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.

barox set to showcase high-performance, cyber-secure PoE Ethernet switches at The Security Event 2022

barox Kommunikation AG, the global manufacturer of professional standard switches, media converters and IP extenders specifically designed for video applications, will be exhibiting at The Security Event 2022, which runs from 5-7 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

To promote the ease and depth of integration with third party VMS control, barox will be displaying a selection of its latest Ethernet Switch range on the Advancis stand (Hall 3 Stand F50). Demonstrating depth of systems integration, barox – itself an Advancis Premium Partner – will be showing switch integration with Advancis WinGuard PSIM software control, in addition to other solutions from Nedap, Cruatech and Zenitel.

The barox display will reveal how the company’s new range of managed and unmanaged industrial media converters caters for the demands of video and PoE heavy applications and features extensive cyber security functions that protect both the switch and network traffic.

With extensive management options, even the most complex of network requirements can be met. Advanced barox managed switch capabilities include active camera and PoE monitoring and active integration via switch modules for easy integration to popular VMS control.

PoE management

Supporting more simple, quicker and lower-cost installations, the barox RY-XX Series allows IP cameras to be fed robust PoE power via the data cable. Advanced PoE management allows installers to configure port settings for functionality such as connection, speed flow and auto-negotiation status, as well as power delay, and non-stop PoE with soft re-boot.

“We’re looking forward to meeting visitors to the show who would like to learn more about industrial managed and unmanaged media converters with the power to support the latest PoE heavy applications,” explained Rudolf Rohr, barox co-founder and managing partner.”

Rohr continued: “With the demand for increasingly more powerful PoE devices, such as dome cameras and all-in-one PTZ units, the barox range supports 802.3bt, with robust PoE power up to 90 W. In addition, for peace of mind, all barox Ethernet switches are designed to meet the specific operational and performance demands of CCTV surveillance, employing innovations that guarantee greater customer security and, for the installer, easy set-up and integration into leading VMS control software.”

*Further information is available online at www.barox.uk

3xLOGIC introduces All-in-One Functionality for specific camera models

3xLOGIC, the provider of integrated and intelligent security solutions, has announced the availability of its All-in-One Functionality for the company’s serverless camera bundle, indoor cube camera and 56-degree thermal camera offerings.

All-in-One cameras feature on-board storage and, with the purchase of appropriate licensing, allow the camera to function as a standalone VIGIL Server. The cameras can also be used in conjunction with a VIGIL DVR for redundant storage capability.

As a standalone camera, All-in- One models are compatible with the entire VIGIL Software Suite, including direct access through VIGIL Client and the mobile app View Lite II, as well as with VIGIL Central Management for remote health monitoring and notification.

“As dealers and customers look for more ways in which to balance and optimise video delivery and video verification, so the need for camera-based edge storage and remote accessibility has increased,” said Bill Hobbs, vice-president of global sales at 3xLOGIC. “The new All-in-One feature addresses these requirements with an affordable, redundant and edge-based solution.”

All-in-One Functionality

All-in-One Functionality is now available on the following new solutions from 3xLOGIC:

Serverless Camera Bundle

Designed for SMEs, as well as being suitable for educational, retail, healthcare and warehouse and distribution environments, the 3xLOGIC Serverless Camera Bundle offers those organisations that don’t have support staff to maintain on-site servers and infrastructure the opportunity to benefit from a cutting-edge security solution.

Flexibility, functionality, scalability and future-proofing are at the heart of the Serverless Camera Bundle. As the world moves away from on-premises servers and into the cloud, 3xLOGIC has provided an interim step with serverless cameras that offer a ‘per camera’ alternative. However, recognising that requirements change, it’s possible to add a server if required or otherwise transition to the highly cost-effective 3xLOGIC cloud solution.

The Serverless Camera Bundle incorporates 3xLOGIC VISIX devices that boast all-in-one functionality. Users can choose from the VISIX 5MP fixed 2.8 mm lens indoor/outdoor vandal-proof mini-dome and VISIX 5 MP fixed 4 mm lens outdoor mini-bullet cameras, which are both available in 128 GB or 256 GB storage options.

Both variants feature solid state components so there are no mechanical drives as failure points. They can be configured using the VISIX Setup App.

Remote access to live and recorded video is possible through VIGIL Client and/or the VIGIL View Lite II App.

Indoor Cube Camera

The 2 MP Indoor/Outdoor Multi-Sensor Cube Camera with Wi-Fi. Featuring built-in passive infrared sensors, two-way audio and digital I/O, the VX-2M-CPIR-IAW delivers a feature- rich IP camera, alarm annunciator and audio in a single small unit.

With dual-streaming compression, the VX-2M-CPIR-IAW realises recording at the highest quality levels while enabling fast live viewing from anywhere regardless of available bandwidth.

The camera can be used with optional edge recording for a true all-in-one solution or it can be coupled with the VIGIL Series of NVRs and VMS software for superior point-to-point hardware compression and decompression in order to allow for maximum performance of live streamed video. This provides higher-quality video, more concurrent streams and a lower overall demand on CPU performance.

56-Degree Thermal Imager

The new 56-degree field of view thermal imager provides enhanced detection capabilities and is ideal for surveillance applications with insufficient lighting or in areas where smoke, fog or dust are an issue.

The 56-degree thermal device is ideal for surveillance and detection applications where there’s insufficient lighting, or for those customers who want visibility where they once had none. Edge-based recording software and an advanced analytics engine eliminate the need for an on-site server.

In addition to detecting intruders, the thermal fulfils another increasingly important function: equipment temperature monitoring. The ability to monitor generators, electrical panels and other equipment – and proactively notify the end user of an overheating or runaway condition – is a highly effective way in which to manage and preserve assets and security.

Target markets for this thermal device include car dealerships and equipment rental companies, utilities, sub-stations and maintenance facilities, seaports, railway yards and airports in addition to education campuses.

*For a full list of 3xLOGIC cameras featuring All-in-One Functionality visit https://www.3xlogic.com/products/all-in-one-products-bundles

Zicam Integrated Security selects Wisenet as preferred video surveillance brand

Zicam Integrated Security Ltd – one of the UK’s fastest-growing installers of electronic security systems – has selected Hanwha Techwin as its preferred single source provider of IP network video surveillance solutions. 

“As a systems integrator always looking to innovate and provide end user clients with added value from their video surveillance systems, we’ve decided to work ever-more closely with Hanwha Techwin,” stated David Salisbury, managing director of West Midlands-based Zicam Integrated Security, which has specialised in state-of-the-art surveillance and detection security systems for over 25 years now.

Salisbury went on to state: “While we always offer objective advice to end user clients in respect of the best cameras, recording devices and VMS available to meet their specific requirements, we’ve found for most projects we’ve been involved in over recent years that, via authorised distributors, we’ve been able to source everything needed from the Hanwha Techwin Wisenet product range.”

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Remote monitoring

Although Zicam Integrated Security is able to take advantage of the full Wisenet range when recommending the most suitable products for specific applications, the business has recently been specifying Wisenet P Series AI cameras for almost all projects where the video surveillance systems are being remotely monitored.

“In addition to the superb quality of the 4K images captured by these cameras,” continued Salisbury, “they’re also equipped with deep learning AI video analytics which deliver a high level of detection accuracy while minimising false alarms. This is proving to be extremely valuable to our clients, such as DHL, in terms of them efficiently and cost-effectively protecting their assets, people and property.”

STEP Partner

As a Gold level Hanwha Techwin STEP Partner, Zicam Integrated Security is able to benefit from the support offered by the partnership programme, including an enhanced five-year warranty, access to a wide range of technical support resources, lead sharing and co-marketing activities.

Ben Speakman, UK country manager for Hanwha Techwin Europe, observed: “We’re naturally delighted that a knowledgeable and highly professional systems integrator such as Zicam Integrated Security has committed to recommending Wisenet-branded products to its clients wherever possible. We’re very much looking forward to helping the Zicam team capitalise on the new business opportunities being created by our next generation products, many of which are equipped with deep learning AI video analytics.”

*For more information visit www.zicam-security.co.uk

Qognify receives LenelS2 factory certification under LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Programme

Security and risk mitigation solutions specialist Qognify has received LenelS2 factory certification and joined the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Programme. All of Qognify’s products (ie Situator, VisionHub, Cayuga, Ocularis and NiceVision) now interface with the OnGuard access control system, enabling customers to evaluate situations based on a synopsis of event and video data, in turn allowing a faster and more targeted response to critical incidents.

The newly-certified interface allows Qognify software to receive and display events from the OnGuard platform (for instance ‘Access granted’ or ‘Door opened’. In return, live and archive videos from cameras operated with one of Qognify’s video management systems or its Enterprise Incident Management System Situator can be displayed in the OnGuard system.

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“Qognify has completed the required factory testing procedures at LenelS2 to validate the functionality of its interfaces to the OnGuard system,” explained John Marchioli, OpenAccess Alliance Programme product management specialist at LenelS2. “These interfaces provide great options for end users who prefer expanded integrated security solutions. We look forward to Qognify’s continued involvement in the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Programme.”

Chen Porat, vice-president of R&D at Qognify, responded: “Being able to offer an interface to the OnGuard system is an important step for us, especially so because the interface is available across Qognify’s entire product range. This development reflects our strategy which is based upon offering our customers an overall security solution focused on their individual needs. It’s another example of the cross-product initiatives we’ve been concentrating on.”

360 Vision Technology extends VMS control with Digifort integration

360 Vision Technology – the UK manufacturer of rugged HD PTZ, radar and thermal imaging cameras – has announced a technical partnership designed to provide full systems integration with Digifort’s IP-based VMS solution.

Competitively priced and with no ongoing licence costs, the Digifort IP VMS software platform offers high-quality video monitoring and management combined with flexible and secure RAID video storage to suit any size of video surveillance project. In addition, the Digifort VMS can be upgraded to include analytics, LPR, facial recognition, Point of Sale and access control functionality.

Offering fast and simple set-up, the Digifort VMS now includes comprehensive camera SDK integration to the full range of 360 Vision Technology surveillance cameras. Full camera menu and set-up functionality is provided, including PTZ, camera iris and focus control, wash/wipe and auxiliary switching for built-in long-range IR and/or white light LED illumination.

Harnessing the power of network infrastructure, the Digifort VMS and 360 Vision Technology’s camera control can be used to deliver a high-performance, end-to-end surveillance solution for traffic monitoring, border control, public space surveillance, retail security, management and Health and Safety monitoring applications.

“It’s great to be working with, and harnessing, the powerful surveillance capability of a UK camera manufacturer,” enthused Nick Bowden, managing director at the Security Buying Group, Digifort’s UK and Ireland representative. “With the 360 Vision Technology camera range fully integrated into our IP VMS, simple device set-up and user-friendly operation is guaranteed. This will greatly enhance the user experience and maximise system performance.”

Sara Fisher, sales director at 360 Vision Technology, responded: “We’ve worked on a number of significant projects in conjunction with Digifort and customers have been very pleased with the performance of the integrated end-to-end solution. Digifort’s VMS solution makes for a perfect partnership with our range of industrial PTZ cameras.”

Milestone XProtect VMS update “takes security to next level” with Microsoft encryption

Protecting sensitive data in surveillance systems is key to maintaining video authenticity, personal privacy and adequate cyber security measures. XProtect 2020 R3 from Milestone includes a level of encryption from Microsoft called Cryptography New Generation that adheres to “the highest levels of cyber security and data protection” available on the market today.

XProtect’s new encryption modules include stronger data protection, increased cyber security, evidence authenticity and password-protected configuration. Embedding this encryption also means that XProtect can now be configured to operate in a Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant mode. FIPS is a US Government computer security standard used in all software solutions deployed in US federal agencies and regulated industries such as healthcare and finance.

Security system operators are the eyes and ears of their organisation. When an incident occurs, they’re expected to provide video evidence immediately. This can sometimes be a challenging task, especially so for installations with thousands of cameras recording 24/7.

XProtect 2020 R3 offers a new multi-category search function that makes finding the specific video evidence easier and faster than ever. Multi-category search allows the operator to combine and search across multiple categories such as people, vehicles and location as well as any search agents developed and integrated into XProtect by third party technology partners.

By way of example, operators can narrow their investigation to only contain video sequences that include blue vehicles and males and exclude those that only meet one of them.

Expanded support for 360-degree cameras

XProtect 2020 R3 also offers expanded support for any 360-degree camera that delivers a complete fish-eye view. Most customers will experience significant installation and camera cost reductions and increased situational awareness when deploying these camera types compared to standard surveillance cameras.

The 2020 R3 release contains many more new and improved features and capabilities such as improved video rendering performance in the XProtect Smart Client, adaptive streaming for XProtect Mobile and direct streaming improvements in XProtect Web Client. On the cameras and devices side, XProtect 2020 R3 includes improvements such as increased security without compromising ease-of-use, more freedom to build installations that suit customers’ needs and new Device Packs.

Genetec “only VMS vendor in world” to hold UL cyber security certification for security and life safety signalling systems

Unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions specialist Genetec has announced that Security Center Omnicast, its video management system (VMS), has received the UL 2900-2-3 Level 3 cyber security certification for the second year in a row. Genetec is currently the only VMS vendor in the world to have achieved this certification.

The UL Cyber Security Assurance Program (UL CAP) is a robust certification program that evaluates the security of network-connectable products and vendor processes. It features standardised, testable criteria from the UL 2900 Series of cyber security standards for assessing software vulnerabilities and weaknesses in embedded products and systems. 

The UL 2900-2-3 Standard for Security and Life Safety Signalling Systems was created with three possible levels of certification, ranking with an increasing level of security for each tier, to specifically test physical security systems for cyber security robustness.

Level 3, for which the Security Center Omnicast VMS is certified, is the most advanced. It includes a series of checks including fuzz testing, code and binary analysis, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and risk management methodology validation.

“As a global safety science leader, UL is dedicated to promoting safe environments,” said Chris Hasbrook, UL’s vice-president and general manager of the Building and Life Safety Technologies division. “As part of that mission, the UL Cyber Security Assurance Program is a robust cyber security certification program for network-connectable products, and one which has to be renewed every year.”

Christian Morin, CSO at Genetec, added: “As a vocal proponent of cyber security Best Practice for many years now, we have always paid great attention to our own processes and operations. Being awarded this UL 2900-2-3 Level 3 certification for the second year is another testament to our continuous commitment to cyber security.”

IDIS ranked among top security equipment manufacturers for 2020 OSPAs

Confirming IDIS as one of the most trusted suppliers of surveillance tech in the UK, the company has been named as a finalist in the 2020 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). Indeed, IDIS is the only video manufacturer to have been selected as a finalist in this year’s awards scheme.

Now Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance equipment manufacturer, IDIS has established a committed customer base in the UK by offering end-to-end video solutions that combine plug-and-play simplicity with advanced functions. It’s an approach that has seen its sales grow consistently every year since its 2013 UK launch. In 2018, year-on-year sales were up by 78%, with 22% consolidated growth across Europe.

UK OSPAs founder Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI informed Risk Xtra that IDIS and the other 2020 finalists had been identified by an independent panel of experts scoring against impartial and ethical judging criteria.

“All those who are finalists have reached a score threshold and those with low scores, or ranked lower than tenth equal, have been eliminated. This ensures our finalists represent the very best in the industry.”

From the early days of IP, IDIS took a different approach to its competitors. When many were talking about the advantages of open architecture IP surveillance and solutions on corporate networks, IDIS understood that there were drawbacks in that approach. Today, it’s almost universally accepted that, for many SME video surveillance applications, dedicated networks are better.

IDIS identified this reality correctly from the outset because the business wasn’t led by what new technology could do, but rather by what customers actually needed.

As a result, IDIS DirectIP was the first genuine, one-click plug-and-play solution which, at a stroke, removed a major burden on professional installers. IDIS believed there should be no need for engineers to learn how to handle networks and routers, or to manage passwords for each individual device. Supporting installers who don’t have an in-depth knowledge of networking, IDIS’ ‘For Every Network’ peer-to-peer technology allows engineers to deploy secure, multi-site surveillance solutions on a rapid basis.

IDIS has also led the way with other important innovations, including reducing the video storage and transmission burden for end users with its Intelligent Codec, a powerful compression technology that cuts bandwidth requirements by up to 90% when combined with motion adaptive transmission.

To make the migration to H.265 easier and more affordable for end users, IDIS developed a dual codec solution allowing simultaneous H.264 live viewing and H.265 high resolution recording. Another example of technical innovation being fitted to customer realities, not the other way around.

IDIS has also focused on improving value for end users, with its totally cost- and license- free IDIS Center VMS being powerful yet easy enough for non-specialist staff to use.

“IDIS innovations have a proven track record of providing targeted and original answers to specific problems faced by end users and installers,” explained James Min, managing director for IDIS Europe. “We’re delighted that our approach has been recognised in the 2020 OSPAs and look forward to the awards ceremony on 26 February.”

Hanwha Techwin focuses on Top 5 Video Surveillance Trends for 2020

Hanwha Techwin, the supplier of IP and analogue video surveillance solutions, has put forward its Top 5 key trend predictions for the security industry in 2020. These include Artificial Intelligence end-to-end security solutions, cyber security, cloud-based data insights, privacy protection and vertical specialised solutions.

Artificial Intelligence End-to-End Security Solutions

As Artificial Intelligence becomes more broadly adopted across industries, it’s likely to be more widely incorporated in video surveillance in the upcoming year. Edge-based Artificial Intelligence (which filters and processes data locally on a camera) will be more ubiquitous, enabling end-to-end Artificial Intelligence technology.

Today, most security cameras send the data they collect to servers to be analysed. However, with edge-based Artificial Intelligence, the data is first analysed by the camera and subsequently sent to the server. This reduces the burden of transferring and storing large amounts of data to a server, thereby increasing efficiency, saving time and reducing server costs typically required to analyse data.

In 2020, Hanwha Techwin will introduce edge-based Artificial Intelligence cameras, as well as Artificial Intelligence-powered NVRs and VMS so as to bring to market end-to-end (camera to storage server and VMS) Artificial Intelligence security solutions.

Cyber Security

With Internet of Things (IoT) devices becoming ubiquitous, the importance of cyber security has never been more prominent that it is today. Today’s cyber attacks are more intelligent and advanced than ever before, so building cyber-resilient security systems is no longer an option, but an imperative.

Smart Cities, factories, financial institutions and retailers require scaleable video surveillance solutions which are closely interconnected with other devices and networks, making the importance of cyber security paramount.

Strong cyber security has always been Hanwha Techwin’s priority and the company has been refining its technology to suit ince the beginning. The soon-to-be released Wisenet 7, the newest version of Hanwha Techwin’s own System on Chip, has been designed with the strongest cyber security features including a secure booting function and signed firmware for both software and hardware. Validated by the UL Cyber Security Assurance Program certification, Wisenet 7 ensures that end users have access to the industry’s most advanced cyber security features.

Cloud–Based Data Insight

According to IDC, the provider of IT-focused market intelligence, there will be about 175 zettabytes of data in the world by the year 2025, with much of it stored in the cloud and Data Centres around the world. At the same time, video surveillance solutions will go far beyond functioning as a simple monitoring tool to become an indispensable aid to organisations by providing useful insights that improve business operations.

The importance of accessible cloud-based servers that can easily store and analyse the accumulated data will also increase. Going beyond being an efficient storage repository, sophisticated analytics will use cloud processing to analyse the stored data and provide practical and timely insights. 

In 2020, Hanwha Techwin will introduce cloud-based solutions beginning with the Device Health Monitoring Cloud, which will monitor and manage video surveillance devices in real-time. The company will also introduce Retail Insight Cloud which is designed to facilitate store management.

Privacy Protection

Together with cyber security, Hanwha Techwin believes that the protection of personal data should be integral to the business ethics of a video surveillance company. By its very nature, the video data that’s collected for security purposes almost always contains private information. Therefore, protecting surveillance data is imperative.

Around the world, privacy protection laws are being introduced, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the Federal Information Security Management Act in the US. The California Consumer Privacy Act is also set to come into effect in January 2020.

These laws will force the video surveillance industry to follow ‘privacy by design’ Best Practice and renew all efforts designed to protect personal data from misuse and abuse. Organisations are increasingly aware of the dangers of private data breaches and they’re becoming more discerning when choosing security products and solutions.

Hanwha Techwin provides a solution with Video Privacy Management technology and has released its Smart Cover of Privacy line-up to comply with the GDPR globally.

Vertical Specialised Solutions

Vertical markets in the security industry are increasingly requiring more specialised devices and solutions that meet unique requirements. With the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution, the presence of smart verticals will be more prominent and video surveillance companies must be ready to provide solutions for Smart Cities, factories, transportation and retail organisations.

Soon Hong Ahn

Hanwha Techwin already provides products for these verticals and plans to expand its line-up of specialised solutions in the very near future to include asset management solutions with IoT technology.

“Advancement in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the IoT and the cloud will support new use cases in conjunction with existing devices and solutions to meet customers’ needs in various verticals, expanding the horizon of our industry,” said Hanwha Techwin’s president and CEO Soon Hong Ahn. “However, we must also be mindful of the social and ethical responsibility related to areas such as cyber security and private data protection. Sustained interest and investment in these areas must be regarded as an obligation to make sure our industry continues to thrive in the midst of rapid technological advancements.”