Octave - Experts & Thought Leaders

barox Kommunikation announce a collaboration with Octave, enabling Octave Coda Video users to simplify their device and network management via integration with the barox range of Ethernet switches. Driving superior performance and resilience for physical assets and critical infrastructure, Coda Video, Octave’s enterprise-grade Video Management System (VMS), is proven to meet the most demanding of high security environments.  What barox features can be integrated? Eliminating the need for separate network management tools, the barox integration with Coda Video supports the most commonly used industrial managed and PoE‑enabled barox switches specified within security and critical infrastructure environments. Integration into the Coda Video VMS via the Event Interface plugin allows connectivity to barox switches to provide real‑time monitoring of the switches, network and device status, where  Coda Video displays a map of all IoT devices, alarms and events. In addition, centralised configuration and diagnostics and tight linkage between network events and video/sensor workflows can all be realised. Focusing on operationally relevant network and power features, the barox integration with Coda Video includes per‑port PoE monitoring and On/Off control, where for example, if a network camera fails to respond, the barox switches can be used to autonomously send a re-boot command - saving invaluable camera downtime and in many cases,  bringing the device back online, to resolve the issue without the requirement for engineer involvement. Furthermore, advanced functionality of power consumption monitoring per connected device, network and link status, device and cable alarms and SNMP‑based health and status metrics can all be accessed to help simplify operations and support - to greatly enhance the efficiency of Coda Video surveillance networks. Benefits for technology users   The barox integration with Coda Video allows system users to perform key network-related actions through a single pane of glass. Operators gain an overall system view with visibility into switch status, device connectivity and network alarms.  Modern security systems increasingly rely on IP‑based edge devices such as cameras, sensors, intercoms and IoT equipment. While these devices are mission‑critical, the network infrastructure powering them has traditionally been a blind spot. Whether the application involves IP surveillance cameras, intercom systems, access control, fire and intrusion or other PoE‑powered IoT field devices, the barox integration with Coda Video is well suited for the critical infrastructure, transportation, industrial, smart city and utility sectors. For integrators and stakeholders, the integration benefits include faster commissioning and troubleshooting, reduced on‑site maintenance visits, a unified view of networks, devices and sensors, and easier compliance with SLA and uptime requirements. Authority comments “Ethernet switches play an integral role in security infrastructure. In effect, they are the nervous system of any enterprise video management system,” says Sunil Mudholkar, vice president of physical security products for Octave. “By integrating barox network intelligence with Coda Video, we extend situational awareness beyond cameras and sensors to the very infrastructure that powers them – enabling a truly proactive and resilient security operation.” “The integration between barox industrial network switches and Coda Video was developed to enhance interoperability,” says Rudolf Rohr, barox co-founder and managing partner. “It enables network‑level visibility, control and diagnostics directly inside Coda Video, allowing operators to manage not only video and sensors, but also the health of the underlying infrastructure from a single environment.”

Following the successful completion of the spin-off of Octave Intelligence plc (Octave) from parent-company Hexagon AB on May 22, Octave’s Swedish depository receipts commenced trading on Nasdaq Stockholm on May 25 and Octave’s Class B ordinary shares will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in New York today. Building on thirty years of expertise and partnership with the world’s biggest and most complex organisations, including more than 60% of the Global Fortune 500, Octave delivers connected, contextual intelligence solutions for the organisations who can’t afford to fail. Most complex organisations “Organisations responsible for the world’s most critical assets are generating data that creates intelligence everywhere but is connected nowhere,” said Mattias Stenberg, chief executive officer of Octave. “Octave unlocks results by connecting that data and intelligence with context and AI-driven insight across every asset, facility and organisation. Today marks a new day for our customers, employees and partners.” Every day, the world's most complex organisations – power grids, rail networks, manufacturing plants, public safety systems, entire cities – keep critical infrastructure running through Octave’s solutions by connecting expertise, real-world conditions and enterprise-scale insight to improve performance, resilience and incident response where it matters most. Delivering meaningful outcomes By linking data, decisions and outcomes across the design, build, operate and protect phases, Octave creates shared knowledge where every new data source strengthens the system, yielding compounding insight over time. “This new chapter marks a new focus – as an organisation deeply committed to solving our customers’ toughest challenges in a rapidly changing world,” continued Stenberg. “The future of technology is won by the companies who can deliver meaningful outcomes at scale. Octave is positioned to meet this through our unmatched depth of connected, contextual intelligence.” Wholly-owned subsidiary On April 24, 2026, the Annual General Meeting of Hexagon AB (Hexagon) resolved to distribute all shares in its wholly-owned subsidiary Octave Intelligence plc to Hexagon’s shareholders. Shareholders of Hexagon as per the record date of May 22, 2026, have received one class A ordinary share in Octave for every ten Series A shares held in Hexagon, and one class B ordinary share in Octave for every ten Series B shares held in Hexagon. On May 22, the distribution of Octave from Hexagon completed and non-affiliate holders of Series B shares in Hexagon received Octave’s class B ordinary shares by way of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) (SEB) issuing Swedish depository receipts (SDRs). Each SDR represents one underlying class B ordinary share in Octave and was deposited into shareholders’ Euroclear Sweden accounts. Holder’s designated account Today, Octave’s class B ordinary shares will commence trading on Nasdaq New York under the ticker symbol “OCTV” with the ISIN code IE0003YHD8K8 and the CUSIP G22845 104. On May 25, Octave SDRs commenced traded on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker symbol “OCTV SDB” with the ISIN code SE0028329433. Holders of SDRs may cancel their SDRs to receive the underlying class B ordinary shares. Conversion is effected through the SDR program and the Euroclear Sweden and Depository Trust Company settlement systems and must be initiated by the bank, broker or other nominee through which the applicable SDRs are held. Valid conversion instruction The holder’s bank, broker or other nominee will be responsible for transmitting the relevant instructions to SEB, the SDR depositary. Following receipt of a valid conversion instruction, the relevant SDRs will be cancelled, and the corresponding class B ordinary shares will be delivered to the holder’s designated account. Such conversion will be free of charge during the initial six months from and including the first day of trading in Octave SDRs on Nasdaq Stockholm, and thereafter requires payment of a conversion fee by the holder or its nominee or broker. Holders should contact their bank, broker or other nominee for detailed instructions and timing applicable to their account. Morgan Stanley, Rothschild & Co and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) are lead financial advisors to Hexagon and Octave in relation to the distribution and listings of Octave. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Mannheimer Swartling Advokatbyrå AB and Arthur Cox LLP are legal counsel to Hexagon and Octave as to U.S., Swedish and Irish law, respectively, in relation to the distribution and listings of Octave.

Octave, the planned software spinoff from Hexagon AB, has announced the acquisition of VXG Inc., a provider of enterprise-grade, cloud native video management software. Octave’s portfolio simplifies complexity across the asset lifecycle. The acquisition will enable Octave to build upon the AI-enhanced cloud capabilities in its physical security portfolio and further strengthen its software offerings for protecting people, places and assets. Public safety organisations VXG’s cloud native platform allows corporate campuses, finance, retail, education, health care and public safety organisations to manage small to mid-sized security installations. Its AI-powered engine combines computer vision analytics and generative AI capabilities for intelligent monitoring, alerts and investigations, along with secure access and evidence sharing workflows. Its open ecosystem supports hundreds of camera models and is built for service providers delivering Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS). The acquisition builds on a partnership that began in June 2025, when Hexagon introduced a cloud-based video management system built on VXG’s offering. Bringing VXG in house provides Octave full control of its technology stack, paving the way for future portfolio integrations and product enhancements. Protect workflow environment “VXG’s cloud-based video management system gives Octave an immediate advantage and supports our cloud roadmap,” said Octave CEO Mattias Stenberg. “Its AI driven design aligns with our vision of intelligence at scale. The acquisition expands our hybrid deployment options — cloud, edge and on premises — positioning Octave to lead the shift to cloud-first solutions.” The VXG leadership team, led by CEO Yaro Lisitsyn, will remain with the company to drive continued development of the cloud roadmap and ensure continuity for customers and partners. VXG had revenues of around US$ 1.0m in 2025 and will be fully consolidated within the Protect workflow environment from May 2026.

It has been 10 years since the European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), triggering a fundamental overhaul of data protection and privacy law. Today, GDPR is embedded in the day-to-day operations of organisations working with, or within, EU member states. GDPR was introduced in recognition that the world had changed profoundly and that existing data protection laws were no longer adequate in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment. The regulation was also designed to be forward-looking, providing a framework capable of governing innovation and emerging technologies. However, the rapid growth of AI-driven applications is prompting national data protection authorities to revise guidance for systems that process personal data. AI-driven applications Some of this innovation was already gaining momentum before GDPR, most notably body-worn video, which was being tested and deployed primarily by police forces. At the same time, more advanced projects, such as live streaming, were receiving funding, while organisations across the public and private sectors moved quickly to achieve compliance ahead of the regulation’s entry into force in 2018. Today, body-worn video is widely used by police forces in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy Today, body-worn video is widely used by police forces in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy, with adoption continuing to grow elsewhere. Uptake in commercial environments is more uneven. Some member states apply stricter rules than others, particularly around whether and how the technology may be used, and whether it infringes the rights of workers or members of the public. Facial recognition systems These concerns are amplified in relation to live facial recognition. In the U.K., no longer an EU member state but still aligned with GDPR, the government is encouraging police use of the technology and concluded a consultation on a new legal framework in February 2026. While reported deployments have been positive, the technology remains controversial and continues to attract opposition from civil liberties groups. The picture is further complicated by the fact that many facial recognition systems rely on AI. As a result, they may breach the EU AI Act, which entered into force in 2024 and largely prohibits real-time biometric identification in public spaces. Complex video environments This capability is critical not only for operational needs but also for responding to DSARs Over the past decade, video use across Europe has expanded significantly, encompassing CCTV, body-worn video, smartphone footage and video doorbells. At the same time, major advances in technology now allow security professionals to manage larger and more complex video environments while remaining compliant with GDPR. Modern video management systems (VMS) are a clear example. Security control room operators, whether on site or working from centralised locations, can now retrieve relevant footage quickly and efficiently. This capability is critical not only for operational needs but also for responding to data subject access requests (DSARs), which require organisations to provide personal data on request, within reasonable limits, or for sharing footage with law enforcement during investigations. Hybrid video environments Masking and blurring technologies have also improved significantly, reducing the time and effort required to redact footage before it is shared, either digitally or physically. Because GDPR applies to both public and private sector organisations, redaction requirements also apply when footage is shared with police. However, the economic and operational benefits of these systems have driven greater transparency The shift from on premises systems to cloud-based and hybrid video environments has introduced new challenges, particularly around data residency and the risk of EU citizens’ personal data being stored outside GDPR jurisdiction. However, the economic and operational benefits of these systems have driven greater transparency and the development of stronger controls, enabling organisations to adopt them with greater confidence. Delivering meaningful protections GDPR replaced the EU’s 1995 Data Protection Directive. In the 21 years between that directive and GDPR’s adoption, the world moved decisively from analogue to digital. Ten years on, the regulation has proved resilient in delivering meaningful protections for EU citizens’ personal data. While there have been several high-profile fines related to CCTV use, some exceeding €10 million, the security industry has adapted effectively. Challenges, debate and controversy will undoubtedly continue as AI creates new opportunities to enhance safety and security operations. Taken together, GDPR and the EU AI Act provide a robust legal framework that allows security professionals to innovate while maintaining strong safeguards for privacy and data protection.

Security is a top priority for any organisation responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure. However, recent events have highlighted the fragility of the global energy supply chain and the need for change. When tankers cannot safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices rise and public anxiety grows. This often results in long lines at the fuel pump and fears of shortages quickly becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The reality is that critical infrastructure will always be a target because those seeking to disrupt, cause harm or force change — militarily, economically, politically or socially — understand both its physical and psychological impact. Regulating for resilience While headlines focus on political debates over who should keep shipping lanes open, critical infrastructure organisations and governments are moving forward with new physical and cyber safeguards to protect sites closer to home. Before recent Middle East events, CISA’s 2025 review outlined efforts to strengthen U.S. securityWeeks before recent events in the Middle East, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released its 2025 review outlining major actions taken to strengthen national cyber and physical defences. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive will take effect across the EU in July, with member states such as Germany advancing early through its KRITIS framework to establish a model for CER compliance. These initiatives extend to energy supplies, from power stations (gas, electricity and nuclear), refineries and pipelines, substations, water treatment facilities, data centres and food production. And while increased investment in renewable energy may reduce reliance on overseas supply, wind and solar farms remain potential targets as well. Fortunately, the likelihood of missile strikes on critical infrastructure is low in many regions. But the risks of trespassing, espionage, sabotage, terrorism and protest activity are far higher. Protection and detection Security levels vary widely across critical infrastructure.  A large power station may employ live-monitored CCTV, video analytics, alarms, sensors, access control, fencing and other heightened defences. In contrast, a rural electrical substation may rely on a single unmonitored camera, a perimeter fence and a basic alarm. Despite significant annual investment, organisations often lack the ability to connect these systems. Without integrated systems, real-time situational awareness — understanding what happened, how it began, what is occurring now and how to respond — is nearly impossible. Operators typically manage large portfolios of sites spread over vast and often challenging geographies. Only by integrating siloed systems and linking multiple sites into a centralised operation can true enterprise-wide visibility be achieved. Video management system A centralised insight layer (PSIM) ensures incidents are detected using all available resources For example, a perimeter breach at a substation might initially appear to be an isolated incident. But combined with a similar incident at another site, it could indicate the start of a coordinated attack. A centralised insight layer (often referred to as a PSIM — Physical Security Information Management system) ensures incidents are detected using all available resources. A perimeter alarm — triggered by a steel fence sensor or a 3D LiDAR system — initiates an alert and the video management system automatically displays the relevant live camera feed and recent footage. Operators can follow predefined workflows to lock down areas, dispatch first responders or initiate evacuations. Automated actions, such as playing recorded announcements over public address systems, can also occur. Rapid, effective response is essential for safety, security and ensuring uninterrupted service to customers. Resilient supply chains require security measures that function from the source to the point of service. Recent geopolitical and environmental events, such as severe flooding, have shown how quickly disruption to one link can trigger widespread consequences. However, critical infrastructure operators can strengthen resilience by leveraging the robust systems they already have, improving their ability to detect and respond to threats.