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AX PRO Wireless Alarm System Launched in India

Hikvision India Partners with PACC 2023 to Showcase Innovative Security Solutions Hikvision India, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, has partnered with the 9th edition of Project Heads, Architects and Consultants Conclave (PACC2023) in Kochi. The company showcased its latest innovative security technologies and solutions during the event. It has recently participated as a presenting partner for the Fire and Security Association of India’s Project heads, Architects & Consultants Conclave (PACC) event. At the event AX PRO Series Wireless Intrusion Alarm System was launched with big fanfare in the presence of security industry leaders and dignitaries. The newly launched AX PRO Series Wireless Intrusion Alarm System enables more reliable intrusion detection with home automation features. While launching the latest product AX PRO Series Wireless Intrusion Alarm, Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India said, “We are happy to launch AX PRO, an intelligent alarm system with convergent solutions. This intrusion system helps to detect security breaches instantly and reliably. It also minimizes false positives. This product can help companies, homeowners, retail store owners, and key institutes to enable highly reliable video verification solutions, secure wireless transmission, and a wide range of state-of-the-art alarm detectors.” Commenting on the success of the PACC event, Ashish P. Dhakan said, “Hikvision has partnered with FSAI’s PACC Conclave to evangelize the latest innovative security technologies among the professional community and end-users.   We are here to share Hikvision’s next generation technology solutions and latest innovative products with the industry leaders and technology experts. We are striving to evangelize the adaptation of latest security technologies and solutions based on AI, Deep Learning Big Data and Robotics. Let’s join hands to make ‘Surakshit Bharat’ by providing the bestin-class security solutions.” Hikvision booth at FSAI’s PACC event showcased the latest offering AX PRO series wireless intrusion alarm system. It also displayed walls showcasing the command control centre, real estate solutions, specialized products, time lapse solution and packet tracking solution. After the lamp lighting and inaugural session the keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Dhakan on the theme ‘Make in India 2.0 and an Indigenous Manufacturing roadmap for Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ During the keynote speech he elaborated, “We are committed to the ‘Make-in-India’ 2.0 vision with a long term plan. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is the largest security product manufacturing facilities across the country. We are doubling the manufacturing capabilities of our manufacturing facility due to the growing demand in the market. We are empowering to the local youth by providing training and employment.” After the debate session Hikvision AX PRO series product was unveiled in the presence of dignitaries. The BIG7 Debate on ‘SURAKSHIT BHARAT (Dream V/s. Reality)’ was moderated by Pankaj Dharkar, MEP & Green Building Consultant, PD Associates and FSAI Presidential Member. In TECHVARTA (BREAKOUT SESSION) at the PACC event on the 2nd day of ‘Emerging and Future Fire & Security Threats (Identification Management) in Hotels,’ Gagan Lamba, Vice President, Enterprise Business, Prama Hikvision India gave an impactful perspective on the latest security trends in the hospitality security. The Hikvision presentations at the PACC event were well received. The engaging panel discussions, presentations and interactive sessions with the participants provided valuable insights. The FSAI’s PACC event was aimed at bringing the Project Heads, Architects, Consultants, System Integrators, OEMs, and End-users onto a common platform. The focus of PACC was to provide the platform for presentations and deliberations on TECHVARTA, technology evolutions, best practices, implementation, standards & codes, market challenges and growth in the industry. The three-day event had empowering presentations (from expert professionals as well as event partners) and insightful panel discussions under the TECHVARTA segment. This event witnessed a participation of 750 delegates. The PACC 2023 concluded on a high note as the event has got an overwhelming response from the delegates.  

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Why It Pays to Be Single Minded

3xLOGIC has developed a comprehensive ecosystem of integrated security and access control products that perfectly complement each other and, in turn, provide greater value. Richard Joslin, Senior Director of Global Sales for 3xLOGIC, explains why it makes sense to use one supplier that can meet all requirements. As a leading provider of intelligent security technology, 3xLOGIC’s product ecosystem simplifies the lives of customers and adds value to any deployment. Our video surveillance and access control systems provide an entire endto-end security and business solution that can be tailored to each customer’s needs through a single point of contact. Beyond security The word ecosystem perfectly encapsulates 3xLOGIC’s longstanding approach. It drives us to develop products that can be easily integrated, scaled, and are fully tested prior to being installed – making the process of system design and specification simpler and more reliable. An ecosystem is all about interconnection and at the heart of 3xLOGIC’s offering is the VIGIL Video Management System (VMS). This centralised software platform allows the monitoring of 3xLOGIC’s VIGIL range including National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant cameras, network video recorders (NVRs), software, advanced imaging devices with artificial intelligence (AI) based capabilities, recording appliances, mobile apps, accessories, and mounts. Life changing Data has changed our lives, the way we communicate and the way we interact – the more data you have the better informed you are and the more meaningful business decisions you can make. New data is becoming available every day, making it easier for business leaders to optimise their operations, find efficiencies, protect their buildings and assets, and solve problems. 3xLOGIC has developed a range of on-premise and mobile solutions that can maximise the effectiveness of data and offer value beyond protection. These include VIGIL Client, which offers remote and/ or local live and playback viewing of all video and data collected by a VIGIL Server. Meanwhile, VIGIL Central Management provides information such as which cameras are online, NVR recording status, disk usage, server connectivity, storage resiliency, redundancy and alerts, while VIGIL Smart Search functionality enables individuals to quickly identify and review events. Perfect harmony Integrating access control and surveillance technology makes both elements more effective. Viewing them through the VIGIL VMS and reporting interface and monitoring and analysing data through its software, allows users to view real time events and associated playback video, as well as run reports on events and alarms. Using access control and surveillance technology from the same manufacturer also eliminates disruption and finger pointing between two different system providers if things go wrong. It can also increase safety, for example, if a student loses their access card and can’t get into their accommodation after a night out, an operative can identify the individual quickly, verify them, and let them into the building. Track and trace 3xLOGIC’s innovations deliver transformational business value by mining data and converting it into actionable insights – enabling greater visibility and fresh perspectives. Organisations need to focus their attention on high value application specific data that can lead to positive changes. As such, they are increasingly looking for ways to optimise the use of available data through solutions that provide actionable business intelligence that can be used to increase profit. When it comes to safety of human assets and protection of the public while visiting a premise, 3xLOGIC leads the way via interaction with many types of sensors and external systems. For example, in the US, Active Shooter incidents pose a real threat not only to employees but also to the general public, particularly in areas where crowds might gather. 3xLOGIC’s patented Gunshot Detection Sensor can easily integrate with Access Control Systems for quick lockdowns; Video Management Systems for video verification of an emerging threat; external Alarm Systems for rapid notification of monitoring personnel; and Mass Notification Systems for quick and effective notification of large groups of people as well as First Responders. In an active shooter incident, time is a precious commodity. Giving even just a few seconds quicker notification and providing real-time, accurate situational intelligence can mitigate the damage caused by the shooter. 3xLOGIC’s TRENDS analytics and reporting software makes security management easier, more efficient and more powerful than ever. It turns data into meaningful information – collating, deciphering and presenting it in a way that makes sense by showing present and historical data in a business context. This not only gives insight when you need it, but also offers a fresh perspective to help solve problems that you might not even be aware of. A great example of this is heat mapping, which makes it possible to see where people are going, identify patterns of behaviour, ascertain the popularity of certain items and identify peak times for customer numbers. This information means that products can be positioned effectively, while wait times can be reduced to stop customers leaving a queue. Not only does this provide a better customer experience, but it also means that additional security resources can be allocated to specific areas as and when required, while key performance indicators (KPIs) can also be defined to optimise efficiencies. Up in the sky In terms of product ecosystem development, all eyes continue to be on the cloud. 3xLOGIC recognised the potential of the cloud early on through the development of solutions such as the VIGIL CLOUD, which extends the functionality of the VIGIL VMS. VIGIL CLOUD can be accessed via a standard web or smartphone app. A user can easily view live and playback video from cloud cameras, bookmark cameras for quick and easy access from the main dashboard, check camera health status, export footage clips and collect and package related video events together in case files that can be easily retrieved at a later date – anytime, anyplace, via any device. The cloud also makes collaboration easier, which is especially important considering how hard it can be to share large video files with colleagues. The next step is video in the cloud, which is already established in the US and now coming…

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Threats to Internal Security in India

By Colonel B. S. Nagial (Retd.) Threat to the security of a nation is a matter of grave concern not only to Armed Forces and Para Military Forces or political leadership but also to every citizen, irrespective of profession or vocation. While those at the helm of making arrangements to meet the threat must study and follow its development very closely, every citizen must also be well aware of the matters related to the nation’s security. Today, war is no longer confined to a clash between two armies in isolation of the people. It involves the whole nation. The security of a nation involves two aspects: external security and internal security. These are two essential aspects of a nation’s security. While external security refers to protecting a nation’s borders and sovereignty against external threats, internal security refers to maintaining law and order within the country and protecting citizens against internal threats. External security protects a nation’s borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty against external threats such as military aggression, terrorism, espionage, cyber-attacks, etc. It involves using military, diplomatic, economic, and political means to deter and counter the external threat. External security also consists of forming alliances with other countries to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and promote regional and global security. Internal security refers to maintaining law and order within the country and protecting citizens against internal threats such as terrorism, insurgency, communal violence, organised crime, cybercrime, etc. It involves using law enforcement agencies such as police, paramilitary, intelligence, and other security forces to prevent and counter internal threats. The primary responsibility for internal security lies with the police and other law enforcement agencies. Internal security also involves the promotion of social harmony, the protection of minority rights, and the prevention of radicalisation and extremism. External and internal security is crucial for a nation’s stability and prosperity. While external security protects a nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, internal security ensures the safety and well-being of its citizens. A balanced and coordinated approach towards both aspects is necessary for maintaining national security. India’s Internal Security situation Contrary to popular belief, the threats stemming from the internal security situation in India are enormous and intricate. Faced with various challenges, India’s experience in dealing with these challenges is mixed in nature. No nation in the world has faced such a magnitude of problems as India has encountered and is still coping with them. Though difficulties posed by internal security have been largely overcome, they have not been wholly routed from Indian soil. Because of the seriousness of the issue, an attempt has been made to acquaint ourselves with India’s Internal Security situation. As per the Ministery of Home Affairs of India’s annual report 2022, the internal security of India could be classified into the following categories: Terrorism in hinterland. Left Wing Extremism(LWE) in certain parts of India. Insurgency in the Northeastern States. Cross-Border Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorism in Hinterland Terrorism in any city or town deep inside the country is called hinterland terrorism. Terrorism in the Indian hinterland results from a complex set of interrelated factors. India’s rendezvous with terrorism and violent extremism is deeply rooted in history, partly due to the religion-based partition in 1947, which divided the sub-continent into India and Pakistan. The sub-continent witnessed the most shocking ethnic riots in modern history, marked by extreme violence and acts of terrorism. Instead, seeds of terrorism were sown with the Arab Invasion of India and culminated in the demand for a two-nation theory. However, India moved away from the horrors of the past and carried on the path of development both of nation and human resources. But Pakistan has not come out of the two-nation theory and still holds this ideology. Since 1947, Pakistan has left no chance to weaken India internally. To understand the significance of the threat posed by terrorism, we need to go back to Afghanistan War in the 1970s and 1980s. The former USSR intervened in the internal affairs of Afghanistan to support the pro-communist regime against the Muslim Mujahidin. The Muslim Mujahidin appealed to world Muslims to support them in Jihad against USSR. Muslim volunteers came from around the world to Afghanistan to form part of this jihad. Most of these Mujahidin were trained and funded by the US through Pakistan. Pakistan conveniently and cunningly diverted these funds to launch terrorism against India. When USSR left in 1989, there was chaos in Afghanistan. The Muslim volunteers from around the world were divided into three groups: one group remained in Afghanistan, and members were united under the guidance of Osama Bin Laden to form Al Qaida. Members of the second group returned to their native countries and joined/started Islamic Fundamentalist Terrorist organisations. The third group dispersed to the western world to spread Islamic Fundamentalist ideology. After its defeat in the 1971 war, Pakistan primarily launched a policy to bleed India by thousand cuts. It started waging a proxy war against India by targeting significant cities. Khalistan terrorists also used this strategy following the insurgency in Punjab. Examples of this kind of terrorism include the 1993 Bombay blasts, the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2002 Raghunath Mandir and Akshardham attacks, the 2005 Delhi Blast, the 2006 Mumbai Train blast, the 2008 Gujrat and Jaipur serial blasts and Mumbai Attcak, the 2016 Pathankot &Uri attacks, the 2019 Pulwama, etc. Left Wing Extremism in India Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is embedded in the communist political movement, which started in 1920 and has grown in numerous streams since then. However, their basic ideology is to establish a classless society in India, but they differ in achieving their ends. Communist Party India (CPI) adopted the electoral process in 1951. A few radical elements broke away from the CPI in 1964 to form CPI (Marxist). And when CPI-M adopted electoral democracy, a more radical Maoist faction within CPI-M initiated the violent Naxalite movement. In 1969 Charu Muzamdar formed a new group called CPI-M&L based on Marxist and Lenin philosophies. By 1972 the communist…

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Augmented Computer Vision Continues…

Automated Visual Inspection & Content Analysis for Manufacturing – Automotive Prakash Prabhu – Chief Business Officer & Co-Founder, VisionBot In this feature, we will discover benefits of automated visual inspection, content analysis and deep learning methodologies for Manufacturing enterprises. Computer vision driven automated video content monitoring for future digital factories Computer vision can be used in manufacturing for quality assurance by automatically inspecting products for defects or deviations from specifications. This can be done using techniques such as image processing and deep learning to analyse images or videos of the products. Computer vision is a type of technology that is revolutionizing the way that we think about retail. By using machine learning algorithms, computer vision is able to ‘see’ the world around us and make sense of it in ways that were previously impossible. Computer vision can be used in manufacturing for quality assurance by automatically inspecting products for defects or deviations from specifications. This can be done using techniques such as image processing and machine learning to analyse images or videos of the products. This can help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the inspection process and reduce the need for human inspection. Some examples of computer vision application in manufacturing include: Identifying defects on a surface of a product Computer vision can be used to identify defects on a product surface by using techniques such as image processing, pattern recognition, and machine learning. This can be done by capturing an image of the product surface, pre-processing the image to remove noise and improve contrast, then using algorithms to detect any anomalies or defects that deviate from a standard pattern. Some common defects that can be detected include scratches, cracks, chips, and blemishes. The results can be used for quality control and to improve the manufacturing process. Checking the alignment and orientation of components Computer vision can be used to check the alignment and orientation of components by using image processing and computer vision algorithms. This can be done by capturing an image of the components and using algorithms to analyse the image and determine the relative positions and orientations of the components. Some common algorithms used for this include feature detection, template matching, and edge detection. The results can be used for quality control and to improve the manufacturing process by ensuring that components are properly aligned and oriented. This can help to reduce defects and improve product reliability. Measuring dimensions and tolerances Computer vision can be used for measuring dimensions and tolerances by analyzing images of objects and using algorithms to extract dimensional information. This can be done using techniques such as edge detection, blob analysis, and pattern recognition. The system can be calibrated using a known reference object, and then used to measure the dimensions and tolerances of other objects. The results can be used for quality control, to ensure that products meet specified dimensional requirements, and for process improvement, by using the data to optimize production processes. The use of computer vision in measuring dimensions and tolerances can increase accuracy and efficiency compared to manual measurements. Detecting missing or misplaced parts Computer vision can be used to detect missing or misplaced parts by analysing images of a complete assembly and comparing it to a reference image of the expected assembly. This can be done using image processing techniques such as object detection, pattern recognition, and machine learning. The system can be trained on a set of images to learn what a complete assembly should look like, and then use this knowledge to identify any missing or misplaced parts in new images. The results can be used for quality control, to ensure that all necessary parts are present and properly assembled, and for process improvement, by using the data to optimize production processes. The use of computer vision in detecting missing or misplaced parts can increase accuracy and efficiency compared to manual inspection. Monitoring assembly processes for compliance with standard procedures Computer vision can be used to monitor assembly processes for compliance with standard procedures. This is done by using cameras to capture images and videos of the assembly process, and then using computer vision algorithms to analyse the images and videos in real-time. These algorithms can be used to detect deviations from standard procedures, such as incorrect assembly sequence or incorrect parts being used. This information can then be used to alert operators to take corrective action or to record non-compliant actions for further analysis and improvement of the process. Tracking and identifying products throughout the manufacturing process Computer vision can be used for tracking and identifying products throughout the manufacturing process. This is done by using cameras to capture images and videos of the products at various stages of the manufacturing process, and then using computer vision algorithms to analyse the images and videos in real-time. These algorithms can be used to identify individual products and track them as they move through the manufacturing process. This information can then be used to ensure that each product is processed correctly, and to track the location of products within the manufacturing facility. Additionally, computer vision can also be used to verify product quality, by analysing images of each product to ensure that it meets specified quality standards. Integrating Machine Vision with AI driven Augmented Computer Vision Objective of the integrated solution – To use automated visual monitoring and AI driven event notifications to monitor, detect and alert for real time observations, asset monitoring, predictive maintenance and centralized reporting of Visual monitoring and Machine Vision Images, alerts on incident/ event detection. VisionBot™ Cloud Automated Computer Vision for Automotive Manufacturing VisionBot™ Computer Vision is one of the many Artificial Intelligence solutions that will continue to transform manufacturing. Leading survey says computer vision will be very important, and 58% said that their firm is implementing, planning to implement, or interested in implementing computer vision in the coming year. It allows machines to extract meaningful information from image and, now, even video data by using sophisticated machine learning…

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India Risk Review 2023

If 2022 was the year of India’s resurgence and resilience, 2023 can be termed as the year of economic fruition, internal security challenges and guarded optimism. Despite global headwinds, the prolonged war in Ukraine and increasing prospects of global recession, the India growth story will remain buoyant, and robust on the back of strong domestic factors. The World Bank opines that “while the deteriorating external environment will weigh on India’s growth prospects, the economy is relatively well positioned to weather global spillovers compared to most other emerging markets.”The year ahead will continue to be determined and shaped by geopolitical events. Their impact will cast a shadow on energy and food security, while also posing a risk of trade wars/barriers which India will have to navigate adroitly. Events like the price cap on Russian oil, and continued sanctions by the Western bloc, will create stress in our relations with some friendly countries. India as the newly elected President of G20, will need to be more objective and assertive in trying to solve the Ukraine imbroglio. Further deterioration of relations between NATO and Russia poses a strategic security dilemma for India. The political uncertainty and resultant instability in Pakistan is a matter of concern for India. The forthcoming elections in Pakistan will manifest in a hardening of anti-India stance and rhetoric by most political parties. The recent undiplomatic utterance against PM Modi by the Finance Minister of Pakistan has exacerbated the situation further, and any chances of talks on easing of relations between the two has suffered a major setback. With Pakistan battling internal insurgencies, and increasing problems on its Eastern borders, any adventurism on our borders is unlikely. A reasonably stable LOC and secure borders with Pakistan for 2023 can be thus be forecast. While events with China remained on low key for most of 2022, the year-end skirmish near Tawang demonstrated the fragility and volatility of the LAC with China. While the Indian Army stood its ground and deterred Chinese designs firmly, the political fallout of the incident would increase the existing trust deficit between the countries, and also seriously undermine political options for a quick resolution of the boundary issues. The increased hostility would play out in the Asia-Pacific region, and push India further into taking a harder stance in QUAD, and result in increased militarization of its maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. Relations with China will continue to be strained but any large scale hostilities are unlikely. Notwithstanding the security concerns, trade with China will continue to grow, albeit to China’s advantage. Internally, the acrimonious electioneering towards the end of 2022 showed the increased polarisation and hardening of ideological stance by the ruling party, and the strident, but fractured opposition. This trend will not only continue in 2023, but is likely to deteriorate further with many high decibel elections due in the year. A degree of unrest and violence connected to political events cannot be ruled out. While the traditional internal security challenges like Maoism, and trouble in J&K are on the wane, societal unrest, strikes and large scale protests due to unemployment, reservations, and political affiliations are likely. The Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue has the potential of escalating as it has major political ramifications. The election of Prachanda as PM of Nepal is also an event of geo-political event of significance for India, and would need deft handling as some border tensions with Nepal could spiral out of control. Overall, 2023 could see a possible V-shaped economic recovery on all fronts despite various headwinds. The external security scenario, though challenging, will remain mostly stable. Internal tensions and strife due to high intensity elections is most likely and would need to be monitored. Climate change, sustainability and cyber threats will also pose challenges for business in 2023. In summation, 2023 will be the year of the coming of age for India both economically, as also on the geopolitical front, with it assuming presidency of the G20 and its attendant responsibilities. For India, 2022 began with the country seeking to refocus attention on multiple developmental fronts after waves of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. Following a rollback of pandemic restrictions in late 2021 to enable economic recovery and a return to normalcy, the emergence of the Omicron variant and its eventual detection in India prompted another wave of lockdowns and restrictions across most parts of the country. However, the robust vaccine administration and lessons learnt from the second wave meant that the third wave was relatively benign, and several state governments realized the need to lift all restrictions in a gradual manner; and reorient lifestyles and business operations to coexist with the new realities brought by the pandemic. An outbreak of infections in neighbouring China and the emergence of a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant have prompted fresh fears of a fourth wave. The emerging new strains of the pandemic have already triggered testing, surveillance and masking protocols; but the disaster management capability built up over the last couple of years is likely to result in a more resilient posture for India in 2023. Notwithstanding the latest spike, businesses, governments, and citizens alike have learnt to live along with the virus, and would be able to cope with any eventual outbreaks in the coming year. On the geopolitical front, relations with China and Pakistan remained adversarial, but relatively peaceful up until December, when Indian and Chinese troops engaged in unarmed clashes at Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh when People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) soldiers tried altering the status quo. Several injuries were reported on both sides, and the clashes threatened to unravel and reverse any gains made in September when both troops unanimously agreed to disengage from the Gogra Hot Springs region. Ties with Pakistan witnessed a relative thawing in 2022 after the escalations in 2019 and 2020, with the Pakistani government even considering requesting aid from India following the widespread floods in the country. However, it remains impossible to delink the issue of Kashmir from India-Pakistan…

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Upgrading Hdd to Ssd Why to Consider It

Yogesh Agrawal, CEO & Co-Founder, Consistent Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with the competition requires a tremendous effort. If you don’t move fast enough, you could risk losing almost everything you started for. Let’s get straight to the point – it’s your digital speed we are referring to. If the performance of your desktop or laptop is sluggish, the loss of time means a loss to your business. Replacing that old laptop with a newer generation may seem like the perfect solution, but it’s not as cheap as you may think. Upgrading your existing system may be the right decision where you not only save on a huge expense but also boost your productivity by up to 200%, and more. So, what makes your system perform like an old haggard? Apart from the operating system, the hardware, namely Processor, RAM, and Storage, are also hand-inglove that drags down your system’s potential. While the processor can’t be upgraded as easily, the RAM (Memory) can be scaled to twice, or three times, its size. However, that’s just enough to work easily on extensive files and keep your operating system running smoothly. To have a high-performance system, your data needs to be moving faster between the storage and processor. If you are using an older technology mechanical hard drive, then you should switch to solid-state storage (SSD) to boost your system’s performance up to 10 times or more, depending on how old your current system is. We bet that your ‘not-too-old’ laptop would be definitely using a SATA HDD storage, and probably spinning at a speed of 5400rpm – right? If not, it would be a 7200rpm drive, at most. This means you are transferring data at speeds of up to 200MB/s (megabytes per second) to the max. If you switch to a SATA SSD, you can find promising data transfer speeds amounting to a whopping 600MB/s – an instant 3x performance boost. And if your system is compatible with an NVMePCIe, then you can push it to a humongous 3200MB/s or even higher. Now imagine your huge data – probably some RAW photos, large PSD files, bloated databases, or those latest gaming titles, that amount to gigabytes of data – being drawn in and out of the HDD. Swapping that mechanical HDD to a blazing-fast SSD or an NVMe is your only rescue. What is an SSD? Unlike the old HDD (Hard Disk Drive) which uses a spinning magnetic disc with moving heads and arms inside, Solid State Drives, or SSD, is a type of storage that uses non-volatile memory chips or flash and has no moving parts. HDDs with moving parts are highly prone to shocks and vibrations, while SSDs are extremely safe. Hard drives also consume a lot of power, while SSDs are highly energy efficient. Finally, SSDs perform at blazing speeds, which takes time because of the limitations of the spindle motor speeds and the moving arm. The two key components of an SSD are the flash controller and the NAND chips, which are optimized together in a way that they can deliver high readand-write performance to obtain sequential and random data requests from demanding applications. What are the types of SSDs? SSDs are available in multiple types, capacities, and form factors. SATA and SAS are the two traditional SSD form-factor types, while newer form factors include mSATA and M.2, and the high-speed NVMe. What are the benefits of switching to an SSD? Switch to an SSD and you will instantly notice a huge difference in your system performance. For example, your computer’s operating system Windows will boot up in under 10 seconds. Heavy or large software and databases can load faster than usual, saving time and reducing man-hours. Large files, such as documents, music, movies, archives, and alike, can load into the system’s memory within seconds. To sum it up, SSD has a lot of advantages – they offer faster read and write speeds, boost the system’s performance and cut down booting speeds by a substantial amount, have very low power requirements, are completely quiet as they have no moving parts, and come in different form factors to help with compact and ultra-portable computing systems. Is SSD secure? Do they have failure issues? The main disadvantage of an SSD is data recovery – while some may consider it as an advantage to prevent data theft. Recovering data from crashed or hardware-failed SSDs is extremely difficult and hence requires having a data backup plan in place. And yes, they have hardware failures too, but it’s the least if you compare it to a standard HDD. No moving parts mean SSDs can withstand drops and falls and are completely immune to magnetic fields, unlike HDDs which can lose data when a strong magnet is brought into proximity. Lastly, since they are electronic components, the performance starts decreasing after the drives start aging. A hard drive has a lifespan of up to 5 million write cycles, while an SSD can do an average of 100,000 cycles, in short. Are SSDs affordable? While the world’s largest SSD yet is a 100TB but is not yet ready for the consumer market. At present, SSDs on the market range in different sizes – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 6TB, 8TB, and so on. The sluggish performance and low reliability of hard drives have got the industry switching to the faster SSD. This increasing demand for SSD drives is continuously helping drop the price, making it affordable for everyone. Future computers will see only SSDs as the storage as it helps reduce the overall size and weight of the computer while boosting the performance.  

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Optimizing Traffic Violation Enforcement with Smart Video

Speeding and other forms of dangerous driving put other road users at risk, leading to millions of accidents a year. That’s why cities and highways authorities are investing in AI-powered smart video solutions that detect and sanction traffic violations reliably and efficiently Speeding is the second most frequent cause of road traffic accidents after drunk driving. For this reason, city and highways authorities across the world are looking for new ways to detect, respond to, and discourage dangerous driving in all its forms. One aspect of tackling dangerous driving is education: particularly for people who are still in the process of learning safe driving skills. For this reason, many authorities run campaigns to discourage driving while distracted, and teach people about the dangers of using phones and other mobile devices on the road. However, as part of any successful strategy to tackle dangerous driving, traffic authorities need to identify traffic violations, and ensure that perpetrators receive appropriate penalties. However, staffing challenges in the public sector mean that traffic authorities cannot be physically present to detect and stop every traffic violation, on every section of the roadway, every hour of the day or night. How smart video can help The good news for authorities is that the latest smart video solutions can detect traffic violations in real time. This allows first-responders to arrive on the scene quickly if necessary, or for penalties – such as fines – to be sent out to drivers automatically to deter these kinds of behaviors in the future. In fact, smart video can help in the fight against bad and dangerous driving in a number of ways. Detect all kinds of traffic violations in real time The latest generation of AI-powered smart video cameras can detect a wide range of traffic violations and send alerts to authorities in real time. The kinds of violations that can be identified include vehicles driving the wrong way in a traffic lane, vehicles misusing bus lanes or other restricted lanes, vehicles turning where they should not, vehicles crossing a red light, and more. Combining smart video cameras and radar technology can also automate the detection of speeding vehicles, helping authorities to reduce the risk of road accidents and related injuries. Detect vehicles that are illegally parked (and remove them if necessary) Parking restrictions are put in place to ensure that vehicles can pass safely where space is limited. Smart video solutions help to ensure this outcome by detecting vehicles that are illegally parked. Alerts can also be generated if vehicles remain unmoved for long periods of time, allowing authorities to remove them. Identify and penalize drivers who have committed traffic violations Smart video solutions can use license-plate recognition capabilities, often called ANPR, which enable authorities to identify vehicles, and therefore drivers, who are involved in traffic violations. This allows fines and other penalties to be sent to drivers’ registered addresses automatically, helping to reduce administrative workloads and costs for cities and highways authorities. “The latest generation of AI-powered smart video cameras can detect a wide range of traffic violations and send alerts to authorities in real time. The kinds of violations that can be identified include vehicles driving the wrong way in a traffic lane, vehicles misusing bus lanes or other restricted lanes, vehicles turning where they should not, vehicles crossing a red light, and more. Combining smart video cameras and radar technology can also automate the detection of speeding vehicles, helping authorities to reduce the risk of road accidents and related injuries” Discover untaxed and uninsured vehicles on the network Another key benefit of ANPR technology is that it enables authorities to cross reference vehicle license plates with their databases. This provides insights into vehicles that are untaxed, uninsured, or even stolen, supporting faster action to protect other road users. How Hikvision can help To help authorities discourage dangerous driving in all its forms, Hikvision has created our AI-powered ITS solution portfolio. This includes all of the AI-powered cameras (including ANPR cameras), NVRs, and control room equipment needed to detect traffic violations, automate penalties and – where needed – to generate real-time alarms for first-response teams.  

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NIST Risk Management Framework Aims to Improve Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence

New guidance seeks to cultivate trust in AI technologies and promote AI innovation while mitigating risk The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released its Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0), a guidance document for voluntary use by organizations designing, developing, deploying or using AI systems to help manage the many risks of AI technologies. The AI RMF follows a direction from Congress for NIST to develop the framework and was produced in close collaboration with the private and public sectors. It is intended to adapt to the AI landscape as technologies continue to develop, and to be used by organizations in varying degrees and capacities so that society can benefit from AI technologies while also being protected from its potential harms. “This voluntary framework will help develop and deploy AI technologies in ways that enable the United States, other nations and organizations to enhance AI trustworthiness while managing risks based on our democratic values,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves, “It should accelerate AI innovation and growth while advancing – rather than restricting or damaging – civil rights, civil liberties and equity for all.” Compared with traditional software, AI poses a number of different risks. AI systems are trained on data that can change over time, sometimes significantly and unexpectedly, affecting the systems in ways that can be difficult to understand. These systems are also ‘socio-technical’ in nature, meaning they are influenced by societal dynamics and human behavior. AI risks can emerge from the complex interplay of these technical and societal factors, affecting people’s lives in situations ranging from their experiences with online chatbots to the results of job and loan applications. The framework equips organizations to think about AI and risk differently. It promotes a change in institutional culture, encouraging organizations to approach AI with a new perspective – including how to think about, communicate, measure and monitor AI risks and its potential positive and negative impacts. The new framework should “accelerate AI innovation and growth while advancing – rather than restricting or damaging – civil rights, civil liberties and equity for all,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary, Don Graves. The AI RMF provides a flexible, structured and measurable process that will enable organizations to address AI risks. Following this process for managing AI risks can maximize the benefits of AI technologies while reducing the likelihood of negative impacts to individuals, groups, communities, organizations and society. The framework is part of NIST’s larger effort to cultivate trust in AI technologies – necessary if the technology is to be accepted widely by society, according to Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “The AI Risk Management Framework can help companies and other organizations in any sector and any size to jump-start or enhance their AI risk management approaches,” Locascio said, “It offers a new way to integrate responsible practices and actionable guidance to operationalize trustworthy and responsible AI. We expect the AI RMF to help drive development of best practices and standards.” The AI RMF is divided into two parts. The first part discusses how organizations can frame the risks related to AI and outlines the characteristics of trustworthy AI systems. The second part, the core of the framework, describes four specific functions – govern, map, measure and manage – to help organizations address the risks of AI systems in practice. These functions can be applied in context-specific use cases and at any stages of the AI life cycle. Working closely with the private and public sectors, NIST has been developing the AI RMF for 18 months. The document reflects about 400 sets of formal comments NIST received from more than 240 different organizations on draft versions of the framework. NIST today released statements from some of the organizations that have already committed to use or promote the framework. The agency also today released a companion voluntary AI RMF Playbook, which suggests ways to navigate and use the framework. NIST plans to work with the AI community to update the framework periodically and welcomes suggestions for additions and improvements to the playbook at any time. Comments received by the end of February 2023 will be included in an updated version of the playbook to be released in spring 2023. In addition, NIST plans to launch a Trustworthy and Responsible AI Resource Center to help organizations put the AI RMF 1.0 into practice. The agency encourages organizations to develop and share profiles of how they would put it to use in their specific contexts. NIST is committed to continuing its work with companies, civil society, government agencies, universities and others to develop additional guidance. The agency today issued a roadmap for that work. The framework is part of NIST’s broad and growing portfolio of AI-related work that includes fundamental and applied research along with a focus on measurement and evaluation, technical standards, and contributions to AI policy  

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Maxxess Highlights Latest Integrations and Project Successes at Intersec

Landmark projects across Middle East are taking advantage of eFusion’s expanding ecosystem Maxxess was at Intersec showcasing the extended ecosystem of integrations now available with its eFusion access control and integrated security management platform, as well as the latest, powerful functionality available with its eVisitor visitor management solution. Visitors to Digifort stand also learnt about the run of recent major integration projects taking advantage of the technology, including high-end hotels, landmark mixed-use developments, and major corporate and industrial sites. eFusion, now widely used in industrial settings, the hospitality sector, and mixed-use developments, is a feature-rich platform that allows seamless off-the-shelf integration with more than 60 leading technologies. These include video surveillance, fire and building management systems, as well as site specific applications and hardware. Expanding customers’ choice to a wider range of VMS and camera brands managed through the eFusion interface, new integrations will include the full suite Digifort’s of video management as well as the latest facial recognition technology. Recent major projects taking advantage of eFusion’s modular building block approach include the Jumeirah Al Marsa hotel and harbour development, the multi-use Wasl Tower, Bluewaters Island including the Ain in Dubai, and the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refinery (YasRef) in Saudi Arabia. eFusion’s transparent price structure ensures affordability but gives users a level of power and functionality previously only associated with more expensive, tailored solutions. “By bringing together previously siloed systems, eFusion users can leverage operational efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between screens and interfaces,” said Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess, “This allows busy operational teams and control room managers to focus on priority tasks rather than having to juggle with disparate technologies.” Meanwhile, he added that eVisitor’s growing popularity is due to its successful focus on enabling frictionless and touchless access to premises, increasing efficiency and security, while removing the inconveniences for visitors, staff, and contractors typically encounter when accessing car parking and facilities. “eVisitor integrates with multiple systems and popular corporate databases, including Assa Abloy Hospitality and Microsoft Active Directory, and facilitates hassle-free time and attendance management to further eliminate the inefficiencies of siloed systems and technology stacks,” Lee concluded.  

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INTERPOL Marks 100 Years of International Police Cooperation

Established in 1923, the Organization has expanded from a group of 20 national representatives to a membership comprising nearly every country in the world The world’s largest policing organization is officially marking its 100 year anniversary, celebrating a century of international police cooperation. The International Criminal Police Commission, as INTERPOL was originally called, was founded in 1923 at a police congress in Vienna, Austria that brought together representatives from 20 countries. Taking place in a post-war context of geopolitical upheaval and concerns of rising international crime, representatives agreed that only through collaboration could police combat transnational crime threats – a goal shared throughout periods of political or economic tension. Convened directly by police officials, the Vienna Congress established the foundational principles that continue to guide INTERPOL’s work today – a focus on practical tools to help law enforcement fight crime beyond their borders and a commitment to neutrality. “While the world has undergone profound transformations in the past century, INTERPOL’s founding principles are as relevant in today’s context as they were back in 1923,” Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “The tools and technologies we use to support police in our member countries have of course developed dramatically – from telegraphic codes to I-24/7, our secure police network; from fingerprints to facial recognition. Today, we are again in a period of global disruption fueled by ever-increasing digitalization and geopolitical flux. The need for robust international police cooperation is stronger than ever.” A short video released by INTERPOL to mark its 100 year anniversary highlights the breadth of issues the Organization’s work now encompasses – including environmental crime, illicit trade in pharmaceuticals and forensic analysis – turning the vision of a small group in 1920s Vienna into a sweeping multi-generational mission. 250 searches per second Over the past century, INTERPOL has become one of the most widely recognized organizations in the world, though its exact role is sometimes less well understood. Far from pop culture images of ‘INTERPOL agents’ swooping into various countries as a sort of supranational police force, the reality is that powers of arrest and seizure remain solely with national law enforcement. Rather, INTERPOL allows police to address crime that extends beyond their national borders by sharing and accessing data across the Organization’s 195 member countries, as well as leveraging a range of technical and operational support. Today’s context, where crime is more global than ever before and criminals increasingly operate in ‘borderless’ online spaces, has furthered INTERPOL’s operational relevance to law enforcement. On average, police search INTERPOL databases more than 20 million times a day – 250 searches per second. Return to Vienna Throughout the year, the INTERPOL General Secretariat and its member countries will host events and launch activities to commemorate the anniversary. The centennial events will culminate in Vienna as the city once again plays host to INTERPOL, welcoming police leaders from 195 countries for the Organization’s 91st General Assembly. 2023 will also mark the first year that the world celebrates the United Nations (UN) designated International Day of Police Cooperation set on 7 September, the day the International Criminal Police Commission was established. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2022, the UN day recognizes the central role played by the world’s law enforcement community in global security and the need to further strengthen international cooperation to prevent and combat transnational crime and terrorism.  

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