Qognify VMS combines enterprise class video management with advanced cloud capabilities

Qognify, the provider of video and enterprise incident management solutions, has launched its new video management software Qognify VMS. Qognify VMS is designed to meet the specific physical security needs of organisations around the globe. It’s based on the proven technology of Qognify’s successful video management software Cayuga, which is used by many customers in thousands of security projects worldwide.

As a true next generation VMS, Qognify VMS combines the powerful core of an enterprise-class VMS with added values such as low total cost of ownership, business process support, advanced ecosystem integrations and cloud readiness.

One of the key requirements of modern video surveillance systems is flexible deployment options. While many organisations still rely on keeping sensitive data and systems on-premise, others are moving towards a corporate ‘cloud first’ strategy, which also includes physical security applications. For this reason, Qognify VMS allows the storage of video data in the cloud. That enables customers to keep the hardware footprint small, scale storage space quickly and benefit from the advanced resiliency of cloud technology.

Benefiting from the cloud

Steve Shine, CEO of Qognify, explained: “While cloud-based physical security solutions have been on the rise in smaller and medium-sized businesses for some time now, the adoption rate in enterprise organisations has been slower due to more complex system environments and demanding infrastructure requirements. However, rapidly evolving technologies and increasing network bandwidths are beginning to leverage the usage of cloud in this segment.”

He continued: “This is why we are now launching Qognify VMS with advanced cloud storage capabilities. At the same time, we’re working on further solutions that will enable customers to benefit even more from the advantages of cloud technology in the near future.”

In order to make on-premise deployments as easy as possible for partners and customers alike, a wide range of turnkey hardware solutions is available for Qognify VMS. The built-to-spec servers minimise the risks in planning, ensure optimal performance, accelerate roll-outs and allow for one-stop sourcing. All units are supplied with a comprehensive five-year warranty to protect the investment for years to come.

Physical security strategies

Qognify VMS helps organisations maximise the outcomes of their physical security strategies. One of the key elements to achieve this are its powerful, bi-directional integrations with many other solutions such as access control, intrusion detection and video analytics.

According to Steve Shine, this is only the first step for Qognify VMS to leverage the potential of a physical security ecosystem. “Our goal is to further increase the value for our customers by bringing our physical security and enterprise incident management applications even closer together,” he informed Security Matters, “for an improved situational understanding and an even faster and more targeted response.“

Compared to Cayuga, Qognify VMS comes with a number of significant improvements, one of them being the optimisation of web technologies used in the product. Carsten Eckstein, product owner Qognify VMS, commented: “With our decision to make Qognify VMS ready for the cloud, the requirements to process and display web-based content in the product are growing. For this reason, we have decided to fundamentally overhaul a number of technologies such as the built-in browser component in order to enable an even more seamless user experience for future integrations.”

Three product packages

For the EMEA and APAC, Qognify VMS comes in three product packages that reflect the typical requirements of different project profiles.

While Qognify VMS Basic covers the needs of smaller and less complex surveillance projects at a very attractive price, the flexible Advanced package is designed for larger and more complex projects.

Finally, the Infinity package fulfils all true enterprise requirements and includes a multitude of features at no additional cost.

Qognify Cayuga customers are entitled to upgrade to Qognify VMS at no extra cost if they hold an active SMA.

Milestone Systems introduces centralised Search feature in capability enhancement for XProtect

In the latest product update of Milestone XProtect 2019 R3 VMS, Milestone Systems has introduced several new features and capabilities. These include centralised Search, a new driver framework, adaptive streaming and enhanced device password management.

With this product update, Milestone Systems highlights that the business is continuing to pursue ever-higher performing software to fulfil the market’s rising demands for cost-effective video technology solutions.

One of the main features of the 2019 R3 release is Search. This is a new centralised search platform in XProtect Smart Client that makes it possible for end users to search for everything in one place. Previously, end users performed several standalone searches, depending on what data they were searching for. With the new Search tool, users can search for motion, alarms, events, bookmarks and other types of data in one single place enabling rapid and efficient video investigations.

Moreover, the new Search platform also smoothly embeds partner integrations and their powerful analytic capabilities via dedicated filtering options. Through specific plug-ins and devices, search criteria such as line-crossing and object-in-field will be enabled directly in the Search Tab, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Milestone Systems provides customers with support for more than 8,000 cameras and devices. In order to allow XProtect device support to grow exponentially with the number of devices in the market, and to provide support for new types of devices such as the Internet of Things, the company has introduced its Driver Framework. Within the Milestone Integration Platform Software Development Kit, this allows device manufacturers to develop their own drivers and provide faster device compatibility and deeper integration that goes beyond the capabilities of ONVIF.

This new feature will enable end users to receive lower resolution streams from the recording server when a high resolution one isn’t required (for example, when displaying video in the smart client or smart wall in window sizes smaller than a full screen). This will give users smoother viewing and a better user experience, a lower total cost of ownership due to less hardware being needed to decode unnecessary high-resolution video and a better use of bandwidth that can then be employed for other requirements within the organisation.

The new Device Password Management continues XProtect’s focus on ease of use and enhanced cyber security during set-up of new installations, as well as when expanding existing ones. This feature makes it possible for system administrators to manage all devices’ passwords directly from the XProtect Management Client for selected device manufacturers.

In the 2019 R3 update, Milestone Systems has doubled the number of supported device manufacturers and added the option to schedule future password changes according to the cadence in given organisations and their password policies, in turn making device password management fully automatic.

VMS developer Wavestore appoints Mark Claxton as new managing director

Wavestore, the British developer of open-platform and highly secure Linux-based Video Management Software (VMS), has appointed Mark Claxton in the role of managing director. Claxton, who has an MBA in Global Strategic Management and Marketing, will be responsible for ensuring Wavestore meets its strategic technology objectives and sales growth targets while continuing to offer the highest levels of pre- and post-sales support.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mark to the Wavestore team,” said James Smith, Wavestore’s previous managing director who remains on the Board of Directors. “Mark’s general management skills and business acumen will be put to very good use as we endeavour to take Wavestore through to the next stage of its global development.”

Smith added: “Building on our existing award-winning software platform, we have an exciting roadmap which will help accelerate our sales growth. I’m looking forward to supporting Mark as he seeks to develop and drive a strategy which capitalises on the exciting opportunities for us to work with our business partners around the world.”

Mark Claxton

Claxton’s appointment coincides with the launch of Wavestore v6.18 which includes a wide range of new and innovative features. These include flexible display choices, enhanced audio support and additional file storage options, all of which are intended to deliver real-life practical benefits for end users who wish to obtain maximum value from their video surveillance systems.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to provide leadership for a team of highly talented people who share a passion for ensuing Wavestore continually improves in everything it does,” said Claxton.

“I’m also looking forward to working with colleagues on devising a strategy which ensures there’s greater market awareness of the benefits of Wavestore from both a technology and total cost of ownership standpoint. In this respect, I firmly believe that we can establish clear blue water between Wavestore and its competitors.”

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.”

Milestone Systems opens new UK Innovation Hub

Milestone Systems, the instigator of the open platform community in networked video management software (VMS), opened its new UK headquarters on Thursday 25 April at the Landmark Business Park in Reading, Berkshire.

The new Innovation Hub has been designed to support Milestone’s wider community of technology partners and features a new state-of-the-art Experience Centre complete with wall-to-wall screens for a fully immersive virtual presentation experience.

Attendees at the launch were able to witness the Experience Centre in use during a presentation by Dave Gregory, business development manager for Northern Europe at Milestone Systems.

Dave Gregory of Milestone Systems making a presentation at the launch of the company’s all-new Innovation Hub

The Experience Centre is the focal point of the new Innovation Hub and features six 65-inch screens as well as a video wall. The Experience Centre’s look and feel can be easily adapted to mirror that of the company brand using the Centre, and offers users a dynamic virtual presentation experience that captures the innovative nature of the Milestone community of technology partners.

The Innovation Hub has a working demo set-up of Milestone’s software and hardware solutions, together with some of its ecosystem partner integrations including – but not limited to – partners such as Axis Communications, BriefCam, Venzo, Nedap, Lenel and Bosch. This means that end users and channel partners alike can experience Milestone’s next generation open platform capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence-based video analytics (eg facial recognition) or user-friendly integrations for perimeter protection solutions like radars and intrusion detection systems.

A new training facility was also showcased at the launch event and will welcome up to 25 attendees at a time to take part in a variety of one-hour Continuing Professional Development courses in addition to Milestone’s certification courses that are already up-and-running. The training facility is also available to the Milestone partner community to use as training hub for a range of sessions.

Neil Killick briefs attendees at the official opening

Neil Killick, regional leader for Northern Europe at Milestone Systems, commented: “The launch of this new Innovation Hub in the UK is testament to the performance and dedication of the UK team. I’m proud to open this new facility that’s as much for our wider community as it is for the team here. Milestone’s open platform is the driver of innovation and collaborative solutions in the security space and beyond. The same spirit of openness is behind the launch of this new Innovation Hub.”

The overriding aim of the new facility is to nurture Milestone community partnerships, better showcase the open platform capabilities and introduce Milestone and its technology partners to vertical sectors beyond the security space.

Remote sites upgrade delivers enhanced security for energy provider

Working to a tight ten-week schedule, four teams of Secom engineers recently completed a significant electronic security upgrade at no less than 150 critical sites resident within the UK’s energy infrastructure network.

The project – covering offices as well as remote locations with no staff – involved replacing key legacy equipment and software to create a superior platform for the remote monitoring of CCTV surveillance systems. It brought the 150 sites up to the same high standards of security as the customer’s other 250-plus sites across the UK.

Phil Lamb, Secom’s general manager for regional sales, feels that installation of new transmission units has allowed a switch for all of the customer’s sites to a more robust and cutting-edge video control platform in the Alarm Receiving Centre.

“Security is of course a major consideration for infrastructure service providers, but can prove to be challenging because of the many remote locations needed to ensure uninterrupted delivery to consumers nationwide. Reliable CCTV and alarm systems are important tools in dealing with issues that might affect the continuity of supply or any other risks of compromising security or Health and Safety concerns if, for example, there’s an unauthorised entry.”

Lamb said the customer was facing a critical need as its existing transmission units had become obsolete. With the existing video management software there was a growing risk of losing connectivity with remote sites – and also, therefore, visibility of site issues.

“The decision to replace obsolete hardware and software was initiated to mitigate the risk of major security incidents by creating a more stable platform. Our role was to replace the end-of-life kit with the latest generation transmission units. As the incumbent service provider, we have intimate knowledge of each site and could evade potential issues, using our engineering skills to design issues out of the tight schedule by dint of using detailed process maps.”

The software platform was upgraded to meet customer expectations. Due to the nature of the replacement project, Secom hand-picked engineers for the four teams and also provided dedicated project managers.

Shining a light on Raytec and Wavestore’s systems integration move

The recent announcement that Wavestore’s open platform Video Management Software (VMS) has been successfully integrated with Raytec’s lighting solutions means that operators are now able to match the security requirements for individual locations throughout a site with a wide range of lighting options managed directly from Wavestore’s front-end ‘one screen, total control’ display. 

Raytec and Wavestore’s technical teams have worked closely together to develop an intelligent lighting solution which can be controlled via Wavestore’s VMS by simply clicking on fully-customisable buttons. The solution also enables the ideal lighting for each situation to be automatically selected when a moving object is detected or by metadata-triggered events from other systems and software, such as access control, ANPR, alarm sensors, cameras, face recognition and other forms of video analytics.

“There are so many different reasons why our end user clients may need supplementary lighting and this smart solution provides them with the flexibility to choose from a long list of options which exactly meet their requirements,” explained Enrico Bizzaro, head of integrations for Wavestore.

Minimising energy costs

“Our clients tell us that minimising energy costs and light pollution is important to them, so this integrated solution has been designed to ensure lights are only turned on when needed. This could be, for example, at an access control reader location in order to visually verify the identity of a card holder or to enhance the ability to read the number plate of a vehicle entering a site. Lighting is also quite often used to add to the deterrent factor of a video surveillance system and, in this respect, operators can choose different options such as SOS, Hi-Lo and Wave light effects.”

The benefits offered by the deep level of integration between the two technologies are available  as standard across Wavestore Premium, Wavestore Enterprise and Wavestore Ultimate channel license levels. 

First to support Hybrid LED illuminators

Wavestore was the first VMS to support Raytec’s Hybrid LED illuminators which bring the benefits of White Light and infrared technology into a single unit. With less cabling required, the 2-in-1 solution reduces installation costs as well as negating the capital cost of deploying two separate lighting units.

Wavestore enables the Hybrid LED illuminators to be controlled individually or as a group with all commands, such as scheduled on/off timings and brightness, securely authenticated by Wavestore in order to prevent unauthorised access to the illuminators over the network.

Milestone Systems introduces ‘Push-To-Talk’ feature in Mobile Client

In the latest update of Milestone Systems’ XProtect 2019 R1 video management software (VMS), the company has introduced two-way audio in the Mobile Client, enabling end users to speak to people on camera directly from their mobile devices.

The first XProtect release of 2019 extends the usability of the Smart Client and takes it outside the Control Room with support for both one and two-way audio in the Mobile Client. This is beneficial for ‘on-the-go’ security personnel whose tasks require them to be away from the Smart Client on occasion.

One-way audio allows end users to listen to audio captured by the microphone connected to the camera directly from their mobile phones using the Milestone Mobile application. Users can also increase their situational awareness when video isn’t available, such as in extreme darkness or when an incident happens outside of the camera’s viewing range.

Two-way audio takes the audio capability a step further with Push-to-Talk, a feature that allows users to speak through the camera-connected speaker directly from their mobile phones. This enables security personnel to use their VMS systems preventatively for things like access control, crowd warnings and intruder alerts – all available on mobile. 

The 2019 R1 version of XProtect also includes support for two-way audio in the Web Client. Two-way audio allows end users to speak through the camera-connected speaker directly from the Web Client anywhere. This transforms the VMS system into an interactive tool and allows users to respond quickly to access control requests and incident prevention without having to be present in the Control Room or on-premise.

The 2019 R1 version of XProtect takes the system’s resistance against cyber security threats a step forward by encrypting all communication between the recording server and other servers and clients connected to it. This certificate-based encryption requires that all components communicating with the recording server (including third party solutions integrated with the VMS system) follow a strict certification process, guaranteeing the system’s resistance against cyber security threats. This system design provides the end user with the best level of performance encrypted end-to-end.

Hanwha Techwin Europe unveils pan-European marketing and training alliance with ADI Global Distribution

Hanwha Techwin Europe has teamed up with ADI Global Distribution to create a pan-European marketing campaign designed to raise awareness of – and highlight the advantages that – Wisenet cameras, recording devices and video management software offer to installers and system integrators alike.

The two companies will conduct a wide range of marketing activities including live demonstrations of the comprehensive range of Wisenet video surveillance solutions at roadshows and seminars, while also placing advertisements in leading European electronic security publications and producing bespoke direct mail communications and eNewsletters.

“This is our first pan-European marketing initiative with Hanwha Techwin,” said Simon Middleton, marketing director of ADI’s EMEA businesses. “Our decision to do so reflects the value we place on the relationship formed between our two companies. It also demonstrates the confidence and trust we have in the ability of Wisenet products to provide installers and system integrators who source video surveillance solutions from ADI Global Distribution with a competitive edge.”

Simon Middleton

Scope of the project

The campaign, which is to be implemented across all countries in Europe where ADI Global Distribution is working in partnership with Hanwha Techwin, will primarily be focused on educating the market on the benefits of Wisenet X cameras.

These 2 MP and 5 MP models are ‘supercharged’ by “the most powerful chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range” and equipped with “the world’s best motorised F0.94 varifocal low light lens” and “the world’s best 150 dB Wide Dynamic Range”.

In addition, the marketing campaign is designed to raise awareness of other Wisenet solutions including Wisenet HD+ analogue cameras which capture Full-HD images in 1080p without the need to upgrade cabling infrastructure, Wisenet Q entry level network cameras delivering feature-rich 2 MP or 4 MP images and premium, top of the range Wisenet P cameras delivering “superb quality” 4K (12 MP) images.

Wisenet solutions certificated training for ADI Global Distribution 

In support of the pan-European marketing alliance, Hanwha Techwin Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its certificated Wisenet product and solutions training programme for sales and technical staff across ADI Global Distribution in Northern Europe.

Hemant Trivedi

“This represents a major investment in time for both UK-based ADI Global Distribution and Hanwha Techwin personnel,” said Hemant Trivedi, regional director for ADI. “It has proven to be time well spent as many of our sales and technical staff are now Hanwha Techwin accredited trainers and able to provide expert advice on the best combination of Wisenet cameras and recording devices for specific projects.”

*For more information on ADI Global Distribution visit www.adiglobal.com

Hanwha Techwin announces 2018 business plan featuring five core values

Hanwha Techwin has welcomed the New Year with a ceremony which took place at the company’s Pangyo R&D Centre. The ceremony offered an opportunity for the surveillance specialist to announce its business plan for 2018. 

At the first New Year meeting since his inauguration last August, Youn Chul Kim (president of Hanwha Techwin’s security business) explained that the company’s five core values (ie business ethics, a good product range, best quality, affordable price and cyber security) must form the basis of its business and operations going forward.

The 2018 business plan entails a greater focus on vertical-specific solutions. Building on the momentum created last year, the company will continue to plan and launch solution-specific products, while also pursuing a deeper understanding of the needs of each vertical sector in order to provide sustainable value for end users.

Storage devices

The second key task for this year involves enhancing the technological competitiveness of the business’ storage solutions. Along with its world class security cameras, Hanwha Techwin plans to boost the competitiveness of its increasingly important back-end products, including storage devices and Video Management Software (VMS).

While emphasising the importance of customer value in the security business, Kim also underlined that the company will continue to fortify its efforts to build greater trust with its valued customers. The video surveillance business is directly relevant to public safety and the security of the individual. Securing customer confidence and trust will therefore fulfil the company’s responsibility as a leading global security company.

Fuel business growth

President Kim also announced the company’s global market strategy to fuel business growth. Noting the great potential of the video surveillance business in the Asian market, Hanwha Techwin opened a new subsidiary office in Dubai last year and plans to start a manufacturing plant in Vietnam during the first quarter of this year.

The company is also planning to strengthen its sales infrastructure through aggressive investment in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets to expand pre-sales and further broaden its market reach through building better relations with partners and clients.

The North American and European markets are expected to see accelerated sales growth through multiple projects involving Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet X Series of cameras which was launched last year.

Responding to change 

“The global market changes so rapidly that it’s difficult to predict the management situation,” stated Kim. “We plan to lead the sector by smartly responding to changes in the environment through strategic scenario management. To secure key competitive advantages, we will make bold investments while strengthening performance management in each phase. We also plan to contribute to the growth of the security industry by collaborating with other companies in the sector.”

Hanwha Techwin earned praise last year for the global launch of its comprehensive Wisenet X Series cameras which feature the Wisenet 5 System on Chip which incorporates the company’s core technologies.

Indeed, Wisenet X was named ‘Best New Product of the Year’ by ADI Global Distribution, Europe’s largest provider of video surveillance solutions. It was also the winner of the video hardware category in the 2017 Benchmark Magazine Innovation Awards.