With more than 600 companies exhibiting this year, IFSEC looks set to be bigger and better than ever before when it returns to the NEC Birmingham from 16-19 May. This guide will take you through what’s on show, via the extensive list of participating companies, which covers – yet again – the length and breadth of the global security industry.
However, IFSEC would not be IFSEC without some innovative new attractions. After all, it’s widely accepted that the event enjoys its market-leading position due to a willingness to move with the times and lead the industry.
HUB of activity
Part of a new, improved Network Advantage, The HUB is a brand new feature. Visitors to The HUB will benefit from individual product demonstrations hosted by IBM and its channel partners which are relevant to both small and medium-sized operations, in addition to larger enterprises and those in the public sector.
For SMEs, IBM will be showing some of the most innovative technology from around the world, via leading vendors of advanced security and surveillance solutions.
On show at the Technology Stand will be the latest in command and control centre software, visualisation systems, DVR and NVR technology, IP cameras, network-based access control and Intelligent Video Processing.
These integrated applications are specifically “Best of Breed” in their field and represent a major advance in security. SME visitors will be able to see how they can benefit from totally integrated solutions that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the security operation, support cost reduction initiatives and meet those all-important corporate governance standards.
On the ‘RAMMP’
For large enterprises and the public sector, IBM will be unveiling (for the first time in Europe) ‘RAMMP’. The Real-time, Adaptive, Multi-Intelligence Multimedia Platform is a world-leading solution for digital content management, dissemination and collaboration.
Based on commercial off-the-shelf products including highly-integrated IBM Business Partner applications, ‘RAMMP’ is suitable for a number of specialised applications: for security and surveillance, situational awareness, intelligence analysis support, tactical operations support and forensic content management.
Corporate visitors will be able to see how their organisations can improve mission productivity and security effectiveness, and benefit through cost reductions, while at all times maintaining a high level of corporate vigilance and personnel protection.
“We are delighted that IBM is involved again this year, and look forward to the event marking a new phase in the convergence of security and IT,” stated event director James Blue. “The response to Network Advantage has been tremendous. The area has more than doubled in size this year, with over 100 IT and network companies now involved at IFSEC.
“The possibilities presented by the new technology in this area are huge. With The HUB and accompanying seminar programme, we aim to identify a range of new business opportunities for end user visitors to the show.”
Developing your business
Elsewhere in the show is the Business Development Zone. Its wide-ranging programme of free seminars always proves very popular. This year should be no exception, with a wide variety on offer. A few highlights are outlined below. As many readers of SMT will doubtless be aware, identity theft is the fastest-growing area of crime today with immense repercussions for victims. SecriCode Limited will highlight the latest techniques available to detect and prevent it.
A session analysing the dynamics of the Chinese security market will discuss the huge potential of the booming Chinese security market and how best to win a share of it.
DVTel’s session entitled ‘Networked video and how it works’ will focus on the wireless infrastructure installation for the City of Westminster. The session will consider both the perspective of the end user and integrator. It will look at how different types of monitoring can be extended at a fraction of the current costs, and where new services might be delivered directly to vulnerable residents.
With biometric devices such as fingerprint scanners being used extensively throughout industry and commerce, the LPCB and BRE’s presentation will be of great interest to anyone considering the use of such devices. The presentation, based upon a research project ongoing for the past 18 months, will suggest test strategies and methodologies for the evaluation of biometric interface.
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) will also host a day’s programme of seminars, this year focusing on CCTV. The technology is of course fully represented throughout IFSEC’s famous CCTV Village. Meanwhile, the other sections present the other product families in an easy-to-navigate format: intruder alarms, access control and biometrics.
Security Solutions also takes its place in the mix, enabling end users to benefit and gain the vital information that is relevant to them.
IFSEC returns from 16-19 May at the NEC, Birmingham. The event runs alongside International Fire Expo, Safety & Health Expo, ACPO 2005 and the leading event for facilities managers, The Facilities Show.
For free visitor pre-registration and more information on all seminar session and updates on show features visit www.ifsec.co.uk
