Using Docker containers enables the modularization of different AI components. By encapsulating various functionalities within separate containers, it becomes easier to manage and maintain the overall system. Additionally, Docker allows for easy scaling of the AI components by running multiple instances of containers across distributed edge devices.

“It also includes the ability to enable up to three other cameras to have AI capability by relaying through one AI-enabled camera,” Barbosa said.

According to i-PRO, Docker makes building applications easy. For example, Microsoft’s Azure IoT Edge allows developers to design intelligent apps in the cloud and deploy them directly to IoT devices using Docker containers. A Docker layer not only improves accessibility for traditional analytics providers but also extends the camera’s utility as an IoT data collection point, enabling companies to associate video and AI metadata with additional digital transformation initiatives.

“Docker opens up a whole different world of development,” Barbosa said. “Instead of having to rely on edge manufacturers, developers can now easily adopt applications developed for Docker on our cameras.”

i-PRO offered the following analogy: Docker containers can be likened to virtual apartments in a large apartment building. Imagine you own a large building (a computer), and inside it, you can have several self-contained apartments (Docker containers). Each apartment is a private space where someone can live (run an application or process) without interference from others, but all apartments share the same underlying structure of the building (the operating system kernel).

Just as an apartment can be designed to have its own furniture, settings, and utilities (like water and electricity) to make it livable, a Docker container includes an application and all the elements it needs to run independently. This means you can have multiple different environments in the same building: one apartment could be a cozy studio with minimalist decor (a simple application), another could be a family-sized space with lots of rooms and features (a complex application).

The beauty of using Docker containers is similar to the ease of apartment living. You don’t need to build a new building to create a new living space; you just create a new apartment. Similarly, you don't need to set up a new computer or fully-fledged operating system to run a new application; you simply spin up a new container. This approach makes it very efficient and convenient to deploy, run, and manage applications across different environments, according to the company.

“This ties into one of our principles: Open architecture, open platform — these are the things we value,” Barbosa said. “When we spun out on our own, that was the number one thing we had to change immediately. We felt kind of closed off and like we only worked with our own stuff. Now, we’re open with as many partners as we want to integrate with or that want to integrate with us. Having an open platform like Docker is that next step.”

With support for up to nine AI applications, the X Series line is the most powerful AI camera to date from i-PRO. It supports AI on-site learning while also providing powerful AI features to additional non-AI network cameras. AI on-site learning lets operators teach the camera about unique objects they wish to identify, search for, or track. For example, the camera might be taught to recognize a logo on a truck and send out an alert when it arrives at the loading dock. Likewise, it could count pallets being unloaded off a truck.

The AI processing relay application enables a single X Series camera to add AI metadata to up to three additional, non-AI cameras, even those from other manufacturers. This extends the useful life of network cameras that might be hard to reach and replace without causing significant interruption to operations. Processing multiple AI-based analytics on the edge reduces the need for expensive back-end servers and minimizes notification delays. //

In addition to its UL Listed certifications, Napco’s StarLink NOC has undergone rigorous criteria to implement and meet SOC policies and trust services criteria for cybersecurity and data privacy protection, i.e., providing added security for all Napco’s dealers’ accounts, the announcement states. The company said it took these important steps as cyberattack breaches and huge ransomware demands are becoming more aggressive and prevalent in the United States, and the world at large.

While numerous corporations, healthcare providers, local governments and more have paid millions to unlock their databases, confidential files and infrastructure access, today service companies are increasingly held responsible for taking demonstrable measures to protect and secure their customers’ data and privacy. Napco said it has done so and taken these significant precautions to protect both its dealers and their accounts’ privacy and liability exposure.

Located within its Amityville, N.Y., headquarters, processing millions of StarLink signals, Napco’s NOC is triple-reinforced, climate- and power-controlled, and UL 864 10th Ed, UL 2610, UL 1635 Listed, as well as SOC 2. In case of an emergency, it is also backed for a failover, by a disaster recovery NOC in Pennsylvania, for immediate, mirrored emergency switchover. In this way, all StarLink signals remain within the U.S. for rapid response in fire/life-safety, when seconds saved, could mean lives.

According to the company, StarLink Fire Communicators offer dealers a true UL end-to-end solution, starting from a UL 864 Listed StarLink Fire Communicator, going through its N.Y. HQ’s UL 864 NOC to any UL Central Station a dealer chooses. //

Genetec Security Center SaaS is a highly scalable, open, enterprise-grade physical security solution that is offered as a service and deployed in a hybrid-cloud architecture. It offers ease of deployment and enables organizations to choose the devices and cameras that work best for their business. Over time, Hanwha will continue to add support for Security Center SaaS across its entire product line to enhance its integrated systems.

“This is just the beginning of a new phase in our collaboration, which will bring our customers the flexibility to deploy their security infrastructure where it makes the most sense,” said Kyle Hurt, area vice president, North America, Genetec.

“This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to providing open, unified and highly flexible security solutions that empower our customers,” said Lloyd Taylor, vice president of sales, Hanwha Vision America. “We are excited about the endless possibilities this collaboration unlocks for our customers and are committed to continuing our journey towards creating the most innovative, reliable, and user-friendly surveillance solutions on the market.” //

“We are excited to introduce AMAG Technology Financial Services as a strategic resource for our valued channel partners,” said David Sullivan, president, AMAG Technology. “Our partnership with Vantage allows us to provide tailored leasing solutions that meet the unique needs of our channel partners and their customers, ultimately enhancing their ability to finalize sales and drive business growth.”

AMAG said the service allows end users to have flexible terms and payment structures, combine multiple purchases into one payment, bundle equipment and lower their total cost of ownership.

“It’s a win for all involved,” Sullivan said. “It helps channel partners drive business growth and eliminates budget constraints for end users.” //

“Robust device security has long-stood as a cornerstone of the Z-Wave protocol,” said Avi Rosenthal, chairman of the board for the Z-Wave Alliance. “The Z-Wave Alliance commends all the hard work done by our industry cohorts at the Connectivity Standards Alliance in raising much-needed awareness surrounding the complexities of enhanced cybersecurity for connected devices.”

Z-Wave said certification is paramount when it comes to the future of connected IoT devices. All Z-Wave devices are subject to a rigorous certification process to ensure device security, compatibility and interoperability, the announcement stated. As cybersecurity labeling becomes more prevalent, the Alliance said it remains committed to its certification process while embracing evolving programs. The Z-Wave Alliance certification program does not compete with the CSA Product Security Verified Mark or the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, but instead signals support and compliance for the developing regulations and specifications, the Alliance said. //

The solution combines state-of-the-art facial authentication and access control technology with robust HR functionalities, empowering organizations with a holistic and cost-effective approach to security and HR management, according to the announcement. It seamlessly connects security and HR systems, eliminating silos, and driving down operational costs.

“In the past, managing separate security and HR systems led to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses,” said Devon Felise, national sales manager for Suprema America. “With our integrated solution, we offer a unified platform that streamlines operations, enhances security, and delivers substantial cost savings.”

BiznusSoft echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the integration’s pivotal role in fortifying security measures and safeguarding against threats such as hacking and piggybacking. “Our integrated solution not only protects you in fortifying security measures, preventing hacking and piggybacking but also empowers you to manage your employees and access to facilities within a single system providing a holistic view of your employees and facilities in real time,” said Moiz Mohammed, CEO, BiznusSoft. “The seamless integration between BiznusSoft HR and Suprema devices eliminates the need for the workforce to even clock in and clock out of HR time clock system.” //