Milestone Systems has launched Milestone Marketplace, a digital platform for the video technology industry designed to connect buyers and sellers to co-create innovative solutions.

The global video management industry is seeing innovation like never before, creating new opportunities that transform the way video management technology is used – not only to protect people and assets, but also to help optimise business and improve the way people live and work. Milestone Systems’ open platform aims to make these innovations easily available to buyers – integrators, consultants and end-customers – enabling the industry to build intelligent solutions together and expand their reach.

Milestone Marketplace is presented as a centralised knowledge hub for the industry, including installation guides, demos, and other relevant documentation that have never before been available to the industry in one place.

“With Milestone Marketplace, we open up the innovation power of our community of buyers and sellers. Milestone Marketplace enables our technology partners to grow their businesses through the global Milestone Systems community. At the same time, Milestone Marketplace helps simplify complex choices for our system integrators and end-customers, who gets access to a rich and trustworthy resources pool from which they can build video management solutions,” says CMSO Kenneth Hune Petersen, Milestone Systems.

Milestone Marketplace will expand with new areas in the years to come. In order to join Milestone Marketplace, technology partners need to be part of Milestone Systems’ new Technology Partner Program – which offers applications, hardware and services that complement and extend the Milestone Xprotect video management platform.

According to a new research report on the access control market from Marketsandmarkets, this sector is expected to grow from USD 7.5 billion in 2018 to USD 12.1 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 8.24%. The growth of the access control market is attributed to the high adoption of access control solutions inline with 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.

The adoption of access control as a service (ACaaS), implementation of mobile-based access control and increasing urbanisation in emerging countries are also expected to provide huge growth opportunities to players in the access control market.

The biometric readers segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2024. The market for biometric reader-based access control systems has been further categorised into fingerprint recognition, hand geometry recognition, iris recognition, and face recognition. Biometric readers are rapidly gaining worldwide traction owing to the growing need for surveillance and security in government facilities, manufacturing units, power stations, defense establishments, and enterprises.

The researchers predict that the access control market for the residential vertical is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2024. The key factors contributing to the growth of this market include the rise in crime rates, ongoing technological advancements, increasing need for hazard detection such as fire and gas leaks, and ensuring the safety of children at home.

Growing security concerns will boost demand for access control solutions in the APAC regions during the forecast period, and as a result this region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR to 2024. Factors driving the growth of the market in this region include growing industrialisation, commercialisation, and high demand for security systems. Also, rising terror threats and crime rates in the APAC countries and low police officer to population ratios are expected to create high demand for access control systems there.

The analysts cite the key players in the market as Assa Abloy, Johnson Controls, Dormakaba, Allegion, Honeywell, Identiv, Nedap, Suprema, Bosch Security Systems, and Gemalto. These players are increasingly undertaking product launches and developments, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, partnerships, and agreements to develop and introduce new technologies and products to the market.

The global edge AI software market is expected to grow from USD 356 million in 2018 to USD 1,152 million by 2023, with the major factors fuelling market growth cited as the increasing enterprise workloads on the cloud and rapid growth in the number of intelligent applications. According to the Marketsandmarkets latest report on the subject, the increasing adoption of edge AI software in autonomous vehicles’ applications could provide growth opportunities for the edge AI software vendors in the market.

In this market the vendors offer edge AI solutions as software tools and platforms. The edge AI software tools are a combination of Machine Learning (ML) and edge computing technology, and automatically turn raw data into events, insights, and predictions, without big data and costly analysis. The software tools that are being offered in the edge AI software market are in the form of Software Development Kits (SDKs) and frameworks, which allow users to integrate AI capabilities in the application software.

Marketsandmarkets predicts that the energy and utilities vertical is estimated to hold the largest market size during the forecast period. This segment includes high-stake, technology-driven operations, which depend on real-time insights to provide proactive monitoring and protection against machinery and equipment failure. Most of the operations happen at a remote area and lack reliable network infrastructure; edge AI software provides data analytics on edge devices to enable real-time response, which is required for maximum production and safety.

The findings show that North America is the major revenue-generating region in the global edge AI software market. This region is witnessing major developments in the edge AI software space. Many AI solution providers in North America are experimenting in the edge AI software market by integrating AI and ML functionalities with their existing edge AI solutions. They are also adopting various growth strategies to strengthen their position in the edge AI software market.

The major vendors cited as being active in the global edge AI software market include IBM, Google, Microsoft, AWS, Nutanix, Tibco, Octonion, Swim.AI, Imagimob, Anagog, Foghorn Systems, Xnor.AI, Bragi, Invision.AI, Tact.ai, and Veea Systems.

Clarion and UBM have announced the co-location of two of the most important events to the UK security industry in a ground-breaking strategic alliance, from May 2020 onwards.

It has been revealed that next year will see Ifsec move to a brand new dateline of 19 – 21 May and it will welcome three prestigious events alongside it at Excel London; Security & Counter Terror Expo (SCTX), Ambition and Forensics Europe Expo.

Building on a rich history of the two exhibitions – Ifsec steeped in the trade and commercial security world and Security & Counter Terror Expo immersed in national security – the collaboration of these key events has been designed to meet the strength of demand for a central focal point for the security industry.

The additional synergies between the first responder focused, Ambition and Forensics Europe Expo, which currently run alongside SCTX, and Firex International as well as the wider security community, also lend additional diversity and strength to this new alliance.

Excel London will become the global destination for the security community, pushing the boundaries of security product innovation and expertise. 38,000 trade, commercial, public and policing security professionals will unite at one venue to discover the most extensive range of security suppliers on offer. In doing so, the industry will see a single marketplace for the security ecosystem made up of installers, government end users, corporate end users, integrators, manufacturers and distributors.

The announcement of the move to stage Ifsec and SCTX together at London’s Excel from 2020 is already being warmly welcomed, as the security industry look forward to seeing one sole event for the whole community.

Alliance warmly welcomed

“This has come at the perfect time for the security industry. The BSIA are excited to be supporting this major new partnership between the UK’s two leading security exhibitions. We have a long-standing partnership with Ifsec and we look forward to extending our welcome to SCTX.” Mike Reddington, CEO, BSIA

“Dahua is excited to see this partnership between Ifsec and SCTX in 2020. It will provide a rewarding balance of end-users, consultants, installers and integrators. This presents a fantastic opportunity for likeminded end-users and integrators to exchange ideas with manufacturing security professionals.” Steve Norman, Sales Director, Dahua Technology UK & Ireland

“Hikvision are pleased to hear the news that Ifsec and Security & Counter Terror Expo will run alongside each other in 2020. This is a good move forward for the security community, and we look forward to supporting this.” Justin Hollis, Marketing Director, Hikvision UK & Ireland.

Laser Components USA has released the Albalux FM, believed to be the world’s first laser white light module with bright and highly directional fibre optic output for precise and contrast-rich illumination in next-generation medical and machine vision applications.

Albalux FM is, according to the company, set to spark a new innovation wave in illumination solutions for medical endoscopy, surgical headlights, manufacturing processes, and 3D machine vision. The possibilities are manifold with reliable high optical power, remote fibre-optic beam delivery, and safe drive electronics in a compact enclosure.

A key component of Albalux FM is the award-winning Laserlight technology from SLD Laser. Based on GaN semi-polar blue laser diodes, Laserlight generates brilliant white light that is more than 10 times higher in luminance than today’s LEDs, yet with minimal power consumption and long lifetime.

To maximize light transmission and precise beam directivity, optical fibres are incorporated that enables unprecedented >150 lumen CW output with sharp narrow edges. This results in enhanced vision that provides faster processing times and more reliable monitoring on the manufacturing floor, and improved diagnostics and patient outcome in medicine.

Albalux FM is designed to offer the user full flexibility in both standard and custom configuration requirements. The plug-and-play module features custom-designed electronics to ensure safe operation of the Laserlight diode.

“This all-in-one solution will break the status quo with traditional lighting and offers system integrators quick time to market” says Mr. Gary Hayes, CEO of Laser Components USA. “Our experience in the areas of optics, electronics and laser technology combined with know-how in mechanics, housing, and fibre-optic technologies allows us to quickly respond to customer’s inquiries and emerging market opportunities” Hayes added.

The China smart cities market is projected to reach USD 59.9 billion by 2023 from USD 30.4 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period. Growth in this market is mainly driven by the increase in population, need for rapid urbanisation, and governments’ investment and several policies to speed up the successful implementation and development of smart cities projects.

The research report from Marketsandmarkets says that continuous developments in mobile apps that are based on advanced technologies, such as Fifth Generation (5G), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, and IT outsourcing are the booming areas within the software segment of China Smart City. Moreover, Zhongguancun, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou are the regions posing an increasing trend for the software segment. Key market players in the smart infrastructure include Hollysys, Nari Technology, China Railway Electrification Engineering Group.

Analysts found that the smart transportation segment is the prime focus of smart city development in China with about 70% of projects are concentrated towards transportation sector transformation. Within the report, it is the hardware market that is predicted to cover the majority of investments in smart transportation. It accounts for more than 80% of the overall smart transportation market. However, the services market is the highest growing market in the smart transportation segment during the forecast period. In smart transportation, research shows that the majority of ICT investments are taking place in smart mobility areas. Key market players found to be active in the smart transportation sector include Advantech, Kontron and the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC).

The report shows that China is making progress in improving the surveillance of its people with the addition of AI, facial, and gait recognition capabilities in its security and systems. China is more focused on a surveillance system that will connect security cameras nationwide via the cloud to a database of every person’s facial ID profile and a file of their personal details. In 2015, the Ministry of Public Security launched a project aiming to establish a giant facial recognition database to identify any citizen within seconds, the project is still under the development phase. Its target is to achieve an accuracy rate of 90% but faces formidable technological hurdles. The project aims to identify any one of its 1.3 billion citizens within 3 seconds. The country is more focused on the real-time analysis of surveillance data using the sensor system to improve public system and security.

Marketsandmarkets researchers found that the Chinese government has begun to adopt and implement various smart city initiatives. The performance of smart city initiatives significantly varies from one initiative to the other. There is a strong financial and institutional support from the central and local government for making smart city initiatives. Along with the population push and the need for rapid urbanisation, environmental pollution is also a key driver for the development of smart cities in China.

According to the latest research from Marketsandmarkets, the physical security market is expected to grow from USD 84.1 billion in 2018 to USD 119.4 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period, with the major drivers being the rise in incidents of terror attacks, technological advancements and deployment of wireless technology in security systems, increasing use of Internet Protocol (IP)-based cameras for video surveillance, implementation of mobile-based access control, and adoption of Internet of Things (IoT)-based security systems with cloud computing platforms.

Within the services segment of the market security systems integration is expected to lead the physical security market in 2018. Security systems integration is an important service in the implementation of a physical security strategy, as it involves the collective use of a variety of components or subsystems as one large system. System integrators provide solutions based on the size and complexity of the security to be provided. The demand for integrators of security systems is growing rapidly, owing to the deployment of diverse security strategies in organizations of all sizes across the globe.

The large enterprises segment is expected to hold the highest market share. These enterprises were the early adopters of physical security solutions and services, as they have a larger revenue pool to spend and a larger infrastructure to be protected. Large enterprises need complex and highly scalable security systems and services in comparison to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These customers operate across multiple locations in different geographies, hence they require a solution, which offers elevated integration capabilities and is capable of large-scale seamless integration of security operations. In addition to the complexity and requirements, large enterprises are at high risk for breaches and other cyber and physical crimes. The combination of the complexity and high risks require large systems that are fully integrated and can utilise the best and the most reliable technology.

As per the geographic analysis, the researchers expect the APAC region to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Security systems are expected to witness increasing adoption in APAC as the countries in the region are emerging economies with a growing number of manufacturing bases, and there is also a constant risk of terror threats in the region. The market in APAC has high growth potential, owing to the increased security concerns, especially in India and China, and governments in these countries have started investing heavily in security. Furthermore, emerging economies are working toward improving their infrastructure, which is further expected to lead to the high growth of the physical security market. The rising adoption of access control systems in SMEs, hospitality businesses, airports, ATMs, banks, residential buildings, and religious places, among others are expected to drive the physical security market.

The major vendors named in the physical security market analysis include ADT Inc, Bosch, Cisco, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Anixter, Genetec, Secom, G4S, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Dahua, Kastle, Hikvision, Stanley, and Axis Communications.

FLIR Systems has announced that it has acquired Aeryon Labs Inc., a developer of high-performance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the global military, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets. Aeryon’s vertical takeoff and landing quad-copter airframes integrate multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology, to provide users with immediate high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Based in Waterloo, Canada, and with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City, Aeryon Labs was founded in 2007 and is a designer and manufacturer of mission-focused Group 1 UAS solutions built around aircraft under 20 pounds. Aeryon’s family of UAS are deployed by 20 militaries in over 30 countries around the world, including the United States Department of Defense. Aeryon develops UAS solutions that includes hardware, embedded software, ground control stations, sensors, software for flight operations, as well as supporting services for its global customers.

“The acquisition of Aeryon Labs reinforces our long-term strategy to move beyond providing sensors to the development of complete solutions that save lives and livelihoods,” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. “This acquisition, coupled with our acquisition of Prox Dynamics in 2016, greatly increases our unmanned systems solutions capabilities, expanding beyond nano-UAS into Group 1 UAS solutions for military. We intend to continue to invest and build this area of our business and broaden our capabilities as we view unmanned and autonomous solutions to be a significant opportunity for organic growth in the coming years.”

Aeryon’s SkyRanger UAS are rucksack portable and can be deployed in minutes by a single operator. SkyRanger UAS are renowned for operating in demanding environments and inclement weather, including at high altitudes, gusting winds, and rain and snow. The latest additions to the SkyRanger family of aircraft establish a new benchmark for small UAS performance and reliability. Now with a modular and open architecture, end users and third party developers can create tightly integrated payloads and software systems for the SkyRanger platform, enabling rapid solution development, onboard artificial intelligence, and autonomous operations.

“We’re thrilled to join the FLIR family and to have a large, growth-oriented technology company as our new home,” said Dave Kroetsch, Co-founder and CTO of Aeryon Labs. “As drone technology and its markets evolve, customers are seeking UAS as just one component of a broader solution. While Aeryon has been evolving in that direction for the past few years, being part of FLIR Systems brings a path to include our hardware and software technologies in much bigger solutions than would have ever been possible on our own.”

The Board of G4S has annnounced that it is reviewing options for the separation of the Group’s Cash Solutions businesses from the Group, following the establishment of the Global Cash Solutions division on 1 January 2018.

Since 2013, G4S’s portfolio management programme has created a focused Group with two principal business segments: Secure Solutions and Cash Solutions. The Board believes that a separation of Cash Solutions has the clear potential to enhance the focus and success of both businesses and thus to unlock substantial shareholder value.

The review of separation options has commenced and is expected to be completed during 2019. An update will be provided with the Group’s full year results in March 2019.

G4S Group CEO, Ashley Almanza, said: “The implementation of our new organisation structure in January 2018 enables us to consider this separation in order to enhance the strategic, commercial and operational focus of both Secure Solutions and Cash Solutions.

G4S Cash Solutions has a unique portfolio of market leading cash management businesses, serving customers in 45 countries across the globe. Our Retail Cash Solutions business is the clear market leader, providing cash payment software and services in some of the world’s largest markets. With innovative, industry leading products and services and substantial market shares, G4S Cash Solutions is transforming cash management services in its markets.

The review of our separation options offers an exciting opportunity to enhance our focus for the benefit of customers, shareholders and employees. Our aim is to establish two strong, independent businesses that are able to take advantage of their leading market positions and excellent service offerings to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.”