Where IT Security and Physical Security Converge

June 2010

  • PoE is Ready to Deliver: New standard boosts power to 30 and 60 watts.
  • The Good Old Days: Examining software advancements in security technology.
  • Going Vertical: Video management software providers carving out niches for the end user.


Features

The Good Old Days

By Jeff Vollmer

To say that technology has allowed tremendous advancements is not detailed enough. The real power has come from software. It is the development, advancement and implementation of software that has allowed us to always be accessible through cell phones, carry thousands of songs on an MP3 player or be guided with personal directions through a GPS. Make no mistake about it -- software rules today’s world.


Going Vertical

By James Whitcomb

A business that is interested in a video surveillance solution could easily find itself overwhelmed by the choices, yet underwhelmed by the selection. In an industry with hundreds of manufacturers releasing hundreds of products, the result is usually the same: a one-size-fits-all solution for end users with varying needs and skill levels, otherwise known as a horizontal solution. In addition, most evaluators go about the selection process backward by choosing the video camera first and the supporting software as an afterthought.


PoE is Ready to Deliver

By Sani Ronen

With the ratification of the IEEE802.3at standard in September 2009, Power over Ethernet is ready to deliver 30 to 60 watts of safe power over a single Ethernet cable to a broad range of security products, including access control systems, PTZ cameras, outdoor cameras and even full outdoor solutions that include a heater.


Departments

Protecting PII

By Chris Arold

Sensitive data exists in the IT architecture of every industry. The digital revolution has come and gone, leaving the former dangers of physical paper trails to now reside on the desktops, laptops, workstations, servers and databases of companies both large and small. This data -- better known as personally identifiable information -- poses a significant security risk to a company’s IT infrastructure.


Understanding PCI Compliance

By Scott Simpson

Does your organization have a good grasp of PCI compliance? Do you know if your organization has best practice standards in place? If not, you should explore some well-established PCI compliance strategies.


Creating a Safer Campus

By Ralph Jensen

A successful collaboration begins with establishing open communications among all the key players, including the community, to determine all physical security needs of a campus. All stakeholders must be involved with the development and maintenance of a campus security plan. Let’s face it: better preparation means better prevention.