Category: National

With a multi-site deployment consisting of Sophos SG UTMs, Vectus could move to a secure and productively running network environment Since 1989, Vectus has been involved in the manufacturing of various plastic tanks, piping systems and moulded articles. The company has a lion’s share of the market, enjoying average growth of 35% from last nine years, with present turnover of INR 600 Crores (USD90 million). Vectus attributes its success to understanding the needs of the target markets, coupled with placing technology at the core of its competitive differentiation. Challenges Vectus relies on efficient IT and networking to enable smooth and secure collaboration between its branch offices and field teams. Recently, it became imperative for Vectus to overhaul its network security while being able to restore IT productivity, which has been compromised due to unregulated internet access and poor visibility into user activity. Among other challenges included frequent occurrences of server downtime that led to loss of precious man-hours and unavailability of critical business applications. Moreover, absence of effective security controls for web, application and user activities added to increased threat exposure and heightened risk to data and critical network resources. The need for a monitoring tool emerged as the team further examined the environment. Vectus evaluated top 5 UTM vendors including Sophos but eventually chose Sophos SG UTM for its ‘all-in-one’ protection and a rich set of on-box features, which clearly ensured unmatched security, RoI and committed post-sales support vis-à-vis other UTM solutions. Solution Vectus replaced the existing appliance with Sophos SG UTM 220 in high availability (HA) for its ease-of-deployment, simpler management for day-to-day tasks, comprehensive threat coverage and reporting. Following the deployment of Sophos SG UTM 220 and 330 at datacenter sites and SG 115 at select branch offices, Vectus’ networking and IT teams could get up speed quickly and could resolve network downtime, and unproductive and risk-prone internet usage. Implementing Sophos SG UTM has enabled Vectus to save and increase precious bandwidth, manage connections and aggregate across multiple links safely, while supporting seamless failover options and high availability. Results With Sophos, Vectus Industries achieved the following benefits: End network downtime, improve visibility and performance for a distributed environment. Achieve reliable and comprehensive threat coverage against malware, spyware, proxy and other likely malicious activities or attacks. Successfully block network intrusions and unproductive apps and websites that were causing network slowdowns and might have caused data breaches. Smooth and secure transaction of data between branch locations. The ‘all in one box’ platform of Sophos SG UTM provides IT admins with quicker response times and a rich set of on-box capabilities to respond to all change requests, and any incidents that may occur on the network. With automatically updated IPS, advanced threat protection, user based URL filtering and built-in VPN, Vectus could put all malicious traffic at bay while enabling secure and authorized access for legitimate users to server and network resources. “We found Sophos SG UTM ticking all the checkboxes for ease of use, extent of threat coverage and availability of on-box tools. The all-in-one box dramatically reduced time spent in securing data and users. We saved 12 man days, which translates to annual gain of INR 1.2 crore.” – Manish Sinha Head IT, Vectus  

Commissioning IP surveillance project in association with Network Technology Varun Beverages limited is one of the largest franchisee in the world (outside US) of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) and non-carbonated beverages (NCB) sold under trademarks owned by PepsiCo. It produces and distributes a wide range of CSDs and NCBs, including packaged drinking water. In addition, it has also been granted the franchise for Ole brand of PepsiCo products in Sri Lanka. In a bid to ensure security and operational efficiency, Varun Beverages deployed analogue surveillance solutions in multiple areas. However, despite its efforts, the company suffered a number of thefts, and they attributed the crises to the poor image quality and limited coverage area of their existing analogue surveillance solutions. They found their daily operations are usually suffering from such lapse. The deployments were aimed to keep a check on the upkeep of the machines, daily manpower, and maintenance of hygiene and operations, but the blurred videos and low image qualities could not attain the purpose. Face recognitions were difficult and activities in areas at certain distance were not clearly visible. Entangled cabling issues were the added ache. VIVOTEK along with Network Technology acquainted Varun Beverages with the IP surveillance solutions to counter their issues. The idea was to equip the brand with contemporary security solutions and bring them at par with the evolving security threats. The duo highlighted technical glitches the brand was experiencing and the inadequacies associated with analogue based surveillance to address current threat landscape. Varun Beverages needed something highly reliable, consistent in performance and more accurate. After having analyzed the situation, VIVOTEK and Network Technology suggested altering their analogue surveillance solution to IP. They offer complete end-to-end solution from general surveillance to pinpoint surveillance at various check points in the plants. Offering appropriate models for the brand’s varied needs, VIVOTEK and its associate partner segregated the camera for multiple sites on the basis of different locations. Including 5-megapixel 360 degree surround view fisheye camera FE8180, robust Full-HD speed dome camera SD8363E, 3-megapixel outdoor ready 180 degree view fisheye camera CC8370-HV, 2-megapixel 15 meters IR illuminator fixed dome camera FD8169, and two bullet type cameras IB8369 and IB8367. All of the cameras are united inVIVOTEK’s professional video management software, VAST, making cameras more powerful and increasing management efficiency. Towards formulating an all-inclusive IP surveillance solution, the team met with pertinent personnel of the company and with their assistance, they conducted a survey of areas within the plant with no network connectivity and suggested establishing network connections accordingly. After analyzing the situation, the solutions were deployed covering all boundary walls, loading and unloading areas and other critical areas. Post deployment, the entire commissioning was verified and a user level training was also conducted. The deployment of VIVOTEK IP surveillance solutions transformed the operational scenario into a more productive and secured one. The installation brought down the cases of thefts, and the workers and operation staff became more alert and disciplined towards the jobs. “VIVOTEK’s IP surveillance system worked with us step by step to not only provide the robust security solution we were looking for, but also helped us navigate through all our key plant requirements. The IP surveillance system has significantly improved the control over the entire production process and administrative areas of all our production facilities. The solution enables an efficient and centralized security through which the manager can monitor remotely anytime and anywhere promptly and effectively. VIVOTEK has been really helpful during the planning stage and in providing technical support, which exceeded our expectations, and we’re looking forward to providing them with more as their business expands,” said, Johnson Cherian, G.M. (IT Infrastructure) Varun Beverages Ltd.

Protects Western India Campuses The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Gujarat, is now using Hikvision IP product and VMS to protect and administer education facilities and services across Western India. A government organisation that provides qualitative and higher level technical training for students from a diverse mix of financial and social backgrounds, the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) aims to deliver global standards of excellence in technical education for all of its students. Background Looking to provide a more secure environment and enhance education management both inside its college campuses and within classrooms, DTE invited Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (A local partner of Prama Hikvision India) to evaluate their needs and recommend a practical solution. Working closely with the client, Progility team undertook site surveys at 43 campuses across Gujarat and in respect of DTE’s management and system performance needs, proposed a cost-effective solution that would provide the required level of indoor and outdoor surveillance coverage. The considerations also included enhancing the day-to-day education processes, where the system could remotely monitor examinations, as well as being a time-saving facility management tool for use across the large Western India state. Integrated network Aiming centralised remote surveillance and alarm monitoring, Hikvision proposed an IP based solution that would use DTE’s existing secure virtual private network (VPN), which connects all education sites across Gujarat to a central point at the Directorate of Technical Education, in the capital city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. At two control rooms, Hikvision iVMS-5200 Professional VMS software was installed to control and monitor the new surveillance system 24/7. Ideal for controlling any mix of surveillance system products, the iVMS-5200 Professional software fully supports all Hikvision products including DVRs, NVRs, cameras and speed domes, as well as any mix of third party manufacturer products that conform to ONVIF standard. Regardless of its size and complexity, the Hikvision control software fully supports the installed Hikvision products’ smart features, including smart search, playback, and smart detection. To provide affordable high-quality surveillance imaging across the 43 college campuses, a mix of DS-2CD2620F-IS HD 2 Megapixel vari-focal IR network bullet, and DS-2CD2720F-IS HD 2 Megapixel outdoor network IR dome cameras were specified. Both camera models provide 1920×1080 resolution, and true day/ night (ICR) low-light capabilities, along with back-light compensation (BLC). Approximately 1,300 Hikvision cameras installed now provide comprehensive surveillance within the campuses lobbies, classrooms, laboratories, staff rooms, examination halls, auditoriums, storerooms, exit and entry doors, and open campus area access gates and car parks. “The Hikvision IP based surveillance solution successfully illustrates just what can be achieved with large-scale integration,” explains Pinkal Shah, Asst. Manager – Technical Support, Prama Hikvision India, “The Hikvision iVMS-5200 Professional VMS software enables 43 campus locations to be monitored easily and reliably, encompassing central video management, integration and fail-over mechanism. Supporting all remote sites’ local storage and camera SD storage, the system uses Hikvision’s Center Video Record (CVR) mode using NAS to receive data streams directly from network cameras. With CVR mode, there is no need for an intermediate storage server, which not only increases storage efficiency and system stability, but also greatly reduces system hardware cost for the end-user.” Benefits “The Hikvision video surveillance system utilises a WAN/ VPN to connect each of the locations in this massive multi-site project,” explains Dayashankar of Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd., systems integrator for the installation of the project; “The excellent Hikvision iVMS-5200 Professional VMS software enabled us to integrate many existing third party cameras into the new system, as well as providing out of office hours remote alarm configuration and monitoring. We found the quality of the Hikvision networked camera images to be exceptional under every operating condition.” Viewed from the central monitoring stations, DTE system operators can now remotely check the status of facilities or presence/ absence of support staff across Western India. In addition, on examination of the high definition play back, since the installation went live, incidents of petty theft have been recorded, and stolen belongings of students and facilities recovered.

Witnessed over 15% footfalls than last year ‘Security and Fire Expo (SAFE) – South India’ 2017, the three day trade show by UBM India has recently concluded its third edition at Chennai successfully. The Chief Guest, Abhay Kumar Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Chennai; and Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India, inaugurated the show amidst an august industry gathering. The show was supported by the Electronic Security Association of India (ESAI) and Asian Professional Security Association (APSA). SAFE is one of the largest security and fire safety events of the region, which brings together Indian and global suppliers and manufacturers of surveillance, entrance and home automation brands, along with consultants, business experts and key government officials. They congregate, interact, network, see the latest innovations from the world’s leading companies, source business solutions and gather invaluable expert support, all under one roof. SAFE South India 2017 offered market-entry and business opportunities to industry professionals in the region who view security as a well-planned, prioritized and strategic investment, rather than a knee jerk reaction. In its third year, SAFE India grew in size and depth, attracting industry leaders and key exhibitors including its Premier Plus Partners such as eSSL, Hikvision, Mark Electronics GPS, Unicam Systems and TVT; its Premier Partners such as In4 Solutions & Zkteco, Road Point India, Starex & Orbit; amongst other key participants. Over 70 Indian and international security brands were showcased with close to 15 new brands, and various profitable business modules were introduced. The expo created an optimal environment for establishing professional relationships with industry influencers. Security and safety managers from hospitality, IT/ BPO & service industry, real estate, port authorities, power plants, logistics, construction, architecture, automobile, manufacturing, retail, jewellery, health, education, IT, networking, telecoms, automation and BFSI were also present. The SAFE South India expo came to security professionals at a time when the government showed its commitment to enhance its security budget by as much as 35 per cent, which included creating a dedicated homeland security department, developing co-ordinated intelligence gathering, protecting critical infrastructure and upgrading maritime security. Making SAFE a truly South Indian show UBM India announced its 4th edition at HITEX, Hyderabad slated for 28-30 June, 2018. This move will provide unique opportunities to SAFE stakeholders to network with industries based out of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. The shift of venue has also been welcomed by large brands and key exhibitors, who acknowledge it as an opportunity to build business, new geographies and environments. “Today, security and surveillance requires rapid growth amidst the constantly changing/ upgrading technology and increasing industrial and residential establishments. There is an ever-growing threat to the economy, financial sector, key government departments and infrastructure set-ups, which in turn leaves internal security at risk. Implementing and highlighting the significance of this sector has become essential which in turn gives vast opportunity to manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from across the world to showcase their product and solution offerings. In just its 3rd edition, SAFE South India brought out to the forefront this need and in response by offering a wealth of innovative products and IT solutions to the south market which is an important business hub for commercial and homeland security in India.” – Yogesh Mudras Managing Director, UBM India  

Projected to double to 342 million shipments by 2021 The Indian smart payment card market is projected to increase from 157 million shipments in 2016 to 342 million shipments in 2021, according to the latest digital security report from IHS Markit. A smart payment card is a plastic credit, debit or prepaid card with an embedded chip designed for secure EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) payments. Remarkable 423 percent growth in 2016 The market for smart payment and banking cards in India started to take off in the second half of 2015. We estimate that 30 million smart payment cards were shipped in 2015, swelling to around 157 million shipments in 2016 – an increase of 423 percent. Although growth and volume shipments in India won’t be as high as they are in countries like China and the United States, there is still good market potential for smart card suppliers in the region. Scrapping of the 500 and 1,000 rupee India’s decision to scrap the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in November 2016 has led us to project a considerable boost in digital payments from 2017 to 2021, which will increase demand for EMV-compliant payment cards. Shipments of smart payment and banking cards in the country are projected to grow strongly, from 157.4 million in 2016 to 342 million in 2021. Mobile payments also projected to boom The decision to abandon the two highest denomination currencies will also have a positive impact on the mobile payments sector, which has seen an explosion of mobile payment users in the country. Companies such as Paytm, MobiKwik and ItzCash have all seen a significant uptake in their mobile solutions as a result of the scrapping of these rupee notes. Samsung has also launched its Samsung Pay mobile payment solution in India, and Apple is looking to roll out Apple Pay in the country sometime soon. The mobile handset has a unique set of advantages that can help to overcome some of the challenges posed by the Indian payment landscape. Mobile devices offer a low-cost means to create financial access and payments. Improvements in the telecom infrastructure, access to internet connectivity and low-cost smartphones will eliminate the need for hardware based on fixed-line connections. Mobile-based payments can potentially lower the acceptance costs for merchants by eliminating the traditional onboarding process, hardware, authentication and connectivity. Initial growth to come from high-value consumers and business users Expansion of the smart payment card market in India will focus on consumers with high disposable incomes and business users until such time as credit cards become more attractive to aspiring younger generations in the upper and middle classes. Payment and banking card development is initially being launched in cities and large metropolitan areas throughout India, as such areas tend to have more advanced infrastructure and high-value customers than rural locales. Analysed by Don Tait Senior Analyst, Cybersecurity & Digital ID, IHS Markit  

CP PLUS has recently launched the Ultra HD Analog range of cameras and DVRs. Designed to offer high-resolution imagery for revolutionary clarity, this range marks a major shift in the capabilities of analog surveillance systems from its earlier counterparts. It includes Ultra HD 4MP cameras and DVRs that offer distinct, detailed images even in low light conditions. Besides, these cameras are equipped with Edge analytics with features like trip wire, intrusion detection, and face detection etc., which make them responsive to any unusual occurrences within a premise. Due to hit markets late this monsoon, these cameras will upgrade the existing analog systems hassle-free and cost-effectively, thereby offering the best results without major overhauls. “The Ultra HD analog range is great for those who are looking for an IP equivalent performance in analog. It offers excellent image clarity coupled with Edge analytics for smart surveillance – a feature that has been akin to IP thus far. These cameras produce brilliant images even in low light conditions, while the edge analytics ensure no trespassing goes unnoticed.” – Yogesh B. Dutta, COO – CP PLUS