Security communication

ComNet, Communication Networks of Danbury, Connecticut, a USA-based manufacturer of fibre optic transmission and networking equipment, is introducing two hardened PoE power injectors for applications where higher requirements for operating power exist on an Ethernet network. The CNGE1IPS75AC (75 watt) and CNGE1IPS95AC (95 watt) hardened Ethernet PoE power injectors designed to supply PoE operating power to Powered Devices that require greater power than can be provided by IEEE 802.3at for Power Sourcing Equipment. Installing additional power outlets These midspan injection modules inject 50-57 VDC to any network cable These midspan injection modules inject 50-57 VDC to any network cable. Operating power and 10/100/1000TX Ethernet data are easily combined on one cable, eliminating the need to install additional power outlets and electrical cabling. The models are fully compliant with the requirements of IEEE 802.3at for Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), and features auto detection of powered devices (PDs). Transmission distances of up to 328 feet (100 meters) are supported, and this injector supplies operating power for PDs drawing a maximum of 75 and/or 95 watts (model dependent). Ideally suited to fibre optic, wireless, or other networks where it may be difficult to furnish operating power to the PDs. PoE powered devices These products offer a true plug-and-play product requiring no user configuration or other set-up. According to Andrew Acquarulo, ComNet President, “We are consistently being pushed on the demand for PoE capabilities. "There are many PoE powered devices available that require greater operating power. These 75 and 95watt devices can provide that greater power and stand up to difficult industrial environments. Our switches have always been ahead of the curve when it comes supporting PoE. Where there was a need was, is for hardened supplies to meet that demand for greater power. These products satisfy that demand.” Intelligent transportation system “ComNet’s goal from day one has been to be a smart and secure choice for transmission products. Our position is that if you are concerned about the long-term success of your application, choosing ComNet ensures it will be,” said Skip Haight, ComNet VP of Marketing. “Developing this hardened power supplies will continue to differentiate us from our competitors,” Haight continued. ComNet, part of ACRE, offers an extensive line of fibre optic, copper and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation System, Utility and Industrial markets.

The Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) chose Sepura partner, Swedish Radio Supply to supply a combination of TETRA radios from Sepura which included hand-portable and mobile terminals. SSRS was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 1907, with a mission to save lives at sea. To maintain their ability to keep people safe they have invested in their communications capability and infrastructure. The rollout of the Society’s new TETRA radios supports other operational enhancements, including investing in a new operational headquarter building which offers a larger space to store safety equipment and a flee6t of new rescue boats that can travel at high speeds even in rough seas. SSRS now has over 200 rescue boats based at 71 rescue stations based on coastline or on inland waters. All the bases have the ability to programme their local fleet of radios using Sepura’s Radio Manager software, ensuring that radios can be programmed quickly to match operational needs. Critical communications solution With around 2,200 volunteers working alongside three full-time employees patrolling the waters and beaches, it is imperative that the team have a TETRA fleet that guarantees them the critical communications solution they require. The radios need to have extended reach, clear, powerful audio and be sufficiently rugged to operate in harsh salt-water conditions. The chosen terminals include the STP9000 – a tough and resilient radio capable to supporting SSRS volunteers in tackling dangerous and physical challenges. Key features include the exceptional battery life and safety attributes such as Wake-on-Alarm IP67 environmental protection ensures that the radios will continue to work event after submersion in water, whilst the Connector Protector technology protects the radio against salt corrosion from seawater. Additional key features include the exceptional battery life and safety attributes such as Wake-on-Alarm which can initiate an emergency call with the touch of a button, even when the radio is switched off. Hand-portable radios The SC20 and SC21 hand-portable radios have also been chosen by SSRS for their resilience, intelligence and versatility in using cutting-edge technology; the revolutionary radios are broadband and applications ready, combining the mission critical security and performance of TETRA with the additional power of Wi-Fi. The SC20 is submersible, waterproof and dustproof to IP65, IP66, IP67 and IP68, making it ideal for wet, hazardous operations in a physically dangerous environment. The radios also boast Water Porting technology, which drains the speakers of standing water, ensuring that audio is never compromised. Operating on the island of Käringön, SSRS receives around 450 calls per year. On the rare occasions that urgent rescue operations are required in inaccessible locations, operations can be co-ordinated with the Civil Aviation Administration’s rescue helicopters. This is facilitated by the collaboration through the Rakel Network which SSRS joined in 2011.

DigiCert, Inc., a provider of TLS/SSL, IoT and PKI solutions, announced that it has issued the world’s first Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for a domain that sends email at scale: CNN.com. With this certificate, CNN is the first company prepared to participate in upcoming pilots of the BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) standard that require validated logos. Type of digital certificate A VMC is a new type of digital certificate that proves the authenticity of a logo tied to an email sender’s domain. VMC certificates are not currently in use in BIMI pilots, but they are expected to become a requirement, because they are a scalable way to ensure that corporate logos are not used fraudulently. Businesses have long sought ways to better identify themselves to customers in emails, and VMC certs for BIMI will enable verified brand marks to be displayed. Yahoo Mail is currently running a pilot of BIMI; Google is planning its own BIMI pilot in 2020, though it has not provided specific timing or commented on whether VMC would be required. Other email providers are also expected to begin their own BIMI implementations in the coming year. Enhancement of internet email VMC is a game-changing development for the email ecosystem and demonstrates CNN’s technical leadership"“CNN’s adoption of BIMI with VMC is a game-changing development for the email ecosystem and demonstrates CNN’s technical leadership,” said Seth Blank, director of industry initiatives for Valimail and chair of the AuthIndicators Working Group, which is developing the BIMI standard. “We commend DigiCert for helping to lay the groundwork for this important enhancement of internet email. The AuthIndicators Working Group is excited for many more brands to follow CNN’s leadership.” "DigiCert is excited to work with CNN and members of the AuthIndicators Working Group to take this first step in demonstrating the feasibility and benefit of VMCs for global brands under the BIMI pilot program,” said DigiCert Chief of Product Jeremy Rowley. “We know that there is a demand for issuing VMCs at scale and we are fully committed to providing that capability.” Supporting BIMI and VMC “It’s amazing to see the progress that BIMI has made in the last few years, and the ability to validate logos using VMC is a tremendous step forward,” said Alexander García-Tobar, the CEO and co-founder of Valimail, a leading provider of VMC-enabled BIMI services for domains. García-Tobar is also a co-founder of the AuthIndicators Working Group. “Valimail is committed to supporting BIMI and VMC in the industry as well as our own products, and we are excited to work with DigiCert on this important enhancement to email technology.” Secure, global framework BIMI is a new standard that provides a secure, global framework enabling email inboxes to display sender-designated logos for authenticated messages. It allows domain owners to specify a logo that will appear in the inbox, alongside authenticated email messages sent from their domains. Brands will be able to amplify their online presence in the inbox through authenticated messagesBIMI will work only when both the email and the logo are properly validated. The email must be authenticated through the Domain-based Message Authentication, Receiving & Conformance (DMARC) standard with a policy of quarantine or reject; the logo itself will be validated by the VMC. VMC certificate issued by DigiCert The VMC certificate issued by DigiCert for CNN.com is the first such certificate for a domain used to send email to consumers at high volumes. This certificate puts CNN — which has already been authenticating its domain with DMARC — in an “all systems go” position for participating in BIMI pilots that utilise VMC next year. With widespread use of VMC, BIMI and DMARC, brands will be able to amplify their online presence in the inbox through authenticated messages to consumers that are instantly recognisable through known, protected brand marks. DigiCert is ready to assist customers with pilot projects now and plans to have VMC certificates integrated into its DigiCert CertCentral platform by early 2020.

Aiphone, an international manufacturer of intercom and security communication products, has updated its popular QuikSpec™ online design tool making it easier for specifiers and installers to find product information required to accurately design and assemble intercom products. The free tool includes all available wiring and other documentation, instructions and product specifications to make an Aiphone system bid quick and easy to prepare and submit. Revamped pages are designed to run faster and smoother. New tab-style navigation makes it easier to find information and more clearly defines when to choose one system over another. Among many other changes, refreshed system images and terminology more accurately reflect current products, style and colour updates better replicate the Aiphone website experience and discontinued products have been removed from the site. Right equipment for every intercom, tower component A QuikSpec-generated parts list can be shared with a distributor within Aiphone’s wide network for pricing and availability. And site users can still work on their own schedules as QuikSpec is available 24/7/365. Live assistance from Aiphone’s award-winning technical support and customer service teams are available during standard business hours. “QuikSpec is designed to ensure the right equipment is provided each time for every intercom, tower component, mounting bolt, power supply and accessories,” said Brad Kamcheff, web marketing analyst, Aiphone. “This eliminates the worry of lost profits resulting from equipment being left out of a bid.”

Connected Technologies LLC, maker of a powerful cloud-hosted security management platform, and 2N, an Axis company and one of the largest global manufacturer of IP intercoms, have developed a new integration to the company’s door entry systems that allows for extensive management and control of the user population across any enterprise or multi-tenant solution - all through the Connect ONE interface. Access control solution The system is up and running at One National Harbor, a boutique condominium development With this integration, users can easily add systems and populate user directory contact phone numbers and credentials across multiple locations enterprise wide. The system is up and running at One National Harbor, a boutique condominium development overlooking the Potomac River in Maryland. The building is a Connect ONE cloud security management user and now with the recent 2N intercom system integration they can manage all the systems for their 100-plus condos from this single interface. Connect ONE integration Now, 2N intercom and access control users can view all their systems through Connect ONE and manage credentials to easily add users, revoke credentials or establish time-expiring directory contact and/or access permissions. With two quick clicks in the Connect ONE interface, users can import all their 2N systems to the dashboard as well as other IP-connected intercoms or security systems. Another standout feature is the ability to provide batching - which allows the user to populate all contact information and credentials from one system to others, avoiding time-consuming and costly manual administration processes associated with inputting employees, tenants or users. IP entry and access control systems We are happy that we can welcome on board our latest integration partner Connect ONE" “We are happy that we can welcome on board our latest integration partner Connect ONE. Integrations and compatibility play a key role in the residential market and the opening of our system is ideal for this usage. I believe this partnership will help property managers provide better services for tenants,” said CEO 2N Michal Kratochvíl. “At Connected Technologies, we’re committed to meeting the needs of dealers in the field and through this partnership we can effectively expand their services and offer easy, open management of 2N solutions,” said Dan Simon, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Connected Technologies and creator of the new integration. “We’re excited to be working with 2N, a global renowned provider of IP entry and access control systems.” Cloud-hosted integrated security platform Connect ONE by Connected Technologies is a cloud-hosted integrated security management platform which provides a single user platform to control intrusion, access control, critical environmental monitoring, energy management and video surveillance. 2N offers an open IP platform that integrates with SIP communications and follows ONVIF open protocol profiles.

Identiv, Inc announced that the company is expanding its partnership with Les Bouchages Delage to deliver Internet of Things (IoT)-ready solutions for near field communication (NFC)-connected bottles in the wine and spirit industry. Identiv and Les Bouchages Delage originally partnered while collaborating on an intelligent NFC bottle cap for a luxury cognac brand. Now, the two companies are expanding their partnership by equipping a wide variety of Les Bouchages Delage cap designs with Identiv’s NFC technology. Near Field Communications technology Identiv and Les Bouchages Delage incorporated a contactless NFC tag into the cork stopper of all decanters While partnering on the luxury cognac project, Identiv and Les Bouchages Delage incorporated a contactless NFC tag into the cork stopper of all decanters. By tapping their mobile device to the cork, consumers are able to register their purchase and become a member of a private club providing exclusive content, unique experiences, and personalised services. The expanded partnership between the two companies will now apply the same intelligent technology to a greater selection of Les Bouchages Delage bottle caps. Custom Near Field Communications tag Identiv has developed a custom NFC tag design that fulfills a variety of unique bottle cap requirements, including high-performance in complex metal environments, maximum durability and readability by both Apple iOS and Android mobile devices at a small tag size, and 100% tested, secured, encoded, and locked variable data. As an expert in closure design and production, Les Bouchages Delage has provided the most reliable industrial production process for tag embedding, ensuring maximum radio frequency identification (RFID) performance and luxury-brand quality control. Radio frequency identification performance “Forty billion devices will be connected to the IoT by 2020,” said Stephane Ardiley, Identiv Director of Product Management. “Identiv’s expanded partnership with Les Bouchages Delage meets the increasing demands of consumers in this NFC-enabled world.” He adds, “people expect to connect to products in new ways, and through this partnership, we’re strengthening our commitment to consumer engagement, asset tracking, and authentication in the IoT.” IoT-connected products We saw a tremendous response to the intelligent corks in the luxury cognac project" “We saw a tremendous response to the intelligent corks in the luxury cognac project,” said Christian Delage, Les Bouchages Delage CEO. “Les Bouchages Delage is expanding its partnership with Identiv to apply this same intelligent technology to our complete line of customisable bottle caps to meet the increasing consumer demand for IoT-connected products. He further said, “Identiv’s tag designs meet each unique requirement in the wine and spirits industry and the team shares our vision for truly trustworthy product authentication.” NFC-compatible electronic devices Identiv’s complete portfolio of NFC-enabled solutions features a catalog of transponders compatible with NFC Forum, created for contactless transactions and connecting electronic devices with a simple tap-and-go model.

Today, the world is connected like never before. Your watch is connected to your phone, which is connected to your tablet and so on. As we’ve begun to embrace this ‘smart’ lifestyle, what we’re really embracing is the integration of systems. Why do we connect our devices? The simplest answer is that it makes life easier. But, if that’s the case, why stop at our own personal devices? Connection, when applied to a business’ operations, is no different: it lowers effort and expedites decision making. Integrating security systems Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise, bringing disparate subcomponents into a single ecosystem. This could mean adding a new, overarching system to pull and collect data from existing subsystems, or adapting an existing system to serve as a data collection hub. Regardless of the method, the purpose is to create a single, unified view. Ultimately, it’s about simplifying processes, gaining actionable insights into operations and facilitating efficient decision-making. Although integration is becoming the new norm in other areas of life, businesses often opt out of integrating security systems because of misconceptions about the time and resources required to successfully make the change. So, instead of a streamlined operation, the various security systems and devices are siloed, not communicating with each other and typically being run by different teams within an organisation. Time-intensive process When systems are not integrated, companies face a wide range of risks driven by a lack of transparency and information sharing, including actual loss of property or assets. For example, a team in charge of access control is alerted to a door being opened in the middle of the night but can’t see what exactly is taking place through video surveillance. Without integrated systems they have no way of knowing if it was a burglar, an equipment malfunction or a gust of wind. Without integration between systems and teams, the ability to quickly put the right pieces in front of decision makers is missing. Instead, the team would have to go back and manually look for footage that corresponds with the time a door was open to figure out which door it was, who opened it and what happened after, which can be a time-intensive process. Integrating access control and surveillance systems Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it This slowed response time adds risk to the system. Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it. Security systems can do more than communicate that theft or vandalism occurred. Properly integrated, these systems alert users of pre-incident indicators before an event happens or deter events altogether. This gives teams and decision makers more time to make effective decisions. Integrating access control and surveillance systems allows for a more proactive approach. If a door is opened when it’s not supposed to be, an integrated system enables users to quickly see what door was opened, who opened it and make a quick decision. Integrated solutions are more effective, more efficient and help drive cost-saving decisions. Ideally, companies should establish integrated solutions from the start of operations. This allows companies to anticipate problems and adjust accordingly instead of reacting after an incident has occurred. Security camera system Although starting from the beginning is the best way to ensure comprehensive security, many companies have existing security systems, requiring integration and implementation to bring them together. Typically, companies with established security systems worry about the impact to infrastructure requirements. Is additional infrastructure necessary? How and where should it be added? What financial or human resources are required? These concerns drive a mentality that the benefits gained from an integrated solution aren’t worth the costs of implementation. Thankfully, this is becoming less of a problem as security providers, like Twenty20™ Solutions, work to offer adaptable solutions. With flexible options, operators don’t worry about adding or replacing infrastructure to align with a provider’s model. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system If a company has an existing security camera system, but identifies a need for access control, a modern integrated solution provider can supply the gates for access points and equip the gates and cameras with the technology to connect the two. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system. This model also spares operators additional costs by using a sole vendor for supplemental needs. Overall management of security While a single, unified system is beneficial for cost saving, it can also help the overall management of security. The ability to view all operating systems in one dashboard allows security personnel to manage a site from any location, reducing the expense and effort required to manage a system. The mobile world today means security directors no longer need to be in a centralised operations center to see alerts and make decisions. This simplifies processes by allowing users to quickly see an alert, pull up a camera, delete a user or check an access log from a phone. Modern networks are secure and accessible to those with permissions, without requiring those users to be physically present. Consolidating security systems is the first step companies can take toward streamlining work, information and costs. The next step is integrating all sites, both remote and on-grid. Energy and communication technology The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence Traditional methods demanded two systems: one for on-grid facilities and another for off-grid locations. With advancements in energy and communication technology, the need for multiple systems is gone. Data from remote sites can be safely and securely fed into an existing system. These remote locations may gather, distribute and manage data in a different manner than a connected system due to the cost of transmission via remote connections (i.e., cellular or satellite connection). The end result, however, is a consistent and holistic view of operations for the decision maker. The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence. With connected devices monitoring occurrences at individual sites, as well as events across locations, the data tells a story that is unhindered by operational silos or physical space. Identifying patterns and trends Instead of providing 10 hours-worth of footage that may or may not be relevant, system analytics can provide users with the specific set of information they need. Incidents once discarded as ‘one-off’ events can now be analysed and data-mapped to identify patterns and trends, directing future resources to the most critical areas first. Consumers are increasingly expecting everything they need to be right where they need it – and businesses are right behind them. The current generation of security professionals are increasingly expecting the simplicity of their everyday personal tasks to be mirrored in enterprise systems, which means giving them the ability to see what matters in one place. A unified system can provide just that, a single view to help simplify processes, promote cost saving and accelerate decision making.

There’s a lot of hype around the term ‘digital transformation.’ For some, it’s the integration of digital technology into everyday tasks. For others, it’s the incorporation of innovative processes aimed at making business optimisation easier. In most cases, digital transformation will fundamentally change how an organisation operates and delivers value to its customers. And within the security realm, the age of digital transformation is most certainly upon us. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality. No longer are the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities foreign and distant concepts full of intrigue and promise. Enhancing business operations We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other These elements are increasingly incorporated into security solutions with each passing day, allowing enterprises the chance to experience countless benefits when it comes to enhancing both safety and business operations. The term ‘connected world’ is a derivative of the digital transformation, signifying the increasing reliance that we have on connectivity, smart devices and data-driven decision-making. As we become more familiar with the advantages, flaws, expectations and best practices surrounding the connected world, we can predict what issues may arise and where the market is heading. We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other through the IoT to achieve both simple goals and arduous tasks. Within our homes, we’re able to control a myriad of devices with commands (‘Hey Google...’ or ‘Alexa...’), as well as recall data directly from our mobile devices, such as receiving alerts when someone rings our doorbell, there’s movement in our front yard or when a door has been unlocked. Analytics-driven solutions The focus is now shifting to the business impacts of connectivity between physical devices and infrastructures, and digital computing and analytics-driven solutions. Within physical security, connected devices can encompass a variety of sensors gathering massive amounts of data in a given timeframe: video surveillance cameras, access control readers, fire and intrusion alarms, perimeter detection and more.As the data from each of these sensors is collected and analysed through a central platform, the idea of a connected world comes to fruition, bringing situational awareness to a new level and fostering a sense of proactivity to identifying emerging threats. The connected world, however, is not without its challenges, which means that certain considerations must be made in an effort to protect data, enhance structured networking and apply protective protocols to developing technology. Physical security systems We can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well As the use of connected devices and big data continue to grow, we can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well. Connectivity between devices can open up the risk of cyber vulnerabilities, but designing safeguards as technology advances will lessen these risks. The key goal is to ensure that the data organisations are using for enhancement and improvements is comprehensively protected from unauthorised access. Manufacturers and integrators must be mindful of their products' capabilities and make it easy for end users to adhere to data sharing and privacy regulations. These regulations, which greatly affect physical security systems and the way they're managed, are being implemented worldwide, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In the United States, California, Vermont and South Carolina have followed suit, and it can be expected that more countries and U.S. states develop similar guidelines in the future. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality Automatic security updates Mitigating the concerns of the ‘connected world’ extends beyond just data privacy. IoT technology is accelerating at such a pace that it can potentially create detrimental problems for which many organisations may be ill-prepared - or may not even be able to comprehend. The opportunities presented by an influx of data and the IoT, and applying these technologies to markets such as smart cities, can solve security and operational problems, but this requires staying proactive when it comes to threats and practicing the proper protection protocols. As manufacturers develop devices that will be connected on the network, integrating standard, built-in protections becomes paramount. This can take the form of continuous vulnerability testing and regular, automatic security updates. Protocols are now being developed that are designed to ensure everything is encrypted, all communications are monitored and multiple types of attacks are considered for defensive purposes to provide the best security possible. IoT-connected devices Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices Built-in protection mechanisms send these kinds of systems into protection mode once they are attacked by an outside source. Another way for manufacturers to deliver solutions that are protected from outside threats is through constant and consistent testing of the devices long after they are introduced to the market. Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices, taking every avenue to discover vulnerabilities. But a manufacturer that spends valuable resources to continue testing and retesting products will be able to identify any issues and correct them through regular software updates and fixes. ‘IoT’ has become a common term in our vocabularies and since it’s more widely understood at this point and time, it's exciting to think about the possibilities of this revolutionary concept. Providing critical insights The number of active IoT devices is expected to grow to 22 billion by 2025 — a number that is almost incomprehensible. The rise of 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving cars can be seen on the horizon of the IoT. As more of these devices are developed and security protocols are developed at a similar pace, connected devices stand to benefit a variety of industries, such as smart cities. Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches to ensuring a city is well-run and safe. For example, think of cameras situated at a busy intersection. Cameras at these locations have a variety of uses, such as investigative purposes in the event of an accident or for issuing red-light tickets to motorists. But there are so many other possible purposes for this connected device, including providing critical insights about intersection usage and traffic congestion. These insights can then be used to adjust stoplights during busy travel times or give cities valuable data that can drive infrastructure improvements. Physical security market The impact of connected devices on cities doesn’t stop at traffic improvement. The possibilities are endless; by leveraging rich, real-time information, cities can improve efficiencies across services such as transportation, water management and healthcare. However, stringent protections are needed to harden security around the networks transmitting this kind of information in an effort to mitigate the dangers of hacking and allow this technology to continuously be improved. Whether you believe we’re in the midst of a digital transformation or have already completed it, one thing is certain: businesses must begin thinking in these connectivity-driven terms sooner rather than later so they aren’t left behind. Leveraging smart, connected devices can catapult organisations into a new level of situational awareness, but adopting protections and remaining vigilant continues to be a stalwart of technological innovation within the physical security market and into the connected world.

The healthcare sector is a crucial part of a functioning society as it provides life-saving care and reassurance to the population. A key part of ensuring the professionals in this industry have the best work environment is the ongoing security of the facilities. Overcoming environmental challenges Hospitals are challenging environments for security integrators. There is little room for mistakes because staff, patients and assets cannot be compromised. Medical centres and their facilities can be vast complexes and security teams must be confident in their ability to identify and nullify threats as soon as possible.  Chubb provided Queensland Children’s Hospital's security team with a simple and easy-to-use tool Chubb Fire & Security offers a range of intelligent video and access control systems to solve these challenges. The Queensland Children’s Hospital in Australia, formerly named Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, is the major specialist children’s hospital for families living in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The facility not only provides care to the local families but also the state’s sickest and most critically injured children who need highly specialised care. This state-of-the-art hospital, coupled with a leading academic and research facility and the high calibre staff, provides a platform to continue to develop as a leader in paediatric health care, education and research. Comprehensive security solution Chubb developed a solution for Queensland Children’s Hospital that included access control, video management, communications and asset tracking. By creating a common infrastructure for all security systems managed through a comprehensive user interface, Chubb provided the hospital’s security team with a simple and easy-to-use tool that enables them to resolve situations as they happen and action events automatically on command. Chubb also developed a 3D model of the building that allows the security team to respond quickly to a wide variety of events. The protection of patients and staff is naturally a hospital's number one priority Also crucial to the implementation of security systems in a hospital is minimal disruption to its everyday operations. Professionals in hospitals are working 24/7 so there is little time when it comes to disabling security systems for maintenance or repairs. Continued maintenance and upgrades are vital elements to Chubb’s work and key to this is a great deal of collaboration with clinical and operational stakeholders. Securing mission-critical environment Hospital facilities are not always state-of-the-art and often face the slow upgrade process that a limited budget imparts. However, through the audit and update of security systems, steps can be taken to ensure continued operations without external disruption. The protection of patients and staff is naturally a hospital's number one priority and Chubb shares the same commitment to making sure the environment is safe and secure. Carrying out a technically demanding project in a large, mission-critical environment like a hospital takes strong teamwork, including expert strategic partners, and collaboration between stakeholders.

When violence or a life-threatening incident occurs, hospitals and other healthcare institutions are often in the crosshairs. Hospitals increasingly face a reality of workplace violence, attacks on patients, and threats to doctors and other support staff. And even if violence happens outside a hospital – such as an active shooter at a public place – the local hospital must be prepared to respond to an influx of injured victims. When conflicts arise inside a hospital, there is an urgent need to lock the facility down quickly. Security professionals and their teams need access control options that allow lockdowns to occur at the touch of a button. Lockdown capabilities are an important aspect of safety and security for hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical facilities The need for mass notification is also growing in the healthcare environment Fire alarm public address system The need for mass notification – another aspect of responding in an emergency – is also growing in the healthcare environment. Various systems can communicate through the fire alarm public address (PA) system to notify people in an emergency, or, alternately, to use email notification, text messaging, pagers, smart phones and/or personal computers (PCs). In lockdown situations, access control systems provide an emergency button with various triggers in the system – a hospital can lockdown specific units or the entire facility. Data capture form to appear here! Jim Stankevich, Global Manager – Healthcare Security, Johnson Controls/Tyco Security Products, points out that the safety of hospital staff, particularly nurses, cannot be overlooked. In the emergency room, 55 percent of nurses are assaulted in some way each year, which is a high percentage. The safety of nurses and all hospital staff deserves more attention. Duress/emergency notification technology Stankevich says one solution is to use duress/emergency notification technology: staff can carry and wear a ‘panic button” or have a two-key combination on their computer as an alarm trigger. When the staff member hits the panic button, a direct message can be sent to security, alerting security staff about the event and requiring a response. There has been an increase in demand for the safety and security of patients, staff and visitors at healthcare institutions, as evidenced by the recent CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Emergency Preparedness Rule. As of Nov. 17, 2017, healthcare institutions that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must demonstrate compliance with the rule. Emergency preparedness systems A major challenge in compliance to this rule is balancing patient safety with comfort At its core, the rule seeks to establish national emergency preparedness requirements to ensure adequate planning for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordination with federal, state, tribal, regional and local emergency preparedness systems. A major challenge in compliance to this rule is balancing patient safety with comfort. Institutions should consider two-way communication that enables leadership to disseminate targeted messages quickly and efficiently, while arming all employees with a tool that can alert the appropriate staff should an incident occur. Solutions like this enable swift communication of issues without disturbing patients and visitors unless necessary. Effective response to emergencies “Fortunately, hospitals and their security departments are generally well equipped to respond to most emergency situations”, said John M. White, president/CEO of Protection Management, a consultant who works with hospitals to address their security needs. During the Ebola scare in 2014, however, hospitals had to re-examine their plans to ensure they were prepared to meet the challenges specific to rare and deadly disease. “Hospitals are prepared for most things, but Ebola seemed to have caught the whole world off guard, so people responded in different ways,” says White, who previously was security director of two multi-campus medical facilities before becoming a consultant. Hospital security Hospitals made adjustments to their emergency programs to determine how best to handle Ebola patients" He adds, “Hospitals made adjustments to their emergency programs to determine how best to handle Ebola patients and to protect other patients and staff. It was a new threat that healthcare organisations had not specifically addressed.” A particular concern was the possibility of an infected person walking into an emergency room and infecting other people and/or requiring facility decontamination. One role the hospital security department plays in such an emergency is to control access to the facility and to control visitors’ movements once they are inside the facility, says White. If the Ebola scare had progressed to the point that a hospital would need to screen patients, security would be positioned at the front entrance to help with that screening and, if necessary, to direct patients to a specific area for quarantine. Protective equipment Security might also need to wear protective equipment to handle a patient who is resistant to treatment, for example. There are often interactions between security personnel and the general public, a scenario that becomes more complicated if Ebola or a similar infection is likely. In general, security would be tasked with maintaining order and keeping people where they need to be, freeing up the medical professionals to do their jobs more efficiently, says White. To prepare for the impact of the Ebola scare, hospitals addressed various training and equipment needs and adjusted their disaster/emergency response plans. Read parts two and three of our heathcare mini series here and here.

For the security market, the ‘fine ranging’ capabilities of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology opens up a range of new uses based on the ability to determine the relative position and distance of two UWB-equipped devices with pinpoint accuracy – within centimetres. UWB is more accurate and secure, even in challenging environments full of interference, compared to narrow band wireless technologies. UWB technology transmits a large amount of data over short distances using a small amount of energy. It will be used in seamless access control, location-based services, and device-to-device services across industries including smart homes, cities, retail services, and healthcare. Increasing the accuracy of ranging measurements UWB technology will support any application that benefits from knowing the precise location of a connected deviceUltra-wideband is a mature radio technology that transmits information spread over a large bandwidth, as described by the IEEE 802.154 standard. A new, enhanced amendment to the standard – IEEE 802.15.4z – focusses on improvements to existing modulations to increase the integrity and accuracy of ranging measurements. Moving forward, UWB technology will support any application that benefits from knowing the precise location or presence of a connected device or object. This reflects a move from data communication to secure sensing. New capabilities of UWB are largely unfamiliar to the market, but a new Consortium – the FiRa Consortium – has a mission to educate the market, provide use cases, and promote UWB technology. Delivering interoperability across devices “With a consortium, we can better deliver interoperability across devices, software, and chipsets,” says Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Director and Treasurer of the FiRa Consortium, and SVP & CTO of HID Global. “This creates a frictionless experience for the user, which is vitally important with a new technology. People are more likely to adopt emerging technology when it runs smoothly without interruptions or errors.” The FiRa consortium is ensuring new use cases for fine ranging capabilities can thrive" An industry consortium can create a UWB ecosystem of interoperable technologies instead of individual companies launching products that consumers struggle to make work together, says Songukrishnasamy. “Simply, the FiRa consortium is ensuring new use cases for fine ranging capabilities can thrive.” Founding members of the FiRa consortium ASSA ABLOY and HID Global, pioneers in secure access and identity solutions, are founding members of the consortium. Their technology manages access to physical and digital places, things, and identities. Another founding consortium member, NXP Semiconductors, is a pioneer in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications. Other founding members are Samsung, which creates top-of-the-line TVs, smartphones, wearables, and other connected devices; and the Bosch Group, a global supplier of technology and services that is at the forefront of IoT innovations. Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., LitePoint and the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) are the first companies to join the newly formed organisation. Immune to radio frequency interference UWB is also immune to radio frequency interference, so it functions in high traffic settingsUWB introduces higher levels of accuracy in positioning capabilities and increased security for ranging data exchange compared to existing technologies. Fine ranging with UWB technology can localise devices and objects to 10 centimetres of accuracy with or without line of sight. UWB is also immune to radio frequency interference, so it functions in high traffic settings. These capabilities will enable a variety of use cases like secure, hands-free access control in hospitals, location-based services for ride sharing, and targeted marketing for retailers. FiRa will demonstrate UWB technology at upcoming trade shows. The FiRa Consortium aims to build on IEEE’s work with an interoperable high rate physical layer (HRP) standard, including defining an application layer that discovers UWB devices and services and configures them in an interoperable manner. The consortium also plans to develop service-specific protocols for multiple verticals and define necessary parameters for applications including physical access control, location-based services and device-to-device services. Promoting the adoption of UWB solutions     As a consortium, FiRa is not just setting standards but actively championing use cases for UWB technology. Creating the consortium addresses the need to develop interoperability and implementation standards; brings key players together to create a rich UWB ecosystem; allows for the sharing of intellectual property; and promotes the adoption of UWB solutions. The FiRa Consortium is committed to educating and promoting new use cases" “Since UWB is a mature technology with new potential uses, there is a general lack of awareness of potential applications that take advantage of the technology,” says Songukrishnasamy. “The FiRa Consortium is committed to educating and promoting new use cases.” The FiRa name comes from Fine Ranging to highlight UWB technology’s use cases and distinction from older UWB technologies and solutions. Enhanced security in challenging environments Fine ranging powered by UWB can outperform other technologies in terms of accuracy, power consumption, robustness in wireless connectivity, and security, especially in challenging, high density environments. UWB previously served as a technology for high data rate communication and as such was in direct competition with Wi-Fi. Since then, UWB has undergone several transformations: UWB has evolved from an OFDM-based data communication to an impulse radio technology specified in IEEE 802.15.4a (2ns pulses with Time of Flight); and A security extension being specified in IEEE 802.15.4z (at PHY/MAC level) makes it a unique secure fine ranging technology. Moving from data communication to secure ranging allows ‘spatial context capability’ to be utilised by a variety of applications: seamless access control, location-based services, and device-to-device (peer-to-peer) services. Information is available at firaconsortium.org.

Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2019 will blow into the Windy City this fall, combining a tradeshow, a full schedule of professional education sessions, plenty of industry networking opportunities, and an annual reunion of the top professionals from around the world tasked with protecting people, property and assets. GSX – the trade show and industry event 'formerly known as' the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits – will be Sept. 8-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The show promises to 'elevate the event experience with modern education learning experiences, revitalised networking opportunities, and a reimagined trade show floor.' More than 550 exhibitors will be featured in the expo hall (open Sept. 10-12), according to ASIS International. Chicago is a great location for GSX, as evidenced by the successful 2013 ASIS show. Cutting-edge solutions X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding GSX seeks to attract more attendees to the exhibition hall with education events positioned alongside the industry’s latest-and-greatest equipment and technology exhibits. On the expo floor, the GSX: Disruption District will include new and enhanced programs such as the X Learning stages, the D3 (drones, droids, defence) Learning Theater, the Pitch Competition and the Innovative Product Awards. X Learning is a series of experiential sessions. X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding of new technology. GSX: Startup Sector highlights new companies with emerging technologies; and GSX: Pitch Competition brings together entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to feature early-stage startup pitches. Career HQ will provide free resume reviews, career coaching, professional development and networking opportunities. A Sharpshooter Contest sponsored by Smart Simulators and SB Tactical will allow contestants donating $20 to compete for $500 in prizes each day. Pre-conference certification courses More than 300 security courses, plus pre-conference certification courses, will provide security professionals expertise to enhance their career development. Programming will be led by ASIS and InfraGard subject matter experts. (InfraGard is a non-profit organisation serving as a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.) Seventeen education tracks will serve the needs of security professionals interested in topics from business continuity to crime/loss prevention, law and ethics to national security, information security to physical and operational security. The show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers 'Game Changer' sessions will address hot and controversial topics, including 'The Ever-Changing Drone Landscape: What You Need to Know' and 'Accelerating Digital Transformation: Insights and Applications.' Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group will speak on navigating the geopolitical landscape; Steve Demetriou and Joe Olivarez of Jacobs, a global professional services company, will speak about harnessing technology and big data to make strategic decisions. Providing new opportunities Wednesday morning, General John F. Kelly of the U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. His keynote presentation on Sept. 11 will kick off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Tarah Wheeler, cyber security researcher, will speak on protecting assets in the age of cybersecurity leaks and scandals. More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry Although the attendee emphasis is on security end-users, the show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers. More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry, according to ASIS International. Networking events will include an ASIS Town Hall Meeting on the afternoon of Sept. 8, aimed at opening communication between ASIS staff and membership. There will be an Opening Night Celebration Sept. 8 centred on the theme 'Chicago on the Silver Screen' at Revel Motor Row, a popular Chicago landmark originally home to the Illinois Auto Club. Emphasis on education On Monday (Sept. 9) a networking luncheon will be followed by the Awards Reception later in the day. A reception in the evening will present the Karen Marquez Honors Award, recognising a female security professional. Tuesday (Sept. 10) will have a Happy Hour at the exhibit hall, followed later by a Women in Security and Young Professionals Happy Hour. Wednesday evening will be the President’s Reception at Wintrust Arena, with a 1980s theme. The annual trade show has declined in recent years, and ASIS International has implemented changes that seek to reinvigorate the show, culminating in the rebranding last year. One challenge is that the show’s emphasis on education keeps attendees engaged for hours of the day, making it harder to meet the expectations of exhibiting companies who want more booth traffic. More attractions on the show floor, including the Tuesday happy hour, are aimed at increasing overall foot traffic in the hall.

As in every health facility, security for the Haute Savoie region’s new hospital presented a complex challenge. Access control required multiple checkpoints and access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors. Real-time control, enabling managers to respond proactively including by opening and closing doors remotely, was another essential. To meet their security challenges, managers selected Aperio® locking technology integrated online with an ARD access management system. Because Aperio® locks are wireless, the hospital could introduce many more layers of security and secure doors without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Central access system software Secure 128-bit AES encryption protects communications between Aperio® lock, hub and system Now staff no longer carry key bunches or waste valuable time hunting down relevant keys. All their individual permissions are stored on a single, programmable RFID credential. Alongside standard wired locking, the hospital chose 1,300 Aperio® wireless escutcheons, 10 Aperio® wireless handles with integrated RFID reader, and 301 Aperio® wall readers. A network of 228 Aperio® communications hubs connects every Aperio® lock wirelessly to the central access system software. All these battery-powered Aperio® devices integrate natively with the centralised access system, so wired and wireless access points at Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) are managed together, with real-time management logs, remote door opening and free time slot management. Secure 128-bit AES encryption protects communications between Aperio® lock, hub and system. Maintaining access control autonomously “Having just a single badge — and not having to carry around heavy keys — has been a major advantage for us,” says Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “This solution's advantage is it represents a single site from an authorisation management and systems perspective,” explains Aurélien De Riols, ARD’s Eastern Region Director. One single, intuitive management interface enables security teams to administer and maintain access control autonomously, as well as streamline laborious everyday tasks. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Aperio and ARD maintain compatibility of credentials with the French government’s electronic Health Professional Card (CPS), for added staff convenience. For every site user, the advantages of carrying a single RFID-enabled badge — instead of multiple keys — are clear.

With 15,000 visitors per day, and a watch list of about 3,000 people, the casino faced an impossible task to recognise persons of interest in real time. Surveillance staff manually detected only 5–7 known persons per week and was looking for an automated face recognition system to support two separate requirements: Detecting voluntarily excluded patrons to promote responsible gambling and to avoid compliance fines associated with allowing these people to play Detecting banned persons or people on the lookout list for loss prevention and security. Fully managed services At peak times, the system sees 20 persons per second in front of all cameras Cognitec offers the Face VACS-VideoScan Enterprise Solution as a fully managed service that allows the casino to benefit from the technology at affordable cost and with low implementation effort. The system for this casino includes the software, installed on three redundant servers, and 29 Cognitec C5 cameras at various entrances and in walkways. Some cameras have been installed to blend into the wall design, and not disrupt the overall casino decorum. At peak times, the system sees 20 persons per second in front of all cameras. The software stores the appearances of all persons for 30 days, collecting an average of 1 million faces. After this time window, all images, videos and biometric templates are deleted. Taking optimal photos with a hand-held camera When the surveillance team receives an alert, they verify the facial match, and send the person details to the database administrator. The security team receives the confirmed alert on a mobile device to discreetly find and approach the person on the floor. For new enrolments, staff have been instructed on taking optimal photos with a hand-held camera For new enrolments, staff have been instructed on taking optimal photos with a hand-held camera. The technology has been optimised to generate a high rate of true alerts while generating the lowest possible count of false alerts. The surveillance team evaluates the image pairs in an alert within seconds, and discards the alerts with questionable match results. Face recognition services The system currently generates up to 30 correct alerts per day. Self-excluded problem gamblers are now detected at a much higher rate, resulting in a significant reduction in fine payments compared to the past with traditional detection methods. Observing such reliable system performance has convinced the client to add more cameras to the system and implement the technology at additional locations. The casino also considers to use the technology for underage detection and VIP recognition. Furthermore, the casino has the option to report visitor demographics and statistics that help planning for staff resources and casino capacities. While Cognitec continues to provide reliable, fully-managed face recognition services, the casino continuously reaps the benefits: a secure environment for customers and staff, a profitable business, and support from the community.

IP video intercom systems are becoming more popular not only in industrial environments but also in residential projects. Security business has moved towards IP technology. Video intercom, on the other hand, is a key system that should be considered as a link between the user and the security systems due to its integration capabilities. With MEET, it’s easy to integrate video surveillance systems and receive alarms at home. It can be integrated with third-party home automation systems and access control solutions. Face recognition, CCTV visualisation MEET system is a 100% IP technology based on a Point-to-Point infrastructure MEET, the most advanced IP system from FERMAX, was specially designed for residential communication. Secure, reliable and with cutting-edge functionalities, it ensures an outstanding high-quality audio & video, featuring call divert. Moreover, it is easy to install and maintain, with almost unlimited capacity. The system is a 100% IP technology based on a Point-to-Point infrastructure, highly efficient, flexible and powerful. As pointed out by Juan Madrid, Business Development Director and IP Product Manager at FERMAX, “MEET second-generation technology allows our customers to benefit from a top-notch 100% full IP system, even compatible with GPON infrastructure, and a broad range of built in security functions as proximity reader, lift control, face recognition, CCTV visualization and alarm detection”. ​Monitoring CCTV cameras The devices communicate directly, so MEET does not require central units or servers which could compromise the availability of the system in the event of an unforeseen error. MEET allows the installer to freely assign the range of IP addresses according to the needs of each project, and thus facilitate the control of the networks in every building. MEET system, has already been successfully adopted by FERMAX integrators worldwide MEET system, launched in January 2018, has already been successfully adopted by FERMAX integrators worldwide. “The market feedback has been very positive, especially due to the flexibility of the system, its capability to integrate with Wiegand controllers or readers and to monitor CCTV cameras through RTSP protocol. All these features allow the system to fulfil project requirements from different markets around the world” assures Francisco Alapont, Solutions Department Director and Digital Business at FERMAX. Home automation integration MEET is the system that brings to life the state-of-the-art digital panels which include a triple access control system: face recognition, keypad and proximity. The system’s range is made up of digital panels, one-button panels, touch screen monitors, concierge stations and various accessories. KIN panel, for instance, is an interactive approach featuring touch screen. While being elegant and customizable, it allows the visitor to interact in a simple way with its user interface. MILO panel and MEET Guard Unit are outstanding due to their design and intuitive interaction features. When it comes to the apartments, MEET offers indoor monitors with a simple and compact design. WIT PoE monitor, with its technology and exclusivity, is specially designed for home automation integration and suitable to fit in the most sophisticated environments; MIO monitor, is a symbol of urban and modern residences, represented by its compact and simple design. Single internet connection Our customers will benefit from a wide variety of intercom and security functions in all MEET products" Call Divert function to smartphone has been one of the key goals achieved thanks to MEET ME App, which features a high-resolution image even in portrait mode. It is not only an additional gadget; it is a part of the core features of MEET, which implements by default this function at zero cost. “Connectivity is the cornerstone of FERMAX´s strategy. With MEET system we can offer a seamless and enhanced experience to our installer, connecting our MEET monitors by default without any additional costs related to servers, gateways or licenses. Only one single Internet connection for the building is required.” adds Francisco Alapont. Competitiveness is key for FERMAX and MEET IP technology allows to offer a complete bundle of features already built in the product without increasing its price. “Our customers will benefit from a wide variety of intercom and security functions in all MEET products. This adds value to the MEET system and revert back to the installer as a turnkey solution in terms of easiness of installation and cost reduction” says Juan Madrid.

Airbus provided secure communications technology to French security forces (police, gendarmerie, and fire brigades) during the long-awaited socio-economic and political summit which took place in the Southwestern coastal town of Biarritz between the 24th and 26th August.With the high-security measures promised by Christophe Castaner, French Minister of the Interior, 13 200 police officers and gendarmes, as well as over 400 firefighters, were involved in safeguarding the high-profile event. The high security and resilience of the dedicated networks and terminals provided by Airbus to the teams in charge of securing the G7 summit was an essential aspect to protecting both the government officials from over the world taking part in the summit, the venue and its perimeter, and the people working on-site. Full interoperability between forces Airbus is also a long-term provider of INPT, the nationwide radio communications network for the French police On top of providing the necessary equipment and secure mission-critical communications technology through a dedicated network overlay deployed for this major event, Airbus is also a long-term provider of INPT, the nationwide radio communications network for the French police, fire brigades, emergency healthcare services, customs, national defense forces, mobile gendarmerie, prefectural authorities and penitentiary administration for prisoner transfers. This network allows full interoperability between forces. Furthermore, Airbus has been a reliable provider of the French gendarmerie’s secure communications network RUBIS, as well as portable material, and other essential communication equipment for their vehicles, for over 30 years.“With various kinds of threats that weigh in on political gatherings of this kind, optimal security conditions are an absolute priority. Through its state-of-the-art technology and highly reliable networks implemented to support secure communications operations, Airbus was able to ensure the smooth running of the communication between each member entrusted to protect and secure the G7 summit”, declared Olivier Koczan, Head of Secure Land Communications of Airbus.

Airbus, a provider of secure communication and collaboration solutions, provides mission critical communications technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Airbus has been a trusted supplier of secure communication solutions for the Hajj pilgrimage every year since 2017. With the implementation of its systems to ensure faster emergency response for public safety, and use of its state-of-the-art technology, Airbus and STC Specialized ensured the smooth running of security operations which safeguard millions of visitors each year. Th1n Tetra radio and AVL technology Various security organisations benefited from Airbus’ trusted solutions which include the slimline Th1n Tetra radio and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology. These inform dispatchers of each mobile unit’s location, status, and active Tetra talk groups. The information is then sent to all the relevant emergency personnel using the STC Specialized network powered by Airbus’ Tetra solution; such as the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Health, and the Mecca Municipality. Airbus’ mission critical solutions facilitated the monitoring of this major event, as well as the communication between ground staff and the control rooms, enabling them to immediately address any on-site emergency while benefitting from the stability, continuity, and reliability of Airbus technology when and where it is needed the most. The Hajj is the largest Muslim gathering in the world and takes place every year over a period of six days. This year, from the 9th of August onwards, around 1.8 million Muslims visited the holy city of Mecca.

Motorola Solutions and Avigilon Corporation, a Motorola Solutions company, announced that they have been selected to help protect Georgetown County School District (‘GCSD’) in South Carolina, USA. Serving over 9,500 students throughout its 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, career centre and adult education centre, GCSD sought to undergo a major security upgrade to increase safety, help mitigate misconduct and offer greater ease-of-use for school administrators, security officers and law enforcement officials using the security system. Deployment of Avigilon Control Center VMS To enhance safety throughout its locations, a complete Avigilon video security system was deployed, with over 1,000 cameras including the H4A Bullet with self-learning video analytics, H4 Mini Dome and H4 Fisheye cameras, all of which helped achieve a tailored security solution for each location while allowing school security operators to leverage the benefits of real-time analytics. Avigilon Control Center video management software was also deployed to provide a more efficient way to manage video from a central location. GCSD also uses Motorola Solutions XPR 3500e radios across its locations GCSD also uses Motorola Solutions XPR 3500e radios across its locations. If suspicious activity is flagged using the Avigilon solution, security operators can quickly contact each other using the Motorola Solutions radios and take immediate action to keep students and staff safe. By using the two systems together, school officials can seamlessly improve operations from the time an emergency call is placed until after an incident is resolved. Unified security solution for schools “Georgetown County School District is an excellent example of how Motorola Solutions and Avigilon provide a unified security solution for schools,” said John Kedzierski, senior vice president, Video Security Solutions at Motorola Solutions. “We are committed to continuing to develop products and technologies that can help enhance school safety and protect what matters most: students, staff and faculty.” “The ability of Avigilon and Motorola Solutions to provide an integrated solution for security, and critical communications is quite unique and extremely valuable to us,” said Alan Walters, executive director, Safety and Risk Management at GCSD. “We selected this system knowing that it is designed with every step of the response process in mind, which can make a world of difference in the moments that matter most.”

In the digital age, software is a component of almost all systems, including those that drive the physical security market. A trend toward hardware commoditisation is making the role of software even more central to providing value to security solutions. Software developments make more things possible and drive innovation in the market. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How do software improvements drive physical security?  

The ability to treat patients in a secure environment is a base requirement of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Whether facilities are large or small, security challenges abound, including perimeter security, access control of sensitive areas, video surveillance, and even a long list of cyber-risks. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of hospitals and the healthcare industry?

The definition of a standard is “an authoritative principle or rule that usually implies a model or pattern for guidance, by comparison with which the quantity, excellence, correctness, etc., of other things may be determined.” In technology markets, such as physical security, standards are agreed-upon language, specifications or processes that are used across the board by multiple stakeholders to enable easier interconnectivity and smoother operation of systems. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are standards shaping change in the physical security market?