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As the cost of security – primarily due to licensing and the Working Time Directive – and the management of real estates begins to spiral, end users will be forced into looking at reducing their total outlay on security provision through the use of more effective technology. One of those technology mediums is IP surveillance.

We'll not be defining what exactly IP surveillance means for the end user in this discourse. Other articles in this month's special IP Supplement cover that. The next thing you, the end user, need to know is where you can find a host of IP specialists under one roof for you to quiz.

The answer is at IIPSEC (the International Internet Protocol Security Exhibition and Conference). Running from 27-29 January 2004 at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry (just ten minutes from Junction 15 of the M40) and organised by IP Security Events & Media Ltd, the event will allow you to evaluate the very latest technologies – including networked surveillance products, DVRs, image software and access control solutions all running over IP. End users will then be in a position to create joint strategies with their installers on how best to realise the most cost-effective IP surveillance solution for their host company.

The IIPSEC Product Showcase itself takes place in Hall 1 of the Stoneleigh Complex, which will house all the exhibitors in addition to the IP User Group lounge. Exhibitors thus far booked to attend include (in alphabetical order) Axis Communications, Barco, Batt Networks, Baxall, Borer Data Systems, Bosch Security Systems, Braddahead, Cardax, CCTV Centre, CCTVImageBank, CCTVInfo.com, CNL, Cieffe, Dallmeier, Dedicated Micros, Digital CCTV, DVTel, Europlex, Evolve Holdings and Fast Video Security.

Also plying their wares will be Group 4 Security Systems, IBM, IndigoVision, Initsys, Iomega, the IP User Group, IVS, JVC, Lenel, Milestone Systems, NetBotz, Oak ESP, PAC International, Petards, PI Vision, PowerDsine, Sanyo, Shawley, Sigma Projects, Sirrus, Sony, Syac, Tavcom Training, Telindus, VCS, VCL, Video Imaging Supplies, Videor Technical, Visionics Security Systems, Visimetrics, Vision Fire and Security and VSK.

In other words, all the major product developers and solutions providers already into IP will be there for you to talk to.

IIPSEC 2004: The Seminars
As was the case in 2003, there will also be a range of informative seminars presented by leading industry experts in the purpose-built Stoneleigh Complex Theatre (located in the Warwick Complex, just a few minutes' walk from the main Exhibition Hall).

There are two main discussion sessions on the opening day of IIPSEC 2004, and a further two on the middle day. Session One on Tuesday 27 January runs from 10.30 am-12.30 pm, and looks at open systems for security and building management applications. Covering commercial, business and legislative considerations, this session serves as a general introduction to using open systems for security and building control.

For many security professionals, the very thought of such openness creates a concern with regard to a given building's security, and that of the information stored within. This seminar aims to probe such concerns, and offer an overview as to how the various systems work together.

The afternoon session on Day One (which runs from 2.30 pm through to 4.30 pm) examines video-over-IP specifically for surveillance-related applications. Connecting network-based surveillance products to IT infrastructures is the fastest growing area of the market. With this in mind, the critical issues involved in selecting, specifying and installing such technology will all be discussed in depth.

By converging video, voice and data networks onto a single IP-based network, a company can lower its total cost of network ownership by reducing expenditures associated with equipment and maintenance, as well as carrier charges

The session begins by assessing end user network requirements, and goes on to cover topics such as frame rate recording, third party control (ie PTZ), selecting and archiving images.

On Wednesday 28 January, the morning session (10.30 am to 12.30 pm) provides an overview of intelligent building systems and their applications. Covering surveillance, access control, biometrics, XML Protocols, wireless devices and much more besides, the session speculates as to how the 'buildings of tomorrow' will be almost self-administrating. Costs will be reduced, and benefits for the end users increased as systems work closer together in sharing information.

The afternoon seminar (which again runs from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, as on Day One) is entitled 'The Connectivity of Services and Global Network Applications'. Wiring is one of the most significant cost factors in a networked solution. The promise of wireless connectivity between devices has revolutionised today's office environment, and this session covers all you need to know (including LANs and WANs, and how they interface with security systems).

IIPSEC 2004: The Conference
The one-day IP Convergence Conference is new this year, and is designed to "explore the IP technology roadmap" (see box panel "The IP Convergence Conference at IIPSEC 2004").

Traditionally, companies have made use of a number of individual circuits which carry various services throughout a building, the exception to the rule being a data network linking PCs to computers, allowing staff to communicate by e-mail, Internet, Intranet or Extranet. However, with the emergence of voice-over-IP, otherwise known as IP telephony, business mandarins are now considering whether or not to attach additional services to their common networking infrastructure – such that it can handle all corporate communications.

This new culture of seeing the IP infrastructure as carrying more than just IT services will open up other opportunities, of course, including the ability to transmit video and data traffic besides. The advantage to be had here by the end user is that security services such as CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems might also be attached, allowing alarm images and time/date information etc, to be delivered to any local PC desktop, mobile telephone, PDA or – if the client so desires – to a central data storage hub.

By converging video, voice and data networks onto a single IP-based network, a company can lower its total cost of network ownership by reducing expenditures associated with equipment and maintenance, network administration and network carrier charges. A converged network facilitates employee mobility and also provides a solid foundation for a new generation of applications based on IP technology.

Convincing your Board of Directors to invest in new technology in these lean economic times can be daunting enough. IT and security initiatives must be seen to support core business strategies, but equally they should provide quick returns in this day and age. IP-based security products, claim the organisers of IIPSEC, can deliver both. End users must understand all the necessary factors involved, though, and that's where the IP Convergence Conference really comes in.

Exploring The Learning Zone
IIPSEC 2004 also boasts The Learning Zone, providing delegates with free workshops aimed at helping them get to grips with using TCP/IP for security purposes. These are run hourly throughout the show. A welcome addition to The Learning Zone this time around will be three focused workshop sessions covering video-over-IP, access control and intruder alarms-over-IP, as well as how to design, install and configure a local network for your site(s).

Also a first this year, the IIPSEC 2004 IP Awards are being run to celebrate the very best systems developers in the business. All the aforementioned exhibitors are eligible to submit one piece of kit to the Judging Panel, while end users can see who wins out by attending the Gala Awards Dinner.