Nairobi–Cisco last week announced a series of safety and security innovations powered by a comprehensive Medianet architecture. Together these innovations support the evolution of Cisco’s strategy towards a solutions-oriented services-led approach that will enable Cisco customers and large security integrators to build highly scalable network-based security systems that better protect people, property and critical infrastructure.
Cisco underscored its continued commitment to open standards by demonstrating video support for ONVIF-compliant cameras. The company is also for the first time extending its Medianet Services Interface software to certified video surveillance partners to automate and streamline the way in which Cisco networks recognize, configure and monitor the service levels for third party IP cameras.
As part of Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities initiative, Cisco is also introducing new communications interoperability solutions and enhancements. Real-time communication is critical in times of emergency. Currently in many cases, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and public safety professionals communicate on different radio frequencies and with different systems, creating barriers to providing a coordinated and efficient response during crises.
Shahab Meshki, Cisco GM, East Africa said: “Today’s announcements represent key steps we are taking as we evolve our safety and security strategy to a more solutions-oriented, services-led approach. We envisage a greater role for our large security integration partners as we focus on projects with our clients that will take advantage of the Medianet architecture. The security business is converging on IP and open standards, and Cisco is continuing to collaborate with the industry to underpin this evolution.”
Johann Putter, corporate manager, Information Services, Africa Middle East, at Aurecon in South Africa said: “With a network of offices across 23 countries, Aurecon required a scalable, comprehensive access control and video surveillance solution that would enable our mobile employees to be productive with authorized privileges regardless of their office location. The Cisco Physical Access Control and Video Surveillance solutions we selected allow the management of building security to be done through a single, centralized interface, while ensuring the protection of our intellectual property and our employees’ ability to collaborate effectively. We aim to extend the solution to additional offices worldwide.”
