Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

ONVIF®, the open industry forum supporting standardised communications between IP-based physical security products, announced an agreement with the Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA®) to take over the development of data ontology and metadata specifications. The initiative will continue under a new ONVIF metadata working group. ONVIF metadata working group The new ONVIF metadata working group is focused on developing standardised ways of richly describing the context in which objects of interest appear in the captured video. This work enables the physical security industry to easily share and make use of data generated by analytics applications running on IoT devices, like cameras, for security and analytical purposes. Descriptive and detailed data “ONVIF is excited to build on this platform to ensure descriptive and detailed data that is generated by ONVIF conformant products can be used across surveillance systems and elsewhere,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. He adds, ”We encourage ONVIF Full and Contributing members and their registered affiliates to join the new metadata working group and contribute to this initiative.”

Irisity continues to strengthen its management through the recruitment of Keven Marier as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Irisity AB has announced that after an extensive search for the right candidate, its Board of Directors has appointed Keven Marier as Chief Executive Officer. Starting date will be as soon as possible, in dialogue between Irisity and his current employer. Security industry experience "Keven brings 20 years of extensive international security industry experience, insights and relationships in both software go-to-market, technology and partner development," comments Lennart Svantesson, Irisity's Chairman of the Board, adding "Keven has the unique combination of industry insights, strong execution skills and leadership which will help Irisity to scale up to the next level of international growth." I am incredibly honoured and excited to be joining Irisity as the next CEO" "I am incredibly honoured and excited to be joining Irisity as the next CEO," says Keven Marier, adding "Irisity is one of the video content analytics pioneers, and is a leading provider of stand-alone video content analytics software. But most importantly Irisity has great people, patents and potential. I look forward to working together with such a great team and company in scaling up Irisity." Provided manufacturing training Keven comes to Irisity from Milestone Systems AS, a pioneer in video management and intelligent software, where he is the VP of Technology Partners. Over the past 9 years at Milestone, Keven has worked in several leadership positions including as the Open Security and Safety Alliance VP representing Milestone. Before this, Keven was the CEO of Connex International, Inc which provided manufacturing training, certification, deal enablement and professional services which was acquired by Milestone Systems in 2013. Marcus Bäcklund will stay on for the handover to Keven after his six years as Irisity CEO. “Again, I would like to thank Marcus for his valuable contributions to Irisity and for successfully managing a smooth transition of the company leadership," says Lennart Svantesson, Chairman of the Board of Irisity.

The Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA), an industry body comprised of stakeholders from all facets within the security, safety and building automation space, is proud to point the industry to its newly established ‘Driven by OSSA’ camera portfolio page. ‘Driven by OSSA’ camera products This central repository provides a convenient online location to feature OSSA members’ growing line-up of progressive video security cameras and edge devices that are part of an evolving OSSA-orchestrated ecosystem. OSSA has encouraged its member companies to collaborate to solve common issues This expanding catalogue provides unequivocal proof that the Alliance’s vision is transforming into a market reality, with products steadily being introduced to market. Since its inception in late 2018, OSSA has encouraged its member companies to collaborate to solve common issues and therewith enable innovation and increase market and business opportunities with each other. Open ecosystem The market increasingly embraces the philosophy by OSSA to open up the safety and security category, and members are now delivering hardware offerings. The idea of an open ecosystem continues to unfold across the video security space, as evidenced by industry experts bringing to market ‘Driven by OSSA’ devices: AndroVideo: Early OSSA member, AndroVideo introduced its first ‘Driven by OSSA’ Smart Edge fixed cameras. Bosch: The recently introduced Bosch MIC inteox 7100i and AUTODOME inteox 7000i operate on the Bosch INTEOX open camera platform. VIVOTEK: OSSA founding member, VIVOTEK recently launched its first ‘Driven by OSSA’ cameras as part of its iNSIGHT series. Seamlessly combine with third-party software apps These first commercially available cameras can be seamlessly used in combination with third-party software applications. OSSA member company, Security & Safety Things designed an online app store, another building block of the IoT infrastructure specified by OSSA, in support of uniting demand and supply in this open market. Look for additional product announcements about cameras bearing the ‘Driven by OSSA’ seal. The mark indicates devices that follow the OSSA Technology Stack for video security, and prescribes the use of the Alliance-inspired common operating system together with the first three available technical specifications.

Since 2018, an open platform has been developing to enable the security and safety industry to work together smoothly across brands and systems to improve user experience and solutions. Pioneering the effort has been the Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA®). Delivering video-sensing solutions such as cameras and AI boxes, the open ecosystem is a reality. We are turning to OSSA President Johan Jubbega and OSSA Strategy Committee Chair Steve Ma for a progress update. Why is now the perfect time to tap into this newly established open ecosystem? How are members working together to address important trends now and on the horizon? The discussion follows. Solving industry problems Q: How and why are you involved with OSSA? Steve Ma: Our thinking as an industry has evolved, and we now realise that open designs and integrations are necessary in order to flourish and succeed in the security and safety space – and beyond, as our technologies often find application in neighbouring domains. My colleagues at VIVOTEK and I strive to be more collaborative, and therefore also more creative and innovative to be ready for the future. OSSA is the ideal forum. Coming together in this manner helps organisations avoid reinventing the wheel It helps to gather with other international companies that are committed to the same cause. As chairman of OSSA’s Strategy Committee, I am on the forefront of where we want to collaborate and standardise, and in turn where we prefer to leave room for individual diversification components. Coming together in this manner helps organisations avoid reinventing the wheel and allows us to effectively solve real industry problems with agility and intelligence. Eventually, I expect that our efforts within OSSA will lead to faster innovations and further dissemination of technology. Johan Jubbega: Like Steve, I have been involved in OSSA from the beginning and witnessed the overwhelming willingness to collaborate in open ecosystems in our category. We are three years under way as an Alliance, and a lot of the hurdles have now been cleared. The most compelling result of overcoming those obstacles involves our OSSA specifications and agreements that collectively allow third-party video (analytics) applications to run on agnostic brands of video-sensing devices. OSSA facilitates cooperation on many levels, and it’s important to me as president that our group remains approachable and accessible to anyone who shares in this vision of an open, data-driven ecosystem. We remind everyone the door is open, and there’s a role for stakeholders and large or small innovators to get involved at whatever effort and member level they wish. Interoperable analytics apps Q: Can you share thoughts on a couple of industry trends for 2022 and beyond? Ma: Next-level dissemination and greater accessibility of technology is a big trend that will impact our security and safety landscape. Our industry will be able to facilitate and make better use of the incredibly rich data flows produced by devices and applications already deployed. Trust and clever data management are two important factors woven in here as we progress together into a new frontier of sharing data across apps, solutions, brands, borders, and continents. Next-level dissemination and greater accessibility of technology is a big trend that will impact our security In this type of collaboration, there are a lot of moving parts, and it requires input from the right stakeholders plus buy-in and adoption from the market. A good example of this is OSSA working on a series of data APIs: To prevent tight-coupling of (analytics) applications, which is at odds with the Alliance's openness, OSSA is working on a set of generic (vendor-independent) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for a uniform yet abstracted representation of objects of interest. The goal is not just to identify ‘things’ by means of video analytics, but instead to aggregate this information from various devices to enable the descriptive relationships between those ‘things.’ The idea is to connect the dots between what, for example, a camera senses on the edge of a parking lot and what another camera captures inside or elsewhere using different but interoperable analytics apps and hardware. This will bring newfound knowledge around probabilities for safety, security, and beyond. Jubbega: Yes, reaching new heights around what’s seen versus what’s sensed is going to be an amazing area we all break into together. The possibilities will be astounding of what we can hopefully soon be interpreting with all this data. IoT is certainly essential to this process, and thus another trend OSSA members are focused on is extending our open approach to adjacent areas across security, safety, and out into the broader IoT. This involves tapping into other domains so next-level concepts such as Digital Twins (the real-time digital counterpart of a physical object or process) can be facilitated more easily. Video-sensing devices Another working group within OSSA is focused this year on creating a test methodology Q: How do these trends/resolutions tie back into the OSSA work groups’ focus for 2022? Ma: As far as making stronger associations between data points, our members are working on a model that allows for this type of knowledge integration. The OSSA Data API aims to enable uniform consumption and the production of vast amounts of useful data attained by video-sensing devices. As mentioned, trust will be critical as we start to rely more and more on information from other hardware and software sources. Another working group within OSSA is focused this year on creating a test methodology based on conformance specifications that serve as inputs for a forthcoming hardware Certification Model. This effort will help guide the compatibility of OSSA standards to ensure quality and uniformity across Alliance outputs. Finally, as Johan alluded to, we see in the new world of IoT that innovation tends to spill over and bring benefits to nearby areas. We have the Beyond Video IP workgroup that’s focused on connecting our way of thinking to other domains in the security and safety space. Agnostic operating system Q: Why is now the time to get involved in the Open Security & Safely Alliance and the industry’s evolving Open Ecosystem? Jubbega: The open platform principle we were founded on is transitioning from philosophy to real solutions that are now available to the market. We started by delivering a Technology Stack for video-sensing devices, paired with the first OSSA technology specifications that collectively enable third-party software and analytics to run agnostically on cameras that adhere to OSSA specifications. An open Alliance like OSSA combined with a platform business model is the perfect solution to elevate us all OSSA member company Azena – in parallel – created a corresponding and agnostic operating system associated with our industry’s biggest Analytics App Store. To date, there are 15-plus ‘Driven by OSSA’ hardware products from members that adhere to OSSA specifications, and users can mix and match those with 100-plus software apps that are enabled by OSSA specifications. So, a lot has already been taken care of, and that makes it an ideal time to get involved in the Alliance to further guide the trajectory of our future together. Ma: I totally agree. Now is the right time because the platform (both the collaboration framework and technology) is finally here and ready for use. We have all been waiting for this reality to arrive. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can align and start to solve real industry problems exponentially by working collaboratively inside of, for instance, camera systems and AI boxes. An open Alliance like OSSA combined with a platform business model is the perfect solution to elevate us all. The market is going to move fast. And through OSSA and its specifications, we are ready to move with it. New open ecosystem Looking ahead to ISC West: Many OSSA spokespeople and member organisations will be at ISC West 2022, March 23-25. Johan Jubbega will be at the Bosch Building Technologies Booth #11053 and Steve Ma will be at the VIVOTEK Booth #22015. Both companies, and other member organisations as well, will have ‘Driven by OSSA’ video-sensing products on display. Visitors are invited to stop by to talk about this new open ecosystem and how to join OSSA to cross-collaborate and bring about good change for the industry.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic marks the biggest global disruption since World War II. While the ‘new normal’ after the crisis is still taking shape, consumers are apprehensive about the future. According to a recent survey, 60% of shoppers are afraid of going grocery shopping, with 73% making fewer trips to physical stores. Returning to the workplace is also causing unease, as 66% of employees report feeling uncomfortable about returning to work after COVID-19.  Businesses and employers are doing their best to alleviate these fears and create safe environments in and around their buildings. This also comes at tremendous costs for new safety measures and technologies – including updates to sanitation protocols and interior architecture – that protect against COVID-19. Costs in the billions that most businesses will face alone, without support from insurance and amidst larger macroeconomic challenges. Saving costs and increasing security But what if building operators, retail shop owners, and other stakeholders could save costs by leveraging new functionality from their existing security infrastructure? More specifically, expanding the use of current-generation security cameras – equipped with AI-driven image analysis capabilities – beyond the realm of security and into meeting new health regulations. This is exactly where video analytics algorithms come into play. And in the next step, a new evolutionary approach towards open security camera platforms promises new opportunities. Security cameras have evolved from mere image capturing devices into complex data sensors Over the past decade, security cameras have evolved from mere image capturing devices into complex data sensors. They provide valuable data that can be analysed and used in beneficial ways that are becoming the norm. Since 2016, Bosch has offered built-in Video Analytics as standard on all its IP cameras. On one hand, this enables automated detection of security threats more reliably than human operators. And on the other hand, video analytics collect rich metadata to help businesses improve safety, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and create new value beyond security. Expanding camera functionality beyond security Today, we have ‘smart’ security cameras with built-in video analytics to automatically warn operators of intruders, suspicious objects and dangerous behaviors. The rich metadata from several cameras on the same network can also be consolidated by making use of an intelligent software solution. It offers so-called pre-defined widgets to provide business intelligence by measuring area fill levels, counting building occupancy and detecting the formation of crowds. In combination with live video stream data, these insights enable heightened situational awareness to security operators. What’s more, operators are free to set their own parameters – like maximum number of occupants in a space and ‘off limit’ areas – to suit their needs. These user-centric widgets also come in handy in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Specific widgets can trigger an alarm, public announcement or trigger a 'traffic light' when the maximum number of people in a space is exceeded. Building operators can also use available intelligence such as foot traffic ‘heat maps’ to identify problem areas that tend to become congested and place hand sanitiser stations at heavily frequented hotspots. At the same time, the option to perform remote maintenance on these systems limits the exposure of technicians in the field during the pandemic. Again, the underlying camera hardware and software already exist. Cameras will be able to ‘learn’ future functionality to curb the spread of the coronavirus Looking ahead, cameras with video analytic and neural network-based analytic capabilities will be able to ‘learn’ future functionality to curb the spread of the coronavirus. For instance, cameras could monitor distances between individuals and trigger voice announcements when social distancing guidelines are violated. Facial recognition software can be trained to monitor personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance and sound alerts for persons entering buildings without masks. The technical requirements are already in place. The task at hand is to deliver these new functionalities to cameras at scale, which is where open camera platforms hold the key. Why open camera operating systems? When it comes to innovating future camera applications that extend beyond security, no hardware manufacturer should go at it alone. Instead, an open platform approach provides the environment for third-party developers to innovate and market new functions. In essence, an open platform principle allows customers and users to change the behavior of devices by adding software afterwards. This software can either be found in an app store or can be self-developed. For a precedent, we can look at the mobile phone industry. This is where software ecosystems like Android and Apple’s iOS have become the norm. They have also become major marketplaces, with the Apple App Store generating $519 billion in billings on 2019, as users use their phones for far more than just making phone calls. In the same way, intelligent cameras will be used far beyond classic video applications in the future. To get there, adopting an open platform principle is essential for a genuine transformation on an industry level. But establishing an open platform principle in the fragmented video security industry demands a cooperative approach. In 2018 Bosch started a fully owned start-up company, Security & Safety Things, and became one of five founding members of OSSA (Open Security & Safety Alliance). With more than 40 members, the Alliance has collectively created the first Technology Stack for “open” video security devices. This includes the OSSA Application Interface Specification and Compliant Device Definition Specification. An open camera platform for innovating future functionality  Based on OSSA’s common APIs, collective approach on data security and core system requirements for video security cameras, the first camera manufacturers were able to build video security cameras that adopt an open platform principle. Further fueling innovation, OSSA focused on driving the creation of one centralised marketplace to unite demand and supply in the market. Camera devices that are built in accordance with OSSA’s Technology Stack, so-called “Driven by OSSA” devices, can benefit from this marketplace which consists of three pillars: a development environment, an application store, and a device management portal. Security & Safety Things has advanced OSSA’s open camera platform concept, built this marketplace for the security and safety industry and has developed the open OS that powers the first “Driven by OSSA” devices. Making it quick and simple to customise security solutions by installing and executing multiple apps This year, Bosch, as one of the first camera manufacturers, introduces the new INTEOX generation of open platform cameras. To innovate a future beyond security functionality, INTEOX combines built-in Intelligent Video Analytics from Bosch, an open Operating System (OS), and the ability to securely add software apps as needed. Thanks to the fully open principle, system integrators are free to add apps available in the application store, making it quick and simple to customise security solutions by installing and executing multiple apps on the INTEOX platform. In turn, app developers can now focus on leveraging the intelligence and valuable data collected by analytics-equipped cameras for their own software developments to introduce new exciting possibilities of applying cameras. These possibilities are needed as smart buildings and IoT-connected technology platforms continue to evolve. And they will provide new answers to dealing with COVID-19. The aforementioned detection of face masks and PPE via facial detection algorithms is just one of manifold scenarios in which new apps could provide valuable functionality. Contact tracing is another field where a combination of access control and video analytics with rich metadata can make all the difference. Overall, open camera platforms open a future where new, complex functionality that can save lives, ensure business continuity and open new business opportunities will arrive via something as simple as a software update. And this is just the beginning.

Time for an indepth review of IFSEC 2019 in London. This show had fewer exhibitors than previous shows, and the ‘vibe’ was definitely more low-key. Fewer exhibitors meant larger aisles and plenty of room to breathe, and the slower pace provided time for exhibitors to reflect (often negatively) on the return on investment (ROI) of large trade shows. There was little buzz on the first day of the show, but spirits picked up on the second day (when, not coincidentally, some exhibitors served drinks to attendees at their stands). Enterprise security solutions One eye-catcher was smart wireless security provider Ajax Systems’ stylish black stand Many exhibitors compared IFSEC unfavourably to ISC West in the United States and even to Intersec in Dubai. Others seemed willing to be lured back to Birmingham (previous location for IFSEC) to participate in the upstart competitor, The Security Event, next spring. However, not all the IFSEC 2019 reviews were negative. Vaion made the most of their small stand toward the back of the hall. They experienced brisk traffic right up until the end of the show. Happy with the response, the provider of real-time enterprise security solutions reportedly has already committed to IFSEC 2020. Other exhibitors also made the most of their space at IFSEC; one eye-catcher was smart wireless security provider Ajax Systems’ stylish black stand. Vaion made the most of their small stand toward the back of the hall Latest new products Nedap launched a new product, AEOS 2019.1, that is five time faster and more stable than its predecessor. It uses HTML5 – no more reliance on Adobe. Feedback has been good. The company has also increased its integration of open security standards (OSS). Traka showcased smart lockers, which are modular, scalable, and staff can easily replace broken equipment. Product features can be adapted to specific sectors (i.e., retail, prisons). Traka spends 30% of its revenue on research and development, developing their own engineering. The company has seen massive growth in the UK and Europe. Hanwha Techwin lured visitors into the center of their stand with drinks and ice cream, surrounded by the latest new products. Hanwha promoted their investment in a manufacturing facility in Vietnam and showcased Wisenet cameras with enhanced 4K images, digital auto tracking, and less motion blur for clearer images. Video verification product A multi-sensor model captures wide areas with a single camera. Hanwha also offered some value-priced cameras that feature easy self-install and are swappable. Optex launched a new product called ‘the Bridge’, a video verification product that bridges CCTV on a digital video recorder (DVR) to intruder alarms. Hanwha showcased Wisenet cameras with enhanced 4K images UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter announced ‘Security By Default’, a set of minimum requirements that will guarantee users that network video security products are as secure as possible in their default settings right out of the box. Hikvision promoted their support for Secure by Default and expressed hopes the initiative would be embraced by other companies and create a new best practice for camera cybersecurity. Hikvision also promoted their retail solution, which includes on-site redaction for GDPR compliance, shelf detection incorporating artificial intelligence, and use of heat mapping to analyse customer foot traffic. Generating revenue Safety and Security Things (SAST), another IFSEC exhibitor, is in the process of creating an ‘app store’ for the security market. Striving to achieve critical mass with participation by a wide range of systems integrators and manufacturers, SAST has a goal of launching to the public in Q1 next year in time for ISC West. Hanwha Techwin is among the players that have already joined the alliance A pilot version will debut this autumn, and they already have 26 apps and six camera manufacturers toward that goal. With a staff of 120, mostly based in Munich, SAST expects to begin generating revenue in 2020 and to grow rapidly. An investment by Bosch is financing start-up operations. Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA) is creating standards and a platform to enable the sale of apps in the security market. Large industry players Hanwha Techwin is among the players that have already joined the alliance, and OSSA is seeking to add other large companies, such as Axis, Genetec and Hikvision. Engaging integrators, app developers and software providers as well as camera manufacturers will generate widespread support to ensure the initiative succeeds. Although currently most OSSA members are based in the EU and Asia, it is a global organisation open to any company in the world. Many large industry players are now missing from the IFSEC show floor; the most noticeable new abstainer this year was Milestone. And the downturn seems likely to continue: Exhibitors were largely noncommittal about returning next year, although organisers were urging them during the exhibition to sign up for 2020.