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Aiming for number one

During early 2005, when IP cameras became more affordable, WCS, one of South Africa's leading IT distribution companies, entered the security market. After months of research, development and testing, installers were offered a full range of conventional and IP products, which they could easily sell and install and hence maximise their profits. The installers now have an affordable `brand' to offer their clients. The goal is to offer the client good quality products, at affordable and realistic prices, backed by outstanding after-sales service to support the brand. A large budget was made available to market the brand. We are aiming to be the number one brand in South Africa within a short period of time. To achieve this, we plan to partner with the distribution channel. Any established distributor is welcome to approach ILLUDER.com for an agency.

Diversifying from IT into CCTV

With the advent of network convergence of physical and IT infrastructure, and the worldwide media coverage on this new technology, the computer dealers have had tremendous requests for more information about CCTV. Being a totally different field, the dealers began searching for more info from WCS. As a result we felt the need to include this sector into our product portfolio. Seeing that the prices of IP cameras are still high compared to conventional cameras, we identified the need to include those products as well.

Furthermore, with security being a major factor in our country - and consumers becoming more aware of this now affordable technology - the potential was tremendous. In fact, after a mere three months, the CCTV division went out on its own and established ILLUDER.com. Within such a short period of time, ILLUDER.com has already established six branches, with an additional two on the way.

Linking IT and security

IT at one stage had absolutely nothing to do with physical security but now the convergence is becoming increasingly evident, presenting a unique challenge in pulling all the technologies together - especially as the technology rapidly changes from its traditional standalone, low-voltage-only design to today's IT-networked capabilities. ILLUDER.com announced its commitment to training its dealers and integrators in the latest network technologies, and announced its commitment to provide the back-end support and resources in network technology that the company's channel partners would require when it actually came time to implement these new IT-ready systems.

ILLUDER.com products and services

Over the past few months, ILLUDER.com launched a whole new range of cameras, DVR cards and accessories to suit the South African security industry's needs. The product portfolio ranges from small covert CMOS cameras to high-speed domes and 4-channel USB DVR systems to 48-channel DVR cards.

Wireless systems and IP cameras are also included. With accessories, connectors and sundries on offer for the complete installation, ILLUDER.com branches are a one-stop shop for the CCTV installer. Most information is available on our namesake website. A forum is being launched soon to assist and have dealers talk to each other.

ILLUDER.com's foundation was formed on an IT background, meaning that every aspect of the business, from products, marketing, client approach and service is based on the established IT sector. Since CCTV is moving towards IT, it is the perfect foundation to evolve the CCTV sector into the next generation.

ILLUDER.com does not stop there. The first tier verticals include such arenas as retail, financial/banking, education, transportation, healthcare, and government/homeland defence. ILLUDER.com has focused on this by partnering with the best, Sony, to distribute its full range of CCTV equipment. This by no means compromises ILLUDER.com products, on the contrary it complements the product portfolio perfectly.

Furthermore, ILLUDER.com partners with Texecom, one of South Africa's largest alarm panel distributors. With Texecom's infrastructure and market share, both companies are moving forward obtaining market share.

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