Business Info - issue 138

www.binfo.co.uk 20 magazine should look at solutions offering multiple benefits. “SMEs require physical security and protection just like any other business. In fact, SMEs can be more vulnerable than larger entities that often have higher budgets to spend on protecting the business. That is why solution-based systems not only help the SME but are also imperative for a secure working environment. “SMEs must operate as efficiently, if not more efficiently, than larger companies due to the smaller number of employees they have. It may be that only one person is in charge of several aspects of a company, so they will need to be able to deploy solutions that can positively affect many areas of a business. A solution that delivers physical security, as well as business intelligence, will be beneficial to efficiency within a smaller business.” Business Info : What key factors should SMEs consider before buying? Karen Sangha advises businesses not to overlook cyber security and to consider the total cost of ownership of a system. “It is essential that any business, regardless of its size, recognises the threat of cyber-crime to their organisation. At Panasonic, we provide secure communication across our i-Pro extreme range, which significantly reduces the risk of a security breach. We do this by requiring a unique, complex password upon installation. All our firmware is encrypted to reduce the possibility of it being downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and deconstructed. Panasonic uses an embedded Linux operating system with all unused features on the device removed so they can’t be easily exploited.We also partner with a leading protection company to provide a series of secure platforms without the need for installers or end-users to create self-signed certificates or purchase and install certificates from third parties. “Again, we encourage SMEs to look at the overall cost of the security system, not just the initial cost, including ...continued IP SECURITY bandwidth and power consumption.” Paul Routledge advises businesses to define their requirements and to consider network design. “The first step is to decide what you want to achieve with IP surveillance and what you want to see. Defining the key areas you want to view is crucial, and then deciding the level of fidelity you need in those areas. Does the SME need to monitor those in the area at all times? Is facial recognition required in all or some areas? How much footage do they wish to record and access at any one time? These are just some of the basic questions to ask. Once these are answered an SME should decide on how footage is stored and accessed in compliance with today’s laws and business ethics. “In terms of technology, careful consideration of the network used to support IP surveillance is required. Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches are essential when installing larger quantities of cameras, as is analysis of how the switches are tied into the existing network or how they are going to be kept separate. “Choosing the right vendor to work with can help in these areas. D-Link has over 30 years of experience in working with technology in different areas, from the core of a network to the edge, in fields such as Switching,Wireless, IP Surveillance and Industrial Switching. This allows us to implement a total solution.” Peter Currie , too, stresses the importance of being absolutely certain about what you require from a system. “Before procuring any solution, an SME must first fully understand its own needs. A solution-based IP camera system is incredibly flexible, meaning it can be adapted to meet almost any requirement a business has. The best way to ensure a business gets what it wants from a solution is to truly understand what the solution needs to deliver.” Business Info : Have you launched any new cameras recently? If so, what are their benefits? Karen Sangha highlights the new i-Pro Extreme range of cameras and the world’s first quad 4K multi sensor camera, launched earlier this year. “Panasonic has recently launched the i-Pro extreme range, with the latest addition being a 9 mega pixel camera for indoor (WV-X4171) and outdoor use (WV-X4571L). These cameras have the ability to reduce data volume whilst maintaining high video quality, supported by beyond H.265 compression with Smart Coding Technology. They are available in 5MP and 9MP resolutions and can produce clear and low-distortion video images. “Both resolutions have powerful intelligent functions, including heat mapping, people counting and Moving Object Removal (MOR). Heat mapping enables the analysis of high-traffic and long-stay zones, offering a visualisation of the footfall within the cameras’ wide field of view – ideal for business intelligence and making efficiency improvements, particularly in retail and banking. “Earlier this year, Panasonic unveiled the world’s first quad 4K multi sensor camera. It has four repositionable lenses, each with 4K image sensors, offering sharp and clear images of fast moving vehicles. The four repositionable lenses minimise blind spots and allow the cameras to adjust to various shaped intersections and monitoring areas in city centres. This is a game changer for the transition to 4K in security.” Paul Routledge singles out D-Link’s new wire-free HD Camera Kit. “Most recently, D-Link has launched a wire-free indoor/outdoor HD Camera Kit as part of its third generation of cameras. It's got everything you can imagine and more. Consisting of two wire-free cameras and a hub, it's got great quality HD video, night vision, re- chargeable batteries (with a life of up to 11 months), three different ways to store images, two-way audio, smart home compatibility, free cloud recording for the first year (£43.99 after) and more.” Peter Currie recommends the new AXIS Companion Mini range for small businesses. “Everybody at Axis is dedicated to innovating new devices. As such, we launch new cameras with upgraded features and applications on a weekly basis. Our focus on R&D is always a top priority. The AXIS Companion series, a complete solution for SMEs, has just launched its ‘Mini’ range, including cost-effective cameras, recorders, software and accessories that leverage Axis’s user-friendly software and system components to meet all the requirements of small businesses.” Panasonic 4K Multi Sensor It is essential that any business, regardless of its size, recognises the threat of cyber- crime to their organisation