Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (Toshiba) has opened a new HDD Innovation Lab in Düsseldorf, Germany.

This facility expands Toshiba’s hard disk drive (HDD) testing capabilities for customers and partners in Europe and the Middle East, helping them find the best HDD solutions for their needs. The lab will focus on evaluating HDD setups for large IT systems, including storage area networks (SAN), network-attached storage (NAS), surveillance systems, and cloud storage.

Advancing HDD Technology

Rainer W. Kaese, Senior Manager of HDD Business Development at Toshiba, stated that the lab represents a major step forward in customized solutions and HDD advancements. He emphasized Toshiba’s commitment to supporting the industry with technical expertise and resources.

Comprehensive Testing and Analysis

The lab will test HDDs and specific architectures based on customer requirements. It supports Proof-of-Concept testing and the configuration of tailored storage solutions.

A key feature of the facility is HDD architecture benchmarking, which includes:

• Various servers
• JBoD systems (Just a Bunch of Disks)
• Chassis, controllers, and cables
• Software for operating systems, video management, and storage
• Equipment for precise energy consumption analysis

Knowledge Sharing and Live Demonstrations

After testing, the lab will provide detailed reports and insights to customers. Additionally, Toshiba will use the facility to research and optimize its own HDD products.

The lab will also serve as a demonstration space for Enterprise, Surveillance, and NAS/SAN solutions, showcasing Toshiba’s latest innovations at industry trade shows.

Hikvision has partnered with specialist Swiss real-time condition monitoring solution provider, DAPONA.

The collaboration enables DAPONA to incorporate intelligent thermal cameras into its real-time condition monitoring solution which protects industrial sites such as sawmills and wood processing companies. Hikvision says that this will enable DAPONA to further reduce the risks associated with fire, smoke and excessive heat.

Cloud-based system

The DAPONA solution is a cloud-based system for creating graphical dashboards to display data from multiple types of sensors in real-time.

These holistic dashboards can be viewed on multiple different devices such as a computer or a mobile device. Should the sensors detect an anomaly, the system can be configured to issue alerts in multiple ways, the company claims.

HeatPro Series cameras

Hikvision HeatPro Series cameras are primarily used to detect areas within the building which are overheating or invisible defects in machinery and electrical systems.

The company’s professional thermal imaging capabilities are particularly important for monitoring areas that are difficult to reach using conventional measuring tools and sensors.

Significant reduction of the risks of fire and mechanical failure

Alexander Fritz, CTO and Co-Founder of DAPONA commented: “As a company we are dedicated to providing a holistic solution for our customers using the very best technologies available. Working closely with Hikvision’s excellent and extremely supportive technical team in China, this collaboration has enabled us to help customers reduce significantly the risks of fire and mechanical failure.”

Thermal monitoring technology in protecting buildings

Felix Fu, Global Technology Partner Alliance Manager, Hikvision stated: “Hikvision’s partnership with DAPONA is an excellent example of how intelligent thermal monitoring technology can be used to protect buildings from the risks of fire. Working with DAPONA we can provide companies with a comprehensive risk mitigation solution which augments data provided by our intelligent thermal cameras with that from other types of specialist sensors,” Fu concluded.

Primion has been awarded Gold membership of the prestigious Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) World Business Partners Program. This strengthens the company’s position as an expert in the airport industry and gives it exclusive access to market analysis, networks and industry trends in Europe.

This membership is an important milestone for Primion in further developing its expertise in the aviation sector. It provides a deeper insight into the specific requirements of European airports and promotes the development of tailor-made solutions.

Primion already serves several major airports, including the international hubs of Frankfurt am Main and Berlin Brandenburg. These long-standing partnerships and the experience gained will now be incorporated into the ACI EUROPE network.

ACI EUROPE represents more than 600 airports in 55 countries, which together account for more than 95% of commercial air traffic in Europe. The association addresses key issues such as capacity management, connectivity, security, customer service and sustainability, including the renowned Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

As a Gold Member, Primion will gain privileged access to industry networks, participate in key committees and benefit from increased visibility in the aviation sector. “Our involvement in ACI EUROPE enables us to gain an even better understanding of the diverse market conditions in Europe and to develop tailored solutions for airport operators,” explains Javier Alonso, Country Manager at Primion.

About Primion

For over 30 years, Primion Technology has been equipping businesses with converged and customised security solutions. As a global solution provider and leader in Access Control, Workforce Management, and Integrated Security Solutions, Primion proudly serves more than 4,000 customers around the world. Such comprehensive and certified service – which includes consulting, planning, installation, maintenance, and support – is provided by a team of over 470 experts.

Algeria’s key petrochemical supplier, ENTP, has commissioned IDIS technology to strengthen the country’s critical national infrastructure. The project, undertaken by specialist integration contractor EPE Retelem SPA, aims to modernize security systems with advanced video surveillance and AI-powered analytics.

To address evolving security risks while maintaining safe and efficient operations, ENTP—a subsidiary of Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach Group—launched the ENTP EYES initiative. This large-scale upgrade seeks to enhance surveillance capabilities across nearly 70 remote wells, drilling facilities, and ENTP’s headquarters. Given the demanding project timelines and the need to minimize operational disruptions, EPE Retelem SPA selected an end-to-end solution from Idis to meet ENTP’s security and operational priorities.

Upgrading to AI-Driven, Scalable Security

Sonatrach’s energy operations are vital to Algeria’s national security, making reliable surveillance a top priority. ENTP’s key objectives include faster incident response, improved preventative maintenance, and safer working conditions through near-incident detection. The upgrade focused on implementing the latest IP video technology with AI-powered analytics, robust Video Management Software (VMS), and durable cameras capable of performing in harsh environments.

A major goal was to expand coverage, eliminate surveillance blind spots, and improve system resilience with failover protection to guard against potential failures. Additionally, the need for increased video storage was a challenge—ENTP sought to optimize capacity without significantly raising costs.

The solution revolved around Idis DirectIP technology, which streamlined installation and reduced costs while ensuring seamless integration of all devices and video management software. The scalable IDIS Solution Suite VMS offers intuitive remote management, eliminating maintenance burdens and ongoing annual license fees typically associated with traditional video solutions.

Real-Time Monitoring and AI-Enhanced Security

With Idis centralised management, security teams now have remote access to live footage, playback, and camera configurations. The IDIS Mobile Plus app further enhances operational efficiency, allowing remote workers to oversee security in real time.

Additionally, AI-powered analytics provide 24/7 automated alerts, ensuring immediate detection and response to potential security threats. “Our Idis video solution, delivered by EPE Retelem SPA, assures us of complete domain awareness across our operations. It has further enhanced our response capabilities with advanced, automated detection and the latest highly accurate AI analytics functions,” said Mustapha Mehessim, ENTP.

By integrating cutting-edge AI technology and scalable video solutions, IDIS and EPE Retelem SPA have significantly strengthened Algeria’s critical infrastructure security, ensuring long-term operational resilience.

Image courtesy of IDIS

A new report from ABI Research forecasts that the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) market for the Internet of Things (IoT) will reach $5 billion globally by 2030. This surge is driven by evolving cybersecurity regulations, sector-specific standards, and large-scale national and international IoT initiatives, all of which emphasize the need for strong identity and access management solutions.

As IoT devices continue to proliferate, the demand for secure communication between these devices and their connected systems grows. PKI, a well-established digital trust mechanism, is evolving to meet the unique security needs of increasingly diverse IoT ecosystems.

A Shift Toward Scalable, Automated PKI Solutions

According to Aisling Dawson, Industry Analyst at ABI Research, the PKI landscape for IoT is shifting away from traditional, centralized models toward scalable, web-based trust networks. “With the complex nature of IoT environments, adaptable PKI solutions are on the rise, offering greater integration for IoT devices. This trend is further strengthened by increasing automation in the PKI space, including automated certificate issuance, renewal, revocation, and device decommissioning. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are set to enhance IoT cryptographic management, addressing concerns around post-quantum security,” Dawson explains.

Industry Leaders Back PKI for IoT Security

Key players in the PKI industry, including Keyfactor, Venafi, Utimaco, and Digicert, are expanding their digital trust solutions into the IoT sector. Major providers such as Entrust and Globalsign are also developing IoT-specific PKI solutions, intensifying competition within the market. Meanwhile, container-based Certificate Lifecycle Management and embedded PKI are gaining traction across industries, aligning with the growing reliance on cloud-based and containerized data storage.

Sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare are expected to drive substantial PKI-IoT revenue growth, particularly as quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions become a priority between now and 2030. Companies like Sectigo and AppViewX are focusing on enhancing certificate adaptability, while firms specializing in quantum-safe technology, such as SEALSQ and Kudelski, are incorporating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms into their PKI-IoT offerings.

PKI’s Evolution: A Necessity, Not an Option

Despite its strong potential to secure IoT devices, PKI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. “PKI must continue evolving to address the specific needs of IoT systems and avoid becoming just another marketing buzzword. While PKI’s cryptographic foundations enable quantum-resistant certificates, the fundamental limitations of IoT devices—such as storage and computational power—pose challenges for post-quantum cryptographic implementation. Rigorous testing of post-quantum PKI within IoT ecosystems will be crucial. Companies that prioritize this early on will gain a strategic edge as PKI becomes an integral component of IoT security,” Dawson concludes.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Senior Architectural Systems, an independent supplier of innovative aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems and thermally efficient fenestration systems into the commercial construction sector in the UK.

“This acquisition delivers on our strategy to add complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

“SAS is an exciting addition to our UK business, and I am delighted to welcome the team to ASSA ABLOY,” adds Neil Vann, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of EMEIA Division. “SAS offers an innovative and high-quality range of window and door profile systems including market leading thermally efficient technology. Their portfolio will further extend the ASSA ABLOY offering in the commercial OEM market in the UK.”

SAS was established in 1991 and has some 150 employees. The main office and factory are located in Yorkshire, UK.

Sales for 2024 amounted to about MGBP 50 with a strong EBIT margin.

Further to the announcement of a major personnel change at the top in December last year, iLOQ also plans to make 2025 a further year of growth with a new strategy involving the introduction of three new regional business units and the creation of a new chief revenue officer position.

In recent years, iLOQ has transformed into an international digital access management company, with subsidiaries in 16 countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. To more effectively meet market demands and enhance customer service, iLOQ is now implementing a reorganisation of its corporate structure, effective January 13, 2025.

To fulfill iLOQ’s growth strategy, drive development in sales, the brand and marketing functions, and provide a more customer-centric focus, iLOQ has established the following three Regional Business Units and create a new Chief Revenue Officer function:

• Nordics – with Toni Päivinen as Chief Business Officer
• Europe and emerging markets – with Thomas Thörewik as Chief Business Officer
• North America – with Robert Mancuso as Chief Business Officer

It is planned that the regional model, well aligned within the industry, will allow business units to drive business forward, and define appropriate roadmaps and their own long-range plans with the support of the global function.

To create more focus on both the built environment and critical infrastructure sector, renewed sales roles and responsibilities will continue to be developed. And, to nurture and expand the company’s most valuable and loyal accounts, key target account sales and key account management processes will be increased.

The newly created position of Chief Revenue Officer has been filled by Joni Lampinen.