Genetec Unveils Stratocast: A New Affordable and Easy-to-Use Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Solution on Windows Azure
Genetec Unveils Stratocast: A New Affordable and Easy-to-Use Cloud-Based Video Surveillance Solution on Windows Azure

Genetec, a pioneer in the physical security industry and a leading provider of world-class unified IP security solutions,announced Stratocast, a powerful yet easy-to-use Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) solution powered by Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Azure cloud-computing platform. Stratocast is designed to meet the needs of small and midsized businesses who are looking for a high-end and extremely reliable video security solution without the costs and complexities typically associated with installing and managing on-premise surveillance systems. Currently undergoing extensive beta testing at customer sites around the world, Stratocast is scheduled to ship in the spring of 2013.  Because the new product will be sold and supported exclusively by Genetec's Stratocast channel partners, end users will benefit from Genetec's certified integrators' installation expertise, security know-how, and ability to recommend the most appropriate product package for their needs. With minimum training and setup costs, minimal onsite equipment to maintain and manage, and no need for specialised/dedicated security or IT staff, users will be able to focus on their core competencies, while benefiting from a state-of-the-art security system to protect their employees, premises and assets. "With Stratocast, we are bringing 15 years of expertise in developing safety-critical video surveillance systems for users that include the world's most traveled airports, largest retailers, and Fortune 500 businesses, to a section of the market that is currently underserved by existing systems. Because Stratocast is affordable, easy to install and simple to use, quick service restaurants, retail shops, office buildings, as well as sporting and musical events, will finally have the professional tools they need to secure their facilities, remotely observe their operations, and ensure a safe environment for their employees and patrons, at a price they can afford," says Pierre Racz, Genetec's Founder and CEO. With packages starting below $10 USD a month per camera, Stratocast users will have access to some of the most advanced functionalities that have made Genetec a leading Video Management Software (VMS) vendor, including: HD video capture for unbeatable picture quality; next-generation intelligent video management features that automatically alert users when an activity or incident has occurred instead of having to review hours of recorded video; and the unique Cloud Federation feature, which allows enterprise users to easily add new cameras to remote/satellite locations and supplement their existing on-premise Security Center unified security management platforms .Other features such as robust edge recording and video trickling capabilities, mean that cameras, bandwidth, and archives can be fine-tuned to each user's needs and requirements. With a guaranteed uninterrupted service 99.5% of the time, and a fresh, modern and easy-to-use interface, users will be able to quickly and reliably access live and recorded feeds from their Stratocast system from any computer, smartphone or tablet - from anywhere in the world - to ensure peace of mind while they are away. "Windows Azure gives customers a secure and flexible cloud platform that opens up new possibilities for delivering solutions such as high-end security services to businesses of all sizes. With Windows Azure and Stratocast, customers can automatically and safely store security assets, including video and related critical data, in the cloud so they can easily reuse, retrieve and analyse their data at anytime, anywhere," comments Mike Howard, Chief Security Officer at Microsoft. Stratocast will support a wide variety of cameras that feature "phone home" functionality, including both fixed and PTZ (pan tilt and zoom) cameras.  And with over 40 models of Axis cameras available at launch, Stratocast allows customers to choose the most appropriate camera for the unique needs of their security installation. "Most small and midsized businesses today still rely on analog cameras, and DVRs, for their security needs, but this is changing fast. With Genetec developing hosted cloud-based video and Axis delivering intelligent cameras designed to leverage the simplicity and ease of use of the Stratocast system, together we are driving the technology shift from on-premise to cloud-based video surveillance in small installations," says Dominic Bruning, Director Global Alliances at Axis Communications. "Building upon our long standing relationship, we are thrilled to be the camera partner of choice for the launch of Stratocast."

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Geutebruck’s new G-Tect/VMX – professional detection, smart and simple
Geutebruck’s new G-Tect/VMX – professional detection, smart and simple

Geutebruck’s G-Tect/VMX is a new video motion detection solution for professional use, which is both extremely quick to set up and exceptionally reliable. It not only detects movement but differentiates between potentially relevant moving objects and background changes. G-Tect/VMX continuously analyses and evaluates all picture contents, and regularly adjusts its ‘understanding’ of the background. Thanks to the latest smart algorithms which continually adapt to the current image contents, G-Tect/VMX offers unprecedented accuracy at suppressing unwanted alarms caused by systematically occurring environmental effects such as moving foliage, rain, snow or headlights. It recognises these images changes resulting from weather as a systematically occurring background changes and therefore tolerates them.  Setting up a sterile zone where any intruder triggers an alarm is a simple mouse-clicking operation.  Configuring direction-dependent detection for a zone is quick and easy too. You can then copy settings across to other alarm zones and cameras with similar site conditions, for example to set up a series of cameras to monitor a fence. Finally there is a single intuitive global sensitivity control to optimize all the settings. – This minimalist design approach to system settings slashes the time required for system installation and makes it predictable. G-Tect/VMX is designed for seamless integration in the Geutebruck system world and comes with licence-free activation of Geutebruck’s classic VMD detector, to enable legendary dual sensor operation and the best possible protection of critical areas. Also being unveiled alongside this detection solution is Geutebruck’s new G-Tect/MoP pixelating function which maintains data protection privacy for public access areas by automatically masking moving objects in live displays or archived image data while still allowing authorised personnel access to the full image for serious incident investigation and evidential purposes. Other innovations on the Geutebruck stand at Security 2012 include: the G-Scope/1000 range of new compact video platforms for top performance in tight spots; a new range of G-VRaid units; the re_porter-XRdb with a hot swap database as well as G-SIM the exceptionally powerful new video management system for large complex installations. To see for yourself visit stand 409 in hall 2 at Security 2012 or go to www.geutebrueck.com for more information.

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Geutebruck's new 'fading long term memory' slashes the cost of video archiving
Geutebruck's new 'fading long term memory' slashes the cost of video archiving

Geutebruck CCTV systems can now retain high quality video for long periods using only a fraction of the normal storage capacity.  Their new ‘fading long term memory' (FLTM) option reflects the fact that, where different kinds of event are discovered, handled and investigated in different timescales; there is no real need to continue storing video at the full 25 fps for a month or more, if lower frame rates suffice after the first few days.  FLTM software therefore enables you to progressively reduce the frame rate of your stored footage as time goes by, in accordance with your assessment of residual risks.Let's imagine your system has to deal with robbery, vandalism and fraud, and you have to retain a video record for 30 days.  Robberies are discovered and pursued promptly, so within three days all relevant 25 fps footage has been reviewed and backed up.  Vandalism is dealt with in a week and 6-7 fps footage is adequate.  The timescale for fraud is longer but 1 fps provides the necessary evidential detail.  Normally, for high quality real-rime video @ 4Mbit/s, storage per camera would be about 43.2 GB per day, or 1.3 TB for 30 days.  But with FLTM you only need: 3 days @ 25 fps ≈ 130 GB + 4 days @ 6.25 fps ≈ 90 GB (differential compression reduces data by about 50%)+ 23 days @ 1 fps (I-frames only) ≈ 70 GB  A total of only 290 GB per camera - which enables you to make significant hardware savings without any loss of benefit, utility or security.

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