Brivo’s ® Online Access Control Systems are built on flexible, open technology that is adaptable to multiple services beyond access control, facilitating the integration and remote management of security systems and other on-premises digital systems.
This extensible access control suite provides real–time monitoring, management, and control capabilities for a variety of applications—all from a browser, with no additional software to install.
Following is Locksmith Ledger’s interview with Steve Van Till, president and CEO, Brivo Systems, LLC.
Can you provide some background on Brivo?
When introduced in 2002, Brivo’s Web-hosted physical access control system was a unique and compelling solution. The company’s Web-based access control products are groundbreaking solutions that leverage the power and versatility of the Internet to provide real-time device control plus immediate visibility of security events in local or remote facilities, no matter where in the world the operator or facilities are located. Brivo is also the first access control solution that provides a choice of secure wireless Wide-Area networking or global wired IP connectivity.
Brivo’s ACS WebService™ is a robust, secure Web-hosted access control system that offers end-users unmatched reliability with redundant, geographically dispersed, 24/7 data centers and an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
ACS OnSite™ meets the needs of those customers who prefer to keep their data on location, providing a standalone solution perfect for single facilities. ACS OnSite supports Tenant Accounts, which allows tenants or individuals to control only a portion of the facility.
Brivo offers two new solutions. The first is an extension of ACS OnSite™. OnSite System Edition (SE) extends the ACS OnSite solution to larger, more complex applications with data stored within the organization’s own network. Brivo’s OnSite XE™, or “Extended Edition,” scales up to 750 readers and can work across multiple locations, making it ideal for a campus environment, and it even supports multiple time zones.
To which markets are your products directed?
Brivo’s solutions fit just about any application from protecting a single door at an office or school to managing access to thousands of doors in a multi-site or campus environment. One of the strongest fits for our technology is large organizations with many geographically dispersed locations, such as retail, that can benefit from the economies of scale that Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) brings to these wide-area deployments. We also find high adoption rates in the small and medium-sized business market, where many business owners have made the strategic decision to outsource as much IT as possible and focus on their core business. At present, we are also focusing on fast-growing vertical markets such as education, property management and government.
What features differentiate Brivo from other access control systems?
Brivo’s most significant competitive edge in the market is the cost efficiency and ease-of-use delivered by our Web-based SaaS system architecture. Brivo solutions cover any environment at a lower cost than traditional single-site systems, from enterprise-class, multi-site applications to single-site systems that provide the flexibility of tiered administration.
Another big differentiator is our XML interface, available to all customers and security professionals over the Internet with no SDK to purchase or download. Just get a copy of our API definition, and you can begin developing using standard Web protocols and XML formatted messages. This truly open approach to systems integration means that our API works for all developers—not just those who happen to use Windows products, which is often the case with traditional SDK-based approaches.
Is Brivo scalable? Is the four-door configuration the smallest unit, or can a single door be deployed?
A single-door solution can be deployed in the form of an HID Edge device with Brivo’s ACS Plug-in installed. The plug-in makes the Edge capable of communicating through customer firewalls, back to Brivo’s hosting facility. It also makes the applications completely interoperable, so that an Edge device can be added to the same account as a traditional control panel. The user will never know the difference, as they perform all the same functions. This provides an economical way, for example, to extend installations by one or two doors (beyond a single control capacity), or to network a remote cite into an existing account.
Brivo’s migration path ensures organizations always have the right solution to meet their size and needs. No more worries about buying a system that’s too big and expensive, just in case your system grows; or getting a system that fits now but is quickly rendered obsolete. All of Brivo’s solutions can scale up or down, providing options for truly any environment. In addition, all of Brivo’s products provide a browser-based interface and are easy to install and use—significantly reducing installation and training time.
How does Brivo’s product integrate with HID Edge?
Brivo integrates with the HID EdgePlus™ using the Brivo ACS plug-in. Edge devices combine a reader and basic access control application; Brivo’s plug-in creates a solution that “talks back” to the Brivo system. Edge devices are ideal when it is difficult or impractical to pull additional wiring, but Ethernet wiring is available or in smaller applications, such as the residential market, where a smaller, less complicated access control option is sufficient.
How does Brivo integrate with Video Surveillance systems?
Today more than ever, customers are looking for convergence among all of their security system components. That’s why Brivo offers integration with several brands of DVRs. We’ve made it a criterion for integration that the DVR supplier provides us with either an ActiveX control, or a Java applet, so that the end user never needs to leave the browser to enjoy the benefits of video integration with access control. This stands in contrast to those “integrations” that still require a separate client and aren’t truly a part of single application architecture.
To what industry listings does Brivo comply?
UL 294.
SCHLAGE® LiNK: Intelligent Residential Security
Similar in appearance to Schlage’s existing line of residential keypad locks, Schlage LiNK Door Locks are wireless-controlled door locks which allow remote control and monitoring of access 24/7 via its web portal or mobile application.
The Schlage LiNK door locks provide keyless entry through four-digit codes, which can be entered, activated or disabled via the Schlage LiNK web portal, mobile application or on the lock’s 11-digit pushbutton keypad.
Features include:
– E-mail and text message notifications for access code tracking
– 90-day reporting of time/day codes were used
– Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology
– Starter kit includes one Schlage LiNK door lock, a Z-Wave Bridge and one wireless compatible light module
– Plug and play simplicity and easy installation
– Available in bright brass, satin nickel and aged bronze
– Powered by standard AA and 9-volt batteries
Z-wave is a wireless technology, providing the opportunity to control more than 300 other Z-Wave enabled home automation products including lighting, appliances, climate control, security system devices and health care monitoring.
All Z-Wave products can be monitored and controlled via the Schlage LiNK web portal and mobile application and can also be programmed to work together to create customized settings every time a four-digit code is entered.
There is a $12.99 monthly subscription fee for use of the Schlage LiNK online portal and mobile applications, which gives homeowner the power control all Schlage LiNK locks and a wide variety of Z-Wave-enabled home automation devices.
Schlage LiNK starter kits and individual locks are available through a dedicated network of sales professionals. Existing Schlage distributors and dealers can now offer this solution.
Pelco Sarix Technology Platform
Built on an open architecture, Pelco’s new Sarix technology allows for full connectivity to the camera and analytics through an open Application Programming Interface (API).
Sarix features include:
– Low-light performance by multiplying and averaging light per pixel in order to provide the highest degree of sensitivity.
– Consistent detailed color for accurate subject tracking.
– Easy to install and easy to focus
– h.264 compression for optimized image quality and minimized bandwidth, along with MJPEG or MPEG4 compression
– Built-In Pelco Analytics and Optional Third Party Analytics
– 3.1 Megapixel HD; 2.1 Megapixel EP HD; 1.3 Megapixel HD ; 0.5 SVGA Standard-Definition
– Advanced network capabilities like quality of service (QoS), which enables users to prioritize video data in order to guarantee requirements for bandwidth, delay, jitter, and packet loss.
– Network authentication for secure communications on the network.
– True Day/Night Capability
– Auto Back Focus (ABF)
– Local Service Jacks
– PoE and 24VAC
– Advanced Network Camera Setup
– Mini SD Card Slot for Local Storage
– Extended Platform (EP) for 30ips @ 720p (1.3mpx)
– Real-Time, High-Frame Rate Images
Pelco: Know your Rep
With the redefining of marketing channels, the constant introduction of new technology, and the migration of dealers into larger and bigger dollar markets, the importance of the Factory Rep has experienced somewhat of an epiphany. In cases where a manufacturer sells direct to the end-user or the installing dealer, the rep is the strategic technical and marketing arm, the face and voice (the sweaty palm and pounding heart) of the monolithic corporation the represent.
To find out more about the role of a factory rep, Locksmith Ledger interviewed Pete Peek, Pelco Regional Rep. Following are the Ledger’s questions and Peek’s efforts.
Can you provide a little information on your background?
I have been a manufacturers rep since 1984. My partner and formed 1 Volt Associate in 1992 as a full-service manufacturers representative firm. We look at what we do as the low voltage communications industry. We do a great deal in the CCTV and Card Access arena.
What companies do you represent?
We represent Pelco, Code Blue, Middle Atlantic Products, Totevision and Fluidmesh. There are a few others to fill out our portfolio. That is what gives us the ability to bring a total solution to our clients.
How long have you been repping Pelco?
My partner and I have actually represented Pelco since 1987.
What do you do as a PELCO rep?
We are the first line of defense as we say. We are responsible for all of the things that a direct sales force is. We work with the Integrators and distributors. We work with Consultants, A & E’s and End Users. We are really responsible for all aspects of the sales cycle. We stay pretty busy.
What are PELCO’s differentiators among a rapidly filling field of video products?
One of the many things that Pelco brings to the table is stability. You can always depend on them. They are always there. They have been able to provide live customer service 24/7. You never get an answering machine unless you ask for voice mail. Their market share for cameras is the highest in the industry. They invented the high speed dome system that every other manufacturer has copied globally. The story has a long road.
What new products are forthcoming from PELCO?
I think the channel will be pleasantly surprised to see our Megapixel camera line, Sarix. It is easy to use and competitively priced H.264 camera line. Our Endura enterprise recording system has been a success story. The next rev of Endura 2.0 will bring an easier implemented enterprise IP system for everyone.
PELCO was recently acquired by Schneider Electric. In which ways will this affect PELCO?
After a year, it has been relatively transparent to us. As will all of these types of acquisitions, there are growing pains. My impression of Schneider is that if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. I believe they have offered their insight to marketing, manufacturing and organization. Every manufacturer in the industry has had to do a little belt tightening. Pelco hasn’t done nearly what many of the others have had to do. We will have to see where these times lead us.
