Axis Communications Video Servers (IP Transmission) / Video Encoders

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (CCTV at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labour to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open architecture platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple licensing processes and pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing and matching camera license types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto camera detection and configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart camera driver technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance of network security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomised video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

It amazes me how in a few short years security systems have gone from simple, dumb cameras witnessing events to intelligent eyes, ears, speech and touch solutions that boost situational awareness far beyond human capabilities. It seems the only senses missing from the equation now are smell and taste. And who knows, someone might be working on those in a lab somewhere right now. But what’s really fascinating to me is how the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened a world of possibilities for transforming security technology into something new yet again. With IoT we’re able to push and pull nuggets of intelligence from sources we never considered before: environmental sensors, pressure plates, door lock timers and much more. It’s helped us break through the constraining mindset that security systems are strictly single-purpose. With interconnectivity at the core, we’re starting to imagine myriad ways to apply these tools to challenges outside the realm of security. Here are just a few examples. Flood management assistance Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate remotely As recent hurricanes and floods have shown, water damage can be devastating to a community. That’s why some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem. Water sensors collect data from multiple sources such as rain gutters, sewer systems and pump stations, in order to monitor fluctuations in water levels and water quality. If an alert triggers, having a network camera in proximity to visually verify the situation helps responders determine the best course of action. For instance, if multiple water detection sensors trigger alerts simultaneously or sequentially over a large area it’s probably due to natural runoff from recent rainfall. But without eyes on the scene, how can you be sure? Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely. It might be a fire hydrant spewing water, a water main break or even a chemical spill. With video streaming live to the command center, staff can remotely inspect the area, determine the cause of the trigger and decide whether remediation is required, thus avoiding the expense of dispatching an investigative crew to a non-event. Some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem Environmental control assistance Data centers house the lifeblood of a business so it’s no wonder why companies work hard to protect them. We’re all familiar with the integration of network cameras with access control systems to visually verify who is actually using the credentials. Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely But there’s another aspect to protecting data centers and that’s environment control. Data centers need to maintain optimum humidity and temperature for the racks of electronics. When environmental sensors in the facility detect out-of-norm ranges technicians can remotely command a network camera to zoom in on the gauges and help them determine whether remediation might be necessary.  Coupling network cameras with other sensors in the data center can provide visual confirmation of other conditions as well. For instance, every time a data rack door-open-close sensor detects an event it can trigger the camera to pan to the location and stream video to security. Some data centers employ weight sensors at the doorway to weigh personnel and equipment as they enter the room and when they exit to ensure no additional hardware is being taken out of the facility or left inside without permission. Any discrepancy would trigger the camera to zoom in for a close-up of the individual’s face and send a visual alert and ID information to security. Roadway management and parking assistance Network cameras have long played a part in city-wide traffic management. Adding video analytics and integration with network sensors, makes those cameras that much smarter and versatile. They can detect cars driving in bike lanes or driving in the wrong direction and capture license plates of offenders. Their ability to detect anomalous traffic flow patterns can be integrated with car counting sensors, networked electronic road signs and traffic light systems to automatically redirect vehicles to alternate routes. They make great, intelligent parking lot attendants, too. Working in conjunction with weight sensors network cameras can count vehicles coming into and leaving a lot or garage and verify when the facility has reached capacity. License plate recognition and video analytics can be used to ascertain that a vehicle entering a reserved parking space doesn’t match the credentials and vehicle attributes in the database. With the addition of noise sensors and audio analytics, network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds – breaking glass, car alarms, gun shots, and aggressive speech – and triggering a visual alert to first responders. Network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds and triggering a visual alert to first responders Shopper experience assistance In the early days of online shopping, e-tailers designed their sites to replicate the in-store customer experience. In an ironic turn of events, today brick-and-mortar stores are trying to mirror the online shopping experience. To do so, they’re turning their security systems into adjunct sales assistance. With network video and audio system automation they can recognise and acknowledge loyal customers with personal greetings. Retailers are applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service With heatmapping analytics they can measure how much time a customer spends in a specific department or observe how they walk through the aisles of the store. They can track shopping behaviors such as items looked at that made it into the cart or didn’t, or whether a customer actually checked out or left the merchandise behind. By capturing these shopping patterns and trends retailers can shape a more positive, more profitable customer shopping experience. For instance, integrating video analytics with point of sale systems and RFID sensors on merchandise tags can result in timely alerts to sales associates to recommend additional merchandise. This is a case of emulating how e-tailers let the customer know that other customers who bought X often also purchased items Y and Z. Or to avoid disappointing customers due to stock outages, retailers are linking weight sensors and video analytics to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and if not, quickly alert associates to what items need to be restocked. Capturing business intelligence Retailers are also using video cameras to monitor checkout queues and trigger automated announcements over the public-address system, closed system such as smartphones or other wireless communications devices that checkers are needed rather wait for a person to call for backup. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs They’re applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service. While retailers will always use their surveillance camera for loss prevention, they’re finding that integrating traditional technology in new ways can yield even bigger returns. Linking network video surveillance, video analytics, network communications system and sensors with point-of-sale systems and customer loyalty databases, retailers are capturing the business intelligence they need to get back in the game and make brick-and-mortar a greater overall experience than online shopping. A natural cross-over technology This trend towards integration has forever changed how organisations view their investment in security technology. The intelligence and versatility of a tool that can see, verify and analyse what’s happening in real-time is spurring users to tap its cross-over potential for a host of other tasks that could benefit from more astute situational awareness – everything from manufacturing and equipment maintenance to logistics, inventory control and beyond. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs. How we capitalise on that connection is only limited by our imagination.

Consolidation persisted in the physical security industry in 2018, and big companies such as Motorola, Canon and UTC continued to make moves. Also among the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) news in 2018 was a high-profile bankruptcy (that ended well), continuing consolidation in the integrator market, and the creation of a new entity called “LenelS2.” Here’s a look at the Top 10 M&A stories in 2018: 1. Motorola acquires Avigilon Motorola Solutions announced in February that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire video surveillance provider Avigilon in an all-cash transaction that enhances Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of mission-critical communications technologies. Avigilon products are used by a range of commercial and government customers including critical infrastructure, airports, government facilities, public venues, healthcare centers and retail. The company holds more than 750 U.S. and international patents. 2. UTC Climate, Control & Security buys S2 Security UTC Climate, Controls & Security agreed in September to acquire S2 Security, a developer of unified security and video management solutions. UTC subsequently combined S2 with its Lenel brand to create LenelS2, “a global leader in advanced access control systems and services” with “complementary strengths.” 3. Costar Technologies acquires Arecont Vision after bankruptcy Arecont Vision, the provider of IP-based megapixel camera and video surveillance solutions, announced in July that the acquisition by Costar Technologies, Inc. of its assets had been approved by the bankruptcy court. After the closing of the sale, the company began operating as Arecont Vision Costar, LLC and is part of Costar, a U.S. corporation that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. 4. Allegion acquires access control company ISONAS Allegion plc, a security products and solutions provider, agreed in June to acquire ISONAS through one of its subsidiaries. ISONAS’ edge-computing technology provides access control solutions for non-residential markets. ISONAS' devices – like its integrated reader-controllers – utilise power over ethernet, making them easy to install and cost effective as they utilise existing customer infrastructures. The company is based in Boulder, Colo. 5. HID buys Crossmatch for Biometrics HID Global announced that it had acquired Crossmatch, a provider of biometric identity management and secure authentication solutions, from Francisco Partners. Crossmatch’s portfolio of products includes biometric identity management hardware and software that complement HID’s broad portfolio of trusted identity products and services. 6. BriefCam announces acquisition by Canon BriefCam, a global provider of video synopsis and deep learning solutions, announced its acquisition in May by Canon Inc., a global digital imaging solutions company. The addition of BriefCam to Canon’s network video solutions products portfolio complements the Canon Group’s previous acquisitions of Axis Communications and Milestone Systems. 7. Allied Universal acquires U.S. Security Associates Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, finalised its acquisition of U.S. Security Associates (USSA) in October, further building on its position in the security services industry. This acquisition includes Andrews International (including its Government Services Division and Consulting and Investigations and International Division) and Staff Pro. 8. Johnson Controls acquires Smartvue Corp. Johnson Controls announced in April that it had acquired Smartvue, a global IoT and video provider that empowers cloud video surveillance and IoT video services. The addition of the Smartvue cloud-based video platform will enhance Johnson Controls’ offering of an end-to-end, smart cloud-based solution that can provide superior business data and intelligence to customers and added value to partners. 9. ADT acquires Red Hawk Fire & Security (and others) ADT Inc.’s acquisition of Red Hawk Fire & Security, Boca Raton, Fla., was the latest move in ADT Commercial’s strategy to buy up security integrator firms around the country and grow their footprint. In addition to the Red Hawk acquisition, announced in mid-October, ADT has acquired more than a half-dozen security system integration firms in the last year or so. 10. Convergint Technologies continues to acquire Convergint Technologies announced in August the acquisition of New Jersey-based Access Control Technologies (ACT), bringing further electronic security systems experience to Convergint's service capabilities. Convergint has strategically grown its service footprint across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific through strong organic growth and the completion of 18 acquisitions since early 2016. And it continues: Convergint announced acquisition of SI Technologies, Albany, N.Y., in November and Firstline Security Integration (FSI), Anaheim, Calif., in December. (And Convergint itself was acquired in February by private equity group Ares Management.)

Siklu, the pioneer in 5G mmWave wireless network solutions, announced that its radios have been deployed in the City of Cambridge, located roughly 100km West of Toronto in Ontario, to provide outdoor video security and support potential public Wi-Fi network services. The city has fibre connections connecting several municipal buildings and continues to deploy more where it makes economic sense. Fibre is used to connect fire stations to City Hall, for example. However, this particular application, outdoor video security, was one that needed more flexibility to accommodate the necessary camera locations. Most parking lots, Intersections and pedestrian walkways do not have a fibre POP (‘point of presence’) nearby. This meant the answer would almost certainly have to be a wireless solution. Need of flexible video security solution The wireless network would need to be able to backhaul gigabit per second public Wi-Fi APs with no additional truck rollsThe solution to be chosen had several additional requirements. It needed to be flexible when it came to expanding the video security coverage, it had to be secure and it also had to have enough capacity that it could support additional high bandwidth applications, such as the deployment of Public Wi-Fi. The wireless network would then need to be able to backhaul gigabit per second public Wi-Fi APs (‘access points’) with no additional truck rolls. The successful bidder on the project was Alliance Security Systems. Alliance investigated 5 GHz solutions as well as 60 GHz and determined that only 60 GHz products could meet current and future requirements. The ‘EtherHaul 600’ point-to-point 60 GHz solution from Siklu features plenty of capacity (from 100Mbps up to 1Gbps, software upgradeable), flexible deployment options (up to 1km “link” range), small size (mountable on street light poles) and immunity to radio interference (e.g., 5 GHz systems are subject to the ever increasing Wi-Fi noise floor).    Deployment of P3717 multi-lens cameras Phase 1 of the program supported ten multi-lens camera deployments, and the network design had six 1-Gbps Siklu V-Band radios collocated at the city Clock Tower. This dense colocation was a result of the very narrow 60GHz radio beams and the abundant spectrum (14GHz) available. Deployment of the Siklu radios was accomplished within a week and incorporated an Axis Communications P3717 multi-lens cameras managed by a Genetec Security Center unified security platform. Since the installation of the video security network, a car theft ring was apprehended and there has been a reduction in crimeTom Hackett, Alliance Security Systems stated: “By utilising the point to point technology in such a way where we co-locate the head end, we end up approaching a cumulative speed of over 10Gbps per second once Phase 2 is commissioned. That’s just an astounding wireless speed in today’s world. The network has been such a success that beyond expansion plans with Cambridge, we are in discussions with other municipalities.” Reduction in crimes The City also operates the Phase 1 network to provide access to police as requested for specific incidents or investigations. Since the installation of the video security network, a car theft ring was apprehended and there has been a noticeable reduction in crime. Beginning in June 2019 or as soon as light poles become available, Phase 2 will add seven new cameras and will be supported by Siklu’s V-Band ‘EtherHaul 600’ radios. The EtherHaul 600 units feature 1 Gbits of capacity and can accommodate future expansions of the system. “The network was installed and is delivering in all aspects – high up time and excellent video quality,” said Trevor McWilliams, Manager of Business Development for the City of Cambridge Ontario Economic Development. “We are confident that the network deployed will operate for many years and be able to support new applications as needed.”

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.) as the 2019 recipients of the SIA Legislator of the Year Award. The awardees will be honoured at the upcoming SIA GovSummit, taking place June 26-27 in Washington, D.C. The SIA Legislator of the Year Award is presented annually to members of Congress and other elected officials who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in advancing legislation and policies that encourage the effective use of technology solutions to enhance public safety and security and protect critical infrastructure. Recognition for promoting workforce development Sen. Fischer recently recognised SIA, along with SIA member companies Intel and VMware, as supporters of the DIGIT ActWith this award, Sen. Klobuchar will be recognised for her leadership on workforce development and life safety issues important to the security industry and its mission. In 2019, Klobuchar authored S.379, a bill that would allow workers to use “529” education savings accounts for training and credentialing programs, and S. 481 – the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act – which would provide grant assistance for the purchase and installation of carbon monoxide detectors in dwelling units of low-income families and elderly persons, child care facilities, public schools and student housing owned by public universities. Sen. Fischer authored bipartisan legislation that would convene a working group of federal entities and private-sector stakeholders tasked with providing recommendations to Congress on how to facilitate the growth of connected Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. S. 1611, also known as the Developing and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, calls for the United States to craft a national strategy to position the United States as the global leader in IoT technologies. Sen. Fischer recently recognised SIA, along with SIA member companies Intel and VMware, as supporters of the DIGIT Act. Installing vehicular barriers to mitigate attacks Rep. Payne, who serves as chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, recently introduced H.R. 2160 – the Shielding Public Spaces From Vehicular Terrorism Act – which would help communities leverage homeland security grants to install vehicular barriers and implement other protective measures and direct research and development efforts on the emerging threats from vehicular attacks. Rep. Payne recently introduced H.R. 2160 – the Shielding Public Spaces From Vehicular Terrorism Act Payne also crafted H.R. 6920, the School Security Is Homeland Security Grant Act, which clarified allowable uses, requires a percentage of homeland security grants to be used for enhanced school security measures and increases overall authorisation for the grants. Enhancing perimeter and school security “SIA’s policy priorities include notable measures that help increase safety and security across many sectors, including the critical areas of perimeter security and school security, while helping the industry to stay ahead of megatrends such as the proliferation of IoT and the recruitment and retention of qualified workers,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “SIA applauds Sen. Klobuchar’s work to promote the 21st-century technology workforce essential to our industry, Sen. Fischer’s leadership in recognising the security industry’s role in fostering IoT growth, and Rep. Payne’s contributions to mitigating the threat of vehicular attacks and protecting students, staff, faculty and visitors in our nation’s schools.” Session on physical access control systems SIA GovSummit – the annual government security conference hosted by SIA – brings together government security leaders and private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and even local agencies. Attendees will find specialised sessions on topics such as modernising federal physical access control systems Attendees will find specialised sessions on topics such as modernising federal physical access control systems, the U.S. Department of Defense’s unified facilities criteria for security systems, facial recognition technology use for public safety and homeland security missions and helping communities protect religious institutions, crowded spaces and other soft targets. SIA GovSummit is free for all government employees, including federal, state, county and municipal-level staff (both domestic and international), plus all military, law enforcement and public safety representatives. Sponsors of the event This event is made possible thanks to the following sponsors and partners: Premier Sponsors LenelS2, HID Global, Tyco Security Products and Allegion; Event Sponsors AMAG Technology, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Axis Communications, B&B Roadway Security Solutions, Calpipe Security Bollards, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, dormakaba, Gallagher, Genetec, Gibraltar, GSA Schedules, Inc., Hanwha Techwin America, HySecurity, IDEMIA, Identiv, ISC Security Events, Louroe Electronics, Marshalls, Milestone Systems, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, NetApp, Panasonic, the Secure Worker Access Consortium and TCP Security Solutions.

SimonsVoss Technologies GmbH, part of the Allegion group - a pioneer in digital locking and physical access control systems - enters a technology partnership in Europe with Morphean. The new technology partnership, that will utilise SimonsVoss’ digital access control system SmartIntego, extends Morphean’s cloud-based capabilities beyond video surveillance and into the access control-as-a-service (ACaaS) market, forecast to reach US$2.8b by 2024. Integrated security system We are seeing considerable growth in demand for wireless locks" The secure Morphean platform informs decision making and drives efficiencies for organisations by generating unique and actionable insights from a multitude of data sources. The combination of an integrated security system hosted in the cloud that now combines video surveillance and access control promises not only greater security with two factor authentication but also a wealth of rich data. This will help businesses optimise operations and processes, such as by gaining greater insight into customer and employee behaviours or how office space is utilised. Martyn Ryder, VP Sales & Marketing at Morphean says, “We are seeing considerable growth in demand for wireless locks so we welcome this timely agreement to partner with SimonsVoss. This will allow us to extend our current access control offering and meet growing market and customer demand for both wired and wireless locking solutions via our cloud managed access control solution. The powerful combination of video security and access control as-a-service will bring many operational and business benefits for our customers across Europe and beyond.” Access control data The advance of smart cities, a more stringent regulatory environment and rising crime rates are some of the factors behind the appeal of ACaaS and outsourcing access control functions to guarantee accurate maintenance of key cards. Digital access control systems are valued highly in security technology for buildings" With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. “Digital access control systems are valued highly in security technology for buildings,” commented Evert te Pas, International Sales Manager at SimonsVoss. Snap-in installation “SmartIntego by SimonsVoss is a state-of-the-art digital access control solution that is easy and simple to deploy into existing physical and digital infrastructure such as doors and IT networks. The cable free and snap-in installation means it is compatible with most doors with no drilling of holes, so is scalable and flexible without limitation.” Morphean’s ACaaS system utilises door controllers from Axis Communications, namely the AXIS A1001 and the AXIS A1601, that serve as the interface between the cloud and the SimonsVoss’ SmartIntego system. Stephanie Hensler, Director Business Development at Axis Communications, said, “Axis is totally committed to this market and creating innovative solutions based on its open standards that allow partners to integrate different types of software and hardware for a fully scalable, flexible and future proof solution. We look forward to working even more closely with Morphean.” Morphean will be attending IFSEC 2019, 18-20 June, ExCel, London (Axis stand IF920).