Although the trend in the physical security industry is moving towards digitization, there are a few hurdles to overcome dealing with the multiple proprietary systems and video surveillance hardware devices. Unfortunately, as the industry has grown, so has the number of manufacturers. Some of these companies are more reputable than others and have a number of years of experience in related technology fields. Organizations such as Sony, Axis, Panasonic, Honeywell, and Bosch are but a trusted few, but be aware of the "out of the box solutions".

Included with the requirement for digital (IP) video surveillance cameras, is the array of network switches, wiring, conduit, network servers, digital recorders, backup power supplies, camera housings, analogue converters, and of course, management and recording software. For this reason, it is imperative that you rely on pre-deployment security assessments and work closely with the physical security integrator to ensure that all of the gaps are addressed and the installation includes every component necessary for full functionality.

Deployment of IP (network) security systems and video surveillance is complex...

A key issue that many are unaware of is the fact that leading manufactures of video surveillance hardware have "encoded" the equipment to work with their video management software only! This is fine if as a consumer you choose to stick with a particular brand of equipment, but what if you wish to integrate your system with your current computer network? What if you have plans to scale your video protection system to include access control, or intrusion detection? What if you wish to mix the components so that your costs are more fiscally responsible?

There is a solution, its name is Milestone.  "XProtect^TM Basis+ will turn a Windows PC into a state-of-the-art digital video surveillance system. The software supports the widest choice of network cameras and video servers, with the equipment connecting directly to an office LAN or other TCP/IP network, such as the Internet.  Digital recording is saved directly onto the hard drive(s) of the PC."

Yes, there are other companies and products out there that can address the issue of proprietary IP video hardware, but Milestone has a solid reputation and proven level of experience in the industry - so much so that Trinus Technologies plans to become a software partner.

To learn more about the ways Trinus Technologies is incorporating network video surveillance in our security and safety solution, read the article on the IPSSS Initiative in the Corporate Support Services section of our website.