Integration Frustration

  • By Darren A. Nix
  • Dec 07, 2009

Many of today's security systems and products integrate with each other, and thanks to end user demand, manufacturers have made integrating with multiple security products easier. But while product integration is a huge advantage to the end user, and manufacturers regularly provide lists of compatible products, it is important to understand how integrated two products really are.

For example, multiple fixed, PTZ and megapixel cameras integrate with various Security Management Systems (SMS) and Video Management Systems (VMS). Beyond connecting the camera to the system for viewing capabilities and recording formats, integration may also involve configuration and control. Most of these cameras have on-board features that allow users to change the configuration and control other aspects of the camera, such as PTZ control. A "complete" integration should allow users full access to all of the camera features through the connection to a system. In other words, by logging into an SMS or VMS software application the integration should allow for full access. Some SMS and VMS providers make their own cameras, so it stands to reason that their cameras should be "completely" integrated with their SMS or VMS. But what about third party cameras?

The level of integration of products typically depends on the manufacturer that is primarily responsible for developing the integration. Because of the following reasons, some products are not fully integrated:

  • Proprietary issues
  • Some features are not capable of integration
  • Selective features only
The user, therefore, doesn't receive the full benefits of some products. The following is a list of questions that should be answered when trying to determine the integration of products:
  • What are all of the features of the product?
  • Which manufacturer is primarily responsible for developing the integration? (e.g. camera manufacturer or SMS manufacturer?)
  • Which of the features are included or not included in the integration?
  • Is there any other degradation to the product and its features as a result of the integration?
By reading all of the documentation, conducting a little extra research and asking questions, the product integration can be better understood.

About the Author

Darren Nix is a senior associate at Risk Management Associates, Inc.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3