Other Options, Opportunities
By Frank Ohlhorst | Posted 2008-06-13
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Need to keep an eye on things? Need to protect some assets? Short of a security guard, nothing works better than live video for protecting property. D-Link's latest IP cameras bring the security of video to almost anywhere.
With D-ViewCam 2.0, users will be able to monitor video as well as control and configure the cameras from any location that has Internet or private network connectivity. D-ViewCam 2.0 also provides access to a wide range of automated software settings and alert systems that make security management more efficient. Ideally, administrators will want to install D-ViewCam 2.0 on a dedicated system that offers plenty of disk storage. What's more, that system should be placed in a secure location (just as a stop-motion CCTV VCR should be) to prevent anyone from sabotaging recorded video.
Installing D-ViewCam is a straightforward process; the most important consideration is making sure that ample storage space is available for recorded video. Once installed, adding cameras to monitor consists of little more than inputting the cameras' IP addresses and administrative security settings. Once a camera is integrated into the monitoring software, administrators will have access to the advanced settings of the camera. In most cases, the cameras will be set up to detect motion and to start recording when motion is detected. Administrators can also set the cameras to automatically record video based on a schedule or a timed interval. One nifty feature for pan and tilt cameras is the ability to set up "patrol zones" to be continuously scanned. That feature not only maximizes the field of view, but also gives the appearance that the camera is being actively used, which proves to be a strong deterrent against theft or vandalism.
Opportunities:
Many solution providers may be wondering if there is an opportunity here for their services. From a 10,000-foot view, IP video cameras seem to be little more than a replacement for CCTV-based solutions, but nothing could be further from the truth. Savvy solution providers will recognize that IP surveillance technology creates multiple opportunities, including remote monitoring, customized servers and network integration, and can also be a stepping stone into other physical security technologies, such as building security systems and server room monitoring. Add those opportunities to the high margins on the equipment and the installation and deployment services and it becomes easy to see how IP cameras can lead to a profitable path for solution providers to follow.
Frank J. Ohlhorst is the Executive Technology Editor for eWeek Channel Insider and brings with him over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field.He began his career as a network administrator and applications program in the private sector for two years before joining a computer consulting firm as a programmer analyst. In 1988 Frank founded a computer consulting company, which specialized in network design, implementation, and support, along with custom accounting applications developed in a variety of programming languages.In 1991, Frank took a position with the United States Department of Energy as a Network Manager for multiple DOE Area Offices with locations at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), FermiLAB and the Ames Area Office (AMESAO). Frank's duties included managing the site networks, associated staff and the inter-network links between the area offices. He also served at the Computer Security Officer (CSO) for multiple DOE sites. Frank joined CMP Technology's Channel group in 1999 as a Technical Editor assigned to the CRN Test Center, within a year, Frank became the Senior Technical Editor, and was responsible for designing product testing methodologies, assigning product reviews, roundups and bakeoffs to the CRN Test Center staff.In 2003, Frank was named Technology Editor of CRN. In that capacity, he ensured that CRN maintained a clearer focus on technology and increased the integration of the Test Center's review content into both CRN's print and web properties. He also contributed to Netseminar's, hosted sessions at CMP's Xchange Channel trade shows and helped to develop new methods of content delivery, Such as CRN-TV.In September of 2004, Frank became the Director of the CRN Test Center and was charged with increasing the Test Center's contributions to CMP's Channel Web online presence and CMP's latest monthly publication, Digital Connect, a magazine geared towards the home integrator. He also continued to contribute to CMP's Netseminar series, Xchange events, industry conferences and CRN-TV.In January of 2007, CMP Launched CRNtech, a monthly publication focused on technology for the channel, with a mailed audience of 70,000 qualified readers. Frank was instrumental in the development and design of CRNTech and was the editorial director of the publication as well as its primary contributor. He also maintained the edit calendar, and hosted quarterly CRNTech Live events.In June 2007, Frank was named Senior Technology Analyst and became responsible for the technical focus and edit calendars of all the Channel Group's publications, including CRN, CRNTech, and VARBusiness, along with the Channel Group's specialized publications Solutions Inc., Government VAR, TechBuilder and various custom publications. Frank joined Ziff Davis Enterprise in September of 2007 and focuses on creating editorial content geared towards the purveyors of Information Technology products and services. Frank writes comparative reviews, channel analysis pieces and participates in many of Ziff Davis Enterprise's tradeshows and webinars. He has received several awards for his writing and editing, including back to back best review of the year awards, and a president's award for CRN-TV. Frank speaks at many industry conferences, is a contributor to several IT Books, holds several records for online hits and has several industry certifications, including Novell's CNE, Microsoft's MCP.Frank can be reached at frank.ohlhorst@ziffdavisenterprise.com
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