Axis Communications Philippines – MEC Networks Corporation

Axis: The Value of AI Adoption in the Security Industry

MEC Updates — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 02:03:20 +0000

The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining a lot of traction and attention in the security enterprise. Regardless of the diverse definitions of AI, industry professionals concur that its actual potential has yet to be realized. For future industries, digital transformation is critical. AI is at the forefront of this discourse. It also includes limitless opportunities for improving operational efficiency.

Growth of AI Adoption

Applications that run on AI demand a valuable amount of computing power. They make the most out of the complex and sophisticated deep learning models and heavily rely on technologies such as graphic processing units (GPUs). With all these innovations in big data and advancements in algorithms, we can now see the financial sector, universities, and governments investing in AI.

Dealing with the Risks Involved in AI Adoption

Zooming into the security industry, AI adoption is also now becoming a common phenomenon. However, with immense potential comes the prospect of significant risk, as the very same technologies we depend on to deliver AI have intrinsic threats that must be addressed. While we have found a great amount of research that backs the use of AI as a means of protecting against a cyberattack, we are also aware of documentation on how cybercriminals are using AI to fuel their activities.

In the past, security technology has been simply focused on restricting and/or verifying access, affirming identity, or delivering environmental monitoring to detect or deter. This has all been done with the purpose of safeguarding the assets and facilities of an organization. But now, these same physical security systems can be linked with many other systems within the company such as HVAC, HR, or marketing.

Some company stakeholders may have formerly seen security as a probable business blocker. Nevertheless, by employing security to enhance enterprise processes and their agility, and embracing innovation that drives growth, it’s easy to see how security is well on its way to being known as a business enabler instead. In this way, security technologies can give businesses a competitive advantage.

AI Adoption and Security Technology

By making the most out of the power of AI combined with security technologies, an organization will gain access to greater visibility and business intelligence. This will let stakeholders make authentic data-driven judgments that can simplify and improve business operations through varied forms of optimization. Taking this discussion into a setting that deals with clients in a brick-and-mortar setting, this newfound knowledge can be priceless. Information such as people counting, queue management, dwell times, heat mapping, and demographic information – all anonymized for statistical use – creates substantial business power.

In addition to this commercial benefit, AI can also boost public safety, for example, the ability to scour lost children. If an individual meets a certain profile, they can be recognized and potentially found without the need for viewing hours of recorded video. This is achieved by leveraging the benefits of metadata built into video surveillance cameras.

While this information is being analyzed and processed, organizations can push this information to the cloud or a remote location, such as an alarm or video monitoring center. Together, this will improve the accuracy of detection, accelerate the investigation process and automate a response as needed.

Lessening the Risks within AI Adoption

All of these technologies can contribute intelligence to a business, but if used in isolation, they will be limited at best. The technology must be connected to other systems where the data is evaluated for a usable conclusion in order to provide significant insight.

Security systems have typically operated on their own specialized networks, a closed circuit that prohibits infiltration and provides near-invulnerable security. Now, allowing stakeholders within a company access to these devices and moving valuable data across networks poses a risk.

To lessen the risk, solutions from Axis can lend a hand in ensuring end-to-end security. We begin to blur the borders of ownership as individuals, departments, devices, and technology become increasingly interconnected.

The Future of AI Adoption and Your Security

Even with all the risks that come with the adoption of technologies infused with AI, companies shouldn’t panic and put their plans on hold. To mitigate major security threats, new technologies will be necessary to secure AI-based processes. The AI adventure has only just begun. Vulnerabilities, defects, and vendor errors will all be present. It’s only reasonable for security companies to want to get their product to market as soon as possible.

The evaluation of these technologies may be a new concept, but following traditional best practices still apply. This means evaluating the company providing the technology, ensuring that they can demonstrate their cyber maturity. Conduct a penetration test of the technology or at least run a vulnerability scan. And evaluate the efficacy of their security features, as these will also be crucial. It will also be critical to make sure the vendor has a plan in place to support the technology in the future, such as vulnerability management practices, security advisory notifications, and firmware updates.

Finally, consider your own company’s approach. Examine whether you are currently focusing on an up-to-date network security plan and whether switching to a zero-trust security model will be more beneficial. It’s also fundamental to think about how your buying strategy will affect your security rules and how you may improve them.

The post Axis: The Value of AI Adoption in the Security Industry appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

Axis: Why Small Businesses Need Video Surveillance

MEC Updates — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 01:16:43 +0000

There is no doubt that small business owners work hard. They are the ones who show up first and close up shop. They frequently take their work home with them to guarantee their business is as thriving as possible. Because of this, multiple business owners do not take breaks and, when they do, they spend a lot of time stressing over how matters are going in their absence. One of the highest concerns for small businesses is burglary, as it can have disastrous consequences. Thus, an excellent video surveillance solution is a profitable and worthwhile investment for your peace of mind and control.

Let us now plunge into the primary reasons why a video surveillance solution will be advantageous for your small business’ physical security, growth, and more.

Analyzing Incidents

Superior video surveillance systems with blow-by-blow or comprehensive coverage enable small business owners to go over unfortunate happenings and review what had transpired. For instance, if something goes missing from a retail shop, examining the video will expose what occurred exactly and most likely, who took the item.

Video systems can also be significant from a liability vantage point. Slip-and-fall claims are popular but occasionally turn out to be false. Without a video to authenticate claims, such affairs could be expensive. An illustration could be the case of guests who assert they were victims of being short-changed or a supplier who claims to have delivered three boxes of goods, but only two are in the stockroom. Instead of wasting time counting money in the cash register or contending over what has been given or delivered, a small business proprietor could easily reexamine video footage to decide who is in the right.

Checking In

For small business proprietors with video surveillance systems, breaks and leaves can truly and finally be freeing. Rather than sitting on a beach fearing for the worst about their business while they are away, they now have an alternative. The owner can utilize their smartphone to remotely watch the live video or a recorded one. That peace of mind is priceless.

Furthermore, if something was actually about to happen, some surveillance solutions allow the users to set up specific notifications on certain activities. For instance, if a shop is closed between 10 PM and 7 AM, an action rule can be deployed to handle any kind of motion during off-hours. This would activate an alert to be transmitted to the mobile device of the business proprietors. Then, they would check video footage via an app to ascertain the cause and see if it is a real issue at that moment. This is particularly beneficial in the retail sector where guests will frequently access certain areas during the day, but no one should be in the store once the shop is closed. The person who is authorized to take the notifications for each kind of event can easily modify and adjust these functions according to the needs of the business.

Saving Time through Multi-user Access

When it comes to small business chains, like convenience stores, cafés, or restaurants, it can be possible for both supervisors and proprietors to desire to monitor the business. Multi-user access situations permit simultaneous users to remotely view and manage a surveillance solution. This will open a way to escalate the position of security, protection, and efficiency. In addition to proprietors and administrators, installers can also have access to execute immediate maintenance work, like a system update or a reboot. This can save business owners some time and money as the installers do not need to dispatch a technician to the location.

Video Surveillance: A Long-term and Adjustable Solution

Those were just some of the key advantages video surveillance solutions bring to small business owners and partners.

Present solutions from Axis are cost-effective, easy to use, and offer the adaptability to cover operations from anywhere at any time – giving small business holders the power to work smarter, not harder. And they can now have the chance to focus on growing their bottom line. Solutions that offer flexibility when it comes to business growth also enable small business owners to continue being confident and secure no matter their changing business requirements. Being capable of effortlessly adjusting the number of cameras or positions, as well as storage space, creates peace of mind for business owners. This also empowers them to concentrate on their other issues or plans within the core of their business.

All businesses, no matter how great or small, would benefit from having a strong video surveillance system. Ensuring the security of your small business does not have to be complicated. When you connect with us, we can help you choose from the range of Axis solutions that would be most suitable for you.

The post Axis: Why Small Businesses Need Video Surveillance appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

MEC Networks’ Collation of Awards and Recognition

MEC Networks Corporation — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 08:10:20 +0000

For over 2 decades, MEC Networks Corporation has proven itself to be the Philippines’ premier ICT & physical security products, solutions, and services distributor. The company has received numerous awards from different organizations recognizing its initiative in bringing a brighter future today through World-Class ICT distribution.

Some of the most recent awards received by the company are:

At the Panduit-MEC Partners’ Bootcamp held on the 9th of August 2017, MEC Networks Corporation was awarded as Top Distributor of the Year in the Enterprise and Data Center Infrastructure Solutions Category.

ShoreTel held the Partner Appreciation Night on July 19, 2017, at the Marco Polo Ortigas, and MEC Networks Corporation was awarded as Value Added Distributor for 2016.

MEC Networks Corporation was awarded the Best Distributor of 2016 for Axis Communications at the Axis ASEAN Awards Gala Dinner on July 18, 2017.

During the FY16 HPE Partners Appreciation Night held on the 9th of March 2017, MEC Networks Corporation was awarded Top Distributor of the Year for HPE Aruba.

On January 12, 2017, MEC was awarded Growth Distributor of the Year for the APAC region during Fortinet’s Accelerate 2017 event held at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Representatives from nearly 700 different partner organizations from over 90 countries attended this year’s Accelerate conference, making it Fortinet’s most successful event ever.

On November 28, 2016, SonicWall awarded MEC Networks Corporation as FY17 Distributor of the Year at the Dillinger’s, Makati City.

Other awards received by MEC Networks Corporation are:

HPE FY2014 Top Distributor for 2014
HPE Distributor of the Year 2013
HPE Distributor of the Year 2012
HPE 2008/2009 Best Distributor for Market Share Growth (ProCurve Networking by HP)
HPE Customer Advocacy Award 2007 (ProCurve Networking by HP)’
Axis Communications Distributor of the Year 2014
Axis Communications Best Growth Distributor of the Year 2010 (Asia)
Axis Communications Best Effort Distributor of the Year 2009
Panduit 2016 Growth Partner of the Year
Ruckus 2016 Distributor of the Year
SonicWall Recognition of Outstanding Achievement 2016
Quantum Best Performance Strategic Distributor 2016
Aimetis Distributor of the Year – SEA
ADC Krone Million Dollar Club 2007 Award
TE Connectivity 2014 Sales Achievement Award
TE Connectivity / ADC Krone 10 Years Distributorship Award
Huawei Best Collaboration Award 2016
Huawei Best ISDP Application Award 2016

The post MEC Networks’ Collation of Awards and Recognition appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.

ICTip #5: Analog vs. IP Cameras

MEC Networks Corporation — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 02:00:33 +0000

Most of us may be aware of the fact that digital has been dominating analog in all aspects whether it’s video quality or ease of installation. One redeeming advantage of analog is its cost-efficiency, but the cost of IP cameras is rapidly declining as well. How much of an advantage does digital really give you? Is it worth spending money on upgrading from analog to digital? Here’s a comparison table of analog vs. IP cameras to help you decide on your next video surveillance investment.

Analog vs. IP Comparison Table

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

— Francis Manlapaz, Technical Consultant for Physical Security

We distribute:

Axis Communications • Bosch Security • HikVision

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

The post ICTip #5: Analog vs. IP Cameras appeared first on MEC Networks Corporation.