Erin Go Bragh

Wishing you a rainbow for sunlight after showers,

Miles and miles of Irish smiles for golden happy hours,

Shamrocks at your doorway for luck and Laughter too,

And a host of friends the never ends

Each day your whole life through!

May the Love and Protection

Saint Patrick can give

Be yours in abundance

As long as you live.


Happy Saint Patrick's Day!


BE SAFE

Benefits of Avigilon IP video surveillance systems go far beyond better security.

Avignon (Pronunciation: a-vigil-on) 

Definition: To be perpetually alert and watchful.

Avigilon Control Center, with High Definition Stream Management, is a network video management solution that delivers full situation awareness and indisputable detail, leading to faster response times, reduced investigation times and superior overall protection. Available as standalone software or pre-installed and configured on an Avigilon NVR, the Avigilon Control Center is a secure distributed network platform with enterprise- class reliability for capturing, managing and storing high-definition multi-megapixel surveillance video while efficiently managing bandwidth and storage.

The industry’s first high-resolution performance digital surveillance system comes from Avigilon. It comprises high-sensitivity cameras to capture images in real-time. This system transmits images on Gigabit Ethernet for ten times faster image streaming. It uses lossless compression techniques for image capture and recording, ensuring the highest quality images possible. Lower operating costs whiles improving customer service and response time to critical events. Consider the following immediate advantages: 

Direct cost savings

• Guard labor
• Lower shrinkage
• Better customer service
• Lower operations or site maintenance costs

Faster, correct response to problems on site

• More effective response by emergency personnel in a true emergency
• Fewer accidents & false accident claims
• Effective identification and prosecution of criminals
• Lower employee turnover

The advances in IP (Internet Protocol) based digital surveillance over older analog systems are considerable. Advanced graphic mapping interface enables operators to layout cameras and servers on an imported map for easy navigation of large surveillance systems. Maps can be layered and nested allowing easy navigation through satellite maps, multi-story buildings and very large areas and interfaced with other systems such as access control.

IP video surveillance brings many new benefits and capabilities to video surveillance. These include everything from easier operation, less expensive installation and better image quality to automation and improved cost effectiveness. One of the most remarkable things about IP video surveillance is the intelligence of the cameras. Video analytics enables them to be programmed to recognize certain types of activities and issue alerts to security staff. What’s more, by installing or transitioning to IP video surveillance, hospitals, schools, public sector entities and colleges can all significantly improve their security operations and assure employees, patients, students, parents, teachers and tax payers that appropriate measures are in place to ensure their safety.

Direct cost savings due to less wiring

Cameras can be connected and powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE), a technology that enables power to be provided to a camera using the same cable used for network connection. PoE eliminates the need for power outlets at the camera locations and enables easier application of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation.

Direct cost savings due to less maintenance

• Less cable to manage and upkeep.
• (PoE) offers less points of failure and decreases cable and power outlet usage
• Less moving parts due to pixel density offering software Pan, Tilt, Zoom(PTZ) while creating greater situational awareness maximizing evidentiary video.

Far longer recording times

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) standardized on network server technology.
• Servers using RAID protect your data with recovery methods.
• Hot swappable drive options ensure lowest possible down time.

Far higher resolution

• A megapixel digital camera has 32-times the resolution of an average analog camera.
• Higher reliability and ease-of-use.
• Multiple cameras can use the same cable.

Changing camera placement is simple—just remove and plug into another network jack.

• Cameras can be placed almost anywhere using cost-efficient standard wireless technologies. 
• Easier to expand system in the future. 
• IP video surveillance systems scale easily from one to thousands of cameras in increments of a single camera.
• Full control of private or public web access. 
• Live video can be accessed via desktop computer, laptop, PDA and even cellular phones Sophisticated software analytics provides automatic rule-based alerts
• Receive these alerts via email, txt, etc.
• Integration with other IT systems and services

About Avigilon

Avigilon designs, manufactures and markets award-winning high definition (HD) surveillance systems.   Avigilon designs, manufactures, and markets award-winning HD surveillance systems. The performance and value leader, Avigilon’s solutions protect and monitor thousands of customer sites in more than 60 countries around the world. Avigilon Control Center, the world’s first open HD Network Video Management Software platform, and megapixel cameras deliver full situational awareness and actionable image detail. Campuses, transportation systems, healthcare providers, public venues, infrastructure, and manufacturing sites with security, safety validation, and compliance requirements all benefit from reduced investigation time and more successful investigations by immediately producing indisputable video evidence. Avigilon earned Frost & Sullivan’s HD Surveillance Company of the Year award in 2009 and the Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation in 2010.  

To learn more and receive a demonstration or trial of this technology contact me anytime at jmcdonald@americanalarm.com.

Hospital Critical Communication over IP (CCoIP) with STENTOFON

I spent some time with STENTOFON last week on a public safety project I am working on and was very impressed with their IP audio technology and the new IP solutions that will be released at ISC West in April.  I am sure many of you are familiar with this solution because of their chemical-resistant stations that have an anti-bacterial surface and are specially designed for hospital operating rooms and other clean areas. To meet the requirements of these environments, the stations provide loud-speaking, hands free communication from any location in the room. Speaking hands free is a great boon to healthcare personnel as it allows them to speak and listen even while occupied with other tasks. If not here is some more information about the company and the solutions.

STENTOFON Critical Communications over IP or (CCoIP®) has a large high contrast displays with backlight for exceptional readability. Due to its IP functionality, these stations have no geographical limitations and offer remote software upgrades, configuration and monitoring.

In the reception areas which are a vital information point for visitors, patients and staff. There can be several of these in large hospitals and are important communication hubs in the building. The reception informs the doctor when a new patient has arrived. It also provides information to family and friends of the patient. In case of an emergency, the reception has to be able to get hold of the right people as soon as possible, and if necessary, broadcast messages throughout the hospital.

STENTOFON offers products that are particularly suited to these kinds of tasks. Their Control Room Master stations can be extended with up to 100 direct access keys and integrated with PA equipment, wireless DECT phones, cell phones, pagers, and radio. The station is available both in analogue and IP versions and can be equipped with a gooseneck microphone and a handset or in a Softclient version.

Help points

Help and/or emergency points are integral to any critical communication system in hospitals. They are usually installed throughout the corridors, the emergency room, the car park, or at the entrance, etc. Help or assistance is just one button push away and calls can be placed directly to the security desk. CCTV cameras can be automatically triggered when a corresponding help point is used so the guards can also see what is going on.

The STENTOFON analogue and IP Substations are typically used as communication, information or emergency points, and offer the following features:

• Priority of call
• Two-way, hands free (IP) communication
• High Power Lamp/Strobe flashes when activated for emergencies
• Connection to external IP video camera
• Superb wideband audio quality
• Remote software upgrade, configuration and monitoring
• Tamper alarm for additional system security

Additionally, your security guards may need to ensure the safety of the staff and patients and to prevent the theft of expensive equipment. STENTOFON Control Room Master Station proves invaluable as it allows the guards to address the PA system in case of an emergency.

Restricted areas

There are numerous restricted areas in hospitals that need to be monitored closely. A hospital relies on an advanced access control system to manage these areas. STENTOFON equipment can be easily integrated with the access control system. Restricted entrances to the hospitals are provided with intercom stations for extra security.

Parking facilities

The same solution can be used in the parking facility. Big hospitals usually have several parking facilities for visitors and staff. In order to manage all these, a smart, interactive parking solution is needed. STENTOFON gives a voice to the parking facility with the installation of emergency stanchions, help points, etc.

CCoIP on a backwards compatible system

When STENTOFON introduces new technologies into the market, they will always make sure that these new technologies are compatible with the older systems. CCoIP, or Critical communication over IP, is a concept that stands for a communication system running only on the IP standard. Our latest intercom stations are entirely IP based which means they support power over Ethernet and use the LAN to connect the server.

Their AlphaCom server supports IP technology but can nevertheless integrate with old intercom products such as TouchLine and Ringmaster. They offer a wide range of intercom stations based on either analog or IP technology.

Audio quality

Their stations offer the highest audio quality available in intercom. Their IP stations go up to 7 kHz and our analog stations can go twice as high.

Distance is no longer an issue

Thanks to IP, exchanges located all over a wide area can be connected through fiber optics, coax or even the internet, this technology is called AlphaNet. The AlphaCom exchange has a wide of monitoring and logging features such as (Syslog, Web, SMTP, SMS…) all these features can be set up remotely and crucial logging information is distributed in a matter of seconds to anyone who needs to receive this info, regardless of the distance.

Softclient

The STENTOFON Softclient, the software that will turn your PC into a STENTOFON intercom. Access a wide range of critical communication services, including intercom, public address, radio and telephony. The STENTOFON Softclient can be operated with mouse, from the PC keyboard and with touch screens.

The STENTOFON Softclient supports all features of the AlphaCom servers. It supports HD Voice and Active Noise cancellation.

Some typical areas to use the Softclient are:

• Control room application integrating intercom
• Reception services handling door calls
• People on the move wanting access to the AlphaCom XE services via their laptop

I found this solution an excellent situational awareness tool for management in an emergency and for every day secure communications.

Demonstration

To have a demonstration of this technology or to learn more about STENTOFON, just drop me an email or call me at (508) 453-2731.

Comprehensive Massachusetts Emergency Link List

National Agencies & Organizations:

American Red Cross (ARC):

http://www.redcross.org/

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT):

https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/

http://www.cert-la.com/index.shtml

Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC):

http://www.emacweb.org/

Emergency Management Accreditations Program (EMAP):

http://www.emaponline.org/

Emergency Management (EM):

http://em.nemaweb.org/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

http://www.fema.gov/

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC):

http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage

National Emergency Management Association (NEMA):

http://nemaweb.org/

Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

http://www.defenselink.mil/osd/

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES):

http://www.usraces.org/

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Agencies and Organizations

Department of Fire Services (Massachusetts):

http://www.mass.gov/dfs

Massachusetts Association of Emergency Management Professional (MAEMP):

http://www.maemp.org/

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA):

http://www.mass.gov/mema

Massachusetts Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT):

DMAT-1: Boston: http://www.ma1dmat.org/mambo/

DMAT-2: Worcester: http://www.dmatma2.com/

Massachusetts Urban Search & Rescue Task Force &

FEMA US&R MA TF-1:

http://matf.org/

State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART):

http://www.smart-mass.org/

Weather Related

National Hurricane Center:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

National Weather Service – Boston:

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/

National Weather Service – National:

http://www.weather.gov/

National Weather Service – Storm Prediction Center:

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/

National Weather Service –Space Weather:

http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

Homeland Security Advisory Councils

National Association of Regional Councils:

http://www.narc.org/activities/homeland-security-2.html

Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) &

Central Region Homeland Security Council:

http://www.cmrpc.org/default.aspx

Northeast Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council (NERAC):

http://www.nerac.us/

Western Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council (WRHSAC):

http://www.wrhsac.org/

Forms Related

Applied Technology Council (Damage Assessment Forms):

http://www.atcouncil.org/fandp.shtml

Incident Command System (ICS) forms:

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/ICSResCntr_Forms.htm

FEMA Forms:

http://www.fema.gov/help/forms.shtm

Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) (Forms):

http://www.defenselink.mil/osd/

Reference Guides and Tools

Acronym Finder

http://www.acronymfinder.com/

Acronyms List (Federal Official List):

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prepare/faatlist03_05.pdf

(Electronic) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (eCEPM)

https://ecemp.chs.state.ma.us/MemaCem/memalogin.aspx

Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO):

http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/cameo/index.htm

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP):

http://www.fema.gov/government/coop/index.shtm

Template: http://www.mass.gov/mema

FEMA Ready.gov:

http://www.ready.gov/

Google Earth:

http://earth.google.com/

Local Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Draft Guidance:

http://www.mass.gov/mema

Massachusetts Geographical Information System (GIS):

http://www.mass.gov/mgis/massgis.htm

Risk & Vulnerability Assessment Tool:

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/rvat/

WebEOC – Massachusetts:

http://www.memanet.org/eoc6/

National Incident Management System (NIMS) & ICS Related

ICS Core Competencies Guide:

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2948

National Integration Center (NIC):

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/

NIMS Online:

http://www.nimsonline.com/

National Response Plan (NRP):

http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/committees/editorial_0566.shtm

National Response Framework (NRF): (replaces NRP – yr 2008):

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/

NIMS Compliance Assistance Support Tool (NIMSCAST):

https://www.fema.gov/nimscast/index.jsp

NIMSCAST Guidance Manual:

http://www.fema.gov/nimscast/img/pdf/NimcastUsersGuide.pdf

NIMS Compliance Corrective Action Plan Guide:

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/ng_0107.pdf

NIMS Full Document:

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/nims_doc_full.pdf

NIMS Guide:

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/guide.shtm

Resource Credentialing Definition and Criteria Guide:

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/ng_0002.pdf

Resource Typing Criteria Guide:

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/ng_0001.pdf

Training Related

FEMA Independent Study – Emergency Management Institute:

http://training.fema.gov/IS/

MEMA Training Registration System:

https://www.mass.gov/mema

Local Emergency Planning Committee Related:

Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA):

http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/epcra.html

Forms: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/epcra/reportingform.html

Criminal Background Related

Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) &

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI):

http://www.mass.gov/chsb

Jamie’s 2011 Road Map for the Security Industry Trends & Predictions

As a Physical Security Professional I try to research and understand my market and how it is growing.  In the past decade the industry has improved and changed dramatically, I believe for the better in many areas.  That’s not to say there have been some growing pains as there always is as technology changes.

In looking into my crystal ball for the New Year I see the following as my focus, maybe it should be also yours.

We need to be more proactive, not reactive with our customers. We need to better educate our customers in researching security solutions before they experience costly incidents.   I see the key market areas focus areas below:

• PIDS or Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems is becoming more popular and necessary as the economy continues its slump.
• Better Video Analytics  
• Demographics:
• People counting,
• Gender & age classification
• Head pose estimation
• Dwell time estimation
• Analytics:
• Human behavior analysis
• Occupancy analysis
• Queue detection and monitoring
• Retail loss prevention, anti-shoplifting solutions
• Activity/event classification
• Systems:
• Distributed and centralized processing
• User-in-the-loop methods, user feedback mechanisms
• Smart browsing and content retrieval
• Multi-modal sensor (booster/RFID tags, POS logs, NIR cameras, etc) fusion
• Multi camera systems
• Systems for low-quality (compressed, low-resolution, low-frame-rate) data
• Alternative setups (fisheye, dome lenses, ceiling, line cameras)

• Physical Security Information Management (PSIM, pronounced P-sim)  The idea behind it is that all of the stuff of security is actually data; data, which once contextualized and analyzed, may become information – information for making better business decisions.  It is the idea of applying the concepts of information management and business intelligence to the practices and technologies of physical and homeland security.  
• 2011: The Tipping Point for Network Video.

• The Commercial Thermal Surveillance Market Begins to Heat Up.

• The breakthrough of IP video surveillance and for cutting-edge applications with a focus on HD resolution.
• Convergence, but not so much the convergence of physical security and IT security, but the convergence of video surveillance and access control.
• One management (Business Intelligence) system to control everything.
• Strong growth rates for the home security market.  This market is underdeveloped and will be pushed by the entry of big players with a background in consumer electronics.
• Wireless products for video surveillance, fire detection and motion detection are becoming more and more robust, are showing a good performance and are easier to install than before. Wireless products are a good alternative for specific applications and have the potential to become blockbusters in 2011.
• Alternative ways to the market: While distributors of security equipment strengthen their own brands to compete against low cost products, established quality vendors are looking for new sales channels.

 The past two years have seen a number of technological improvements in the Security World from IP video, to the growth of SaaS to the development of standards such as ONVIF and better Access Control solutions. These improvements have so far been too expensive for a recessed economy, but as the economy leaves the recession, the security and video surveillance industry will see improved profits, more businesses, and better implementation of existing technology. This will be achieved primarily through the development of new business models to meet greater demand. 

SituCon Systems, A New Way To View Surveillance Solutions

SituCon Systems is the leading innovator of hardware and software technologies that provide both safety and privacy.  SituCon’s Emergency Awareness Solution uses innovative privacy protecting technologies, a sophisticated alerting system and on-demand video to deliver complete peace of mind. Public safety agencies, schools, municipalities and businesses around the country use SituCon’s products to protect safety and safeguard privacy. The company is headquartered in Port Washington, NY. For more information please visit www.situcon.com.

Today, a wide variety of threats often occur in areas that are inappropriate for surveillance such as classrooms, churches and town hall meeting rooms. However, when a high risk situation such as a violent event or natural disaster occurs, an individual’s expectation of privacy is superseded by a need for protection. 

Previously, privacy concerns defined where cameras could be placed and limited the amount of protection provided. SituCon’s Privacy Protecting Technology eliminates these privacy concerns and provides us with the greatest safety.

Because you control when the camera is on, SituCam Privacy Protecting cameras can be placed everywhere and anywhere there may be a potential threat or vulnerable scenario. 

Not only is video provided, but with SituCon’s wireless Instant Alerts individuals immediately make responders visually aware of their situation and location.

SituCon’s Privacy Protecting Technology is designed for places where traditional video surveillance systems can’t go. It is the ideal solution for municipal buildings, schools, libraries, senior centers, religious institutions, or anywhere privacy is a concern as for the first time is both safety and privacy provided.


SituCon Systems Solutions

• SituCam - Privacy Protecting Cameras remain disabled until video monitoring is needed. http://www.situconsystems.com/products.situcam.asp 
• Instant Alert - Wireless transmitters connect individuals to responders when there's a need for extra safety.  http://www.situconsystems.com/products.instantalert.asp 
• SituCon Manager - Automatically shows responders and/or crisis command center who's in trouble, where they are located and how to get to them. http://www.situconsystems.com/products.manager.asp 
• SituPoint - Privacy Protecting Access Points provide wireless video on the scene with ultimate security. http://www.situconsystems.com/products.situpoint.asp 

In the event of an emergency, SituCon provides individuals the greatest safety possible. Responders are instantly alerted and provided real-time video of the situation, helping ensure that those in trouble get help as quickly as possible or when applied to public contact or interview areas, SituCon's solution can record the event on command.

When applied to monitoring sensitive areas, the reverse is also true.  SituCon can stop monitoring these critical areas when policy or collective bargaining agreements require such action.  Contact me today to learn more about this powerful solution.  

Happy Holiday's

It’s that time of year that we enjoy, when we spend it with family and friends.

So today I wish you all the best and hope that you and your loved ones are always blessed.

May your thoughts be happy and filled with cheer, here’s wishing they continue throughout the New Year!

-James McDonald