A major industry player is getting even bigger. FLIR’s acquisition of DVTEL will make FLIR a full-spectrum security systems provider, covering the consumer, SMB, Enterprise and large infrastructure segments of the market. The acquisition of DVTEL strengthens and broadens FLIR’s Enterprise market segment, complementing the existing security product lineup by offering a new set of software-based video surveillance technologies.
FLIR already has solutions at either end of the traditional Enterprise business – Consumer and Borders, as examples – and FLIR’s existing solutions will be strengthened further with the addition of DVTEL’s products, technologies, and development capabilities. “We believe this is a unique position in the overall market,” says John Distelzweig, Vice President and General Manager of FLIR’s Security Segment, who also provided other insights into the benefits of the recent acquisition.
SourceSecurity.com: Was there any aspect of DVTEL that made it an especially attractive acquisition target?
Distelzweig: DVTEL adds key video management software and video analytics software to FLIR’s product suite to allow FLIR to offer an end-to-end solution for customers.
SourceSecurity.com: How will the "sum be greater than the parts?"
Distelzweig: DVTEL gives FLIR an impressive VMS platform from which to brand FLIR, expanding our presence from a strictly Enterprise market to the SMB (small- and medium-sized business) market. DVTEL’s video analytics algorithms are widely viewed as the industry’s best, and FLIR will incorporate them into our existing products to create a best-of-breed, highly-reliable and advanced automated alarming solution. This will help drive incremental value for existing FLIR products. Additionally, expanding the DVTEL camera lineup with FLIR cameras at either end will drive incremental revenue on a per-project basis.
SourceSecurity.com: FLIR in the security market still tends to be associated with thermal cameras. This acquisition seems to be an additional way to expand beyond that core technology (and its perception as an expensive option).
FLIR has been an innovator in |
Distelzweig: FLIR has historically been a high-end, even military, brand. However, in the past two years, with the integration of Lorex, FLIR now has an established brand in the SMB space and even in Consumer IP (FLIR FX for example). With this most recent move, the FLIR brand stands for best value and performance in every category.
SourceSecurity.com: Did the broader appeal of thermal cameras in the market (based in part on lower costs) impact the decision to buy DVTEL (i.e., make it a better “fit”)?
Distelzweig: In short, Yes. FLIR has been an innovator in the Thermal Security Space for years. The addition of industry-leading Video Analytics is clearly complementary to this positon. With the introduction of the Lepton thermal micro-core, we are positioned to push the price points for perimeter solutions to a completely new level. Expect exiting things to come in this regard.
SourceSecurity.com: FLIR is active in so many markets, what does this acquisition say about the company's "commitment" to video surveillance? Is there any aspect of this acquisition that could impact any other markets the company serves?
Distelzweig: FLIR is very committed to all of its markets. Video Surveillance is a component in the products in four of our existing segments today (Security, Surveillance, [OEM/emerging markets/intelligent traffic systems], and even in Maritime). In each of these cases the products and/or technologies from DVTEL will bring improvements to the solutions being offered today.
SourceSecurity.com: Can you tell us anything about the changes that are likely to occur related to DVTEL's personnel, locations, use of the brand name(s), etc.?
Distelzweig: DVTEL will report in our existing security segment. The DVTEL sales force will be folded into our existing team, adding complementary regional and functional positions. DTVEL product development will remain in their current locations, and FLIR will utilize them for more innovation under its long-term strategy in the Security market.