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The Imperative for IT Infrastructure Partners to Integrate Security Solutions

Prashanth GJ, CEO, TechnoBind Solutions In an era where digital connectivity is the lifeblood of businesses, the role of IT infrastructure partners has evolved from mere facilitators of technology to guardians of connectivity. The foundation of IT infrastructure is crucial for enabling businesses to operate seamlessly in the cloud, serving as the backbone of their operations. As businesses grapple with the complex challenges of the digital landscape, aligning with IT infrastructure providers that offer robust security solutions is not just a choice; it’s a strategic imperative. Recognizing this paradigm shift, forward-thinking. IT infrastructure partners are integrating security solutions into their services, providing clients with a comprehensive and unified approach to fortifying their digital assets. However, not all IT infrastructure providers include cybersecurity in their solution portfolios. When businesses choose an IT infrastructure partner, they are increasingly looking for providers that not only deliver cutting-edge technology but also prioritize the integration of security. This entails not just safeguarding data and systems but also ensuring that security measures align with the specific needs and nuances of the organization. Consequently, there is a compelling need for IT infrastructure providers to seamlessly incorporate cybersecurity into their existing offerings. According to a report the global cybersecurity market size is forecast to grow to $538.3Bn by 2030, which in 2020 was at $217.9Bn. According to a new forecast from Gartner, the worldwide end-user spending on security and risk management is projected to total $215 billion in 2024 alone. The integration of cybersecurity and infrastructure ensures access to specialized knowledge, threat intelligence, and the implementation of best practices. The strongly growing market size of the cybersecurity domain will substantially add to partners’ profits. The Importance of a Security-First Mindset The landscape of IT infrastructure has undergone a seismic shift with the advent of cloud computing, edge computing, and the proliferation of interconnected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The concept of a security-first mindset implies that security considerations are not an afterthought but an integral part of every decision and action taken in the realm of IT infrastructure. IT infrastructure partners, as custodians of an organization’s technological backbone, must adopt this mindset to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats. Championing security solutions involves staying well-informed of the latest cybersecurity trends, understanding emerging threats, and deploying cutting-edge technologies to counteract them. IT infrastructure partners, traditionally tasked with managing and optimizing technology resources, are now integral to safeguarding these resources from malicious actors. Their role extends beyond hardware and software management to actively implementing and advocating for robust cybersecurity solutions. Collaborating with Security Experts through Value-Added Distributors Recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, it’s crucial for IT infrastructure partners to actively engage with cybersecurity experts and firms. Building robust partnerships with cybersecurity professionals enhances the capabilities of IT infrastructure partners, allowing them to provide comprehensive security solutions to clients. In this collaborative effort, a value-added distributor (VAD) plays a key role in facilitating connections between IT infrastructure and cybersecurity partners. The true value of a VAD lies in its ability to bridge gaps, enhance communication, and empower businesses to navigate the intricate intersection of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. As an intermediary, the VAD ensures a smooth integration of solutions, seamlessly merging robust cybersecurity portfolios with the existing infrastructure offerings. Leveraging its extensive network and industry insights, the VAD identifies synergies between technology providers and cybersecurity specialists, fostering strategic partnerships that elevate overall security postures. Beyond this role, VADs often provide technical support, training, and market insights, enabling IT infrastructure partners to harness the latest cybersecurity innovations effectively. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the resilience of IT systems but also positions joint ventures at the forefront of the dynamic cybersecurity landscape. Advantage of IT Infrastructure Partner Offering Cybersecurity When infrastructure partners venture into offering cybersecurity solutions, they gain a significant advantage with their established customer base, benefiting from pre-existing trust. Additionally, their intimate knowledge of their customers’ or enterprises’ current infrastructure plays a crucial role, given that they were the ones responsible for its implementation. This familiarity with the infrastructure not only simplifies the onboarding process for new associations but also eliminates any challenges associated with starting from scratch. Moreover, the partner’s existing comprehension of the infrastructure enables them to deliver tailored cybersecurity solutions that seamlessly integrate with the current setup. This approach ensures maximum compatibility without the need for extensive overhauls, presenting a considerable advantage to customers and enterprises. The avoidance of unnecessary disruptions in the setup becomes a valuable asset, sparing customers the effort of seeking new security partners. This strategic positioning underscores the value of seasoned Value-Added Distributors (VADs) in collaboration with IT infrastructure partners. The symbiotic relationship between these entities not only benefits the infrastructure providers but also extends advantages to their customers through the expertise and support of established VADs. Challenges and Considerations While the integration of security into IT infrastructure is a powerful strategy, it does come with its own set of challenges. Compatibility issues, complexity in deployment, and the need for skilled personnel are among the considerations that organizations must address. However, the long-term benefits in terms of security posture and risk mitigation far outweigh the initial challenges. The Road Ahead As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the integration of security into IT infrastructure will remain a dynamic and ongoing process. IT infrastructure partners will play a pivotal role in this journey, offering not just technological solutions but becoming strategic allies in the battle against cyber threats. In conclusion, the unification of strengths between businesses and IT infrastructure partners, with a specific focus on integrated security, is a key driver for success in today’s digital era. The collaboration not only fortifies the organization against threats but also sets the stage for innovation and growth, unburdened by the looming specter of security vulnerabilities. TechnoBind is the first Specialist Distributor in the Indian IT channels space offering a hybrid distribution model placed synergistically between broad-based and niche distribution, to deliver high business value for its reseller partners. TechnoBind helps partners…

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Gallagher Security Flexes Federal Government Capabilities with Second Platinum ASTORS Win for HSPD-12/ FIPS 201 Compliance

Global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security, has defended Command Centre’s title as Best Integrated System for HSPD-12/ FIPS 201 Compliance with a Platinum award at the 2023 ASTORS Homeland Security Awards. This is Gallagher’s 7th overall ASTORS win and the second year in a row that Command Centre has been recognized in the HSPD-12/ FIPS 201 Compliance category. “Federal compliance mandates change rapidly in response to technology improvements, new threats, and evolving requirements, which means a highly adaptable and streamlined solution is required in order to serve their needs,” said Jeff Fields, Director of Federal Government at Gallagher Security, who accepted the award at the AST Homeland Security Awards luncheon, “That we can demonstrate how Command Centre continues to evolve alongside those changing requirements year after year is a significant win for Gallagher, and I’m thrilled that this year’s judges have honored us with this title.” Gallagher’s Command Centre is an enterprise-grade Physical Access Control System (PACS) that delivers exceptional security and provides robust, real-time authentication of all federally issued, high-assurance credentials. It natively supports reading and verifying the complete secure certificate information on government cards and is scalable to meet organizational requirements – no matter how big the site, or the number of cardholders involved. Command Centre was also recognized by the ASTORS for leading the way in federal compliances and standards in the United States and among the Five Eyes. With one centrally managed platform, Command Centre meets the HSPD-12/ FIPS-201 compliance requirements from both a 13.01 and 13.02 topology, including FICAM compliance, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation, and SOC2 certification among a long list of others. As the chosen platform for many of the world’s most high-consequence sites – such as military and defense; federal, state, and local governments; commercial; education; healthcare; and transportation – Command Centre’s curb-to-core technology protects lives, creates efficiencies, and safeguards assets around the world. “Command Centre is an access control solution that does it all,” Jeff said confidently, “It enables federal organizations to manage complete site security from one highly intelligent platform and has been proven to deliver superior security that keeps even the most sensitive of sites protected.” ASTORS winners were announced at a ceremony at the ISC East Show – the Northeast’s largest security trade show – hosted by the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City on Thursday, November 16, 2023. A technology leader in integrated access control, intrusion detection, and perimeter protection, Gallagher Security’s solutions protect what matters most within the highest levels of national and local government, military, commercial, industrial, healthcare, transportation, academic organizations, and small businesses in more than 140 countries.

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Genetec State of Physical Security Report Reveals Physical Security Market is Rapidly Embracing Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

Cyber-concerns about cloud security are lessening; channel partners expect increased demand for cloud and hybrid solutions from end users Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, recently shared the results of its 2024 State of Physical Security report. Based on insights from over 5,500 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users and channel partners), the report looks at the security strategies organizations are putting in place to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry. Cloud adoption is picking up speed The adoption of cloud-based solutions for physical security has been gradually increasing over the past decade, but it is now picking up speed. According to the survey, 44% of end users reported that more than 25% of their physical security setups are now either in the cloud or use a combination of cloud and on-premises solutions. This is a significant jump from the 24% reported in last year’s survey. Cyber concerns about the cloud are diminishing Cyber concerns about cloud-based solutions are lessening significantly. In last year’s survey, end-users considered perceived cybersecurity risks to be the primary factor discouraging their organizations from adopting cloudbased security systems. However, there seems to be a shift in attitudes. This shift underscores growing confidence in the capabilities of cloud solution providers to establish robust cybersecurity measures. As a result, in the 2024 survey, respondents have relegated perceived cybersecurity risks to the sixth position among the factors deterring their organizations from adopting security systems in the cloud. Channel expects increased demand for cloud and hybrid solutions Feedback from channel partners also supports the idea that end-users are eagerly shifting towards cloud solutions. A substantial 74% of channel partner respondents anticipate that more of their current customers will embrace cloud connectivity for security in the coming year. Furthermore, 39% of channel partners stated that they prioritize cloud-based solutions whenever possible, and an additional 52% offer cloud-based solutions upon customer request. IT and physical security departments are increasingly interconnected The increasing adoption of cloud-based physical security systems has led to a rise in cybersecurity threats, data handling, and compliance requirements. As a result, IT and physical security teams are becoming increasingly interconnected as evidenced by 55% of end users indicating that the IT department has access to physical security data. As technology adoption grows and remote access from external networks becomes more common, the partnership between IT and physical security will continue to develop. The future looks hybrid It appears that most organizations will prefer a hybrid approach, combining both on-premises and cloud-based solutions. 60% percent of end-user respondents revealed that their organizations aim for a security deployment strategy that combines both. The transition to hybrid systems is already in progress, with 15% of end-users stating that their organizations are currently storing video surveillance data both locally and in the cloud, marking a notable increase from the 4% reported in last year’s survey. “A hybrid cloud deployment clearly emerges as the ideal path forward for many organizations, seamlessly blending local infrastructure with the power of the cloud,” said Christian Morin, Vice President Product Engineering/ Chief Security Officer at Genetec Inc., “With a hybrid-cloud solution, organizations can optimize their physical security installation to best fit their business. And no matter how their security needs evolve, their systems will remain agile and adaptable to continue providing them with the capabilities they require.” Survey methodology Genetec Inc. surveyed physical security professionals from August 21 to September 15, 2023. Following a review of submissions and data cleansing, 5,554 respondents (including both end users and systems integrators) were included in the sample for analysis. Survey samples were run across all regions including North America, Central America, Caribbean, South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, and Australia-New Zealand. Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. Today, the company develops solutions designed to improve security, intelligence, and operations for enterprises, governments, and the communities in which we live. Its flagship product, Security Center, is an open-architecture platform that unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, and analytics. Founded in 1997, and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its customers via an extensive network of certified channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.

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OSINT Tools & Technique: Fraud Detection to Help Fraud Prevention

Garima Goswamy, Associate Protection Professional, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Dridhg Security International Pvt. Ltd. OSINT or Open-Source Intelligence is nothing new. It is information gathering from publicly available sources, which are out there for everyone to see. It has been used extensively by investigators – private and public across generations in their assignments and missions. In fact, during the second world War, Lt. Gen. Samuel V Wilson, who headed the American Defense Intelligence, made an astounding claim – he received 90% of intelligence through open sources. Today in 2023, with a variety of sources available, especially with possible access to the deep web, dark web and regular search engines, and a multitude of social media platform, it becomes exceedingly difficult to retrieve useful information – unless one is adequately trained in usage of OSINT or familiar with different OSINT tools and techniques. With a continuous aim of knowledge enhancement, Dridhg Security International Private Limited, conducted an OSINT Workshop – Social Media Intelligence and Digital Footprint Analysis on 1 December 2023. It was open to all – from students to research analysts, risk analysts operating in Security Operating Centres (SOCs), law enforcement personnel, to senior citizens. It was well received with employees of prominent organizations such as VFS Global, Vedanta Limited, UPL Limited, NetApp, and Mondelez. In fact, a repeat session also saw entrants from prominent Indian investigation companies. A case study was discussed where incessant internet searches led to the arrest of an alleged murderer this year. We attempted the digital footprint analysis of the Instagram posts of the late actor Matthew Perry. Tools and techniques were also a prominent part of this workshop where the participants were introduced to AI software, which made image searches much more specific than one using search engines. What a lot of people do not realize is that by helping in fraud detection OSINT tools and techniques help in fraud prevention. And while it is relevant for the security and risk consulting fields, given that internet safety and cyber security awareness is relevant for students and senior citizens alike, it is a pertinent subject in which all should have some level of understanding, if not expertise. By investing some time, it is possible to verify whether an email id, phone number, or a message which is floated on your devices is genuine or not. One can easily figure out the intention of the person who is communicating with you online. For instance, a few months ago, a contact was established by a person who claimed to be the ‘Crown Prince of Egypt’ on Linkedin. It took me just some cues and time to find the official Linkedin page of the real ‘Crown Prince of Egypt.’ Interestingly now fraudsters are also using bots and AI for social engineering. Celebrities like Tom Hanks and Ratan Tata have warned users not to believe in fake news created by their AI versions. Companies like Boat and Netflix too educate users about their authentic sites. There are some observations which suggest that a site or email or message is untrustworthy. Some tips to spot a phishing email or message are as follows: Suspicious domain name – The email that is sent from a public email domain instead of an official email domain. A misspelled domain name The message is not articulate and is poorly written. One might notice some grammatical errors. The email or text might contain a suspicious attachment or links. Usually there is a sense of urgency indicated in the email or message. This is because the fraudster wants you to act before you can think. Social Media Intelligence, in particular, is a double-edged sword. We are not the only ones reading about others. Others are also watching us. In fact, fraudsters use social engineering tools like creating a shortened URL link which is either shared along with some text or embedded in an image. The moment their target clicks on such a link, the fraudster gets a lot of information about the target which can include the target’s exact GPS location, compromising the target’s privacy. The same social engineering tools can also be used by a tech-savvy person to try to find details about, lets say, a catfish. Catfish is a term used to refer to a person who pretends to be someone else online and communicates under false pretense. Considering the increasing number of cyber frauds, the chances of anyone becoming a target are high. Whether or not you become a victim totally depends on how aware and careful you are in protecting yourself from such attacks and fraudsters. And that is where the OSINT tool and technique becomes useful. There are multiple software tools, for instance, which can analyze emails, and websites and provide information whether such platforms have been compromised. Many times, email ids and even passwords get leaked on the dark web. In online workshops offered by DridhG Security International Private Limited, we try to educate the participants about reliable tools and techniques. We need to be aware how open-source intelligence is being used, how it can be used and how it should or should not be used.    

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IDIS Delivers a Comprehensive 1,000 Camera End-to-End Video Solution to London Landmark Hotel

IDIS, the leading manufacturer of trusted South Korean-made video tech, is proud to have been selected to provide the Zedwell Piccadilly Hotel, located in the heart of London’s West End, with a full 1000-camera IDIS solution. The Zedwell Piccadilly was recently expanded and transformed with a top-to-bottom refurbishment, including an extension with a major annex in neighbouring Great Russell Street, bringing the total number of rooms to over 700. Video surveillance is an important resource for the hotel’s management team and staff, helping operations to run more smoothly, improving guest experiences, and ensuring security for visitors and employees. IDIS, together with integration partner Rukey Solutions, completed this comprehensive project in just two months. IDIS DirectIP® was key to meeting the challenge, with its promise of true, plug-and-play connectivity, and immediate, seamless interoperability of IP cameras, NVRs, and network accessories. Using a trusted, single-source vendor for all system elements makes it simple to plan, price, and deliver projects, avoiding unexpected costs and last-minute component incompatibilities. The hotel’s new system comprises 413x full HD IR dome cameras, offering crisp and clear image capture even in low-light, including up to 20m distances in darkness; and 40x 5MP IR Super Fisheye Compact cameras, replacing multiple conventional fixed lens cameras and allowing the most efficient wide-area scene coverage of the hotel’s communal areas, with IDIS’s patented Smart UX Controls allowing smooth dewarping and multiple display modes, as well as IR image capture at distances up to approximately 15m. In addition, 14HD IR bullet cameras, with IR image capture up to 30m, were installed to cover key locations including entrances, exteriors, and back-of-house areas including loading bays and stock rooms. At the heart of the solution, making extended image storage affordable, are 10x 8000 Series 4K NVRs, which support RAID 1, 5, 10 and are expandable up to 240TB using eSATA storage. Operated with IDIS Center VMS, the solution ensures affordable storage, faster footage review, and powerful live monitoring with no perceivable latency, making controlling the system more comfortable and efficient. Zedwell Piccadilly benefits from a solution with the lowest total cost of ownership, with no ongoing licence fees; and the completed system is protected by the industry best IDIS Ultimate Warranty. The solution also has flexibility designed in with the hotel looking to switch to a remote monitoring model. IDIS’s technology is well positioned to support this, with easy options for adding AI-powered analytics that will support operators and reduce the burden of live monitoring. Jan Kotze, Head of Security, Zedwell, reported, “Guests look to us for a relaxing experience and great value in the heart of London’s West End and now, with this upgraded IDIS video solution, they also have the assurance of enhanced security, safety and the most efficient possible service.”  

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Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, Now Has FutureReady and Resilient AI-Powered Traffic Solutions: Thanks to Videonetics

Challenges The capital city, and the largest city of Karnataka, Bengaluru, is a city of stark contrasts. It’s a city that effortlessly marries the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Being India’s IT hub and a thriving metropolis, Bengaluru has inevitably attracted people from all over the country. The increase in population has subsequently led to problems like traffic congestion, violations of traffic regulations, and accidents. Local authorities were dependent on measures like generating violation tickets manually, human interventions in managing traffic conditions, and an automated red light violation system at a few intersections. The Bengaluru Traffic Authority also observed that violations like riding without a helmet, triple riding on two-wheelers, over-speeding etc., need to be mitigated with a silver-bullet solution that holistically makes Bengaluru roads safer for citizens. They were looking for a hypermodern solution that automates traffic management & enforcement while monitoring traffic conditions at all times and providing statistical data for analysis. Solution The Bengaluru Traffic Authority wanted an advanced AI-based solution that is both scalable and delivers accurate results. The increased traffic problems and violations have also led to an increase in the number of accidents. This situation demanded a solution that captured multiple violations in real-time, enhanced situational awareness, inculcated discipline among citizens, and most importantly, made Bengaluru roads safer. After identifying the problem and formulating a proposed solution, the next most crucial part of the process was to find an ideal technology partner for this project. After rigorous evaluation and intensive discussions, the Bengaluru Traffic Authority, the stakeholders, and a panel of traffic authorities selected Videonetics as the perfect technology partner in collaboration with MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt. Ltd. as the system integrator. Acclaimed as a market leader, Videonetics has secured 150+ cities and monitored 25K+ traffic lanes across many geographic regions. The administration was keen to have an open platform that would help them add more capabilities and applications over time. With these goals in mind, the AI-powered Videonetics Traffic Management System (TMS) and various use cases such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Red Light Violation Detection, Speed Violation, No Helmet Detection, and a few more, deployed at 50 significant intersections. The automatic number plate recognition solution helped the local authorities identify all suspicious, wanted, and stolen vehicles by accurately capturing and recognising the number plates of cars, taxis, buses, trucks, and autorickshaws (tuk-tuk). This enabled the operators to identify and stop all such vehicles as soon as they were captured by ANPR. The red light violation detection is an end-toend solution that revolutionised road monitoring by generating round-the-clock alerts in various forms whenever a vehicle violates a red light at a traffic intersection. Over-speeding detection feature identifies vehicles that do not adhere to the permissible speed limits on roads and highways, while the built-in ANPR engine captures license plate information to record the violations. As the city roads are narrow, vehicles plying at high speed can often become the cause of an accident. Aditya G Vice President – Technical, MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt Ltd. “We are elated to be working with Videonetics on this project. Their AI-based video management solution is revolutionary for government entities, especially in terms of road monitoring. They offer holistic and scalable solutions that empower local authorities to maximise the use of their visual data. Additionally, these solutions ensure enhanced security and governance, promote law-abiding behaviour among citizens, and contribute to making the roads safer” Many road accidents involving two-wheelers result in head injuries when the riders do not wear helmets. The no helmet detection use case assists traffic police personnel in detecting, identifying, and penalizing offenders. Triple riding detection has also been deployed to ensure the safety of citizens riding two-wheelers. The application captures violations if more than two riders are spotted riding on a two-wheeler. To force drivers of 4-wheelers to wear seat belts for their own safety, the Bengaluru traffic authority deployed the no seatbelt detection use case solution to analyse live video streams and quickly detect drivers (& co-driver) who are not wearing seat belts while driving. Another major cause of accidents due to distracted drivers is the usage of cell phones. Videonetics Traffic Management System also provided the use case of detecting a driver using a cell phone in real-time by analysing his (or her) gestures and body movement. All the AI-powered traffic applications described above have helped the city’s law enforcement monitor traffic round-the-clock, record traffic violations in real time, and send alerts to authorities for further action. Phase – 1 of the project has been completed and covers 50 of the busiest intersections, entry-exit avenues, and areas known to witness regular congestion & accidents. Smarter traffic management and faster decision-making with Videonetics TMS Dashboard Bengaluru traffic officials don’t just receive data on traffic violations in real time but also obtain significant insights on citywide traffic characteristics such as density, headway, and traffic composition at regular intervals, thanks to the Videonetics TMS dashboard. The dashboard assists traffic officials in making informed decisions, as it keeps them updated on the distribution of vehicles, violations, and incidents across the city. Moreover, they also have access to statistical analysis of the traffic flow at various intersections across the city, filtered by attributes of vehicles such as class, colour, & registration types, and even compare it to the data in the past. Impact The collaboration between Videonetics, MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt. Ltd., and Bengaluru Traffic Authority has been exemplary. Success of this project could be measured by a noticeable impact in various aspects related to road traffic safety and reductions in the number and frequency of violations. There have been significant reductions in red light/ stop line violations. The number of traffic accidents and violations such as no helmet, triple riding, driving without a seatbelt, and using phones while driving has also plummeted. 24×7 active monitoring of traffic and reduction in overall traffic congestion in the city has helped law enforcement to manage traffic efficiently. The city traffic authority…

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Kinara and Mirasys (India) Announce: Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Video Analytics for Smart Retail

Leading edge AI chipmaker Kinara, Inc. and advanced video AI analytics developer Mirasys (India) are combining forces to reshape edge-based video analytics. According to IDC, video analytics market is projected to grow to $6 billion by 2027, owing to the abundance of video cameras and key use cases across multiple markets. This collaboration is set to provide real-time edge-based video analytics solutions in the smart retail and banking sectors. As part of the integration, Kinara’s Ara-1 modules are embedded in the Mirasys’ embedded x86 platforms, the size of a set top box. Kinara’s Ara-1 Edge AI processor, renowned for its unmatched performance, power efficiency, and its ability to support advanced AI at edge devices, merges seamlessly with Mirasys’ cutting-edge analytics applications. This provides an unparalleled solution that empowers industries to perform real-time video analytics directly at the edge. The solution seamlessly meshes with existing POS systems, inventory databases, and CRM tools, making implementation hassle-free for retailers. This partnership opens a plethora of opportunities and provides client an opportunity to use the power of AI with low total cost of ownership and fastest return on investment. Customers can expect enhanced performance, reliability, and security in their video surveillance systems, bolstering their overall effectiveness. By processing video data at the edge, this collaboration also leads to reduced bandwidth and storage costs, optimizing resource utilization. Moreover, the integration of advanced analytics and insights derived from video data through AI and machine learning empowers businesses with valuable data-driven decision-making tools. Finally, the partnership is flexible and adaptable, offering customized solutions tailored to a wide array of use cases, including smart city initiatives, traffic management, retail, banking, hospitality, and more, making it a versatile and valuable addition to various industries. Elaborating further about the initiative, Mirasys (India) MD Arindam Das Sarkar said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kinara, aiming to deliver innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions to our customers. This collaboration leverages our strengths in AI and edge computing, allowing customers to access AI benefits without the need for extensive infrastructure investments, ensuring sustainable AI goals. Exciting times lie ahead for our joint endeavors.” Kinara’s CEO Ravi Annavajjhala echoed the sentiments saying, “This partnership with Mirasys opens up new and exciting possibilities for edgebased video analytics in what is becoming a very dynamic market. By combining Kinara’s high-performance Ara-1 chipset with Mirasys’ innovative applications, we can enable businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of AI for enhanced safety, security and operational efficiency.” Mirasys (India) offers a full featured video analytics and trusted video management system for businesses across a wide scale. The supported technology is ideal for diverse set of applications. For example, retailers can optimize shelf space, detect shoplifting, help with wayfinding, count the crowd in their stores and optimize shoppers’ journey. While automation of tasks such as inventory checks and alerts for restocking can streamline store operations and reduce manual workloads, tailored in-store experiences, timely assistance, and optimized store layouts can enhance the customer experience. Edge processing not only minimizes data transfer needs and enables these use cases, it also leads to energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Mirasys (India) is a pioneer in the video surveillance and analytics industry, with esoteric expertise in cutting-edge use of AI technology, real-time analytics, object recognition and predictive insights, delivering unparalleled security and business intelligence with utmost accuracy. With strong focus on data privacy and ethical AI usage, Mirasys has emerged as a trusted partner in the public & government domains, especially Smart & Safe City, Oil & Gas and Transportation. Mirasys solutions are currently being used across various critical areas, such as holy places and judiciary, in addition to retail store chains & outlets, and industries like manufacturing, logistics, educational institutes, sports, entertainment, banking, utility, healthcare etc. Founded in 2018 by visionary industry leader and Sociopreneur Arindam Das Sarkar, Mirasys India stands out for its customer-centric approach, enabling customized solutions for specific client needs and ensuring a seamless and personalized experience, which serves the global product development as well. Delivering unrivaled edge AI solutions to accelerate and optimize real-time decision-making by powering smart edge devices and gateways that demand responsive AI computing at high energy efficiency. Kinara is headquartered in Silicon Valley with development based in Hyderabad, India. Our name comes from the Hindi word for ‘edge’ and reflects our commitment to our customers to build extremely innovative edge devices for retail, smart cities, industry 4.0, and automotive.  

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Tenon Group Names Anuj Rajain as the New ‘Chief Strategy Officer’

Tenon Group, a global player in integrated security and facilities management with a significant presence in India, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, has named Anuj Rajain as its new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Tenon Group of Companies is made up of three market leaders with a significant global presence – Tenon FM, Peregrine Guarding, and Soteria (Remote monitoring and surveillance service provider using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Artificial Intelligence). Currently, Anuj Rajain is serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soteria, one of India’s top providers of remote monitoring solutions. The youthful, vibrant Yale alumnus is in charge of developing and implementing the organization’s overall growth plan. In addition to his current role in Soteria, Anuj will be responsible for determining the direction of Peregrine Guarding Security Singapore, as well as carrying out all corporate policies and overseeing the company’s general operations at group level. He is in charge of the overall strategic activities. As CSO, Anuj will be in charge of implementing Tenon Group’s budget and strategy. He understands the complexities of business, and his primary role is to find, and exploit underserved and underpenetrated market segments, as well as to draw synergies between the two. Anuj’s views on technological advancement, business pivots, and finding growth opportunities will be critical in driving growth and creating new doors for the organization. Anuj Rajain, Chief Strategy Officer of Tenon Group, stated of his new post and responsibilities, “I am looking forward to this new role challenge and to taking the organisation to new heights.” According to Major Manjit Rajain, Global Chairman of Tenon Group, “Anuj has been a core part of the Soteria inception team since 2014 and has immensely contributed to its growth. Given his skills and expertise, we are certain that Anuj will provide a new perspective to assist us accelerate our momentum and accomplish our strategic goals.” Tenon Group of Companies is a conglomerate of three market leaders having a strong foothold in global space – Tenon FM, Peregrine Guarding, and Soteria. With a wealth of 40 years+ cumulative experience of their senior management team and diverse team of 88,000+ seasoned professionals, Tenon has consolidated its position as a leader in security services, facility management solutions, and remote monitoring and surveillance over 25 stellar years. Present in India, Singapore, and the UK, Tenon offers integrated security services through its child company, Peregrine Guarding, facility management services through Tenon FM India and Tenon FM UK, and remote monitoring and surveillance services through Soteria Command Centre.  

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Synology Showcases Enterprise Data Solutions at Synology Solution Day 2023 in Mumbai

Synology, a leading NAS company, recently concluded its highly anticipated Synology Solution Day 2023 at ITC Maratha in Mumbai. The event provided an exclusive platform for IT professionals and partners to explore Synology’s cutting-edge data management solutions, including storage, backup, video surveillance, and business productivity. The event has successfully garnered the participation of 420 attendees, encompassing representatives from diverse business organizations, IT specialists from the industrial sector, and key business partners spanning various sectors across India. Noteworthy is the presence of participants from companies listed in the global Fortune 500. Additionally, the event highlighted a session where experts from prominent organizations in their respective industries shared valuable experiences and insights. Khushi Dama from MRK Foods and Sandeep Maurya from DSK Legal delved into discussions about their successful deployment of Synology’s solutions. Their presentations underscored Synology’s role as a reliable partner in safeguarding business data and ensuring seamless business continuity. Mr. Maurya commented, “Synology NAS systems come with built-in backup solutions, supporting scheduled backups, incremental backups, and versioning. Synology also provides backup and snapshot replication to other Synology NAS devices, ensuring data redundancy and quick recovery options through data replication from one NAS box to another.” Russell Chen, India Sales Manager at Synology, put an emphasis on the extraordinary growth of Synology’s business solutions over the past three years. He expressed gratitude to the attendees, highlighting how their presence contributed to the success of the event. “As we continue to expand our offerings, we welcome interested IT and partners to experience first-hand why our solutions are disrupting cost and maintenance tradeoffs demanded by traditional solutions,” he said. In-Depth Exploration of Synology’s Core Solutions Storage and File Management The acceleration of digital transformation across industries is becoming more apparent, aligned with the advancement of the latest technologies such as generative AI. Organizations are now faced with substantial challenges, as the volume of generated and stored data continues to rise, and the demands for management and security surpass the capacity of existing IT resources. Synology introduces flexible private and hybrid cloud data management solutions, specifically designed to address the requirements of dynamic business environments. These solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, ranging from multinational enterprises to multi-branch offices, providing robust security measures against ransomware threats. Business Productivity Efficiency and collaboration took center stage as Synology presented its private cloud solutions designed to streamline team collaboration. The discussions and live demonstrations interpreted how these solutions ensure data ownership without compromising accessibility and usability. Attendees explored the comprehensive security features of Synology’s business productivity solutions, soon-to-be augmented with generative AI capabilities for enhanced control over organizational data. Data Protection Attendees delved into the intricacies of comprehensive data protection as Synology presented strategies beyond conventional backups. The importance of routine drilling and the implementation of a dependable total solution were emphasized to significantly reduce recovery time in worst-case scenarios. The discussions highlighted how Synology’s approach ensures not only data security but also business continuity without imposing exorbitant costs on IT budgets. Video Surveillance In addition to safeguarding businesses against cyber threats, a dependable video surveillance system is not an extravagance but a vital necessity. This system is constructed around the industry-leading video management system, Surveillance Station, and AI-enabled cameras. For businesses overseeing large industrial complexes or managing multiple retail outlets, Synology’s surveillance solutions offer the scalability and flexibility required. Solution Day 2023 serves as a catalyst for Synology to reinforce its dedication to leading innovation in data management technology. This annual event not only showcased the latest technological advancements but also signified a strategic move for Synology in meeting and supporting India’s digital transformation requirements. The synergy between advanced technology and dynamic market needs positions Synology as a pioneer in providing adaptive and robust solutions. With a comprehensive range of solutions, spanning from data storage to integrated video surveillance, Synology stands at the forefront of ushering in a safer, more efficient, and productive digital future for businesses and industries at every level in India. Michael Chang, APAC Sales Head at Synology Inc., commented on the evolving landscape of business IT, stating, “Reflecting on the evolving landscape of business IT, we remain dedicated to expanding our deployments across India. Our commitment is to continue fostering innovation and partnerships within the Indian market.” This underlines Synology’s devoted commitment to not only keeping pace with the changing business environment but actively contributing to the growth and innovation within the Indian market. Synology® at a Glance Staying at the forefront of data management, Synology innovates and adapts to ever-evolving technologies and continues bringing new possibilities to the table, including but not limited to solutions for data storage and backup, file collaboration, video management, and network infrastructure – all designed with one goal in mind – presenting a centralized platform to simplify IT administration while driving digital transformation for businesses worldwide.  

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Survey Reveals Significant Awareness of Green Initiatives in the Security Industry

Hikvision and asmag.com have recently conducted a collaborative survey, researching market sentiment towards green practices and technologies within the security industry. The survey gathered valuable insights about the importance of sustainability, and how it influences respondents’ businesses and purchasing decisions. Considerable familiarity with green practices Survey results revealed a large majority of respondents (88%) – from both Western and Asian regions – expressed familiarity with this topic, indicating a strong awareness of its importance within the security industry. However, discrepancies were noted in levels of understanding and implementation. A total of 61% from the Western sector indicated they understood or had implemented green practices in their businesses, compared with 55% of Asian respondents. Increasing demand for green security products and solutions The survey exhibits that there is demand for green security products and solutions in both Western and Asian markets. However, there is more consistent demand seen among Western respondents and potential growth opportunities in Asia. The survey results indicate that Western respondents see a stronger demand for eco-friendly products and solutions, with 11% reporting consistent and 33% reporting frequent requests from clients. The numbers were lower for Asian respondents with 10% and 12% respectively. However, a notable 39% of Asian channel players noted occasional requests which can suggest a growing interest in sustainable solutions. Challenges in adopting green practices within the security industry An estimated 18% of survey respondents indicated that a significant obstacle right now is that the adoption of green and low carbon practices has not been yet recognized as essential in the security industry. High costs and uncertainty of RoI is also stated as another primary challenge. Other issues such as a ‘lack of public awareness’ and ‘absence of standardization & certifications’ were chosen by 17% of respondents as primary obstacles. These insights point to opportunities for market education, aiming to simplify decision-making for channel players while transparently showcasing the achievable RoI and practical benefits. The future of sustainable practices within the security industry When inquired about the adoption of green and low carbon practices in the coming years, the overall responses convey a positive outlook, with only 4.7% expressing that sustainability would still not be a priority for the security industry. The majority of survey participants (22.9%) anticipate that manufacturers will be able to attract a broader customer base and stand out in the market by clearly demonstrating their eco-conscious features, branding and certifications. They also expected to anticipate and prepare for stricter government regulations in the near future (22.6%). Another 22.6% indicated that technology advancements will make greener products less expensive, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This would potentially create a self-reinforcing cycle. Accessible pricing encourages more users to use eco-friendly products, resulting in increased energy and cost savings, thus perpetuating the cycle of sustainability and business benefits.  

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