Orange Group, one of the leading telecommunications companies in Cameroon, has specified and deployed iVMS software, NVRs, decoders and IP cameras from Hikvision. Orange Cameroon enlisted the help of Servitel, a leading specialist systems integrator based in Douala (the seaport and economic hub of Cameroon) to provide an effective solution to the frequent problem of theft of stock at many Orange sites, and to the requirement to help better manage remote access to some key sensitive areas, along with confirming the locations and status of its employees. Servitel worked with the head of security for Orange to deliver an effective solution that would provide an answer to the security and management issues being faced. With the study of the initial proposed eleven Orange sites by the Orange Group security team, along with the staff feedback, the first phase of the new surveillance system specification was developed and approved. It was decided that the eleven Orange locations to be covered by the networked solution would include the company’s HQ in Douala, its technical HQ, commercial HQ, and Orange retail and technical sites in 10 cities throughout Cameroon. A mix of entrances and exits, fence line perimeters, tops of buildings, and internal areas were all chosen to be monitored. Orange required the mix of Hikvision camera models including DS-2CD4212F-IS 1.3MP Low-light IR Bullet, DS-2CD2722FWD 2MP WDR Vari-focal Dome, and DS-2DF8236IV-AEL 2MP Ultra WDR Smart PTZ network cameras. At each remote site, the Hikvision cameras are integrated with the access control system, to allow remote verification of entry and access doors, with some access points used to trigger camera snapshots of users. The use of H.264+ encoding technology by Hikvision cameras enabled the transmission of 1080P HD quality images by using only half the bandwidth of cameras using standard H.264. The H.264+ algorithm also reduced the amount and cost of storage hardware needed by requiring only half as much disk storage space, and the cameras themselves are very competitively priced considering their high-spec and high quality. Local remote site continuous recording is facilitated by Hikvision DS-9600NI-H8 Series NVRs, with built-in network protocol for connectivity with Hikvision and other leading camera manufacturer IP products. Local recording plays an essential role within the multi-site system, primarily because the data connection between the remote sites and the control room can sometimes be lost for relatively long periods, interrupting live monitoring. But with high-capacity local storage, events and local recordings are maintained safely, and available for retrieval when the connection with the control room is resumed. The mix of specified internal and external IP cameras was installed over three phases, and devised to address the varying range of surveillance scene conditions encountered across each of the eleven Orange sites. The mix of specified technologies directly addressed issues such as bright-backlit scene lighting, total darkness and the need for wide-area coverage. Comprehensive control At the central control room in Douala, supporting 24/7 live monitoring and reporting of incidents to the Orange security department, Hikvision DS-96128NI-E24/H embedded NVRs were specified to provide up to 8 Megapixel resolution recording and playback of the multi-site networked surveillance system. Hikvision’s Blazer Pro (256-channel) all-in-one server was also deployed to provide a comprehensive and powerful surveillance video management solution, along with Hikvision DS-6408HDI-T Series decoders, used to provide video stream decoding for a high-resolution 20”x32” monitor screen video wall. Utilising the powerful Hikvision surveillance capability, if and when an event occurs, depending on its severity, control room operators notify the Orange security department with the precise nature and level of the event taking place, furnishing them with detailed information and enabling them to take the appropriate course of action. Post event investigation is also catered by the system, where search and playback of specific events enables control room operators to provide the Orange security team with snapshots or video footage whenever requested. System benefits Since the system went live, it has contributed a positive impact on the business, with a number of acknowledged security benefits across the Orange estate. Consolidating its leading position in the 23 million population central African country, Orange Cameroon is progressively substituting voice and SMS applications by data communications and value-added services, expanding its 3G and 4G coverage, and upgrading its access network. This move is set to greatly enhance Orange’s network capabilities for new applications and the development of very high-speed broadband. Furthermore, Orange Cameroon leads the way in providing mobile payments, thanks to numerous innovations in its Orange Money service, including the Orange Money Visa card.

The video surveillance of thoroughfares in this large country improves the road safety and service. The Russian standards for road video surveillance equipment are very high, and the products made by Videotec, Italy, fully comply with them. Over 30 years of Videotec’s experience in developing and manufacturing of equipment for road security systems are behind the successful projects in Russia. On the roads of the two Russian capitals Various Videotec cameras that are an important part of intelligent transport systems can be found on many roads in the two Russian capitals. The Third Ring Road in Moscow and the Western High-Speed Diameter in St. Petersburg are the most prominent projects among the video surveillance and traffic monitoring projects using Videotec equipment. 72 ULISSE COMPACT HD cameras with the WASPT washing system were selected for video monitoring. These robust, rotating Full HD cameras, that are totally controllable at -4°C/ +6°C, have a 30x zoom lens, a frame rate of 60 images per second and programmable presets, have already become video surveillance bestsellers for the Russian roads. Any model of the series has several power supply options – 230/24/120V AC, can include an IR illuminator and is compatible with various ONVIF-S VMS and control software. WASPT, an exclusive washing system for the windows of PTZ cameras and housings, includes a wiper, a 5l or 23l washing tank and an activation setting used to remove any dirt or suspended matter from the windows. The system’s software analyses how dirty the glass is and triggers the wiper, therefore, the system needs maintenance a couple of times a year only. From Moscow to Khabarovsk in the far east 200 ULISSE COMPACT PTZ cameras will soon monitor the traffic on the Central Ring Road of the Moscow region. As soon as this road with a total length of over 520km and a speed of 120km/h is built, the Moscow Ring Road and roads in the Moscow region will become less busy, and the transit traffic of heavy trucks will be redistributed. ULISSE COMPACT HD cameras with the WASPT washing system are already on watch on the M-4 Don Road (the road bypassing Novaya Usman, km 517 km 544) in the Voronezh region. Similar to the Moscow projects, fixed cameras protected with HEG housings are used there along with PTZ cameras to detect any incidents. 9 HEG housings with a large camera and/ or large lens inside, the windows being served by wipers and washing system, are used within this road section. The housing is an aluminium IP66/ IP67 housing that has a double heater and ensures that the camera is able to operate at -5°C/+6°C. Similar equipment i.e., 21°COMPACT HD PTZ cameras and 22 HEG temperature-proof housings with wipers are installed on a section of the M-9 Baltiya Road and on the M-3 Ukraine Road (28 cameras and 14 housings). 47 ULISSE COMPACT HD sets with a parapet bracket and a 5l washing tank, and 45 HEG housings are expected to be used on the road bypassing Khabarovsk. 91 more ULISSE cameras are expected to be installed soon on section km 1092 km 1319 of the M-4 Don Road. Along tunnels and bridges The video surveillance equipment installed on bridges and in tunnels, especially in maritime regions, is to be protected as much as possible. Videotec stainless steel housings designed for long-term use in corrosive environment are usually preferred for such projects.

In response to the devastation that has occurred in the United States, Mexico and many of the Caribbean islands following recent natural disasters, NextGen Motorsports, a NASCAR series team, and March Networks®, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, are joining forces to help support relief efforts. March Networks is sponsoring NextGen Motorsports and driver Josh Berry, who drives the Xfinity NextGen #55 in the NASCAR Kansas Lottery 300 on October 21 in Kansas City. One hundred percent of donations raised around the event at www.donations4disasters.com, will be provided via the Celia Cruz Foundation to established charities working on the ground to help families recover and rebuild following hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the devastating earthquake that hit Mexico September 19. NextGen Motorsports is also donating 50 percent of any purse money won during the race to the cause, and is working with 22 days nutrition to provide food provisions of equivalent value to all funds raised through the website this weekend. “NextGen Motorsports, along with our drivers Enrique Baca, Luis Rodriguez Jr. and Josh Berry, is committed to helping support victims of these tragic events, as are many people in the NASCAR community,” said Carlos Crespo,  Co-owner, NextGen Motorsports, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families now struggling to put their lives back together.” “We have established routes into many of the communities affected by these disasters,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks, “We are honored by this opportunity to join NextGen Motorsports and contribute to ongoing relief efforts that are critically needed in these countries.”