Anixter launches new distribution program

Dec. 3, 2009
Company unveils IP cabling lifecycle plan

Global provider Anixter, based in Glenview, Ill., launched a new distribution program aimed at helping systems integrators specify the perfect cabling infrastructure for their customers, now and in the future. Called Anixter ipAssured, the program, launched at the end of October 2009, focuses on the increased emphasis on the network—and making sure that the infrastructure, and the security, industrial automation and other converged systems running on it and deployed now and over the next 10 years, fit the needs of the user and the facility. The program makes infrastructure choices clear and categorizes the options available based on application or end-use. It centers on three different classifications of cabling infrastructure and takes into account current and emerging specification standards and the ever-growing need to run video on the network. According to Anixter’s Tim Holloway, Category 5e has some inherent limitations, many associated with the size or gauge of the cable, so the company is focusing on Category 6 deployment—which ultimately will meet increased data needs of the end user.

“What we have found overall in our Infrastructure Solutions Lab stress tests is that the problems stemming from the use of 5e are associated with the smaller gauge and result in temperature gain—even resulting in a 25 percent signal loss. Since IP is real time, any loss of data signal will affect the quality of the video signal. There are also pitfalls to using 5e with regards to Power over Ethernet. Bottom line is that a less than adequate cabling infrastructure can cause companies and end-users not to be able to grow their businesses. While 5e will support current applications, it’s at the end of its life,” Holloway said. The program basically defines the life cycle of IP cabling systems for customer enterprise networked applications and is divided into classes, based on the end-use or longevity of the solution and includes: IP Class 1+ (for one to five years); IP Class 5+ (for five to 10 years): and IP-Class 10+ (Cat 6A for 10 plus years).

According to Anixter, IP decision makers at corporations ‘get it’ and are willing to pay the extra costs in the infrastructure upfront so they can grow with it and Anixter is helping give systems integrators the tools to sell it.

Under the Bosch Big Top

Bosch Security Systems hosted a 6,400-square-foot tent off the show floor at ASIS in the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel. More than 1,500 people visited the tent, which served as the backdrop for a series of carnival style games and interactive product displays, including a dunk tank that submerged a Bosch ruggedized camera, a Western style camera shootout and a bell striker that demonstrated the durability of a Bosch dome unit.

Axis partner conference updateAxis CCC gives attendees a look at what’s ahead

The recent Axis Communications Inc. Channel Partner Convergence Conference in Austin, Texas, sponsored by the Chelmsford, Mass.-based network camera manufacturer gave the industry a bird’s eye view of the future. This exclusive event was designed to show their premier partners the new technology that they have introduced as well as what will be coming in the next few months to a year.

Axis demonstrated their cameras setting them up above and in the rails or edges of casino tables, where we were able to watched hands of cards being dealt and played, moving dice, and bets made in real time, at close angles while things quickly moved, all watched on monitors outside of the games highlighting the camera images close up or at a distance through their operating software.

There were discussions on how to sell and price H.264 technology as well as its competitive advantages and information on megapixel technology. Axis revealed their new product roadmap showing their partners exciting new cameras; software and optics technology that’s coming that will enhance sales capabilities and their customer’s security. Axis listens to end-user requests through their reseller partners, considering what should be developed to affect safer outcomes. As processing power increases and it allows for the reduction in the size of a product, new technology can be built that adds features and functions to their cameras based on demand.

It’s quite untraditional in the security industry for a manufacturer to release as many new products as Axis does as quickly as they do. But if you look closely, they are simply responding to the broadest base of their customer’s requests as fast as technology allows them to.

The ‘skinny’ on alarms over IP

Running alarms over IP or the Internet Protocol is not without its pitfalls, but the industry is doing all it can to find the right way to do it, the most reliable way, because it is the future of the industry and it’s plain to see that POTS won’t be around forever. This chart shows the inherent differences in communicating with two well-known IP protocols—UDP and TCP—with UDP leading the way in providing in providing small amounts of data quickly over the network. For more, check out the Webinar archives at www.securityinfowatch.com, where you will find the entire recorded Bosch-sponsored session: “A Higher Education on Alarm over IP Solutions.” Look for it on the Webinars drop down and get the information you need to install reliable communications in the field now and in the future for your customers.

Design IP SeriesIn-person event targets systems integrators

IQinVision, Pivot3 and Veracity launched a new one-day, in-person event called the Design IP Series, and ran the educational sessions in Chicago and New York City in October.

Presenters at the Chicago session included the three aforementioned manufacturers and Exacq Technologies, Indianapolis. Topics ranged from details on architecting a megapixel solution based on application parameters; taking advantage of the existing communications infrastructure, whether coaxial cable or long Ethernet cabling runs; and understanding the uses and benefits of power over Ethernet.

“We were extremely pleased with the level of expertise of the participants in the conference,” said Scott Sereboff, chief executive officer of Veracity USA Inc., based in Dallas. “Judging by the level of the questions asked by the integrators you could tell they were already involved in this area, embracing a higher caliber of installation,” he said. Sereboff said the three manufacturers partnered in the new series to educate integrators more fully on the intricacies of deploying IP solutions so they can offer successful deployments to customers.

“Our goal is to help align integrators with the proper solutions for their customers,” added Paul Bodell, chief marketing officer (CMO) for IQinVision, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Bodell’s talk focused on compression and proper frame rates for different applications—what resolutions you need for general surveillance and what you need from technologies to accomplish forensic detail of images. He said some 20 to 30 percent of camera applications fall into the realm of general surveillance, the remainder require forensic detail for positive identification.
Storage was also part of the series, and it will be an increasing important topic moving forward, according to Lee Caswell, founder and CMO of Pivot3, Palo Alto, Calif.

“Storing video is uniquely different than storing other types of data,” Caswell said, adding that it could constitute as much as half the cost of a surveillance installation. He advised the integrator and end user to sit down and have a frank discussion on the needs of the user with regards to what they have to accomplish with surveillance. “Storage parameters are particularly important when it comes to the streaming bandwidth of surveillance data. He added that new software and serverless storage has made it so that hard drive failure is no longer such a critical part of keeping the system running. “In addition, there are simply more margins for the integrator to make by using serverless computing and putting in more of an engineered systems solution together.”

ESX 2010

You owe it to yourself to save the middle of June 2010 for the Electronic Security Expo (ESX). Sponsored by the Electronic Security Association and its participating chapter members, the conference and exhibitions are the premier gathering spot for the up and comers in the industry.

The dates have been set for June 14 to 18 and it’s an affordable way for you and your technicians to attend educational sessions, earn CEUs, network with your peers and gain a better understanding of the rapidly changing security and systems solution industry.

ESX 2010 is being held at the world-famous David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC)—the largest and first-ever LEED certified venue of its kind in the U.S. (See related story on the convention center.) Pittsburgh-based Vector Security and Guardian Protection are 2010 ESX All Star Hosts, providing expert speakers and insights to the conference and program development. Pittsburgh has much to offer attendees. It’s a leader in the environmental movement, with 33 green-certified buildings, and has even been referred to as the “San Francisco of the East Coast” for its hills and vistas. Visit www.esxweb.com/video to take a personal tour of Pittsburgh, guided by Pam Petrow of Vector Security and Russ Cersosimo of Guardian Protection.

“Pittsburgh has proven its destination appeal as host of the 2009 G-20 Summit and will be in good form to host the world leaders of the electronic security industry at ESX 2010,” said ESX Chair George De Marco. “ESX is thrilled to be showcasing this fascinating, entertaining, convenient and affordable city to our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. Don’t miss a great opportunity to see a world-class city and world-class event deliver a world-class experience.”

The event will also feature a number of networking events, special tours and featured speakers that will include Pittsburgh flavor. For exhibiting information, contact Shannon Murphy at (508)618-4224, [email protected]. Call (877)628-9558 or e-mail [email protected] for general inquiries.