When Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) launched the first commercial SIM card 30 years ago, its success could not have been predicted. Since then, however, the smart card has come to be used billions of times every day around the world and has an indispensable part of almost everyone’s mobile life.

The success story began in 1991, when G+D delivered the first commercial SIM to a telecommunications company in Finland. Originally, it was just an authentication tool that enabled simple cell phones to communicate. Since then, the SIM has evolved into a multifunctional security tool that supports numerous applications: from mobile banking to the connected car.

Simply put, the SIM enables secure access to the mobile network, since users must authenticate themselves to use a given network. Via a SIM card, users are granted the right to use a network from the network operator.

G+D has played a key role in shaping the design and possible uses of the SIM: for example in the further development of SIM cards for new network technologies through the early GSM standards to today’s 5G, or in the increasing miniaturisation of the SIM, from credit card size to micro and nano SIM cards to chips soldered directly in the device. G+D’s leading role in the SIM segment can also be seen in numbers: Over the past 30 years, the company has sold nearly 10 billion SIM cards to mobile network operators.

Life changing technology

The success of the SIM is inevitably linked to the triumph of the mobile phone. Without a SIM, telephones would be unable to function on the go, and mobile apps would not be possible.

But the SIM success story does not end with the ever-present smartphones. Other application scenarios that would never be feasible without SIM include:

• The smart home with control of door locks, heating systems, washing machines or kitchen appliances
• The connected car, where services such as infotainment and navigation systems, eCall emergency call systems or digital car keys are provided through network connectivity
• Wearables, such as smartwatches, fitness and health trackers.

The list of possible applications supported by SIM technology goes on – and development is not stopping. The embedded SIM (eSIM for short), which is permanently installed as a chip in devices, plays a key role in these new fields of application. An eSIM management solution supports simple remote activation of mobile connectivity. The fact that the latest smartphones, smartwatches or tablets are increasingly being equipped with eSIM technology brings far-reaching advantages: from the simple and fast digital activation of a mobile communications contract to the use of a local mobile communications provider for making phone calls and surfing while travelling.

SIM and the IoT

But it is not only the consumer market that is benefiting from the new eSIM technologies. The Internet of Things (IoT) sector in particular is growing dynamically. More and more devices are being networked, such as simple sensors, meters, fleet containers or agricultural monitors, which need to exchange information with each other.

This SIM technology plays a critical role in IoT devices and end-to-end management of IoT applications. Dedicated IoT SIM products are required to successfully deploy the vast number of devices in the IoT, since IoT scenarios cannot be meaningfully implemented with classic plug-in SIM cards.

G+D continues to work actively on new solutions. With the so-called integrated SIM, the already small card becomes even smaller, because it is connected as a component directly to the baseband module of the device. Its space requirements and power consumption are therefore even lower, which means it meets the key requirements of IoT manufacturers.

Intruders do not like to deal with objects whose perimeter is guarded by CCTV cameras. Even if uninvited guests get inside the premises, the video recordings will become evidence of the crime. But there are reasons that can negate the effectiveness of outdoor video surveillance.

Factor №1: High humidity

A fogged lens is a common problem. There is nothing good in the fact that a CCTV camera shows white haze instead of a clear picture. But condensation is still half the trouble. More importantly, moisture can completely destroy equipment.

Not every CCTV camera can withstand frequent changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity. The body seals may crack from these conditions. Then the water will get inside and spoil everything.

The problem is solved by a competent choice of CCTV cameras. Check with the manufacturer or installer which models are highly moisture resistant.

Some craftsmen practice placing CCTV cameras in an additional waterproof case. But why to do these tricks if it is more logical to buy the right CCTV camera from the beginning?

Factor №2: Bitter frosts

CCTV cameras don’t like extreme cold. Some of them may not even switch on in the bitter frost at all. And ice on the lenses is a nasty thing.

Therefore, please again pay attention to the technical characteristics of the devices. If the manufacturer guarantees that the CCTV cameras remain operational at -40C, this is a good option even for northern countries. And if you put a home device on the facade with a lower temperature threshold of -10C, you risk losing money with the onset of winter. Of course, if you do not live in the tropics.

Factor №3: Something is in the air…

Severe weather conditions are not the only problem that the environment can cause for a video surveillance system. The coastal sea or oceanic zone is always characterized by an increased concentration of salt in the air. Corrosion in such conditions develops very quickly. A similar problem is observed in factories that produce or use strong chemicals.

For these cases, outdoor CCTV cameras should have stainless steel or polycarbonate housing. It will not be superfluous to periodically clean them with fresh water and lubricate the mountings.

Marking will help you!

To understand how suitable the CCTV camera is for outdoor installation, housing protection index IP will help. Probably everyone has seen such markings: IP 66, IP 53, etc.

Its first symbol indicates the level of protection of the device against foreign solid objects:

x – there is no protection data

0 – no protection

1 – protection against the penetration of large objects with a diameter of ≧ 50 mm

2 – protection against objects with a diameter of ≧ 12.5 mm (for example, it can be a finger)

3 – protection against objects with a diameter of ≧ 2.5 mm (cables, nails)

4 – protection against objects with a diameter of ≧ 1 mm (wires, small bolts)

5 – dust protection. A small amount of it can get inside, but will not affect the operation of the equipment.

6 – complete dustproof

The second symbol indicates the level of protection against water:

x – no data available

0 – no protection

1 – protection against vertically falling drops

2 – protection against vertical drops falling at an angle of 15 °

3 – protection against splashes falling at an angle of 60 °

4 – protection against splashes falling in any direction

5 – protection against water jets

6 – protection against a powerful jet of water

6K – protection against a powerful high-pressure jet of water

7 – it is possible to dive up to 30 minutes to a depth of 1 m

8 – it is possible to dive up to 30 minutes to a depth of over 1 m

9 – protection against high-temperature water jet

9K – protection against a powerful high-temperature jet of water

That is, if the documentation contains the IP 66 marking, such CCTV camera can be safely used outdoors. But the IP 53 mark indicates that this is a home gadget. On the street it will feel bad.

So what’s the conclusion?

In any case, installing surveillance CCTV cameras outdoors is a responsible task that requires experience and technical knowledge.

It will not be superfluous to use special sealed glands for Ethernet cables and mounting bases. They will reliably hide the wires, thereby providing the device with additional protection.

And, of course, the equipment itself must meet the assigned tasks!

Partizan catalog contains CCTV cameras and accessories for any operating conditions. These products are sold and used in more than 60 countries around the world, in all climatic zones: from hot Arabian deserts to cold Finnish bays.

Contact Partizan and get exactly what you need.

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Videonetics has entered into a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, the global leader in technology and supply chain services.

Headquartered in the United States and with representation in 59 countries, Ingram Micro has an established network of 35K+ associates and serving 170K+ customers globally. Ingram Micro will distribute Videonetics AI & DL powered Intelligent VMS, video analytics, intelligent traffic management system and Meraface – facial recognition system, through their expansive channel partners network across India.

Having a market leadership as #1 VMS provider in India and top 5 in Asia, Videonetics is all set to consolidate and further expand its market share, through this alliance.

On this appointment, Avinash Trivedi, VP – Business Development of Videonetics expressed, “At Videonetics, our partners and system integrators play an instrumental role in working closely with end customers. We are delighted to engage our distribution relationship with Ingram Micro. This strategic collaboration will boost our presence in the market, by developing strong bond with channel partners & resellers and delivering our state-of-the-art unified solutions to them, hence accelerating our growth plans in India.”

The global access control market with Covid impact is expected to grow from USD 8.6 billion in 2021 to USD 13.1 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 8.7%, according to the latest research from Marketsandmarkets.

The analysts suggest that continued adoption of Access Control as a Service (ACaaS); implementation of mobile-based access control; global proliferation of smart cities initiatives; and increasing urbanisation in emerging countries are expected to provide huge growth opportunities to the access control market players. The growth of the access control market is driven by high adoption of access control solutions owing to increasing crime rates globally; technological advancements and deployment of wireless technology in security systems; and adoption of IoT-based security systems with cloud computing platforms.

Biometric readers to witness the highest growth

Biometric technologies are used to measure different physiological parameters for identification and authentication purposes in access control systems. Within the report, the market for biometric reader-based access control systems has been further categorised into fingerprint recognition, palm recognition, iris recognition, face recognition, and voice recognition. Biometrics is one of the fastest-growing technologies used to secure perimeters. This technology enables identifying a person’s physical characteristics to provide controlled physical access to infrastructure. This technology is being increasingly used in government facilities, manufacturing units, power stations, defence establishments, and enterprises.

The commercial vertical is the largest end user of access control systems. In this vertical, commercial facilities such as enterprises and data centres; BFSI; retail stores and malls; and entertainment areas are considered. Manned security for all physical locations is difficult and expensive. The demand for access control systems is increasing since they reduce the need for manned security to a greater extent, thereby reducing security expenditure. These factors were found to be encouraging commercial facilities to adopt access control systems to protect people and properties by the researchers.

North America largest geographical market

North America, according to Marketsandmarkets, is more advanced than other regions in terms of the implementation of access control systems. Companies in the US, Canada, and Mexico are making efforts to enhance their expertise and develop innovative access control systems and services. This provides them with greater competitive advantage to increase their share in the region’s access control market. The growing number of cyber and malware attacks in the region has compelled several governments and security agencies to enhance security features in their transactions through the deployment of RFID and biometric technologies, which is further contributing to the overall growth of the access control market.

Major companies involved in the development and supply of access control and cited within the report include many large global players such as Dormakaba, Assa Abloy, Johnson Controls, Allegion, Honeywell, Identiv, Nedap, Suprema, Thales, Bosch, NEC, and Idemia.

During the 51st General Assembly of Euralarm, the European association representing the fire safety and security industry, the members have chosen Jon Könz as new President of Euralarm.

Könz succeeds Martin Harvey who was President for the past 3 ½ years. Before being elected President Jon Könz was chair of the Services Section of Euralarm. He is head of Industry Affairs at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

The 2021 General Assembly was held in Brussels where the outgoing President praised the work that was done in fostering internal communications in times when more and more people were bound to their (home) office and much of the communications takes place via online communication platforms. Nevertheless, the association succeeded in aligning opinions and developing clear priorities shared across the whole scope of the industries represented by Euralarm: product and system manufacturers, installers, integrators, service providers, and national associations from all over Europe.

Having added more than 10 new members over the past years, Euralarm now represents a bigger share of the industry, allowing the association to exert more influence at European level. Under Euralarm’s umbrella model, different industry disciplines are represented by distinct Sections with separate membership, but they work together in their high-level dialogue with institutional players and other European stakeholders.

The General Assembly also elected Anja Schäfer (JCI) as chair of the Marketing Committee whereas Dominique Taudin (Carrier) will remain as chair of the Advocacy Committee.

On the following day, section chairs and vice chairs were elected or re-elected by their respective section members. Neil Budd (FIA) was elected vice chair of the Fire Section, Milan Ceeh (AGA) will be the acting chair of the Security Section with Oscar Feijo Jimenez (Verisure) as vice chair. Robert Thilthope (FIA) will succeed Jon Könz as chair of the Services Section with Victoria Ferrera Lopez (Verisure) as vice chair. Alan Elder (JCI) and Tornbjörn Laursen (SikkerhedsBranschen) will remain as chair and vice chair of the Extinguishing Section.

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has launched its latest code of practice, an industry-first for security fogging.

Security Fog Systems: Installations, Commissioning and Maintenance – code of practice is the first of its kind intending to support the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of security fog systems conforming to EN 50131-8, as well as to serve as practical aid to mitigate risks and reach operational requirements.

Carl Gibbard, Vice Chair of the BSIA’s Security Equipment Manufacturers section, said: “I am pleased that the BSIA have worked with members and insurance companies to deliver a code of practice which closes a gap in the standards arena, can mitigate risks, and demonstrate the working ability of the professional industry who produce quality products.

Simple installation of an EN 50131-8 security fog device is not enough to consider all factors which may influence the effective operation of a system. This becomes apparent when security fog systems need to perform differently in various scenarios including hold up situations or burglaries.”

A significant amount of time and effort has been put into developing this code of practice on behalf of the industry sector, in an effort to provide a framework for designers, installers and maintainers who wish to apply the European product standard (EN 50131-8) in the UK, while addressing the specific needs of the UK market and its stakeholders.”

Security Fog Systems: Installations, Commissioning and Maintenance – code of practice is available on the BSIA website and has also been put forward to the Fire and Security Excellence Awards for Best Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector.

Allegion Ventures – the corporate ventures arm of Allegion plc – has launched a second fund to accelerate technology and software investments in IoT and data security, building analytics, construction lifecycle management and property management. $100 million is allocated to Fund II, double the size of Allegion Ventures’ initial $50 million fund that launched in March 2018.

Bobby Prostko has been named managing director for Fund II. Prostko, who joined Allegion Ventures as a principal in 2018, also serves as Allegion’s deputy general counsel, intellectual property and cyber security, and chief privacy officer. He said the success of partnerships built through Fund I drove momentum for the creation of Fund II, which will write initial checks that are generally in the range of $500,000 to $10 million.

“For more than three years now, Allegion Ventures has taken an investing approach designed both to deliver financial returns and to spur innovation,” Prostko said. “Given the success we’ve had with that approach, we’ll continue to invest in promising companies where Allegion Ventures can be a strategic partner, adding value through our expertise in global markets, commercial and channel relationships, security standards and operational excellence. We’re inspired by and want to explore new technologies and software solutions that creatively solve common problems in an expanded list of targeted sectors – and we’re in a position where we can take bigger bets for the right opportunities.”

President Rob Martens and Chief Marketing Officer Doshia Stewart, co-founders of Allegion Ventures, said the team remains active in its support of Fund I investments.

“Allegion Ventures continues to invest in its Fund I portfolio companies, and our principals and associates are actively involved with them as board members, observers and collaboration partners,” Martens said.

“We’re very proud of the innovation and growth we are seeing from the early-stage companies we’ve already invested in, as they go beyond traditional approaches to bridge physical and digital security and create seamless user experiences,” Stewart added.

Fund I is focused on people flow, seamless access, campus safety and asset management. Its seven active portfolio companies include HqO, Kasa, Mapped, Mint House, Pindrop, Robin and Vergesense.

“VergeSense is proud to be a part of the Allegion Ventures Fund I family, and we appreciate their continued strategic support of our business,” said Dan Ryan, CEO of Vergesense. “The Allegion Ventures team has brought a lot of value to Vergesense through its vast industry knowledge helping us to build a leading workplace analytics platform. We congratulate Allegion Ventures on the launch of Fund II and look forward to watching them expand the impact of innovative software and technologies that create seamless user experiences.”

Allegion Ventures Fund I additionally invested in Openpath Security, which was acquired by Motorola Solutions earlier this year.