Motorola Solutions announced it has acquired video surveillance heavyweight Pelco for a total of US$110 million, marking the communications giant’s third major video surveillance purchase in two years and making it a growingly influential player in the video surveillance business.

Motorola Solutions announced on August 3 that it has completed the $110 million acquisition of Pelco, which Transom Capital purchased in 2019. Before the Transom ownership, Pelco was owned by Schneider Electric from 2007 to 2019.

The $110 million was small money for Motorola Solutions, considering its $7.9 billion revenue for 2019. For that money, however, Motorola Solutions has gotten itself a third major video surveillance company after its 2018 acquisition of Avigilon for approximately $1 billion and its acquisition of IndigoVision earlier this year for $37 million.

With three video surveillance brands under its roof, Motorola Solutions becomes a major video surveillance player with a solid lineup of products and expanding geographic presence. In the case of the purchase of the U.K.-based IndigoVision, for example, John Kedzierski, Senior VP of Video Security and Analytics at Motorola Solutions, said in an earlier interview with asmag.com that it “helps us extend our reach globally. For Motorola Solutions, the U.S. is the strongest region, and we are always interested in extending our geographical reach. This acquisition brings the channel, the sales organization, and a brand that would help us expand internationally.”

Good fit for Pelco

The deal may also be good for Pelco, which had been a leading player in the video surveillance business but has been on the decline due to fierce competition, which has diminished Pelco’s sales from the channel side and forced it to look for special, advanced projects for which highly customized video surveillance solutions are needed. Yet that objective was not well served by the ownership from Schneider Electric, whose core focus is on building automation for which video is not a good fit.

Motorola Solutions, on the other hand, is a better match for Pelco, whose solutions can benefit critical infrastructure, government and law enforcement sectors that Motorola Solutions also targets and has lots of integration projects in. In this sense, the Motorola Solutions-Pelco combination makes more sense and is expected to create more synergy for both.

Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, himself said in a statement that “Video continues to play a more powerful role in enabling safer cities and securing businesses around the world. Pelco’s track record of innovation, internationally recognized brand, global channel and customer installed base enable us to further expand our global footprint with enterprise and public safety customers.”

Kingdom’s premier security, safety and fire protection exhibition scheduled for March 2021 in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: New dates have been announced for Intersec Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, now scheduled to take place from 15-17 March 2021 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event is organised by Saudi-based ACE Group under licence from Dubai-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East. The new dates come after extensive feedback and consultation with the venue, exhibitors, visitors, trade partners and associations, as the Saudi government continues to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In its 4th edition, Intersec Saudi Arabia was initially postponed to run in September 2020, however Show Director Alexandria Robinson said the move to 2021 was widely supported by stakeholders: “Plans are underway to deliver a sold-out event once again next year with more than 120 exhibitors from 20 countries participating. As is customary, we’ll deliver a wide range of value-added conferences and workshops covering pertinent security, safety, and fire protection topics.”

“Intersec Saudi Arabia is an important and growing show, designed to reflect Saudi’s security, safety, and fire protection industries, and one where international solution providers look to make inroads in a bustling market,” added Ms. Robinson.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is supported by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Saudi Civil Defense, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It covers the six key product sections of commercial security, information security, perimeter & physical security, homeland security & policing, fire & rescue, and safety & health.

Saudi is the Middle East’s largest commercial security, fire protection and safety market, and is estimated to be worth US$9.6 billion in 2020 according to analysts 6Wresearch.
Homeland security and policing will hold the lion’s share of spend this year, at US$5.4 billion. This is followed by information security (US$2.8 billion), commercial security (US$892 million), fire safety (US$309 million), and physical and perimeter protection (US$227 million).

More information is available at: www.intersec-ksa.com.

Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Post-Pandemic Growth Opportunity in the Global Security Industry, finds that the security industry has tremendous investment opportunities despite the economic slowdown witnessed due to COVID-19.

The research company suggests that under an aspirational recovery scenario, the global security industry is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%, garnering revenue of $140.60 billion by 2025 from $109.30 billion in 2019. The conservative forecast scenario predicts that the industry will generate $131.01 billion between 2019 and 2025, at a CAGR of 3.1%. In the pre-COVID-19 forecast, the industry was estimated to increase at a CAGR of 7.1%, generating revenue of $164.97 billion over the forecast period.

COVID-19 will cause a brief slowdown in the security market after almost a decade of uninhibited progress,” said Danielle VanZandt, Aerospace, Defense & Security Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Additionally, while some security sectors may find themselves experiencing a slower recovery than others, much of the industry will witness a shift to more service-based solution offerings after years of hesitance by customers to adopt these solutions.”

VanZandt added: “The key security markets such as disaster management, banking and finance, and airport security will recover at a different pace, and the time taken to return to pre-crisis spending levels will also vary significantly. Markets that will record higher-than-average CAGRs during the recovery period include ports (4.5%), disaster management (4.0%), first responders (4.0%), and mass transit (4.0%).”

Despite a marginal slowdown expected in 2020 and 2021, strong demand-side trends will present immense development potential for security market participants. Frost & Sullivan have identified a series of trends that are forecast to generate growth opportunities for the sector:

Digitalisation priorities: Remote/cloud-connected access to security systems and monitoring tools will witness a drastic rise in demand as manned guarding will become extremely limited due to stay-at-home orders issued by state or federal governments, and likely not recover once those orders expire.

Emphasis on contactless technologies: In the post-pandemic period, contactless technologies such as biometrics, remote access and authentication, and multi-use analytics solutions will attract investments.

Plug-and-play surveillance: Customer willingness to deploy plug-and-play surveillance equipment over permanent system additions due to cost-effectiveness will offer vendors repeat business opportunities.

Sensors-to-action: Vendors must prioritise the development/enhancement of data analytics and sensor networks’ capabilities to provide increased value to customers without having to purchase new solutions or equipment.

Answering widespread demands for new curbs on aggressive policing in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, Amazon is halting law enforcement use of its facial recognition platform for one year, the company said Wednesday.

The company has marketed its software platform, called Rekognition, to law enforcement agencies for years, and its short blog post announcing the shift did not provide an explicit reason for the change of direction. The post did note that Amazon supports federal regulation of facial recognition technology and that the company hopes the one-year moratorium “might give Congress enough time to implement appropriate rules.”

The move came two days after IBM announced that it was getting out of the facial recognition business entirely, citing ethical concerns over the powerful technology. In a letter to Congress, the company’s chief executive, Arvind Krishna, wrote that “IBM firmly opposes and will not condone uses of any [facial recognition] technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms,” or any other purpose that goes against the company’s core principles.

Cities around the country, including Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, have banned the technology’s use by public agencies outright over fears that the software, which employs machine learning algorithms to automatically detect human faces in digital video and match them to names, presents too great a risk to privacy to be used responsibly.

A 2019 California law banned the use of facial recognition software — and any other biometric surveillance that can identify people by tattoo, gait or other individually distinguishable characteristics — on photos or video collected by law enforcement agencies.

Motorola Solutions and Avigilon Corporation, a Motorola Solutions company, announced that they have been selected to help protect Marino’s Market in Alabama.

With over 18,000 customers shopping each week at its two store locations, it is crucial for Marino’s Market to protect its business from customer theft, false liability claims, shrinkage and procurement issues. To address these concerns, Marino’s Market deployed a security system that provides greater visibility throughout their stores to help ensure that employees follow cash handling procedures correctly and track down deliveries. Since deploying a comprehensive Avigilon and Motorola Solutions system, Marino’s Market has seen an improvement in the efficiency of its security operations by 75% and its shrinkage has been reduced by 50%.

The new system features Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software, an Access Control Manager system and a suite of Avigilon cameras including the H4 Mini Dome and H4 Pro models as well as the H4 Multisensor, H4 Fisheye, H4A Bullet and H4 IR PTZ cameras, which feature self-learning video analytics.

Marino’s Market also uses Motorola Solutions CLS1410 two-way radios to enable efficient communication between store managers.

“Having an Avigilon system is like having a virtual security guard; it gives me so much more freedom because I don’t have to do all the work myself — the analytics and search functions of ACC takes a lot of that work off my plate,” said AJ Marino. “And you can find information so fast that you can respond in near real-time before the perpetrator even leaves the store so that you can intercept them and address the issue.”

“We are pleased to offer Marino’s Market technology that helps them provide a safe and positive shopping experience to their customers, while also ensuring the proper handling of goods,” said John Kedzierski, senior vice president, Video Security Solutions at Motorola Solutions. “The system has enabled the market to operate more efficiently and demonstrates the potential of Avigilon and Motorola Solutions security offerings within a busy retail environment.”

Hikvision, a world leading supplier of innovative security products and solutions, has been awarded CNPP Certified certificates for 15 of its thermal cameras as heat detection systems.

CNPP is an international player in risk prevention and management in the fields of fire and explosion safety, security and malicious acts, cybersecurity, environmental issues and occupational risks. Among the portfolio of CNPP activities, the certifications issued by its subsidiary CNPP Cert. are recognitions and passports of trust. As a third party, CNPP Cert. awards certifications as part of a collective approach where all stakeholders are members of the certification committee: security professionals, users, technical consultants, insurance companies and public authorities.

“I am very happy that after several months of work, we have obtained CNPP certifications for our thermal security cameras”, says Franck Carette, Thermal Product Manager at Hikvision Europe. “In addition, we are the very first manufacturer of security products to obtain this certification.”

Three certificates were issued following conformity tests carried out according to the technical specification CNPP ST LPMES – DEC.19.005 of February 1, 2019. The certificates were awarded to thermal security cameras belonging to the following series:

Bullet series (32.20.221): DS-2TD2136T, DS-2TD2137T, DS-2TD2166T, DS-2TD2167T, DS-2TD2636T, DS-2TD2637T, DS-2TD2667T

Dome Series (33.20.221): DS-2TD4136T, DS-2TD4137T, DS-2TD4166T, DS-2TD4167T

PT series (34.20.221): DS-2TD6236T, DS-2TD6237T, DS-2TD6266T, DS-2TD6267T

Vivotek recently held its 2020 Annual Shareholder and elected a new Board of Directors. There are nine Directors: Bill Lo, Simon Chang, Judy Wang, Zoe Cherng, Owen Chen (in the middle of picture above), Eddy Lan, Ji-Ren Lee, Sin-Hui Yen, and Chung-Yang (Ric) Huang. Three of those elected Ji-Ren Lee, Sin-Hui Yen, and Chung-Yang (Ric) Huang are independent directors of the board.

Subsequently Vivotek also held the first meeting of the new Board of Directors. The board elected Mr. Bill Lo, the General Manager of Delta Building Automation Business Group as Vivotek’s new Chairman. The Vivotek operation team includes: Chairman, Mr. Bill Lo; President, Mr. Alex Liao; Executive Vice President of Brand Business Group, Mr. William Ku and Executive Vice President of ODM Business Group, Mr. Gordon Chen. This new team will carry out leadership of Vivotek while enhancing corporate governance and achieving long-term sustainability for the company.

The former Chairman Mr. Owen Chen founded Vivotek Inc. in 2000, building on his profound experiences in telecommunication research and development. Under Mr. Chen’s leadership, Vivotek moved from technology licensing to the development of IP surveillance systems and focused on 3 core technologies: video, voice, and communication. He insisted that research, development, design and manufacture all take place in Taiwan and developed practices of Own Brand Manufacture (OBM) and Own Design Manufacture (ODM) from the outset. Under his leadership of over the past two decades, Vivotek held its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, expanded its global footprint into over 116 countries and established branch offices in 6 countries. With deep roots in Taiwan, Vivotek has grown into a global company of 1000 employees. The company has ranked as Taiwan’s top IP surveillance company and claims the position of the only Taiwanese company among the top 20 in the global security market.

Of his company and its history, Mr. Owen Chen said: “Over these two decades, we have strived to win this marathon. Now, this marathon has become a relay race. To overcome existing challenges, passing on the torch to reshape Vivotek is imperative. Facing the fierce competition of globalization, the company decided to partner with Delta Electronics in 2017. Combining our strengths, Vivotek is able to advance development in technology, channel penetration and operation efficiency. I will remain on Vivotek’s board of directors. In this way we can retain and continue to build a sustainable business in Vivotek.”

Bill Lo, the new Chairman of Vivotek, now serves as the General Manager of the Building Automation Business Group at Delta Electronics Inc. Before joining Delta Electronics in 2017, he worked at IBM for over twenty years with proven track records in international business development, customer service, and coordination capability. Mr. Bill Lo stated, “I’m very proud to serve in my new position as Chairman of Vivotek. Security and video surveillance are such critical aspects of building automation as they go beyond and extend diverse applications in smart cities, smart retail and smart transportation. I will work side by side with Vivotek’s team; together we can maximize and synergize our two companies.”

Planning for the latest edition of SICUREZZA – a leading event in Europe for security and fire protection sectors set to take place at Fiera Milano from 17 to 19 November 2021 – comes at what is a challenging time for the sector, testing its ability to respond promptly and efficiently.

At this delicate time, security technologies can play a key role in safeguarding public health. While thermal cameras and certified systems to instantly measure temperature are already in operation at airports and other highly trafficked locations, allowing for the immediate identification of subjects at potential risk of Covid19, systems to control access, count people and control flow are all useful solutions with which to manage and monitor any public space, so as to guarantee everybody’s safety.

Not to mention the importance of IT security solutions. With Covid19, smartworking has become an absolute priority in order to protect jobs and people, and has been adopted by 72% of firms in Italy (Infojobs source), projecting the country forwards in terms of its digitalisation, while also obliging companies to focus on the issue of network and data security.

Success stories, innovative ideas and proposals, and new integrated solutions can all serve as useful weapons in the fight to control the spread of the virus as we all work to build a “new normal”. In this context, SICUREZZA 2021 will present new products from companies around the world and allow all those interested in the subject of security and fire prevention technology to meet and discuss, strengthened by its solid positioning in the eyes of all players in the sector.

The exhibition format, which focuses on technological innovation and integrated solutions and offers a range of certified training opportunities, is truly at the service of those firms, associations and businesses that make up the sector, enliven the market and are able to offer concrete solutions to suit the current times.

SICUREZZA, confirming the contemporaneity with Smart Building Expo, the trade fair for technological integration, completing and integrating the offer on display, is once again ready to serve as a platform for progress, of use even outside of its sector of reference. More than ever before, safeguarding every economic and social context now also depends on the development of those indispensable technologies that make the culture of security a concrete experience in our everyday lives.

Informa Markets, in consultation with its exhibitors and event partners, has made the decision to reschedule IFSEC International and its co-located shows.

This postponement and rescheduling covers the following events: IFSEC International, FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show, Intelligent Building Europe, Workplace Wellbeing Show, Counter Terror Expo, Ambition, Forensics Expo Europe, and World Counter Terror Congress (organised by Clarion).

Originally set to take place on 8–10 September 2020, the events are now scheduled for 18–20 May 2021 at ExCeL London.

Chris Edwards, Group Director for IFSEC International said:

“We know how important our events are as a forum where our communities come together to learn, network and meet suppliers. We have a proud track record of hosting the largest gatherings of any event in our industry in the UK, and often beyond, and no one is more disappointed in this decision than us, but after much deliberation we are sure that this is absolutely the right thing to do in the circumstances. Our focus over the last three months has been on ensuring that we can provide a safe and secure environment for our visitors, exhibitors and staff and whilst we felt confident of achieving this we also have a duty to our customers to provide an event that matches the standards they expect of us. Additionally, as you know these events have strong international participation and this would be severely compromised given the current restrictions. After carefully considering the options and following discussions with exhibitors and event partners it became clear that postponement is the most sensible option.”

Axis Communications is expanding its R&D office for software development in Linköping, Sweden, by moving to a new office building. The new 2,800 square metre building is planned to be ready for occupancy in late 2021, and adds to the company’s existing presence in Linköping established in 2018.

Last year, Axis generated sales of SEK 11.8 billion, of which 18 percent is invested in R&D. The software development office in Linköping focuses on cloud solutions, new services and developing overarching comprehensive solutions and systems for managing and analysing video. To meet the growing demand for innovation, Axis continues to expand the team as planned, from todays 40 employees to about one hundred.

“Proximity to the universities and the faculty of engineering is natural for us as an innovative industry leader and therefore we are focusing on continued research and development both in Lund where we have the headquarters, and Linköping,” says Kenneth Jonsson, Vice President R&D, Axis Communications. “We’re continuing to invest in both cities and as we grow, we naturally need larger premises. We have now agreed with the municipal real estate company Sankt Kors to rent an entire building at Ebbepark, Linköping with occupancy in November 2021.”

The six floor office building is part of the Ebbepark district, located between Linköping city centre, the University and the Mjärdevi Science Park. The project is built with sustainability in mind, where each decision aligns with strategies for environmental, social and economic sustainability, such as recycling, smart energy solutions, stormwater management, urban cultivation and solutions for car and electric bike pool.

“We see many benefits of having an office in Linköping, which features a combination of a high-quality university and a vibrant business community. This gives us a good basis for finding the right skills and executing successful R&D projects,” says Jonsson.