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Focus on surveillance: the digital age is here

Welcome to a bumper issue of Hi-Tech Security Solutions. This month, the bulk of our 80 page magazine is dedicated to the growing surveillance industry.

Over the past few years, Hi-Tech Security Solutions has been at the forefront of bringing you, the reader, the latest surveillance products, trends and technologies that are shaping this market both locally and abroad.

A few years ago we started promulgating about a digital age for the surveillance industry that would soon be upon us. That age is now! Proof of this can be found in our annual DVR (digital video recorder) review. Started in 2002, the Hi-Tech Security Solutions DVR review provides a comparative view of those systems - PC-based and embedded products - that have strengthened the course for digital in the local security industry. This year, the review provides comprehensive listings for 31 DVRs that are available locally.

Product and service equals solution

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of this year's review is the large number of companies that offer technical and after sales support to purchasers of their products, thereby not only 'pushing boxes' but delivering services that lend themselves to providing a complete security solution.

A bit of research on my part has also made me conclude that pre-sales and specifying has also been made easier for the end-user. A case in point is the number of company websites that provide a wealth of information regarding products and services that are on offer. For the most part, this information is provided in an easy to understand format that includes product specifications, fields of applications and reference sites, culminating in a service that makes choosing the correct solution that much simpler. These companies that have embraced the information age and have realised that the Internet can be an invaluable part of their business strategy should be applauded for their efforts.

On that score, we at Hi-Tech Security Solutions, have for many years realised the importance of complementing our printed matter with a strong on-line presence for our annual business directory ( www.secureit.co.za/</a>) and the monthly magazine ( www.securitysa.com).

Feedback from visitors who have visited these sites has been positive, however, more importantly, our on-line publication allows the reader to have access to a wealth of security information at the touch of a few keystrokes and also provides our marketers with the opportunity of strengthening their marketing presence, not only locally but internationally. In fact, type in the words 'hi-tech security solutions' in the Google search engine and www.securitysa.com and www.secureit.co.za are listed as third and fourth respectively on probably the most widely used search engine on the world wide web.

If you wish to subscribe to the Hi-Tech Security Solutions e-mail newsletter or need more info for marketing opportunities on these websites, log on to www.securitysa.com or contact hayden@technews.co.za

ISEC conference in South Africa

Going back to our focus on surveillance, this issue contains yet another handy reference of CCTV design and installation tips.

Finally, the International Security Education Council (ISEC) conference on 'Defining International CCTV Best Practice' takes place on 14-15 October 2003 in Johannesburg. The conference, the first of its kind in South Africa, will feature top industry experts, Charlie Pierce (USA), Mike Tennent (UK) and Dr Craig Donald (South Africa).

Till next month

Gerard Peter - Editor

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