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IFSEC SA: Day 2

It is amazing how many Android and iPhone apps are appearing on the security scene these days. I think companies should supply a Galaxy Tab to each of their employees, or at least to me in particular.

And on the subject of mobiles, HID is launching its new iClass SE series at the show. With this new technology, you can badge in with your phone via NFC (near field communications) if you have the app. It will probably save money since people take much better care of their phones than their access cards. Local manufacturer Impro is also launching a low-cost access control device at the show. No mobile phone access here though.

Low-cost is also a feature at Norbain. Its Vista in-house brand of IP cameras, now in its second version, is getting a punt at its stand. Also, Norbain SA has announced it is distributing the Risco brand. One more for the pot.

While on the subject of distribution, Pinnacle Africa is a company to watch. Having recently bought Datanet, it is set to make significant inroads into the security market. Apparently there have been and will still be some significant industry players joining the company in the near future. This IT/security distributor is going to ruffle a few feathers - and let us not forget Mustek's growing security business either.

On the software side of things, Milestone is soon to announce some upgrades to its VMS offering, making it cheaper to manage more cameras with less. There are some significant price reductions and functionality enhancements coming down the line in the next couple of weeks which will make Milestone’s XProtect a no-brainer for small and mid-size companies.

There is more, but there have been far too many interesting snippets to include everything in this short note. Look out for our full review in a future issue.

And the winner is:

At the exhibitors’ dinner yesterday evening, the organisers announced the winners of the best stand awards. And here they are.

* For stands 18 square metres and under, 3M won with Imperial Armour the runner up.

* For stands between 18 and 80 square metres, ET Security Systems won, with Softcon the runner up.

* For stands 80 square metres and over, ADI was the winner and Norbain SA the runner up.

* And the overall Best Stand award went to Elvey.

Given the standard of many of the stands on the show, these are sure to be a controversial awards, but congratulations to the winners and to everyone that put so much into their presence at IFSEC SA 2011. The overall exhibition space is definitely a winner.

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