Writers in Security Installer are constantly encouraging proprietors to get their engineers trained up to compete in IP networking ... but is there an alternative way of breaking into this growing sector? We talk to a company that is offering installers a less painful way in …

Fear is the biggest factor that is holding back installers who would love to compete in the lucrative IP network sector.

"As a consequence of their fear, many are being reduced to sub-contractors who have lost control," says Anand Subbiah (pictured) Managing Director of Ubiqz, a company that offers an easier way into IP networking for traditional CCTV installers.

Ubiqz's services are provided as an extension of the installer company, and Ubiqz as a business is "invisible" to the end user. The services provided are specifically designed to ensure that IT managers can have total confidence when an installation of security equipment is taking place onto the company network, that not only will the system not interfere with the current running of the system, but that also those individuals that are installing the system fully understand the network and work with the IT department to ensure a smooth install and handover.

Here Anand Subbiah talks to Security Installer editor, Alan Hyder:

AH: Is fear of IP networking holding back installers?

AS: Very much so. I believe that most CCTV installers are not network qualified and have no formal networking education. The disciplines applied are a totally different set of rules when it comes to installing these products, and most installers are mindful that not only will they have to install such products but they also potentially have to maintain the equipment as well. It is expensive and time consuming to train engineers on all technologies, and not necessarily the best use of time and money.

AH: Are installers losing ground to IT integrators in this sector?

AS: Yes. The main reason for this is that end users do not have the confidence in installers to allow them free range on the company IT network. Most IT managers are fiercely protective of the system, as it can cause immense damage when things go wrong!

AH: Why are installers finding IP networking difficult?

AS: For the same reason I find it hard to speak Japanese: because I have never learnt it properly and it is not something that you can master overnight, even if you have had some basic training. Until fluent in networking as in languages, you will always make mistakes that could have dire consequences!

AH: Is there a danger that small to medium companies could end up just being subcontracted by IT integrators to carry out the traditional end of the install?

AS: This is a very real possibility, but I believe that an even greater danger exists, namely that IT contractors/integrators send their engineers on some of the security training courses on setting up IP cameras, and then cut out the security installers completely.

AH: What types of installation companies are having most difficulty?

AS: Mainly the small to medium sized installers, but not exclusively. This is because the technology is still very much still in its early stages and although growing rapidly, still only accounts for a small proportion of installations. This leaves opportunities few and far between in reality for most installers, and therefore it is hard to justify the business expenditure in training existing and possibly employing dedicated IT engineers in the hope that these jobs will be won.

AH: As far as engineers are concerned, is this difficulty age related?

AS: I do not believe it has anything to do with age – there are just as many young engineers with the same limitations. The problem with IT is that there are so many different skills within the sector such as networking, hardware and software etc… It is important to stress that I believe that all engineers should be trained in the set-up of IP cameras and other network specific hardware, as they would be with any other product. The ability to set up a camera and provide an output from the device is a skill which ultimately the security engineer should be left to do. The difficulty is getting that output onto the network and that signal to the correct place, through firewalls etc.

AH: Who approaches you for your services: the client or installer?

AS: We are approached by installers to support them with the tender process of such projects. We are not an installation company and have no desire to be seen as one. Our aim is to provide a consultancy and support service to installers to allow them to compete with IT integrators, win specific jobs and complete the installation.

We do promote our services to end users at exhibitions and trade shows but stress to them that they would need to contact their current installer to actually have the work done, and that we would support them throughout, but that we do not offer services direct to end users.

AH: Could installers offer an IP maintenance service using you as an “unseen” partner so they keep total control in the eyes of the customer?

AS: We are always an unseen partner. All installation companies who use our services have our consultants acting as their own IT specialists. Any maintenance contracts would be between the end user and the installer. We would then provide a support contact with the installer for as long as they wanted our support.

AH: Isn't this just an easy alternative for companies not to bother training their engineers?

AS: Not at all. Individual installers still need the same training on individual products, such as IP cameras and other hardware. Our services are really a bridge between the installation engineer and the end user. We do not set up the cameras etc – we would expect engineers to install the cameras and provide the correct output signal. Our role would be to work with the IT team to get that signal onto the network and through the firewalls and other devices to its ultimate destination with the minimum of disruption or interference to the IT infrastructure.

AH: Including the cost of your services, can installers still make a profit on IP contracts?

AS: Of course – if not we would not have been trading successfully for the past two years, growing very rapidly in the process. The key is to ensure that we are involved as early as possible in the tendering process so that a full assessment of the requirements can be made and costs built into the tender document. Companies save by not having to employ IT engineers in-house until they have enough tender opportunities that it becomes cost effective to employ people full time.

AH: Would you say that IP training courses of a few days or even weeks are inadequate?

AS: It depends upon what the course is for. For a trained installation engineer to go on a course relating to specific IP products then no, the course will be perfectly adequate. If the training requirement is networking and firewalls etc, then it is a different matter. There are basic courses that will provide an understanding, but is this enough for the average IT manager to have confidence in an engineer to give them access to the network? I would suggest not, as most IT professionals have a combination of different training and qualifications backed up by years of hands-on experience. The other problem that most installers will face is that it is a continuous investment as technology does not stand still and is an ever changing technology. Our consultants are Cisco and Microsoft certified, and have a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience.

AH: Is yours a permanent solution for an installation company or an interim solution until engineers are trained up?

AS: That depends upon the individual company requirements. We are more than happy to offer an interim solution whilst either training takes place or until the company wins enough business to employ dedicated IT engineers, or we can offer a permanent solution for those that believe they will not win enough business to make the investment.

AH: Typically, how long would handholding last?

AS: There is no typical timescale, that is up to the installation company, but I would suggest until it was financially viable for the installer to have the support in-house.

AH: In practice, how would a company's trained engineers finally "take over" responsibility for a system?

AS: They would always have responsibility for the CCTV system, it is only the communication with the IT team and the IT infrastructure that we would handle in reality.

AH: How would an installation firm go about utilising your services if they were, say, tendering for an IP contract?

AS: Ideally we would be contacted from the notification of a tender. The earlier in the process that we are involved, the better for all concerned. If we are involved from the start we can accurately assess the requirements to ensure that the tender is costed correctly.

Ideal hybrid

Pelco has released its VMX300 and VMX-E Video Management Systems, which it says are the ideal solution for those seeking to create a hybrid video surveillance system combining both analogue and IP-based video devices.

The systems "help users leverage their existing analogue infrastructure while enabling new IP video devices to be viewed or controlled from a common user interface," Pelco says.

The user interface controls cameras, domes and PTZ functions, as well as Pelco switchers, Pelco enterprise Class DVRs, PelcoNET video transmission devices, and the new Pelco NVR Network Video recorder.

The VMX300 provides control and monitoring of up to 100 cameras, while the VMX300-E can control up to 2,000. Both systems can be configured to display a combination of IP-based video and analogue video through two VGA monitors.

Reader Service No 102

PTZ camera

Sony's SNC-RZ30P network PTZ surveillance camera has been designed for remote video monitoring, surveillance and general IT applications.

It is a fully functional IP camera, with day/night function and wireless network capability, as well as 25x optical zoom and 300x digital zoom.

It features simultaneous analogue and network video feeds, as well as built-in 32MB of image memory and up to 25fps with VGA quality.

The SNC-RZ30P has three sensor inputs and two sensor outputs, JPEG compression, 16 preset positions and simultaneous access for up to 50 users.

Reader Service No 103

Wave in a Box

VisioWave's VisioBox is an "all-in-one" plug and play piece of digital video equipment for security applications over IP networks.

It runs VisioWave's 3D-Wavelet compression technology, providing PAL or NTC professional quality video for digital video surveillance and CCTV, and is compatible with new technologies such as wireless transmission.

It features up to three video modules, including audio MP3 channels, two BNC per video module for local switching, Ethernet 10/100 port with Ethernet/IP CoS and IP multicast support, a built-in power supply, and password protected, web-based remote administration tools.

Reader Service No 104

Versatile network camera

Framos has introduced the LE165 network camera from Lumenera, designed to provide outstanding picture quality and performance in general and high-end security applications.

It integrates the Sony ExView HAD, 1.4 megapixel colour or monochrome CCD sensor, enabling the transmission of compressed JPEG and MPEG images in live-streaming video at full 1392 x 1040 resolution at progressive scan rates of 15fps via a standard 10/100BaseT network connection.

Optional operation at 30fps with a resolution of 640 x 480, as well as a still-image capture facility, is also available.

The ExView HAD CCD provides for low light sensitivity below 0.1 lux. The camera is compatible with most operating systems, including Windows 98 SE, Me, NT and XP, as well as Linux and Mac.

Reader Service No 105

Vicon invasion

Vicon has launched two new products in its ViconNet range.

The Kollector Network Servers are a range of 16-channel servers that collect video images from standard analogue cameras and send streamed video to PC workstations and/or Kollector Elite DVRs on the network. A choice of 25fps, 50fps or 100fps units are available, each provided with the option to add internal hard disks for local video storage.

The VN-306T is a compact six-channel video server with alarm inputs that supports PTZ control and transmits up to 25fps across the network. A single-channel 25fps version of the VN-306T will be introduced this year.

All of ViconNet's digital video servers can be accessed and controlled using ViconNet Master Control software or simply viewed from a PC using the viewing software which is supplied with the products.

Reader Service No 106

Network domes

Axis Communications has launched two high-performance network dome cameras - the Axis 231D and 232D. The manufacturer says both deliver high quality, full frame Motion JPEG video the capability to remotely control PTZ functions over an IP network such as the Internet or LAN.

The cameras feature an 18x optical zoom, autofocus lens and ¼-inch Sony ExView HAD interlaced CCD image sensor, and can execute a continuous 360-degree pan and 90 degree tilt to cover large areas. The cameras provide 20 preset positions and one sequence (auto patrol) tour. They offer four alarm inputs and four outputs.

The 232D is suitable for low light applications, down to 0.005 lux, while the 231D operates down to 0.3 lux.

Reader Service No 107

Addressable IR cameras

FLIR Systems has introduced what it says are the world's first IP addressable infrared cameras.

"They have smart capability and open architecture, allowing features such as alarms and event logging to be tailored to exact application needs," the company says. "A wide range of lenses and accessories complete the package. Integration into Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet networks is also both simple and quick."

Two of the new cameras are the ThermoVision A20-V and A40-V. "They are designed especially for those application that require excellent thermal image quality, but where exact temperature measurement is not needed. The high quality display allows fast moving, low temperature targets to be viewed with exceptional image clarity."

Reader Service No 108

Comprehensive solution

VisioWave's VisioBox is an "all-in-one" plug and play piece of digital video equipment for security applications over IP networks.

It runs VisioWave's 3D-Wavelet compression technology, providing PAL or NTC professional quality video for digital video surveillance and CCTV, and is compatible with new technologies such as wireless transmission.

It features up to three video modules, including audio MP3 channels, two BNC per video module for local switching, Ethernet 10/100 port with Ethernet/IP CoS and IP multicast support, a built-in power supply, and password protected, web-based remote administration tools.

Reader Service No 109

Broadband monitoring

Virtual Access says its new GW8000 Secure Internet Access Router Package allows monitoring centres to receive customer alarm panel data and real time images simultaneously over broadband access lines.

"This allows the operator to remotely confirm false alarms or identify details of intruders instantly following alarm activation," the company says. It claims it will significantly reduce the cost of video verification, which has traditionally required expensive installations.

"The GW8000 allows the security monitoring industry to fully exploit broadband services," says Virtual Access sales director Nigel Ifill. "By channelling data from alarm panels and pictures from video cameras over a secure broadband connection, alarm receiving centres receive both visual verification of alarms and a complete real-time picture of the situation on-site."

Reader Service No 110

Integrated solution

Computer Network Limited is set to launch its IP SecurityCenter software - what it describes as "the first cross-platform, manufacturer independent security solution that integrates existing analogue systems and digital technologies."

The software manages CCTV, access control and intruder detection alarms through its user interface, providing a single front end to the user, which CNL says reduces costs and improves operational efficiency.

"The solution supports decision processes, information distribution, integrated maps, evidence collection, patrols, and many more advanced features, providing operators with the simplest, most powerful toolkit
to manage complex and/or large scale security installations," the company says.

Reader Service No 111

Universal expansion

PI Vision's Universal Video Management System virtual matrix technology takes advantage of the inherent switching capabilities of the IP infrastructure to deliver increased functionality and greater flexibility in system architecture.

New features for the system include video wall support, with the UVMS D3 Decoder and Display Driver, and PTZ control. The D3 Decoder and Display Driver leverages virtual matrix technology to control banks of video displays, including analogue, LCDs, DVI-enabled devices, or a combination. Linked together, the D3 control system is scalable to an unlimited number of video outputs.

PTZ control is available for IP network and analogue cameras, with control delivered using a PC joystick or mouse, or standard CCTV joystick controllers. It also enables users to program pre-set camera positions for quick reference and camera touring.

Reader Service No 112

Audio over IP

Another recent Axis launch was the 211A network camera, which allows remote users to see, hear and speak over IP networks. The manufacturer says it is suitable for surveillance and remote monitoring applications that require professional video and two-way audio communication.

"The network camera is an ideal solution for securing offices, shops and other facilities such as schools, university campuses and prisons," Axis says. "This latest camera reduces cabling requirements and installation costs de to its built-in support for audio and Power over Ethernet, enabling power to the camera and two-way audio to be delivered through the same network code."It offers simultaneous Motion JPEG and advanced MPEG-4 video streams, allowing systems to be optimised both for image quality and bandwidth efficiency.

Reader Service No 113

New server features

SYAC UK has implemented a number of new features and improvements for its DigiEye xLite and DigiEye xNS intelligent network video and audio compact servers.

The DigiEye xLite can easily be connected to devices such as cameras, domes and PTZ controllers. Key features include real time video/audio transmission, local recording and remote distributed video/audio storage, built-in web server, motion detection, alarm management, remote configuration, complete user accounting, low network bandwidth requirement, supports multi-vendor PTZ control, and has centralisation SW support.

The servers use an integration software development kit, which the manufacturers say is easily integrated with third-party security and management systems.

Reader Service No 114

Power over Ethernet

PowerDsine offers equipment which enables power to be transmitted over the same Ethernet network cable as data.

The company says that using its products "eliminates the cost of scheduling expensive electricians for wireless LAN installations", and "simplifies installation, using a single Cat5 cable for both data and power."

"It simplifies RF surveys, allowing repositioning of access points to improve coverage without AC power concerns," PowerDsine says. It is compatible with all major WLAN, VoIP and network cameras.

Reader Service No 115

Software integration

DVTel's Intelligent Security Operations Centre, or iSOC, offers complete matrix switch functionality, but no large matrix switch footprint. The system includes a video matrix switch, DVR and digital multiplexer, in one software-based solution.

The manufacturer says the system can help companies begin integrating digital equipment at their own pace and budget, as it works with both digital and analogue systems.

Data sources able to be integrated include access control, building automation, building management systems, motion tracking, license plate recognition systems, supervisory control and data acquisition, point of sale, and more.

Reader Service No 116

Entry-level DVR

The PDR-400IP is a new network-ready DVR from Merit Li-Lin.

"The unit demonstrates superb picture quality, high resolution recording at up to 25 frames per second, and offers a host of features," Merit Li-Lin says. "These include remote PC live monitoring and control, user authentification, and remote PC email for captured JPEG files. We use MJPEG4 compression, offering up to six months' recording on an internal 120Gb hard drive, expandable up to 500Gb."

The DVR also has motion detection, 100fps live display, multiple recording modes, four alarm inputs and an audio input.

Reader Service No 117

IP Milestone

Milestone Systems has launched its most comprehensive IP video surveillance software to date - XProtect Enterprise 5.0.

The company's CEO, Lars Thinggard, says: "XProtect Enterprise is our state-of-the-art IP video surveillance software that supports the widest choice of network cameras and video servers connected to a LAN or other TCP/IP network. Intelligent digital recording is saved on computer hard drives for management, analysis and export of evidence, including advanced remote access."

The software features motion activated recording with speed-p on motion, event activated recording, hourly to daily archiving with network support, 1-16 camera viewing of recordings, de-interlacing of images, input/output event control, intelligent PTZ control, advanced IPIX support, motion/event alerting via email or SMS messages, and more.

Reader Service No 118

Panasonic monitoring

Centrol IP Monitoring is a software package that provides a central monitoring station solution for receiving alarm triggered connections from all Panasonic IP-enabled products.

It includes a map layout facility which displays a map of each remote configured site. If an alarm is activated, the software alerts the operator by displaying a flashing icon on the map and playing an audio prompt. The video associated with the alarm location is shown, and a two-way audio channel is enabled.

The operator then has full control of any PTZs or domes on the site, using the on-screen joystick. The cameras can be controlled by mouse/touchscreen via the 'joystick', PC keyboard or by a physical joystick.

Reader Service No 119

DM's new server range

Dedicated Micros' new DV-IP Server range is "the ideal building block for any multi-site application", the company says.

Designed as a hybrid security solution, the DV-IP Server continually stores evidential-quality images on each local machine to ensure every detail of every incident is captured clearly.

The system is also able to stream MPEG-4 video simultaneously.

The Server offers up to 100pps record rate for high speed image recording and features tamper-proof alarm handling capabilities in compliance with BS 8418, critical for monitoring station applications.

Reader Service No 120

IP monitoring

SeeFar has released the first module of its new service-based building automation and security product BuildingMinder, which the company says offers "a true service-based model for building management".

The service operates from a dedicated base at the company's Technical Service Centre in South Yorkshire. The service centre securely controls the software and encrypted data for customer sites.

"Client companies are relieved of the complex and time consuming management tasks, while freeing them to focus on their core business while the centre monitors their facilities night and day," the company says.

Reader Service No 121

Source

Security Installer

Postscript

Anand Subbiah has worked within the security installation and distribution sector for over 20 years and, having seen the gap emerging with the growth of IP networking, started Ubiqz.

For more information contact Tyrone or Raj on 020 8347 3288/9 or email info@ubiqz.com