September 5, 2026
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Home Articles posted by a&s Adria (Page 94)

ISE 2025: Connection Restored

ISE, the world-renowned annual tech show for the systems integration and audiovisual industry, will return to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 4-7 February 2025. Registration is now open for this must-attend event, offering a wealth of technological innovation, cutting-edge advancements, and inspiration for professionals in the integrated AV and security solutions community.

ISE 2025 promises to be an essential event for professionals who value cutting-edge security solutions and technological advancements, providing insights into the latest trends and innovations. The show features seven dedicated Technology Zones showcasing the world’s leading technology and solution suppliers, making it easier for attendees to find and compare the solutions they are looking for, and saving them time. Leading brands like Audinate, Bosch Security Solutions, Hikvision, LundHalsey, and Zenitel will showcase state-of-the-art AV solutions, providing valuable insights into how integrated systems can enhance automated security solutions.

Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, explains: “ISE 2025 will be our most ambitious, inspiring, and motivating edition to date. We’re looking forward to a host of new initiatives and features, an expanded and more easily accessible content programme that digs deep into the most significant megatrends shaping our industry, as well as the unveiling of Hall 8.1 accessed via the conveniently located North Access point. ISE is the global destination to get your connection restored with the industry – through virtually impossible experiences, unrivalled networking opportunities, and state-of-the-art technology, as well as even more chances for career and personal development.”

As ISE 2025 evolves with exciting new features, a reimagined content programme, and a strong focus on AI, the Opening Keynote address on Tuesday 4 February is set to be an essential destination for attendees eager to discover why now is the time for business leaders to rethink their organisations for an AI-defined future. Globally acclaimed digital analyst, author, and visionary Brian Solis, known for his profound insights into the intersection of technology, business, and culture, will share his vision on how the pro AV and systems integration industry can change and innovate through the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI).

Across the show floor at ISE 2025, you’ll discover an eye-popping array of technologies. There’ll also be the opportunity to explore how this technology is applied in real-life projects throughout the city, with ISE’s impressive collection of Tech Tours as well as the continued sponsorship of the annual LLUM BCN Festival of Light.

ISE brings the global AV and systems integration community together with unparalleled networking opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. From dedicated networking events to informal meetups, ISE is the place to make those invaluable connections that drive your business forward.

This year, ISE has shaken up the content programme to give greater focus to the mega trends making an impact in the industry: Cyber Security, AI, Retail, Audio, and Sustainability. These dedicated track sessions complement the Summit programme and will take place from Tuesday through to Thursday. The entire programme provides a platform for security experts to stay ahead of industry trends and network with key players in the field.

As a reader of A&S Adria, you can use code ‘asadriamag’ to book your FREE pass, visit iseurope.org.

 

Synology: Transforming Enterprise Data Protection: Addressing Modern Backup Challenges

Written by Jia-Yu, Liu, Executive Vice President of Application Group of Synology

Data backup has been a fundamental component for managing digital information. As a provider of data management solutions, Synology has consistently worked to protect our customers’ data, with our backup solutions now safeguarding over 25 million devices and accounts, earning widespread market acceptance. Through 25 years of experience in the industry, we’ve witnessed the evolution of data protection challenges and have continuously adapted our solutions to meet emerging needs.

Yet, we’ve observed a persistent challenge in the backup market in resource consumption. Data protection is often perceived as a preventive expense rather than a proactive measure to enhance business operations. This perception makes it more difficult for IT teams to justify budget requests to the management teams. Furthermore, with enterprises managing diverse workloads across on-premises, cloud, virtualized, and containerized environments, while confronting evolving attack vectors, IT teams must also consider various protection strategies including deduplication, ensure data visibility, off-site backup, immutability, and air-gap solutions across organizations. These requirements dramatically increase both costs and management complexity, stretching IT resources thin.

This realization inspired us to pursue a more ambitious vision: to unify all the essential elements for modern data protection into a seamless system built from the ground up, rather than assembled through piecemeal integration. It combines backup servers, software, and storage with essential security features, including immutability, air-gapping, and backup verification, all paired with a transparent and reasonable pricing structure that sets it apart from any existing enterprise backup solutions.

The result is ActiveProtect.

Resolving The Simplicity Illusion

When vendors discuss simplicity, they typically refer to the ability to backup multiple sources with a single software solution or centralized management across multiple servers through a unified interface. However, this only addresses surface-level management complexity. The entire IT procurement process for data protection remains lengthy and complex – from initial survey and price comparison to proof of concept, procurement, and ongoing service and contract maintenance.

Through extensive customer engagement, we’ve identified that organizations often struggle with a fundamental challenge: sourcing hardware and software separately to piece together their data protection systems. For instance, determining the optimal hardware configuration and settings for a chosen backup software requires significant time for tuning since these aren’t pre-configured during product design. Performance assessment adds another layer of complexity. Even when vendors like Veeam provide recommended specifications, budget constraints often force organizations to explore alternative configurations. This can lead to extended procurement times, as each configuration requires detailed testing and validation to ensure it meets performance requirements. Organizations commonly find that recommended specs don’t always deliver the expected results, adding further time to deployment as they seek adjustments and compatibility solutions across multiple vendors.

This fragmented approach incurs hidden costs in both integration and ongoing maintenance, issues that ActiveProtect addresses with its fully integrated solution.

ActiveProtect addresses these issues through its integrated approach, combining hardware and software engineering into one solution that automatically applies optimal settings upon deployment. Unlike DIY solutions that require separate security updates and individualized evaluation processes, these setups often rely on third-party computing servers and repositories, such as those from Dell or StoreOnce in the case of Veeam. This reliance creates a significant blind spot, as the primary solution provider may not be fully aware of vulnerabilities within third-party systems. Even a seemingly minor flaw, when linked with others, can become a critical security risk, making such systems not only harder to detect vulnerabilities in but also significantly slower to respond to potential threats. In contrast, ActiveProtect streamlines maintenance by consolidating updates across the entire system.

When replacements are needed, ActiveProtect simplifies the process with HDD migration, avoiding the extensive reconfiguration that many standalone systems demand. In addition, unlike backup software vendors that rely on costly third-party repositories to enable advanced features, ActiveProtect integrates these capabilities natively. With built-in functionalities like source-side deduplication and WORM technology immutable encryption, it achieves optimal storage allocation, enhances performance, and significantly reduces the workload for IT personnel, eliminating the need for external dependencies.

Redefining Ease of Use

While ease of use is universally emphasized, Synology sets a distinctly higher standard. Our customers consistently tell us that Synology’s interface is genuinely user-friendly and intuitive, requiring minimal familiarization or training for effective use. This is crucial because the hidden costs of training IT staff on complex interfaces, obtaining certifications, and managing staff retention are substantial.

The traditional approach requires IT professionals to spend weeks or months learning new systems, obtaining and maintaining certifications, navigating complex deployment procedures, and managing multiple management interfaces. For example, solutions like Veritas heavily depend on backup experts who must master command-line interfaces and Java-based operations, making recovery procedures and compliance testing nearly impossible without specialized expertise, and this knowledge is often lost when certified staff leave the organization. While most vendors offer comprehensive training programs, this often increases vendor lock-in and restricts enterprise flexibility.

ActiveProtect’s unified management portal offers comprehensive visibility and control across the entire backup infrastructure, from on-premises to remote sites and cloud repositories, allowing IT teams to execute complex tasks through a single, intuitive interface.

Unique and Transparent Cost Structure

The current market structure helps explain why costs remain high. With complex licensing models from vendors like Veeam and Veritas, calculating costs becomes challenging. For example, Veeam calculates by workload: a VM counts as one workload, a PC counts as three, unstructured data on object storage, NAS, and file shares is billed in 500GB increments, and Microsoft 365 is billed per user. This complexity makes cost estimation difficult, especially as protecting a single VM or Saas accounts requires additional licenses, potentially leaving gaps in backup coverage if licensing limits are exceeded. Veritas, on the other hand, uses source data size for capacity licensing, which can prevent backups if data usage spikes unexpectedly, making budget planning even more uncertain. These factors collectively drive up costs, often making cost-effective solutions inaccessible for enterprises.

Unlike other vendors that charge extra for premium features, ActiveProtect enables organizations to perform backups entirely license-free. This includes essential functionalities such as source-side, cross-side, and global deduplication, immutability, air-gapping, and backup copies. Centralized management for up to three backup servers is also provided at no additional cost. For deployments managing more than three backup servers in a cluster, customers can choose to purchase a CMS license, which is based solely on the number of servers within the cluster. This straightforward and transparent pricing structure allows organizations to scale their protection strategies efficiently while maintaining predictable costs.

Synology’s Vision for Modern Data Protection

With ransomware threats at an all-time high, data security should be a fundamental capability accessible to all enterprises. Synology’s vision has always been to innovate through our integrated hardware and software development capabilities, rationalizing costs through a single-vendor model to democratize IT management.

Through ActiveProtect, we deliver unique advantages through pre-configured hardware-software integration and rapid deployment capabilities. The unified management interface simplifies daily operations, while our transparent licensing model ensures predictable total cost of ownership. This approach enables automated configuration with optimal settings applied during deployment, unified management through a single interface for all backup operations, and streamlined licensing based solely on the number of backup servers under management.

Polar bear alarm

Oskar Strøm, a renowned expedition leader, heads film expeditions in Svalbard. These expeditions focus on documenting polar bears in their natural Arctic habitat. To capture unique footage, the film crew lives in extreme conditions: enduring very low temperatures, residing in small sleeping pods, and positioning themselves in close proximity to polar bears. Strøm required a solution to secure the camp and protect his team and valuable equipment from polar bears wandering around searching for food.

Protecting a remote site from furry intruders

Living next to polar bears in Svalbard to film them presents unique safety risks for Oskar Strøm’s crew. Hungry polar bears often dare into human camps to search for food and can threaten crew members or damage valuable equipment. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure necessitates generators, increasing fire risks. The crew’s compact sleeping pods create concerns about carbon monoxide buildup. This combination of wildlife threats, fire hazards, and potential CO poisoning in a remote Arctic location demands a comprehensive and reliable security solution capable of simultaneously addressing multiple risks in extreme conditions.

Designlarm’s task was to develop a system to detect polar bear intrusions and alert the crew immediately. The solution had to protect personnel and expensive equipment, including generators and filming gear, while also including fire and carbon monoxide detection. The system needed to be easy and intuitive to install, requiring minimal maintenance, and capable of operating without laid cables or constant internet connectivity.
This comprehensive security setup had to function effectively and self-sufficiently in Svalbard’s harsh environment, where technical support is not readily accessible.

A wireless security system that withstands extreme Arctic conditions

Designlarm chose the Ajax system for Oskar Strøm’s expeditions for its versatility, reliability, and intuitiveness. The Ajax ecosystem offers a comprehensive range of products that address all the expedition’s security needs. The system’s wireless operation was crucial for covering the camp area, where sleeping pods are spread out, and there are no structures for cable attachment. This wireless capability allowed for flexible placement of devices across the entire site, ensuring protection without the need for complex wiring.

The security system for the Arctic expedition is built around Hub 2 Plus Jeweller. This control panel uses Ajax proprietary radio protocols Jeweller to ensure reliable communication between all devices without leaning on internet access. This feature is crucial in the Arctic, where 2G/3G/4G coverage is nonexistent, and the team relies on limited and expensive Starlink internet access. Thanks to reliable two-way communication, Hub 2 Plus Jeweller receives alarms from detectors and delivers them to users. This ensures no alarm will be missed, guaranteeing protection even without Wi-Fi or cellular communication. At the same time, occasional internet connections allow for system updates. Powered by 12-24V PSU (type A), the Ajax hub operates on low-voltage sources instead of relying on a standard power grid, which is absent in remote Svalbard.

Four DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors are placed around the camp’s perimeter to guard the camp against polar bear intrusions. Each device features two narrow-angle motion detectors facing opposite directions and providing a total detection range of up to 30 meters (15 meters in each direction). This way, the bear’s approach will be registered in advance, not on the doorsteps of the sleeping pods. The viewing angle can be adjusted by 3 degrees horizontally on each side, eliminating blind spots and ensuring comprehensive coverage. To minimize false alarms caused by snow or small animals, the detectors use a software algorithm that analyzes signals from IR sensors. When triggered, DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors send alarms to indoor and outdoor sirens, effectively alerting the crew if a polar bear enters the camp.

MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller detectors serve as a second line of defense and provide motion detection with visual verification of alarms. When a polar bear crosses the perimeter, monitored by DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors, the system immediately triggers an alarm. While the bear moves around the camp, the built-in camera from MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller takes a series of photos, which the crew can see in the Ajax app within 9 seconds when connection to the internet is available. This visual verification allows the team to monitor the bear’s actions and exact location within the camp.

Indoor and outdoor sirens were installed in the camp to alert the team of security violations and deter curious or aggressive polar bears. HomeSiren Jeweller devices are installed inside sleeping pods to quickly wake the crew if a polar bear breaches the camp perimeter. The sirens provide immediate notification of danger and are impossible to ignore. StreetSiren Jeweller devices are deployed for external alerting. They serve a dual purpose: warn the crew about an intrusion and aim to deter approaching polar bears thanks to a tone. StreetSiren can produce a sound of up to 113 dB, lasting up to 3 minutes.

The Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fob is an essential component of Oskar Strøm’s security system. This compact device allows control of the alarm system even without the internet. With the key fob, users can arm, disarm, set night mode, or trigger an alarm manually. Its impressive 1,300-meter connection range to the hub ensures system control from various points around the camp.

In addition to the threat of polar bears, the expedition team faced the invisible danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. This risk is high in their small, tightly sealed sleeping pods, where CO can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels. To address this issue, Designlarm installed FireProtect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller detectors. They have a built-in siren and LED indicator to alert when a sensor detects a threatening CO level. The detector is always active and reacts 24/7, regardless of the system’s security mode. In addition, the detector will also alert the team of the fire. Its unique smoke chamber doesn’t require regular cleaning, while a dual-spectrum sensor differentiates smoke from steam, reducing false alarms.

The Ajax security system has demonstrated remarkable durability and reliability even in extreme Arctic conditions. Despite being rated for temperatures down to –40 °C, the system operated effectively at –45 °C. Over 1.5 months, outdoor devices such as DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller, MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller, and StreetSiren Jeweller have been operating without issues in these severe conditions. The only notable effect of extreme cold was faster battery drainage, which is expected at such low temperatures. However, this wasn’t a significant issue as the system informs users about low battery levels in advance. Anticipating this challenge, the expedition team had prepared by bringing an ample supply of spare batteries.

Why Ajax

  • Performance surpassing expectations. Ajax devices have demonstrated exceptional reliability in the harsh Arctic conditions and outperformed their specified operational parameters. They provided dependable protection against polar bear encounters and other potential threats in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
  • Reliable operation without constant connectivity. An Ajax security system functions effectively without continuous connection to the internet. Hub 2 Plus Jeweller maintains communication between all devices and continues to process and respond to alarms even when there is no internet connection.
  • System mobility and ease of installation. One person managed to install and configure the entire system using the intuitive Ajax app. The whole process is fast and does nor require specialized tools.

Interview: Thomas Napora, General Manager & VP EMEA, ICT

We unified various services into a single solution with a powerful central system – the controller. The Protege GX controller will unify the database for access control and intrusion and can dynamically manage different scenarios. When it was released in 2009, with its DIN Rail hardware design, it was really ahead of its time.

By: Damir Muharemovic; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

a&s Adria: Can you tell us about your background and experience? How did you come to work with ICT?

Napora: At 18 years old, I joined the German Air Force and was working in various technical and management positions and locations, including the NATO Air Force Headquarters. During this time, I gathered a lot of experience in IT and my role evolved towards physical security as the products became network devices.

Afterwards, I worked for multiple, multinational security companies and my roles evolved from engineering to sales and senior management responsibilities. I have developed my skillset and knowledge across various technologies ; ranging from IT Software and Hardware, Network, Access Control, Intrusion Detection Systems, Building Automation, 2D/3D LiDAR, MW/PIR/IR Sensors, IP Cameras, VMS, PSIM, IoT and SaaS to now a Unified Access Control/Intrusion/Building Automation platform at ICT.

My sales and senior management roles were across the EMEA region, in which I have extensively travelled which made me appreciate and understand the variety of the markets, countries, cultures and mentalities. When I was approached by ICT’s CEO and Founder, Hayden Burr, who explains that as part of his plans of global expansion of the already very successful company, EMEA was a critical, but difficult part to build, I felt it fitted perfectly with my experience and knowledge. It was for me the right next step to raise to the challenge to establish the EMEA region for ICT as Vice President and General Manager, EMEA.

a&s Adria: Integrated Control Technology (ICT) manufactures unified and intelligent electronic access control and security solutions. Could you walk us through the company’s history? What were its most important milestones?

Napora: Integrated Control Technology (ICT) was founded in 2003, by Hayden and Rachael Burr in Aukland, New Zealand, with the vison of unification of access control, intrusion and automation. A big milestone was in 2009 when Protege GX, the unified enterprise security platform was released. With its DIN Rail hardware design, it was really ahead of its time.

In 2013 the offering expanded with Protege WX, tailored to small and medium businesses and the tSec multi-technology card readers. In 2016 the Protege Mobile App brought access and control to mobile phones. Then, in 2023, ICT released Protege Wireless Locks in North America, and a new team was created in EMEA to bring localized, sales, technical, and operational support to the region – we’re now a team of 9 people.

a&s Adria: Can you present your portfolio in brief? What types of products ICT produces and for what purpose?

Napora: Fundamentally, ICT offers a unified access control and intrusion detection solution that can scale, and is easy to customize. There are two different systems, the web-based Protege WX for a single site, and our server based multisite platform, Protege GX. On the hardware side, ICT offers a range of door and input/output expanders which work with both systems. So, to expand from a single locationto multisite, only the controller would need replacing. Multi-technology readers, mobile credentials, and mobile configuration app are also all part of the offering.

a&s Adria: Protege WX is a web-based, all-in-one system integrating access control, intrusion detection, and building automation into a unified solution. What are the key benefits of such a system to a client?

Napora: An access control and alarm panel in one controller brings greater value. You no longer need to run two separate systems which saves time and money at install. When you add automation to the mix, you begin to see its true power. With just a single tap of a card, you can now unlock the door, disarm the alarm, and turn the lights and aircon on.

a&s Adria: Even though it is primarily intended for SMBs, Protege WX modular hardware design provides the flexibility to accommodate any installation. How can a client scale this system to fulfill his requirements?

Napora: Using door expanders, one Protege WX controller can manage up to 128 doors which is already a relatively large system. Also, as the Protege range is inter-compatible, so if additional software solution or integration is required, the only change would be an easy upgrade to a Protege GX controller – all the rest of the equipment can remain the same.

a&s Adria: Small and medium businesses often face challenges when it comes to maintaining a 24/7 security presence due to budget constraints. Given the rise of offsite monitoring solutions, how would you explain the advantages of IP monitoring over traditional alarm dialers in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability, and security? Additionally, how do features like onboard Ethernet adapters, cellular modems, and ArmorIP encryption contribute to enhancing alarm reporting and ensuring rapid, accurate responses to triggered alarms?

Napora: IP monitoring is a more reliable, cost-effective, and secure alternative to traditional alarm dialers. Unlike analog systems that rely on costly phone lines and slower communication methods, IP monitoring significantly reduces operating costs while providing near-instant alarm transmission using existing internet connections, rather than costly phone lines that traditional analog alarm dialers rely on.

ICT’s ArmorIP solution takes security to the next level with advanced encryption to safeguard data transmissions, and cellular modems for 4G backup in case of internet outages. With ArmorIP, alarm signals now include detailed, actionable information – such as event time, panel details, and user identifiers – which allows monitoring centres to respond with precision and speed.

a&s Adria: Would you say that its communication via an RS-485 connection and support for OSDP 2.2 make it a robust and safe security solution and why?

Napora: Yes, it’s about striking the balance between security and flexibility. With ICT’s proprietary RS-485 protocol you get AES-256 encryption.. However when compatibility with other systems is required, OSDP 2.2 gives a secure alternative using RS-485 protocols with AES-128 encryption. This means an OSDP reader can be paired with a MIFARE DESFire card and an ICT Protege controller to create a totally encrypted communications path from the card to the server. Also, OSDP allows constant, bi-directional communication, which means that any interference with the reader cabling will be detected in seconds.

a&s Adria: As an enterprise-level solution, what are the key differences of Protege GX?

Napora: Protege GX has an unlimited number of doors or sites. The software suite allows custom floorplans and provides different types of reporting such as time and attendance. As well as third-party integrations with VMS platforms, lifts, wireless locks, biometric readers, and more, Protege GX makes it easy to customize existing operational systems thanks to simple database synchronization and custom APIs.

a&s Adria: Aside from the ones mentioned in this interview, what product range would you stand out as the most-selling one in the European market?

Napora: In Europe, we are very successful in projects where an open and scalable platform is required. ICT Protege GX can easily integrate with existing operational and security systems, through data sync and its ability to read multiple formats. For instance, Protege GX offers a very easy migration from the Interlogix Verex Afx platform, which is now end of life, while keeping some of the legacy equipment. Aside from the Protege controllers, and expanders, our multi-technology reader range is also very popular. The existing tSec range offers a choice of colours, 3 sizes, with or without keypads, and customizable LEDs, with multi-technology including 13.56MHz, 125kHz, and Bluetooth. They can read a variety of formats which allows many end users to keep their existing credentials, while new users use MIFARE DESFire.

a&s Adria: “My vision is to make access, intrusion, and automation easy for our customers. A lot of security products are complicated and only offer one service. Our driving idea is that you create success – and value – when you combine them into a unified solution”, said Hayden Burr, Founder & CEO of ICT. How do you accomplish this? Can you give us an example?

Napora: The way to accomplish this is through a powerful brain which is the controller. The Protege GX controller will unify the database for access control and intrusion and can dynamically manage different scenarios. A simple one would be to arm an area at the count of zero person. Another scenario will allow access and disarm an area only when the supervisor is in. It is the same with building automation, if an area is empty, the light and aircon can be switched off, or if there are windows sensors, the aircon would stop when the window is open and start again when the window is closed.

Another way to optimize operations and create value, is when our customers use our Protege platform not only to secure premises but also to automate bookings, by sending a pin code to their customers once the booking is confirmed, that can be then entered to our keypad readers to grant them access during the time allowed.

a&s Adria: Your ICT Dealer Network (IDN) program is designed to ensure customers receive expert services from qualified and capable security installers. With an emphasis on rigorous standards, including an audited qualification process, the integrity and guidelines of the program ensure members deliver a high level of customer satisfaction.

Napora: Our goal is to serve the end user, offer them a bespoke solution while making the installation, and the use of it as easy as possible. To achieve this, it is crucial that our installation partners are well trained. They need to understand all the functionalities of our solutions, the best practice to implement it. We have a strict certification program, especially for Protege GX, which ensures that level of expertise. Each certified engineer needs to recertify every two years, ensuring new features are covered.

a&s Adria: Could you share recent case studies where ICT’s products or solutions made a significant impact on a customer’s safety and operational efficiency?

Napora: The City of Parramatta in western Sydney, Australia, has demonstrated the tangible advantages of ICT enterprise security. By implementing unified access control and automation across 110 city locations, Parramatta enhanced safety and streamlined operations, all managed through a dedicated 24/7 Security Operations Centre. Mo Al Salemi, Security Platform Specialist for the City of Parramatta, noted, “Our core operation, everything we have integrates with ICT Protege GX; that is our foundation.”

This has allowed Parramatta to innovate further, integrating automated systems for public facility bookings like sports clubs or meeting rooms through the council website. “It’s all automated,” said Al Salemi. When users access buildings with valid credentials, lights, HVAC, hot water, AV, and other systems activate on-demand. This approach reduces energy waste while adding convenience for users. By integrating smart solutions, Parramatta has not only achieved operational efficiencies but also reduced utility costs and manual interventions significantly.

a&s Adria: What will ICT focus on in the next 3-5 years in terms of new technologies and market development? What are you plans for the European market?

Napora: We are focused on the customer, which is why updates to the user interface are underway to make it even more user-friendly. We’ve also adopted protocols like OSDP 2.2, functions like signed firmware updates, and use of a secure access module within the reader – which will be available in our upcoming TSL line – so we ensure our access readers are built to withstand the ever-changing security landscape.

But really, the future is going to be built around open technology, so we want to provide the foundation for your access, security, and building automation needs. Our open, unified solution has very well received by the market, and allows us and our partners the flexibility to build a solution that meets the unique needs of end users.

In EMEA, the region is now fully operational and the team continues to grow as we support our growing customer base. We are looking to certain countries to establish coverage and market share before as we onboard the right partners in new territories in the next 5 years, so we can expand and offer full coverage throughout the region.

In parallel, we are working on having the right infrastructure with logistics hubs and building a strong local team to provide localised pre-sales, sales, post-sales, marketing, and operational support.

Roombanker Seeks Distributors in the Adria Region

Roombanker, a manufacturer of high-quality wireless alarm systems at affordable prices, is looking for qualified distributors in the Adria region.

Roombanker is an experienced manufacturer of IoT-based wireless smart home systems. Its product team, with years of experience at world-renowned security brands, brings extensive expertise from the global security market. Drawing on this experience, Roombanker developed an advanced wireless alarm system that integrates cutting-edge technologies such as two-way communication, 128-bit AES encryption, and FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) for enhanced security and reliability.

Designed specifically for residential and small business applications, Roombanker solutions ensure fast installation and simple operation for customers around the world. In addition to security systems, Roombanker also offers a complete range of home automation, energy management, and environmental monitoring solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

Requirements for Recruiting Distributors

Roombanker is seeking distributors who meet the following criteria:

  1. Strong Customer and User Relations: Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with customers and users, providing exceptional service and support.
  2. Regional Influence: A strong presence and influence within the local market, with a well-established network and reputation.
  3. Effective Brand Marketing and Product Promotion: Proven skills in brand marketing and promoting products to a broad audience, with a focus on growing market share.
  4. Sales and Technical Support Capability: A dedicated sales and technical support team, with a solid understanding of the security market and the ability to effectively support Roombanker’s product line.

Roombanker Support for Distributors

Roombanker is committed to providing comprehensive support to our distributors to ensure their success:

  1. Rebate Incentives: We offer attractive rebate incentives to help agents expand their business and increase profitability.
  2. Store Support: Our partners receive assistance in establishing and promoting multiple sales channels, including traffic generation strategies to position agents as leading service providers in the region.
  3. Business Guidance: Distributors benefit from Roombanker’s extensive business support, including guidance on sales strategies, product offerings, and access to our broader network of resources.

How to Apply

Roombanker offers two convenient methods for interested distributors to apply:

Method 1:

Scan the QR code to fill out the registration form and provide your contact information. Roombanker will reach out to you promptly once they receive your registration.

Method 2:

Submit your application directly through the company website. Roombanker business development team will review your submission and contact you to discuss the next steps, including details on partnership terms and conditions.

For more information, visit Roombanker Website or contact its distributor relations team at mia.zhao@roombanker.com.

Method 2:
Submit your application directly through our website. Our business development team will review your submission and contact you to discuss the next steps, including details on partnership terms and conditions.

For more information, visit Roombanker Website or contact our distributor relations team at mia.zhao@roombanker.com.

Roombanker Wireless Alarm System Features

The Roombanker Wireless Alarm System offers comprehensive home security with advanced connectivity and cutting-edge features:

  • Triple Connectivity: The system control panel (also called Home Security Hub) supports 4G, WiFi, and Ethernet connections, ensuring reliable operation even in areas with variable internet availability. It also includes an 8-hour Li-ion battery backup, keeping the system operational in case of a sudden power cut.
  • Long-range Connectivity Protocols: The system is compatible with Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and our proprietary RBF (Sub GHz protocol). RBF extends up to 3500 meters in open fields, utilizing FHSS, 128-bit AES encryption, and two-way communication technology for robust security.
  • Mobile App for Easy Installation: The system includes a user-friendly mobile app (RB-Link) for easy installation, device configuration, and real-time signal strength monitoring to help users find the optimal setup location.
  • Pet-Friendly PIR Motion Detector: Equipped with multiple precision technologies such as anti-white light detection, digital temperature compensation, and an independent floating threshold for accurate motion detection.
  • Tamper-Proof Door and Window Sensors: Magnetic sensors that trigger an alert if tampered with or displaced.
  • Elegant Alarm Keypads: These keypads feature one-touch emergency alarms (medical, fire, and general emergencies), support for up to 69 users, multi-user operation, and a duress silent alarm for added security.
  • Portable Key Fobs: Simple one-touch controls for quick arming and disarming, plus two customizable buttons for other automated scenes.
  • Solar-Powered Outdoor Siren: A weather-resistant siren that operates on solar power for outdoor security needs.
  • Fast-Response Indoor Siren: A loud indoor siren with adjustable volume and multiple alarm sound options.
  • Additional Security Devices: Roombanker offers a variety of other devices, including smoke detectors, two-probe water leak detectors, and more to enhance overall security.
  • Home Energy Monitoring Devices: The system also integrates home automation features, with smart plugs, high-current wall switches, low-current smart relays, and temperature/humidity monitors to help optimize home energy management.

2024 Tech Trends Maturity and Suitability Index

Welcome to asmag.com’s 2024 technology survey sponsored by ZKTeco. This year our survey saw participation by 250 security players who were polled not only on the suitability and maturity of security technologies but also on customer interest/enthusiasm over these technologies and their growth prospects in the near term. It is our hope that with the survey, readers will gain a better understanding of technologies that deeply shape our industry. The full results for video surveillance and access control can be found here.

Cloud/hybrid architecture

Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) and access control as a service (ACaaS), which are increasingly adopted by security players, show little change in terms of suitability and maturity this year as compared to 2023, even though ACaaS ranks No. 1 for access control technologies with huge growth potential (full results can be found in the access control and video surveillance articles).

It’s worth noting that the hybrid architecture has received higher scores of 4.03 on suitability and 3.7 on maturity. In terms of customer inquiry and growth potential, hybrid ranks No. 4 and No. 3, respectively. Based on the results, we can see that the cloud momentum is still there, and this is especially the case for hybrid cloud, which distributes processing/storage between on-prem and cloud.

“Hybrid architecture is gaining popularity because it combines the best of both on-premise and cloud-based systems. It allows organizations to retain local control of their most sensitive data while leveraging the scalability and convenience of the cloud for broader management. This dual capability is especially useful for companies with legacy systems that aren’t ready for full cloud migration,” said Tom Buckley, Co-Founder of Qumulex.

“A flexible hybrid-cloud deployment provides multiple options, ensuring that regardless of how many systems are running on local servers or connected to the cloud, they can all be brought back to a central head-end for seamless management from a single platform. A hybrid approach also simplifies the transition to cloud-connected systems at a manageable pace, enabling edge devices to become cloud-compatible, adding cloud services to existing infrastructure, and allowing for the development of a long-term strategy that maximizes ROI while avoiding expensive forklift upgrades,” said Laurent Villeneuve, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Genetec.

AI/Generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that can create new contents based on existing datasets. A potential game-changer for security, generative AI garnered a suitability score of 4.16 and ranks No. 1 in both customer inquiries and growth potential over the next five years.

“Generative AI is gaining a lot of attention in security because of its ability to improve the accuracy and speed of threat detection, as well as its potential to reduce false alarms. By learning from vast amounts of data, generative AI can identify patterns that humans or traditional systems might miss, enabling more proactive security measures. It can also be used to enhance facial recognition, predictive maintenance, and video analytics. While it’s still maturing as a security technology, its rapid development and widespread applicability make it a top candidate for investment and adoption in the near future. As it matures, we expect to see more innovative applications that will revolutionize how we approach physical and cybersecurity,” Buckley said.

Meanwhile, Villeneuve argues that GenAI can also introduce new risks, which must be properly addressed.

“The rise of GenAI also introduces new security threats, including the proliferation of deep fakes and vulnerabilities in foundation models, which are trained on vast amounts of publicly available internet data. These models are increasingly becoming targets for adversarial attacks, such as efforts to introduce malicious data into the models’ training datasets. The security industry, in particular, must be vigilant in identifying and mitigating these emerging risks to ensure the integrity and safety of its systems. If implemented correctly, this can lead to faster response times and more efficient investigations, ultimately improving overall operational effectiveness,” he said.

Edge processing

In terms of edge processing, it gained a suitability score of 4.3 and maturity score of 3.86. In terms of customer inquiries, it ranks third. The high suitability score reveals that users enjoy the benefits offered by edge processing, where data is processed on the edge – only metadata is transmitted to the backend for further processing. This allows for better utilization of bandwidth and quicker response to incidents. The increasing availability of AI cameras where video can be processed on the edge also helps drive this trend.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity received suitability and maturity scores of 4.39 and 3.91, respectively. It also ranks No. 2 in both customer inquiries and future growth potential. The results reflect the growing importance of cybersecurity amid high attack rates. According to Broadcom, connected cameras accounted for 15 percent of all IoT attacks. A US News and World Report survey further shows 13 percent of respondents have experienced camera hacks, while 49 percent are worried about them. This has prompted vendors to design their products with cybersecurity in mind. Gallagher, for example, has launched their Controller 7000 with enhanced hardware and security infrastructure to optimize cybersecurity. Video surveillance equipment manufacturers are increasingly highlighting NDAA compliance where no key parts of components are made in China. With hacking and security breaches becoming more rampant, discussions and awareness over cybersecurity are all but likely to continue.

Unmanned security (drones and robots)

As for unmanned security such as drones and robots, it scored moderate suitability and maturity scores of 3.7 and 3.34, while ranking fourth in terms of growth potential in the near term. Unmanned security has been a much-discussed topic a few years back, yet user interest and enthusiasm seem to have diminished a bit. However unmanned security still has useful applications, especially in critical mission scenarios where monitoring by fixed cameras is insufficient. Mitsubishi, for example, has teamed up with 3S to offer a fire-prevention solution where drones are flying with both visible and thermal cameras, the latter of which can detect small fire points, which can escalate into larger-scale fires.

Tables:

Ranking of security technologies, by inquiries from customers

Ranking Technology
1 AI/Generative AI
2 Cybersecurity/cyber-defense solutions
3 Edge processing/storage
4 Hybrid cloud architecture
5 Unmanned security platforms
6 5G
7 Radar and lidar

Ranking of security technologies, by future growth potential

Ranking Technology
1 AI/Generative AI
2 Cybersecurity/cyber-defense solutions
3 Hybrid cloud architecture
4 Unmanned security platforms
5 5G
6 Edge processing/storage
7 Radar and lidar

6 key technology trends affecting the security sector in 2025

We’ve once again reached the time of year when we look ahead to some of the technology trends that will affect the security sector over the coming 12 months. The pace of change is as fast as ever.

Written by:
Johan Paulsson, CTO, Axis Communications
Mats Thulin, Director Core Technologies, Axis Communications
Thomas Ekdahl, Engineering Manager, Axis Communications

Some of the trends are evolutions of those we’ve seen in previous years. An obvious one is the continued interest in how AI will be applied in our sector, and we’ve highlighted some of the new considerations that will need to be addressed moving forwards. Others are new, or even a resurgence of topics we may not have focused on for a while.

National and regional legislators will once again try to keep pace with technological innovation. AI, cybersecurity, privacy, the need for resilience in critical entities… All these (and more) will be the focus of proposed and new regulation. We haven’t highlighted this as a specific trend, but it’s no less a priority and something every organization will need to respond to.

We believe that within all of these trends lies significant opportunity for the sector. For our customers that means enhanced capabilities, more flexibility, greater efficiency and increased value.

Hybrid solutions: the foundation for freedom of choice

In previous years we’ve highlighted how hybrid architectures – those making best use of edge, cloud, and on-premise technologies – have become the de facto choice for security solutions.

The drivers for the choice of architecture will be unique to every organization, taking into account technological, legal, ethical and governance concerns and requirements. The environment is evolving quickly, and therefore freedom of choice is imperative.

Hybrid solutions give freedom of choice in how to store, view, and analyze video, or manage devices. A combination of edge, cloud, and on-premise technologies can deliver an optimal total system solution, or its flexibility used to choose the specific instance preferred.

Whether demanded by emerging local and regional regulations or concerns over control of data, cost, or energy efficiency, hybrid solutions will continue to offer the greatest flexibility in creating architectures to best suit specific organizational needs and allow a system to be scaled.

AI evolution alongside AI efficiency

Development within the field of AI continues to race ahead. Deep learning technologies are the bread and butter of most analytics solutions within the security sector, while newer generative AI technologies are rapidly maturing. There is still a lot of hype in certain areas but real applications of generative AI in the security sector are becoming available. Each step of evolution brings with it a new set of opportunities, but also ethical, legal, and corporate considerations.

Generative AI models are large and require much compute capacity to execute, which creates a debate in how to balance the cost of AI (both in terms of financial investment, but also in terms of energy use and environmental impact) with its value. A lot of effort is being put into reducing the size of the models while maintaining the quality of results. The increased use of AI technologies only reinforces hybrid architectures as the standard.

The various ‘flavors’ of AI – from deep learning-based object recognition to generative AI – either demand or benefit from being applied at different places in the value chain, and in specific environments. Generative AI can assist operators in interacting with security solutions in natural language but, for the foreseeable future at least, require significant processing power. Conversely, deep learning-based analytics such as enhanced object recognition can be performed within surveillance cameras themselves.

Eventually this will enable generative models to be, at least partly, run on cameras with high-quality results. At the same time the models are improving in quality with regards to ethical aspects, bias, hallucinations, and the risk of making the wrong decisions.

Over time there is a big opportunity to dramatically change the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations. Algorithms will be able to understand what is happening in a scene and react to anomalies, based on the analysis on different types of input data, including but not limited to visual information. Input data will come from radar, audio, and numerous other sensors. This will create solutions that enable increasingly proactive capabilities and generate valuable insights in security scenarios for long term planning.

Beyond safety and security becomes real

The application of increasingly advanced computer vision, audio, access control and other connected technologies continues to serve security and safety use cases. Greater accuracy of analytics through the application of AI – particularly in object recognition – means that incidents can be responded to more quickly and effectively than ever before.

What is also clear is that the data generated by sensors of all types – video, audio, environmental, and more – can benefit numerous use case beyond the traditional. While still a relatively small part of the market, we expect to see an acceleration of applications aligned to operational efficiency and business intelligence.

This trend highlights the opportunities for increased collaboration across customer organizations. Technology being sourced or specified for one use case could well be used in another area of a business’s operations. For instance, data being created by video cameras employed principally for security purposes can be analyzed over time to improve customer or employee experience, sustainability, or process efficiency.

Through the high-quality hardware platforms available, the pace of development and innovation is astounding. Hardware vendors that foster an open and collaborative ecosystem of application developers and system integrators will bring greatest value to customers most quickly.

The “rebirth” of image quality

It may be counterintuitive to suggest that a focus on image quality is a trend in the sector, where many would assume it’s always been a priority (which, of course, it has). The trend is in how the images from visual sensors are being used, and with that the increased opportunities that better image quality brings.

The paradigm shifts when we consider that images are now often being initially viewed and analyzed by computers rather than humans, and that images are being viewed continuously, rather than when an incident of interest has taken place.

Advances in analytics and AI mean that a higher resolution image will inevitably lead to a better result, whatever the use case. Object recognition will be more accurate and more detailed data (and metadata) created. The drive towards even better image quality has been reignited.

With this has come opportunities for efficiency as well as effectiveness. A single camera producing much higher image quality can cover as large an area as multiple cameras would have been needed for previously. Higher resolution images also support analytics, for instance in large crowds, busy traffic intersections, or fast-moving production lines.

The human is still very much “in the loop”, as the saying goes. Operators will be automatically alerted to scenes they need to pay attention to, increasing efficiency and effectiveness of a response. Image quality as a focus will also place keen attention on the maintenance of surveillance cameras – still often a manual task – as small obstructions can have a significant impact on analysis.

The long-term value in products comes through software support

At the higher end of the security sector, the quality of hardware has been improving year-on-year. Today, hardware devices can be of such high-quality – particularly in terms of performance and capabilities – that expectations about their lifetime are greater than ever.

But while quality hardware can last for many years – as illustrated by the length of warranties – the defining factor in a camera’s functionality, including cybersecurity, and therefore its lifetime value, comes through ongoing software support.

Vendor commitments to support software throughout the expected lifetime of the hardware are essential; software that continues to enhance and build on the capabilities of the camera and keep it as secure as possible.

This also underpins the total cost of ownership of hardware. An investment in better quality camera, with comprehensive software support throughout its lifecycle, will ultimately be a more effective and efficient solution.

Technology autonomy to the customer’s benefit

Our role, and that of our partner ecosystem, is ultimately to focus on meeting the needs of customers. Technology for technology’s sake serves nobody’s purpose – innovations must be aligned to the priorities of the end user.

This clearly means supporting customers’ goals in safety and security, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. But it also means supporting their cybersecurity posture, commitment to sustainability through energy efficient solutions, and flexibility and freedom of choice via open standards-based technologies and platforms.

Technology vendors with more autonomy over their core technologies are clearly best placed to support these customer requirements. Greater control over foundational technology, from the silicon “upwards”, will allow a vendor to design specific capabilities and functionality aligned to customer needs into its products. Such an approach to core technology ownership will also allow a vendor to stand by commitments of being “secure by design”.

Furthermore, greater control of technology – at a component or even material level – is an important prerequisite to more effectively mitigate the risks of broader disruption to global supply chains. This enhances the ability to meet the requirements of customers, when they are needed.

We’re already seeing companies that would have traditionally been seen as software vendors designing their own semiconductors to gain more control over their service delivery – particularly in the area of AI – and we foresee this trend continuing in all sectors. Core technology independence is a trend we’re proud to say we’re some way ahead of, having developed our own system-on-chip, ARTPEC, for the last 25 years.

So, there you have it, our take on some of the trends that will shape the security sector in 2025. We’re sure you’ll have views on these and maybe some other trends of your own. We’d be delighted to continue the discussion on this with you.

Maringá Brazil’s Leading Smart City with VIVOTEK’s AI Security Technologies

Since 2024, Maringá, a city of approximately 500,000 residents consistently recognized as the best city to live in Brazil for over 6 consecutive years, has further strengthened its reputation by addressing the growing need for public safety.

In this pioneering project, ALCA NETWORK and ALLNET were responsible for the project design and partnered with VIVOTEK, the leading global provider of security solutions, to implement one of the most advanced smart surveillance solutions in Brazil. This system integrates cutting-edge cameras, facial and license plate recognition, and Big Data technologies. By consolidating data from the municipal, state, and federal sectors, this collaboration increases the safety of residents, solidifying Maringá’s position at the forefront of innovation in public safety.

Challenge

 Despite Maringá’s reputation as a peaceful and hard-working city with one of the highest Human Development Indexes (HDI) in Brazil, it faced evolving public safety needs. The city government and security agencies recognized the need for smarter security measures. “The Public Safety Department initially aimed to capture and analyze video data to support decision-making in cases such as drug trafficking, vehicle theft, tax fraud, and the protection of women and minors at risk,” explains Security Secretary Ivan Quartaroli.

To meet these objectives, VIVOTEK was chosen by ALCA NETWORK and ALLNET for its advanced technology and quality, perfectly aligning with the city government’s requirements. The implementation of Maringá’s Integrated Control Center (CCI) began in July 2022, with strategically positioned cameras installed in accordance with the city’s public safety guidelines.

Solutions

 VIVOTEK played a key role in upgrading Maringá’s security infrastructure by providing a comprehensive suite of solutions. This includes cameras with built-in video analytics processing technology and advanced software with facial and license plate recognition capabilities. This integration leverages Big Data to cross-reference captured information, facilitating streamlined processing and providing reliable analytics for informed decision-making.

To ensure full coverage, 70 VIVOTEK cameras supplied by ALLNET were strategically installed in key locations throughout Maringá, including urban mobility terminals, major avenues, squares, high-traffic intersections and public corridors.

Results and customer feedback 

The implementation of CCI Maringá with VIVOTEK solutions has improved public safety, leading to a notable reduction in crime rates and an increased sense of security among residents. Continuous monitoring of CCI allows officers to identify suspicious activity and promptly alert nearby law enforcement with accurate information. VIVOTEK’s advanced imaging technology supports crime prevention and investigation and serves as crucial evidence in legal proceedings. Key benefits include:

  • Reduced investigation costs and time.
  • Greater efficiency and safety for public agents working in the sector.
  • Reduction in car thefts.
  • Reduction in criminal activities.
  • Increased quality of life for the population.

As Acting Mayor Ulisses Maia emphasized, “This investment is capable of protecting the law-abiding citizens of Maringá, preventing all types of accidents that can happen in our city.” The integration of video analytics, particularly License Plate Recognition (LPR), greatly increases safety by managing the flow of vehicles in and out of the city, reinforcing Maringá’s status as a smart city in Brazil.

ASSA ABLOY Acquires Roger in Poland

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Roger Sp. z o.o. sp.k., a Polish manufacturer of on-premise electronic access control systems and related hardware.

“I look forward to welcoming Roger into the ASSA ABLOY Group. 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.

“Roger has over 30-years of track record in Poland with a reputation as a strong electronic access control system provider trusted by over 5 million users. The team has a solid track record of innovation and is a valuable addition to our business” says Neil Vann, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of EMEIA Division.

Roger was established in 1991 and has some 100 employees. The main office and assembly facility is located in Gosciszewo, Poland.

Sales for 2023 amounted to about MEUR 9,5 with a strong EBIT margin.

ISSUES

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a&s Adria – professional security magazine for providing total security solutions is a monthly circulating publication and a licenced representative of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media for Adriatic region, which consists of following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.