Head in the sand, or hole in the head?

May 2010 News

One of the great things about my job is that I get to see a few real industry firsts. Not the endless ‘firsts’ we constantly hear about from marketers and PR people, but real ground-breaking stuff.

Hi-Tech Security Solutions is working on one of these stories at the moment, an installation story so complex we will probably only be able to print it in November. It is supposed to be a case study about a move from analogue to IP surveillance, but the way it is going, it will be more a look at:

* What not to do when moving to IP.

* The dangers of choosing installers that do not have a clue about IP or IT and should be shot if they even say the word ‘network’ – and there are a lot of them.

* The need to take whatever time is necessary to choose the right partners who are willing to operate transparently.

* The absolutely non-negotiable requirement of having someone on your team that has a clue as to what you are doing and can relate to and check up on installers.

* The need for competitive quotes.

* The need for installers who understand IT and networking and the implications of running security services over IP networks.

On the positive side, the case study will also clearly demonstrate the power and versatility of IP. Moreover it also shows the endless options you have if you get the infrastructure right. Surveillance is only a starting point to an array of additional and complimentary IP security solutions you can build onto an effective infrastructure.

Fortunately, in this instance, the security manager did his homework and convinced the board to cough up what would traditionally have been a ludicrous amount of money for a security network. A year later however and the system is beginning to deliver returns with actual revenue generation add-ons planned for roll out over the next few years.

Sadly, this company had to deal with untrained security installers billing like cellular companies and doing the worst job imaginable – apparently someone was surprised when a gigabit network could not stream video from hundreds of cameras in real-time. Happily it was all sorted and the installation will soon be a showpiece for IP in Africa.

All I can say right now is that it is way overdue that SIA or PSIRA or whoever gets some teeth to slap a few cowboys that give the industry a bad name. Read all about it right here in Hi-Tech Security Solutions in the near future, well, read about the bits we are allowed to print anyway. Coming soon to a magazine near you!

In the meanwhile, enjoy this issue.

Andrew Seldon

Editor



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

UJ and Schneider Electric launch 4IR Experience Room
News
Schneider Electric and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) have officially unveiled the 4IR Experience Room, a first for UJ and situated at the university’s Auckland Park Campus.

Read more...
SafeCity Guarding rolls out across 14 suburbs in Johannesburg
News Security Services & Risk Management
In a major drive to provide communities across Johannesburg with additional safety, Vumacam, in partnership with Fidelity ADT and other security providers across the region, rolled out the innovative SafeCity Guarding initiative in 14 suburbs.

Read more...
Providing an interactive branding platform
Securex South Africa News Conferences & Events
Now in its 30th year of providing security technology and services providers with a platform for increasing their brand exposure, Securex South Africa will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, from the 6th to 8th June 2023.

Read more...
ALX sponsored learning programmes for 2023
Training & Education News
With a mission to harness Africa's abundant human capital by developing two million ethical and entrepreneurial young leaders from the continent by 2030, ALX has launched four fully sponsored (at no cost) tech programmes for 2023.

Read more...
LockBit ransomware gang most apt to leak stolen victim data
News
Trellix has released The Threat Report: February 2023 from its Advanced Research Centre, combining telemetry collected from the world’s largest network of endpoint protection installs and its complete XDR product line with data gathered from open- and closed-source intelligence reports.

Read more...
Schneider Electric is looking for your bold idea
News
Schneider Electric has launched this year’s Schneider Go Green, an annual competition that invites university students from across the globe to share their ideas for innovations that can help make the world cleaner, more inclusive, and more sustainable.

Read more...
Paxton Introduces new rewards programme to South African installers
Paxton News
Paxton has launched Paxton Rewards, offering the first opportunity for installers in South Africa to earn rewards by participating in training, installing Paxton solutions, and completing activities or achievements. The programme is available via the Paxton Installer app.

Read more...
Keeping students, staff and communities safe
Vumacam News CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Security Services & Risk Management
South African schools are facing increasing security challenges, making effective surveillance systems more important than ever. To address this issue, Vumacam is offering advanced security solutions with security partners, aimed at keeping students, staff, and the community safe.

Read more...
Arcules and IMMIX announce integration
News CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Products
Arcules has announced that its integration with Immix Central Station and Guard Force is available. The integration provides Central Station and Guard Force users a way to manage, verify, and respond to security events, while using Arcules-managed video feeds.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Drive to survive
Technews Publishing News
Nobody is surprised by the horrible driving habits of many people on South Africa’s roads. Lack of policing, except when collecting money, and the related overall acceptance and encouragement by government ...

Read more...