Jaenicke continued, “Cloud-based software offers both integrators and end users an extra level of flexibility by enabling remote installations, which reduces costs and can increase service speed and customer satisfaction. Additionally, products or systems that aren’t regularly updated with new features and functionality can seem less ‘smart’ and become less useful over time.”

According to John Heyman, Snap One CEO, the evolution of the industry is inevitable as it moves from hardware-centric to one more grounded in software and new software integrations. “The launch of Control4 Connect and Assist meet the business and experiential needs of this new emerging business model, one that represents a major opportunity for our partners, who can now more easily foster stronger long-term relationships with customers to drive greater satisfaction and increase profits,” he said.

The Control4 Connect software service enables essential features that keep customers’ systems up-to-date and secure, provides convenient access and insights, and ensures smooth integration with new devices as they are released, according to the company. Control4 Connect provides system control and functionality, while delivering in-demand smart living features such as voice control, remote access, Intercom Anywhere, When >>Then scene programming, system backups, on-the-go visibility and personalization of notification for mobile devices. Beginning April 23, Control4 Connect will be required for all new U.S. Control4 systems. For systems installed prior to that date, 4Sight continues to be available.

According to the company, one of the biggest advantages of Control4 Connect for Control4 dealers is that they gain multiple recurring revenue streams that they don’t have to manage: customers pay for the service directly in the Control4 app upon registration of their new system, enabling Snap One to manage billing and payment for partners. There’s no website to develop, no software to learn and no records to manage.

“By shifting away from a ‘sell it and forget it’ business model, custom integrators can develop long-term revenue streams to support business growth while deepening their relationships with happier customers,” Jaenicke said. “Snap One understands the importance of those relationships and encourages partners to build them. When integrators pitch custom integration as a service and set the expectation that the system installed will require ongoing maintenance and updates, they set the stage for a continuing relationship with the customer. The customer understands that their system may need updates or additional services to reduce complexity, stay up-to-date, and continue to support new features and functionality over time.”

Jaenicke continued, “Snap One has provided integrators with a slew of marketing assets, co-branded leave-behind material and more to help them explain and present these solutions to their customers. Having an open dialogue about the need for maintenance and support, as well as reiterating the value of software updates and system education, can help customers understand the value of Control4 Connect and Control4 Assist. Customers are often reassured when they hear that a manufacturer stands behind their product and is going to continue investing in it over time. Ongoing costs are commonplace for a variety of software-based solutions, and customers understand software as a service models, as they are presented to them daily.”

Snap One partners have said they have no issue demonstrating the value to their users. “In discussing Connect with my clients, there has not been a single client that has reacted negatively to it,” said Snap One partner Ed Gilmore of Gilmore’s Sound Advice. “They all understand the world is evolving and changing. They all understand software as a service models. This is presented to them daily. I think they’re a little comforted by the fact that a manufacturer takes their product seriously enough that they’re going to maintain and support it through software.”

Snap One partner Chris Bell of Bell Integrated Home Solutions, said, “Control4 Assist helps my technicians to not have to field calls for simple matters during the workday, after hours and over the weekends. It helps my techs stay focused on their daily task at hand and allows for uninterrupted after hours, weekend and family time for non-emergency situations.”

For more information, visit Snap One. //

“Customers benefit from security features that are enabled by default and that do not require any pre-configuration,” said Andre Bastert, global product manager of AXIS OS. “They lower installation complexity, and thereby, literally save time and money. These security features are great examples of zero-trust security that do not require more time from customers. With the increase in the convergence of OT (operational technology) and IT (information technology), these standard security mechanisms are what IT professionals expect of smart IoT products, and we are meeting their needs as part of Axis’ long-term strategy to enable secure, zero-touch integration of Axis network products into zero-trust networks.”

The adoption of IEEE 802.1AE MACsec builds on Axis’ implementation of the IEEE 802.1AR Secure Device Identity (DevID) standard, together with IEEE 802.1X EAP-TLS network access control. Default support for the three IEEE standards on Axis devices enables automated device onboarding, authentication, and end-to-end encryption, providing IT professionals with standard mechanisms to efficiently and securely integrate Axis devices into a corporate network.

MACsec allows for an exchange and verification of encryption keys between a MACsec-enabled device and switch. Data within each Ethernet frame is then encrypted and decrypted in real time using AES-GCM 128-bit, enabling fast and secure transfer of data. AXIS OS 11.8 supports the two standard IEEE 802.1AE security modes: dynamic CAK (EAP-TLS), which is automatic and enabled by default, and static CAK (pre-shared key) for manual configuration.

For more information, visit Axis Communications. //

Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems, said, “We need rules to ensure AI is being developed to serve humanity. But companies should not wait for regulation. They must take their own steps to identify and resolve the weaknesses and pitfalls of the AI they develop. When it comes to AI-enabled video, we have just scratched the surface of its potential benefits and uses. However, we also understand some of the pitfalls such as bias and false positives.”

Jensen continued, “At Milestone, we are taking significant steps to address potential weaknesses of our tools. By signing up to the G7 Code of Conduct we will continue to focus our efforts on building our software with trust, transparency, and accountability at the front of our minds.”

The International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems aims to promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI worldwide. It was agreed by G7 leaders at the end of October 2023 alongside a set of Guiding Principles for the world’s most powerful democracies to follow when developing new AI systems. Milestone’s decision comes as the European Union has agreed on its own AI Act.

Jensen said, “While we applaud the AI Act, it will take a while before it is implemented, potentially a couple of years. In the meantime, we believe companies should strive to stay ahead of the regulation. We must not shutter innovation, but to prevent a public and regulatory backlash, AI businesses should be striving to build trustworthy AI. Adopting the G7 Code of Conduct is one such step all companies should take to help ensure responsible use of technology and foster public trust in the new possibilities it presents.”

For more information, visit Milestone Systems. //

SelectBlur is a user-friendly application that allows clients to selectively blur faces in video footage, ensuring the privacy of individuals who are not the focus of the surveillance. The application supports almost any video format and operates entirely on the desktop, eliminating the need for cloud-based processing and thereby further enhancing the security of sensitive data.

One of the key features of SelectBlur is its ability to process videos quickly and securely, making it an ideal tool for distributing footage without compromising the privacy of uninvolved individuals. This capability is particularly crucial considering the wide availability of internet tools that can compromise anonymity by revealing identities from uploaded photos.

“SelectBlur is a direct response to the evolving needs in the security landscape,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO of AITX. “In a world where privacy concerns are paramount, this application allows facility owners and law enforcement to publicly release video content responsibly and, in many cases, quickly. This helps protect individual privacy and reduce potential liability.”

Mark Folmer, president of RAD, said, “SelectBlur is more than just a software solution; it’s a testament to RAD’s commitment to addressing real-world security challenges. While we don’t anticipate it to be a major revenue driver, it adds significant value to our existing suite of analytics and security solutions.”

For more information, visit RAD. //

The line consists of the AMGFIB-1VT/(VR) series of industrially hardened single channel video transmitter/receiver, with one Duplex RS422/485 Serial Data and two contact closure supporting all modern SD and HD video formats including CVBS (PAL, NTSC, SECAM), CVI, TVI & AHD and camera resolutions up to 1960p with SD, HD, and up to 5-megapixel camera types all major brands; the AMGFIB-1SD series industrially hardened serial data transceiver with one Duplex RS422/485 Serial Data, and two contact closures; and the fiber optic contact closure AMGFIB-3CC Series Industrially Hardened Contact Closure Transceiver with two contact closures. All three product lines are designed in the United States and United Kingdom, manufactured in the United Kingdom in an ISO Certified AMG facility, and are hardened for use in challenging environments, capable of meeting NEMA TS-2 standards, and lifetime warranted.

Steve Clarke, managing director, AMG, said, “Although legacy fiber optic transmission systems are being replaced by IP, there are thousands of fiber optic transmission networks still in use. With the push toward, IP, no real effort has been directed toward modernizing traditional fiber optic video and data products. This next generation of AMG fiber optic products is a major step forward. Completely new, with modern available components, now made in our ISO9001 certified facility, AMG fiber optic products are a great combination of quality, availability and still extremely cost-effective compared to what’s out there.”

Tom Exley, technical director, AMG, added, “The AMG fiber optic transmission product line continues our quality standard. Our engineering team looked at what was currently available, identified weaknesses and engineered our fiber optic product line to overcome those weaknesses. One of the big issues facing the competition is parts availability. Competing fiber optic products were developed 15-20 years ago. Sourcing 20-year-old components is a challenge, and that’s likely the reason for extended production delays and price increases. The AMG line is all new — new designs, and new components and now manufactured in an ISO9001-certified facility. And, most importantly, they are available when you need them. We believe in the quality and stand behind them with lifetime support.”

For more information, visit AMG Systems. //