ISC West 2016: Ivideon cloud video system and subscription paves way for recurring revenue for distributors and integrators

Cloud-based video systems have been slow to take off, but a new offering being introduced at ISC West seeks to give the concept new life. Unveiling the new system is Ivideon, a provider of hosted Cloud-based video, which is joining forces with Global Innovations, manufacturer of the Oco line of smart cameras.

New Oco Pro cameras are pre-configured to interface easily with the Ivideon Cloud system, and distributors and integrators who sell the cameras make money both on the camera and installation, and as recurring revenue on the Cloud service.

Win-win proposition for both distributors and installers

Once a camera is installed, end user customers can choose a Cloud service subscription plan, with distributors and installers receiving a monthly cashback percentage of any subscription fees through a new Partner Programme. Distributors can earn 15 percent on each active monthly Cloud service plan sold by their installers, and installers can earn from 20 to 35 percent, depending on volume of sales. In conjunction with the introduction, Ivideon is offering bigger Cloud subscription discounts than are typically available via its website.

Each distributor and/or installer will be provided a Web portal that lists all their installed cameras along with a tally of associated Cloud service revenue, and specifying the share for the distributor and/or installer.

Full HD video streaming quality, hybrid storage, seamless Cloud service

Global Innovations, which has historically specialised in Oco consumer do-it-yourself video cameras, is introducing a new professional camera line to work in conjunction with Ivideon’s Cloud system. The new Oco Pro cameras offer improved Full HD video streaming quality, hybrid storage (on-board [up to 128 GB], on a local server and/or in the Cloud), and a selection of models that includes indoor as well as outdoor cameras with infrared.

The new cameras were developed by engineers and designers in California and are assembled in China. A unique ID included in each camera’s software connects the camera seamlessly to the Cloud service, with no need to contend with problems such as firewalls.

Motion and sound detectors on the cameras can trigger video feeds into the Cloud as needed based on alarms; video can also be stored locally inside the camera. If an end user customer does not have enough bandwidth to access Cloud storage, Ivideon offers a software video management system that can be loaded on a desktop or laptop computer on the site to access video.

Each camera that feeds video into the Cloud requires an Internet bandwidth of about 1 Mbps, depending on resolution and bit rate. A typical customer might be a small- to medium-sized business (SMB), with usually five or six cameras per location. Video from any camera can be viewed via the Cloud via the Internet or on a mobile device using a free App, with access to video configurable based on need. Select camera views can also be made viewable by the public.

Cybersecurity assured with secure servers and encryption

Cybersecurity of Cloud systems is typically a concern for customers, and Philipp Ryzhkov, CEO, Oco North America, offers details of how the system is secured. Once the Oco Pro camera captures the video, it is compressed, encrypted and sent to the server. All data stored in Ivideon’s Video Cloud is on secure servers, via 15 or so data centres around the world. Servers are certified for security with standards such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS and SOC 1. Encryption includes an Advanced Encryption Standard 256-bit (AES-256) key, which is approved by the National Security Agency for protecting "top secret" classified U.S. government information. “As with any online services, we encourage users to use strong passwords and to take measures to keep private information safe,” he says. In addition, all Ivideon servers are certified as Norton Secured. 

Video stored on an Oco Pro SD card or a local device is private and inaccessible unless it is set up to link to the Cloud, he says. For local devices, video is compressed and encrypted, and users own their content. If the phone or any other device is taken by someone, the user should use their device’s security measures to disable it (similar to Find My iPhone feature by Apple). In addition, the user can log in via any browser and change the password to the app.

Ivideon, a first-time exhibitor at ISC West, also works with other camera partners such as Hikvision, Dahua and Axis.