Given the ever-increasing risks presented by crime, terrorism and the potential loss of corporate assets, it’s not surprising to discover that more and more businesses are turning to surveillance cameras as their primary security solution.
Worldwide, an estimated ten million cameras are being installed every year in a broad range of applications across Government facilities, and over a number of traditional verticals (including education and healthcare).
The change to all-digital network video from analogue CCTV video that many of us have witnessed these past couple of years is comparable to the revolution in the telecommunications industry when it switched from analogue PBX-based systems to IP telephony.
All leading security industry experts predict a permanent paradigm shift from analogue to network cameras in the next five years. In preparation, security managers and directors need as much information as they can grab hold of such that the transition isn’t too painful for either themselves or their host organisations.
Advanced digital networking
The 389-page tome entitled ‘Intelligent Network Video: Understanding Modern Video Surveillance Systems’, authored by Fredrik Nilsson (the general manager of Axis Communications in North America), is one of the first resources to provide detailed coverage of advanced digital networking and intelligent video capabilities and optimisation.
This first class read addresses general concepts, explains why IP-based systems provide better image quality and more scalable and flexible systems at a lower cost and concentrates on current information and details concerning network cameras, the capabilities of the new breed of video management system and optimal configuration issues.
The book (ISBN 1420061569, and priced at a very reasonable GB pound 41.99) also discusses in great detail various camera, networking, compression and audio technologies, as well as those all-important system design considerations. There are over 300 full-colour illustrations, while a DVD is supplied with the book containing tools for designing and optimising a network video installation.
All components of network video systems are addressed, in fact, including network cameras, video encoders, video management systems, storage and servers, networking and intelligent video.
In essence, the book is a ‘must have’ resource for security professionals including not only security directors and managers but also consultants, system designers, investigation professionals and building, property and facilities managers.
Breakdown of the contents
– The Evolution of Video Surveillance Systems
– The Components of Network Video
– Network Cameras
– Camera Technologies
– Video Compression Technologies
– Audio Technologies
– Video Encoders
– Wired Networks
– Wireless Networks
– Networking Technologies
– Servers and Storage
– Video Management
– Intelligent Video
– Intelligent Video Applications
– System Design Considerations
– The Cost of a Network Video System
Want to know more about the author?
Fredrik Nilsson has been with Axis for more than ten years, serving as general manager of the North American region since 2003. Nilsson also sits on the American Security Industry Association’s Board of Directors.
He’s a trusted industry speaker, having made speeches at more than 20 conferences (including TechSec Solutions, the premier conference on IP-ready security technology). Nilsson has also delivered interesting and thought-provoking words at influential shows such as Securing New Ground, ASIS’ Emerging Trends in Security, the popular ISC West and ISC East and the Interop.
Nilsson’s views have appeared in The New York Times, USA Today and the Washington Post, and he has written articles for – and been quoted in – many security industry publications including Access Control and Security Systems, Security Products and Technology, the ASIS magazine Security Management, Security Systems News and now, of course, Security Management Today (SMT) Online/info4security.com in the UK.
Homeland Security and Private Sector Business
The challenge in combating terrorism lies not in the fact that we could die tomorrow if there were a serious attack, but rather that we cannot seem to perform the basic functions of diagnosing and treating the problem in such a way that it becomes rather more manageable.
Public and private sector partnerships are critical to the success of this management, of course, and Elsa Lee’s latest book (entitled ‘Homeland Security and Private Sector Business: Corporations’ Role in Critical Infrastructure Protection’) identifies the role the private sector can play in securing the homeland. Importantly, it also offers strategies for assisting the fight against both national and international threats.
The 296-page book (ISBN 14200707) provides an overview of the latest Homeland Security legislative mandates imposed on the private sector, and explains how they affect industry and business operations. Lee – the current CEO at Advantage SCI – also ably instructs organisations on assembling high-risk response teams for continuity and operational management before, during and after crisis events.
Insights are offered as to why certain businesses – both domestically and overseas – are selected and targeted by terrorist factions, and there are specific guidelines for corporate training programmes in relation to preparedness and action when faced with a crisis scenario.
Most importantly, perhaps, there’s a clear exposition as to why businesses need to conduct themselves differently in what has become an age of global terrorism.
Structured such that it takes into consideration differing leadership and management styles, organisational cultural change barriers and team dynamics, the information provided is designed to appeal to most adult learning styles, thereby ensuring effective communication of critical messages.
Using helpful case studies and exercises, Lee presents invaluable instruction on how to establish, implement and reinforce terrorism awareness, disaster readiness and regulatory compliance in line with Critical National Infrastructure interests.
Also priced at GB pound 41.99, the book reviews threat factors, risk mitigation, readiness plans, prevention approaches, human factors and training methods, concluding neatly with insights into the limitations businesses must respect as they adjust to this new paradigm.
Major sections within the book
– Introduction: Homeland Security Vision
– Essential Threat Factors
– Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Components
– Risk Mitigation, Transference and Elimination
– Readiness Plans: Develop, Validate and Update
– Prevention, Detection and Response Factors across Sectors
– Human Factors and Team Dynamics
– Toolkits and Innovative Ideas for Change
– Training and Exercises: Touch It, Feel It, Live It, Breathe It!
– You Can Deter But You Can’t Interdict: Don’t Cross the Line!
Want to know further details about the writer?
Elsa Lee has assisted both corporate and Government clients in effectively managing their organisational security. As a 20-year counter-intelligence agent with the US Army, Lee worked closely alongside the FBI, the CIA, the Secret Service and NSA counter-terrorism forces.
Lee has provided training for US and foreign nationals including US presidential staff, White House executives, German, Russian, Central American and US military leaders (not to mention international law enforcement and intelligence audiences worldwide).
While in the military, Lee served with the Defence Intelligence Agency, the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), US Army Europe, the Pentagon, the US Army Intelligence Centre and School and the Defence Nuclear Agency (DNA).
During her 20-year career as a counter-intelligence special agent with the US Army, Lee received numerous honours including the Legion of Merit – the highest military peacetime award possible.
For details on how to order one or both of these excellent books please click on the dedicated web links provided on the right hand panel of this page.
