James I. Chong

(see bigger image) The very nature of true enterprise PSIM software is that it has the capability to connect to other systems and subsystems In this article, James I. Chong, CEO & Founder of Vidsys, sheds light on true PSIM (Physical Security Information Management). He mentions how Vidsys is continually innovating and accelerating its roadmap for PSIM toward Converged Security and Information Management or CSIM. Citing various analysts’ projection, James states that there may be 25 to 50 billion objects connected to the cloud as part of the IoT market by 2020. Also, he highlights the advantages of Vidsys PSIM software for organisations and public sector. PSIM within physical security market Nearly ten years ago, Vidsys helped define a new market category called PSIM, or Physical Security Information Management.  Since about 2010, the physical security market has adopted PSIM as a new and separate category from Video Management Systems (VMS), Access Control, Intrusion Detection and others. Also, there are many companies around the world offering various PSIM products and capabilities as a key differentiator. The security market is inherently crowded and fragmented so creating legitimate value-adds continues to be challenging for vendors and integrators alike.  During the maturation of this category, the true definition of PSIM has become blurred and often mis-used. Many competitors and technologies that are not truly PSIMs say they can offer the same or similar features and benefits that only true PSIM software platforms can provide. What is true PSIM? True PSIM can simply be described as intelligent software that converts massive amounts of data (which is meaningless without context) into meaningful and actionable information by filtering and correlating the data based on time, location, duration, frequency and type. The specifics of these criteria are defined by the organisation’s risk policy, standards and compliance requirements. PSIM is not simply an integration platform, nor is it a command and control platform such as C4ISR. It’s also not advanced Video Management, or Access Control, or even Computer Aided Dispatch software that has added basic device integration capabilities. The very nature of true enterprise PSIM software is that it has the capability to connect to other systems and subsystems, including sensors, devices, and even non-security related devices using industry- approved, open standards.  PSIM gains global momentum During the past year, we have seen faster growth and stronger momentum in the marketplace for our software platform, not only in the United States, but also in many other regions around the world.  In particular, in the Middle East, Asia Pac and South America there is increased awareness as well as defined requirements that are now driving large scale PSIM programs.  In the US, major federal government agencies are also issuing RFPs for PSIM at an increasing pace. True PSIM can simply be described as intelligent software that converts massive amounts of data (which is meaningless without context) into meaningful and actionable information At Vidsys, we are continuing to innovate and accelerate our roadmap for PSIM toward what we call Converged Security and Information Management or CSIM.  As the leader in this industry, we are committed to continue educating and supporting our customers with their evolving needs to provide a more holistic view of risk and throughout the overall business process re-engineering necessary to create significant value across the entire organisation. New IoT world - Security as a utility We are well positioned to drive solutions around the Internet of Things (IoT) market as a fully web-enabled platform that will provide a foundation for future cities, smart buildings and even intelligent homes that will continue to evolve over the next decade into an enormous market segment. Many analysts and organisations are projecting that by 2020, just five years from now, there may be anywhere between 25 to 50 billion objects connected to the cloud as part of the IoT market. This includes personal mobile devices, home appliances, smart buildings and other connected sensors. In this new IoT world, security will ultimately become a utility, much like power, water and cable are now.  Transition from PSIM to CSIM So how is this transition from PSIM to CSIM going to be realised in the market? With the trend toward converged security we are already seeing much more formal cooperation between previously disparate security functions, such as physical security and IT security. Today, there is stronger integration between CSOs and CIOs, pushing organisational convergence to align with operational convergence. This coordination involves both process and accountability. It is a results-oriented effort to work collaboratively to create greater efficiencies and ultimately, to reduce overall risk to the organisation. However, we are not talking about simply merging functions on an org chart, but about achieving true business integrations around risk and compliance. Holistic security with Vidsys software  Holistic security also involves risk management disciplines such as loss prevention, fraud prevention, business continuity planning, legal/regulatory compliance, insurance, and others. In the US, major federal government agencies are also issuing RFPs for PSIM at an increasing pace We are adding advanced capabilities to our web-enabled platform. Today, we can present relevant and actionable information in a map-based format and our rules engine enables users to quickly access automated action plans based on the organisation’s own policies and procedures. Our software can also integrate, monitor and assess external threats and vulnerabilities through seamless data visualisation support. Our Enterprise Business Intelligence reporting features can help security professionals better chart performance metrics and enhance overall accountability. Integration with social media and other intelligence These capabilities combined with other features can be leveraged by global organisations or multi-site enterprises to gain valuable and real time situational awareness and management capability. Vidsys software can also integrate with big data analytics tools, social media and other intelligence inputs and correlate internal vulnerabilities with external threats. Situational awareness data from external sources are now included in our dynamic reporting feature so business leaders have a more comprehensive understanding of where these threats are happening and how they could potentially impact business operations. In a Public Safety environment, our customers including some of the largest cities in the United States, can better manage disruptions and or threats such as protests, civil unrest or situations requiring emergency evacuation.  In a crisis, business executives and public leaders want the ability to manage risk by having the timeliest and most accurate information possible. This includes using predictive policing tactics such as monitoring social media feeds to determine where crowds plan to assemble and what might present credible threats to both the public and property. All of this information combined enables a more accurate understanding of where key resources may be necessary and when they will be needed.

Taking place 18-20 June 2019 at ExCeL, London, IFSEC International is Europe’s largest integrated security event. Registration is now open. One of the outstanding highlights from IFSEC 2018, the Converged Security Centre returns to this year’s show on an even bigger and better platform to showcase the very latest in integrated security management technology. Conceived and delivered by Vidsys, the Centre is a state-of-the-art demonstration area which expertly highlights the advancement of Converged Security Information Management (CSIM) and how software, hardware and all forms of information media can be expertly used to gain a complete overview of a developing security situation. Integrated approach to situation management The Converged Security Centre will present a wide range of simulated security scenarios related to situations such as transport, utilities, infrastructureEach day at IFSEC 2019, the Converged Security Centre will present a wide range of simulated security scenarios. These will relate to situations such as transport, utilities, open spaces and infrastructure, and reveal how integrated security systems can be aligned with supplementary information sources such as social media to provide end users with the whole developing picture. As a security professional, if your role is to manage the security of a large-scale asset, then the Converged Security Centre is an absolute must-attend feature; it will expertly show you how this technology provides a vital and integrated approach to situation management. The Converged Security Centre will crucially show how, with a fully converged security system, users can correlate multiple events into one situation, track major assets, execute efficient building management operations, mitigate cyber threats, monitor social networks and most importantly enable high level information security resilience. Highly efficient security solution Converged Security and Information Management provides a real time technical solution enhanced by Artificial IntelligenceThe Vidsys CSIM technology is the perfect integration platform for multiple systems and hardware to work in a fully integrated manner. This year, Vidsys will be welcoming support from a number of global partners, including Ipsotek and Micro Focus, to show how a vast range of related technologies can work in tandem, to provide a truly effective and highly efficient security solution. Converged Security and Information Management provides a real time technical solution enhanced by Artificial Intelligence, meaning large volumes of data can be interpreted and processed to enable a more efficient response. Experts from Vidsys will be on hand at IFSEC to help explain and guide visitors on the uses of CSIM, as well as how this integrated approach to security management can provide effective and long-term resilience for any major asset or installation. Monitoring physical and cyber security events There is a requirement for a converged security solution that monitors both physical and cyber security events under one, unified software platform"The Converged Security Centre is a cornerstone feature in IFSEC’s role as a platform to show security professionals technologies and capabilities in real time, delivered by world leading experts with solutions they can trust. It is also a key part of the IFSEC ‘Show Me How’ programme, providing direct access to learning and insights they would otherwise struggle to see. James I. Chong, CEO, Vidsys says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Converged Security Centre’s return at IFSEC International 2019 and to be working with our global partners and experts to showcase and share what a truly converged security solution can provide to organisations worldwide. “Today, there is a rapidly growing requirement for a converged security solution that monitors both physical and cyber security events under one, unified software platform, especially due to the ever-increasing amount of data created in the world of IoT and Smart Cities.” Benefits customers safeguarding assets The last few years have shown how important it is for physical security vendors to ensure that their products are resilient to cyber physical attacks"Gerry Dunphy, Exhibition Director IFSEC, says: ‘’IFSEC is delighted to welcome Vidsys back to this year’s show as the key partner in The Converged Security Centre. The feature made a major impact at last year’s IFSEC, showcasing how integration and resilience can be achieved through the strategic use of CSIM. IFSEC visiting customers with key roles in safeguarding major assets will directly benefit from seeing the capabilities on display.” James Willison, Founder, Unified Security Ltd and Sarb Sembhi, CISO, Virtually Informed, added, "We are delighted to be working with UBM, Visdsys and their partners to bring together physical and information security professionals and converged technologies in one operations centre. “The last few years have shown how important it is for physical security vendors to ensure that their products are resilient to cyber physical attacks, and it’s important for them to ensure that their products can integrate with enterprise threat intelligence tools. This theatre showcases some of what is possible with integrated solutions.”

The Converged Security Centre, developed in partnership with global enterprise security software leader, Vidsys, is an expert-led exhibition zone, returning to IFSEC International 2019. It gives IFSEC visitors the unique opportunity to learn from world-leading experts, discuss critical physical and IT security challenges, and experience the latest Converged Security and Information Management (CSIM) platform solutions. Through the Converged Security Centre, conference attendees will be immersed in the world of converged security through a hands-on, in-depth education programme, including panel discussions and presentations focussed on the latest trends and capabilities of a range of CSIM use cases and vertical market solutions. Importance of converged security Converged security has become paramount to the success of risk and security programmes for organisations worldwideWhile businesses and government organisations have greatly benefited from increased ubiquitous connectivity, increasingly complex networked systems have opened the back door to mission-critical security threats. In the light of the growing integration between security systems, new technologies, and digital networks, converged security has become paramount to the success of risk and security programmes for organisations worldwide. This is what makes the Converged Security Centre in partnership with Vidsys an essential part of IFSEC International. Visitors are not only introduced to some of the leading converged security solutions, but can watch live simulations to demonstrate their efficacy across a range of real-world applications. They are given the opportunity to ask experts and practitioners for their insights and advice to learn more about how these solutions can meet their growing security needs. Discovering trustworthy CSIM solutions The Converged Security Centre gives visitors to IFSEC the unique opportunity to learn from world-leading experts and discover the best and most trustworthy CSIM solutions in real time; in this way they can better understand how to navigate the critical field of converged security. Rachel Eaton, IFSEC International Event Manager, comments: “We’re delighted to be working with Vidsys again at IFSEC International 2019 as our major catalyst behind the Converged Security Centre. This forum was a major success in 2018, highlighting IFSEC’s credentials as a thought leader and ensuring the event remained at the heart of the conversation around converged security. It’s important to understand the significance of increasingly interconnected systems"“It’s important for security professionals to understand the significance of increasingly interconnected systems, and the capabilities of CSIM as a solution. By providing a platform lead by converged security experts, we can help visitors learn about the key issues within the sector, and find security solutions they can trust.” Monitoring physical and cyber security James I. Chong, CEO, Vidsys says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Converged Security Centre’s return at IFSEC International 2019 and to be working with our global partners and experts to showcase and share what a truly converged security solution can provide to organisations worldwide. “Today, there is a rapidly growing requirement for a converged security solution that monitors both physical and cyber security events under one, unified software platform, especially due to the ever-increasing amount of data created in the world of IoT and Smart Cities.” James Willison, Founder, Unified Security adds, “Sarb Sembhi, CISO, Virtually Informed, and I are delighted to be working with all the partners bringing together physical and cyber security leaders and converged security technologies to show visitors how security risks can be managed in one unified security operations centre in real time.”

IFSEC International 2018 will play host to a dedicated learning and demonstration area, where visitors will benefit from a real-time immersive experience of integrated physical and cyber security. Networked systems and applied technologies are presenting security management professionals with rising levels of information outputs and data, which are rapidly becoming core aspects of their business strategies. The business intelligence available from this deepening level of integration is now a core competency, providing commercial, industrial and government users with unparalleled levels of insight. However, these systems also represent major security vulnerabilities; the nature of their networked capabilities means there is a strengthening need for higher levels of understanding and vigilance in combating threats to information security. It’s a simple equation: greater complexity of technologies will lead to greater threats. This is where IFSEC, Vidsys and their partners can provide the solutions. The Converged Security Centre will be powered by the experts at Vidsys to offer visitors a real-time immersive experience of an integrated cyber physical SOCConverged technological solutions In this new world of converged security networks and information software, IFSEC is pleased to announce the introduction of the Converged Security Centre at this year’s show, taking place at London’s ExCeL from 19th-21st June. IFSEC has worked closely with key thought leaders in this space, including James Willison, Founder, Unified Security Ltd, and Sarb Sembhi CISO, Virtually Informed Ltd. Together they have long advocated the use of converged technological solutions managed by cross-functional security teams to identify and mitigate security risks to organisations. In the development of the centre, IFSEC and Unified Security recognised the capabilities of Vidsys’ CSIM solution and their partners. The Converged Security Centre will be powered by the experts at Vidsys, the pioneering architects of Converged Security and Information Management (CSIM), to offer visitors a real-time immersive experience of an integrated cyber physical SOC, demonstrating ways to enable multi-disciplinary security teams to respond to the whole range of security risks across an enterprise. Enabling high-level information security The Converged Security Centre will be a combined learning and demonstration area hosted by Vidsys, Unified Security Ltd and their partners’ representatives, delivering a series of panel discussions with leading Information and Physical security professionals on the exceptional capabilities of a fully integrated CSIM platform. Visitors will learn how, with a fully converged security system, users can correlate multiple events into one situation, track major assets, execute efficient building management operations, monitor social networks, and most importantly enable high level information security resilience for true situation management. The presentations will show the simulated outputs of CSIM across a range of applications including transport, utilities and infrastructure and discuss how these benefit all areas of security management. IFSEC visitors will be able to see how CSIM operates in real-time and ask the experts from Vidsys, Unified Security Ltd and their partners how this will empower their future security strategies. Micro Focus International will be demonstrating IDOL, an AI powered analytics platform for video, image, text and audio data AI powered analytics platform The Converged Security Centre will also display capabilities from a selected range of Vidsys partners. These include IFSEC premier partner Axis Communications, whose expertise in IP networked surveillance is acknowledged worldwide; Unisys, which provides expertise and guidance on cyber and information security; and Micro Focus International, who will be demonstrating how IDOL, an AI powered analytics platform for video, image, text and audio data, can automate real-time 3600 intelligence for security operators. The Converged Security Centre is a cornerstone feature in IFSEC’s role as a platform to show security professionals the available technologies and capabilities in real-time, delivered by world leading experts whose solutions they can trust. It is also a key part of the IFSEC ‘Show Me How’ programme, providing direct access to learning and insights visitors would otherwise not have the opportunity to see. Unified solution to monitor physical and cyber security James I. Chong, CEO, Vidsys says: “We’re excited to be part of the Converged Security Centre at IFSEC this year and to be working with our global partners to showcase what a truly converged security solution can provide to organisations worldwide. We believe there is an immediate need for a converged security solution that unifies monitoring of both physical and cyber security under one, unified platform. By leveraging disparate sources of data, organisations can effectively manage a situation in real-time without having to go to multiple subsystems, including analytics and cybersecurity, to get the job done.” Gerry Dunphy, Brand Director, IFSEC says: ‘’IFSEC is delighted to welcome Vidsys to this year’s show as the major driver behind the Converged Security Centre. Our recent research revealed there is an absolute need for our customers to gain greater understanding of the capabilities of CSIM as well as a deeper awareness of the growing threats of cyber penetration into their networks so this project is an ideal solution. We’re thankful also to our good friends James Willison and Sarb Sembhi from Unified Security who have helped us co-ordinate this exciting new project at IFSEC 2018.’’ IFSEC International 2018 takes place 19th-21st June at ExCeL London, running alongside FIREX, Safety & Health Expo Multi-disciplinary approach to cyber physical attacks James Willison MA MSyI, Founder Unified Security Ltd and Sarb Sembhi CISM, CISO, Virtually Informed Ltd, add: “Sarb and I have long advocated the use of converged technological solutions managed by cross functional security teams to identify and mitigate security risks to the organisation. We were delighted to assist Gerry and his team in this new project and bring together Vidsys and other partners to establish the Converged Security Centre in June. We look forward to leading some of the sessions in the centre to promote this immersive real-time multi-disciplinary approach to cyber physical attacks on all security systems. It is a significant step forward to bringing physical and information security professionals closer together and so more efficiently protect our people and organisations.” IFSEC International 2018 takes place 19th-21st June at ExCeL London, running alongside FIREX, Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show and Field Service Management Expo. Secure your place at IFSEC today for access to dedicated learning areas like the Converged Security Centre powered by Vidsys, as well as exhibitors, product demonstrations and inspirational speakers across all shows.

Vidsys, along with leading technology partners, will demonstrate Smart City use cases for organisational value at ASIS International 2016 Vidsys, the software technology manufacturer of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) and Converged Security and Information Management (CSIM) software, announced the launch of the Safe City Technology Consortium, comprised of five industry-leading product companies with best-of-breed technologies. The Consortium will showcase an integrated solution through the presentation of a Safe City Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) demonstration, during ASIS 2016 in Orlando, Florida. CSIM applications beyond security The Consortium partners joining Vidsys include big data analytics innovator, Hewlett Packard Enterprise; video surveillance provider, Hikvision; IT-centric access control provider, Viscount Systems; and video management system provider, Salient Systems. The Safe City GSOC demonstration will leverage the integrated capabilities of these leading technologies combined with a CSIM platform to deliver real-world use cases and solutions. “Demonstrating a scalable end-to-end solution that can be fully adopted and marketed by any of our systems integration partners reinforces the value of a converged security solution,” said James I. Chong, CEO & Founder of Vidsys. “By engaging the ASIS audience in a more dynamic and interactive way, we plan to showcase the true benefits of a CSIM platform in a variety of applications, as well as the ability to expand beyond security and into Internet of Things.” Safe City GSOC for secure environment The Safe City Consortium will provide demonstrations during the ASIS show at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Conference Room, Bayhill 17-18. The presentations will consist of industry-specific use cases, such as Smart Security, Smart Transportation, Smart Campus, Smart Buildings, and others. The goal of the event is to educate attendees on how the Safe City GSOC can provide a safer and more secure environment, with tangible ROI and lasting benefits for municipalities and organisations alike. ASIS 2016 will take place in Orlando on September 12-15, 2016, bringing together 20,000 security professionals from around the world specialising in loss prevention, cyber security and employee safety, as well as counterterrorism, financial, and facility security. Save

Vidsys PSIM was a natural partner to provide security solutions for the USA Pavilion Vidsys has been selected to provide the security software platform for the USA Pavilion at this year’s world’s fair, Expo Milano 2015. With the theme “American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet,” the USA Pavilion programming will highlight innovation on a wide range of topics, including food security, sustainability and mobility. With its culture of continuous improvement and constant innovation, Vidsys PSIM was a natural partner to provide security solutions for the USA Pavilion. Innovative software technology Douglas T. Hickey, Commissioner General of the USA Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 said, “We are pleased Vidsys will be our security software partner at the USA Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015. Vidsys has consistently demonstrated its expertise in delivering innovative software technology at other large venues and special events around the world and that makes them an appropriate fit as we highlight the American entrepreneurial spirit.” James I. Chong, CEO and Founder of Vidsys said, “It is an honour to support the U.S. State Department and the world’s fair by providing our intelligent security and risk management software that will be used to help secure and provide real-time situational awareness at the USA Pavilion. Such a large-scale, global event requires a strong and rigorous security plan to protect the visitors as well as the dignitaries who will be participating throughout Expo’s six-month duration.” Vidsys has experience securing high-profile venues including the FIFA World Cups in Rio, the London Olympics, the F-1 Championships in Abu Dhabi, the NCAA Championships, the Boston Marathon, and the U.S. Presidential Inauguration.

Chong’s focus will be expanding the current VidSys capabilities to meet the growing market demand for its PSIM software VidSys, a leading global provider of enterprise Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, announced recently that the Board of Directors has named company Founder and Chief Technology Officer James I. Chong as the new Chief Executive Officer.   “With a unique combination of technology expertise, product strategy, and business acumen, James will bring exciting change and tremendous impact to the business,” said Pete Correll, VidSys Chairman of the Board. “We have full confidence that under his strategic vision, plans, and uncompromised passion for the company, VidSys will achieve its next level of growth, innovation, and significant value creation.” In the coming months, Chong’s focus will be expanding the current VidSys capabilities to meet the growing market demand for its PSIM software and to scale the company beyond physical security into the information management and Internet of Things (IoT) markets. “VidSys is well positioned to spearhead and capitalise in this market expansion and transformation. I am honoured to lead our team of talented and dedicated professionals as we continue to support our expanding base of customers and strategic partners with our role as a leading web-enabled open PSIM software company,” said Chong. New and existing private and government customers will be able to leverage VidSys web-enabled software to implement intelligent cloud-based and virtualised solutions that includes advanced connectivity, data correlation, and global risk management. Chong founded VidSys in 2005 and coined the market category PSIM. He has more than 20 years of experience in software, IT, video surveillance, security, and has architected some of the most sophisticated operations centres for both government and large enterprise clients. Chong is a recipient of International Data Group’s “InfoWorld Top CTO 25 Award” where he was recognised for his business management leadership and converged security technology innovation. Chong authored “The Converging Roles of Physical and IT Security and the Rise of PSIM” in the book “Security 3.0,” published in 2013, by Kizzi Nkwocha. He has two Bachelors of Science degrees in engineering disciplines from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech), along with double minors in Mathematics and Engineering Science & Mechanics (ESM). In 2014, global PSIM market sales were estimated at about $200 million. The PSIM market is expected to grow at a rate of 20 percent per year through 2018, according to analyst reports by IHS and Memoori.