A Conversation with Danny Petkevich

We  recently sat down with Danny Petkevich, recently-named vice president of engineering at Next Level Security Systems, to ask him why he made the move from Texas Instruments and where he sees IP video surveillance heading in the future.

Q: Why the move to Next Level from Texas Instruments?

A: There are two reasons. The first is from a professional perspective. I love to grow things. TI’s video surveillance business is booming, the roadmap is solid and I put a great management team in place. Now, it’s all about the execution and I know the TI team will deliver.

The security industry is migrating to IP. Next Level is interesting because it takes disparate security subsystems and combines these systems into one unified platform. After discussing this approach with a number of industry colleagues, I realized no other company had this vision or capability. I know Pete Jankowski, the CEO and Chairman of Next Level, from our joint work with the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance and wanted to assist him in taking this new company to the ‘next level’.

On a personal level, Next Level is based in San Diego. San Diego offers fantastic weather, great outdoor sports (surfing, camping, mountain biking and more) and my children are at an age where they will truly enjoy all this area offers.

Q: How do you see the role of IP video surveillance affecting the security industry in the next five years?

A: Standards will have a significant impact on the market. We are on the cusp of seeing a new wave of IP-based products for VMS, cameras, decoders, encoders, gateways, NVRs, access control, readers and intrusion devices offered by a new set of industry leaders. Customers will demand a system-based approach to interoperability that enables plug-and-play with best-of-breed components.

IP cameras are approaching CCTV pricing with order magnitude and offer more functionality. Megapixel cameras are ideal for all types of users. Excellent low-light performance and WDR will be standard features on these devices.

Video analytics are maturing from ‘science fair’ project to actionable intelligence that drives retail/business metrics, and speeds forensic search.

Video or event data will be available wherever you are and on demand when you need it. Users will watch remote video via their iPhone of UPS dropping off a package at a business, a card access attempt in an area that an employee shouldn’t be or PTZ video validation of a potential intrusion in a residence.

Q: How is the role of standards helping to define the move to network-based surveillance in the industry?

A: Today, the iPhone and the Android are becoming defacto standards for mobile applications and these standards create an environment for more developers to ‘play’ and best-of-breed products to flourish. The numbers of players enable the cost of similar products to come down and speed the proliferation of new technology and products. There is a similar movement happening in security today and we can expect to see more technological innovation out of the widespread adoption of standards.

 

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.