Industry Perspective

A conversation with Matt Kushner

  • By Security Products Staff
  • Mar 01, 2006

VIDEO surveillance can be interpreted as security intelligence made simple -- at least that's the way executives at Integral Technologies Inc. make it sound. The company specializes in understanding digital video as the framework for the creation of digital CCTV recording systems. Along with the framework of digital CCTV, the company's standalone DigitalSENTRY software represents a realistic application of IP technology and is a software solution that provides a bridge on the cutting-edge of the IP technology revolution. We spoke with Matt Kushner, Integral president and CEO, about the growing digital surveillance market and his company's role in it.

Q. What emerging technologies will play a significant role in video surveillance, emergency communication and access control?

A. Video analytics, IP cameras, other IP devices, biometrics, H.264 compression, network video recorders and Power over Ethernet are all technologies that are emerging and bringing value to the security equation. Many of these existing technologies will mature as they are used in real-life security applications. It also is my belief that, with the focus on security in the marketplace, we will see new and innovative products and technologies continue to rapidly emerge.

Most significant going forward is a software platform that offers an open architecture to integrate any of these technologies to the customer's system specification. The flexibility to accommodate legacy systems while transitioning to the latest cutting-edge technology also is a strong consideration.

Q. What is the future role of video surveillance in providing security at facilities such as utilities, power plants and military installations?

A. In today's world, security professionals are looking for solutions that provide a proactive, real-time response to a security threat. Water supply, power infrastructure, communication infrastructure, transportation and military facilities are looking for more than a forensic record of an incident. Video analytics allows a system to not only record, but also look for suspicious or threatening behavior and alert security personnel for human evaluation.

Q. How will high-definition video surveillance solutions change the way we view this aspect of the security industry?

A. High-definition cameras provide higher resolution and a wider viewing area, allowing users to capture more data from one camera versus using multiple cameras for the same viewing area. HD cameras also use progressive-scan technology, which allows us to view high-motion scenes with no "motion artifacting" (blurring or multi-imaging). Viewing an image with increased clarity and having the ability to zoom in for additional detail are important features for security professionals.

Q. In detailing revenue and growth for 2006, what are Integral Technologies' expectations for this year?

A. We are excited about 2006 as a year that we will see strong growth both organically and through acquisitions. With the release of Intelli-M POE, our access control product that uses an Ethernet connection as a means of power and communication, and our continued development of the DigitalSENTRY NVR solution, we are positioned to meet the increased market demand for IT-centric products. As the cornerstone in Schneider Electric's security group, we will continue to work with Schneider to add to the portfolio of companies and products that provide a total security solution.

Q. How is Integral Technologies set to embrace the unique set of challenges that IP technology presents in the current security industry environment?

A. It is estimated that moe than 85 percent of installed security cameras are analog, so although IP-based cameras represent the camera format of the future, it is unlikely that there will be an immediate widespread adoption of the technology because of the industry's existing investment in analog cameras. Therefore, a gap remains between the two technologies, and it is clear that the industry requires a functional and transitional solution.

Serving today's customers means helping manage their growth by presenting a viable and effective bridge to the next generation of security while ensuring the continued relevance and usefulness of their current investments. Integral Technologies provides an open architecture software solution that helps existing analog customers incorporate IP cameras and servers into their existing network.

With the DigitalSENTRY network video software, hundreds of analog and IP cameras can be managed together on the same system. This solution reinforces Integral's commitment to provide our customers and the security industry at large with innovative and relevant security products that capitalize on cutting-edge technology.

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