the cloud. Depending on its recency and criticality, video can either be stored in high performance storage for fast access or long-term storage to support flexible cost options as well as data compliance. To ensure maximum security, ingested video blocks are encrypted on-premises and then moved to the cloud using encrypted communications channels.

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“Last year accelerated the digital transformation of organisations big and small, inside and outside of the security industry,” explained Francis Lachance, director of the video and appliances product group at Genetec. “Omnicast Cloud Storage is not just terabytes in the cloud. It’s a complete collection of media services that deliver the flexibility and sophistication enterprise customers need to successfully move to a hybrid cloud video surveillance architecture.”

Sipelia Communications Management, the module of Security Center that enables SIP-based communications between operators and intercom devices, has also been enhanced to offer support for cloud-based deployment.

Record Fusion Service

Security Center 5.10 introduces a new no-code solution to connect external data sources to enhance an operator’s situational awareness. The new Record Fusion Service feature offers a simple and fast path to integrate third party data streams from private or partner record publishers. Users can define tailored record types and consume data from a variety of sources including KML, JSON and CSV documents, or otherwise set up a REST application listening point to which these external services can push records.

The Genetec Record Fusion Service can be used across the entire unified platform to enhance awareness and response, provide contextual information on dynamic maps, be visualised in operational dashboards, in investigative reports or in the unified monitoring interface.

The service supports a broad range of applications, from displaying user-defined and filtered information on a map with custom graphical elements through to combining various records from a wide variety of sources to create custom aggregate records that are useful to specific operators or roles.

The Record Fusion Service increases agility, enables highly specific and relevant data to be quickly and easily added to the platform and makes security operators more efficient in accessing timely contextual information.

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Mobility features

Security Center 5.10 further taps mobile devices to reinvent the way organisations accomplish routine tasks on-the-go. Genetec Mobile, a unified app that enables users to access cameras, doors and ANPR units from their smart phones, now supports Genetec Mission Control incidents as well as standard operating procedures. This allows end users to trigger or view active incidents on maps or in list format and record incidents in the field to notify colleagues in the Security Operations Centre.

A new specialised portal is also available to help customers manage mustering during evacuations. The Evacuation Assistant app connects to Security Center Synergis (the access control system in Security Center) such that, when an evacuation is triggered, the system automatically starts to monitor the safety status of all personnel and visitors. When people arrive at the safety area or muster point, they can badge their credential at a fixed or mobile reader, notify the ‘muster captain’ that they’re safe or inform them that someone might be at risk. If someone is shown not to have been evacuated, the system will then trigger a response so that security personnel can take immediate action.

*For more information about Security Center 5.10 visit: https://resources.genetec.com/blog/security-center-5-10-is-here

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 awarded Platinum Premier status in Mercury Security’s partner programme

Unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions provider Genetec has announced that Mercury Security (part of HID Global, the global leader in OEM access control technology) has awarded the company the highest status level – ie Platinum Premier – within its successful partner programme.

The Platinum Premier status recognises Mercury Security’s select business partners who demonstrate continued market growth, strong integration with Mercury’s own solutions and a shared interest in the open architecture approach towards access control.

“As a Mercury Security partner and reseller since 2014, we take pride in having achieved Platinum Premier status in just a few short years,” said Georges Tannous, director of strategic alliances at Genetec. “Mercury Security is a key partner in the development of our access control strategy as we’re aligned in our efforts to provide innovative and cyber-secure access control solutions based on an open architecture.”

Matt Barnette, vice-president at Mercury Security, responded: “Genetec has demonstrated significant growth with the Mercury Security brand of products over the last several years. This growth, coupled with the business’ continued investment in the open platform philosophy, has driven its well-earned recognition as a Platinum Premier partner. We look forward to working together with the Genetec team to deliver open, scaleable and secure solutions for our collective end users.”

According to the 2017-2018 Access Control Intelligence Database put together by market researcher IHS, Genetec has rapidly risen to become one of the leading developers of access control software with a Top Five ranking in the Americas and a strong global market share growth.

Genetec’s flagship product, Security Center, is an open architecture platform that unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, ANPR, communications and analytics. Genetec also develops cloud-based solutions and services designed to improve security and contribute towards new levels of operational intelligence for Governments, enterprises and vertical markets including the transport sector.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Montreal, Genetec serves its global customer base via an extensive network of resellers, integrators, certified channel partners and consultants in upwards of 80 countries.

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.

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.”