June 22nd, 2010

Milestone Systems : XProtect Essentials Released. Replaces Basis+.

COPENHAGEN – June 12nd, 2010. Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software, today launches a new product called XProtect™ Essential, designed for small businesses with the future in mind. XProtect Essential´s out-of-the-box features manage the basic needs of IP video surveillance operation for single-server installations of up to 26 cameras and five concurrent users. With pricing that is competitive in the low-end market while offering future extendibility, XProtect Essential provides optimal value: the combination of strong surveillance capabilities with ease of use and a flexible licensing model that allows upgrades and seamless system expansions.

Consolidated single-point management access to the XProtect Essential recording server includes system configuration wizards, automated device discovery and a smart bulk configuration option that enhance administration of the system. Wizards guide through the process of adding cameras, configuring video, scheduling recordings, adjusting motion detection settings, and managing system users. This makes the system easy to install and deploy.

XProtect Essential includes the newest XProtect Smart Client with a friendly user interface for all daily operations: control cameras, view live or play back recordings simultaneously, investigate quickly with the Sequence Explorer, create and export evidence fast. There is a wide choice in view layouts (private or shared) and adaptability for different skill levels to aid novice users, while experts can optimize the application for the most efficient operation.

“It is brilliant simplicity! Designed for the basic needs of smaller businesses that want easy-to-use yet advanced surveillance features at an unbeatable price/capability ratio, XProtect Essential also allows expansion for future requirements. Our software enables just that kind of forward capability to scale up an installation with new cameras and seamlessly migrate to other Milestone XProtect solutions,” says Christian Bohn, Head of Product Management at Milestone Systems.

The physical security market has been dominated by analog and DVR monitoring products which typically lock in customers to hardware-centric systems that only work with a certain number of cameras, from one manufacturer only. When a customer wants to add a few more cameras or the DVR needs repair or replacement, they have no flexibility.

With Milestone XProtect Essential Video Management Software (VMS), customers can choose from the industry´s widest selection of supported cameras (currently over 885 network device models from more than 80 manufacturers), and mix different brands as needed to fit exactly their surveillance and budget demands. As their business grows or changes, it is easy to add or replace cameras individually, taking advantage of new innovations that come to market.

With base software license (SLC) and separate camera device licenses (DLKs) instead of fixed combined packages, customers have higher flexibility when purchasing XProtect Essential. Available in 22 languages, it is sold and implemented by authorized Milestone partners worldwide.

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April 9th, 2010

Milestone Systems XProtect Enterprise 7.0b General Availability

Milestone XProtect Enterprise 7.0b

Milestone XProtect Enterprise 7.0 is comprehensive, open platform IP video security management software for medium and large-scale installations, including multi-site deployments and integrations to many 3rd party systems. Easy-to-use clients provide full-featured operator viewing, while its intuitive management application offers unparalleled manageability.

Key Improvement Areas in XProtect Enterprise release 7.0b
The new 7.0b version of XProtect Enterprise includes a number of new capabilities:

  • Localization of the Management Application
    The new management application that was introduced in version 7.0a is now available in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. Built-in help system in English and Chinese only.
  • Trial version
    XProtect Enterprise is now available in a 30 days trial version.
  • Device pack
    The latest “Video Device Driver” pack version 4.7 is shipped with XProtect Enterprise 7.0b.
  • Issues solved
    A number of technical issues in Setup, Management Application, Manager, Recording Server, Download Manager and Viewer have been solved. For details please refer to the Service Release Note.

XProtect Smart Client 5.0a
XProtect Enterprise release 7.0b also ships with version 5.0 of the XProtect Smart Client that was introduced in conjunction with XProtect Corporate 3.1 earlier this year. Compared to earlier versions, Smart Client 5.0 offers an array of new functions that simplifies the operations of larger surveillance installations.

  • Sequence Explorer
    The innovative Sequence Explorer provides intuitive navigation of captured video and time sequences from one or multiple cameras, enabling accurate and fast investigation of incidents and evidence extraction.
  • Overlay Buttons
    Overlay buttons enable intuitive control of cameras, camera-integrated devices and other integrated systems directly from the camera view.
  • Independent Playback
    The new instant and independent playback function allows you to independently playback recorded video for one or more cameras, while in live viewing or playback mode. When used in live mode, this will increase the operator’s ability to investigate incidents while still monitoring live video.
  • Application Options
    To fit the specific needs of operators, or specific surveillance requirements, the new Smart Client 5.0 allows users to adapt the layout and personalize the application to their particular preferences. By that the work not only becomes easier, but the cost of training new operators can also be reduced.
  • Updated Smart Client Graphics
    New icon-based control of panes in the side bar, combined with new scroll function makes navigation far easier. Slimmer application title bar design leaves more space to the video.
  • Localization
    Finnish language support introduced, which means that the Smart Client now is available in 20 different language versions.

Downloads
The Milestone XProtect Enterprise 7.0b software and related Service Release Notes, User’s and Administrator’s Manuals are all available for download from the download section of our website.

March 7th, 2010

Milestone IP video software secures Malmo City Tunnel in Sweden

Milestone IP video software secures Malmo CityTunnel
When the Swedish national railway began major construction of the Malmo CityTunnel Project in 2005, workplace security was of utmost concern. Now the tracks are almost ready, and it is IP video surveillance management software from Milestone Systems that helps make sure everything goes smoothly.
COPENHAGEN, March 4th, 2010. When construction is complete in December 2010, 17 kilometers of new high-tech, double-track electric rails will connect Malmo Central Station in Sweden with the Oresund Bridge to Denmark. Six kilometers of that will run underground in two parallel tunnels through the center of Malmo. The goal of the CityTunnel connection between Malmo and Copenhagen is to greatly reduce the travel time between the two cities – and not least to transform Malmo Central Station into a transit hub that powers the pan-Scandinavian network.
Several thousand people have been involved in this construction, and today around 100 men are working with the last preparations. It is precisely this reduction in personnel that has made the managers of the CityTunnel project sharpen security for the workers with IP video surveillance from Milestone Systems.
“In conjunction with reducing the workforce in this phase, we have increased the security because even though the project will soon be finished, we have to continue to ensure that the work goes smoothly and problem-free and that our employees have safe work conditions. We have therefore chosen IP network video surveillance, and it has already solved a number of issues for us,” says Mikael Lundquist, Manager for Personnel & Work Environment, CityTunnel.
In collaboration with Insupport, a Certified Milestone Partner, the CityTunnel project identified weak points in their security and it was clear that network video surveillance was necessary. The choice was Milestone XProtect™ Enterprise, an IP software solution designed as an open platform that supports the largest options for cameras and integrations with other systems – both existing and future. The video surveillance is installed in three train stations, as well as the tunnels, with about 30 Sony IP cameras, including the rugged stationary dome model SNC DF80 and the panorama model SNC RZ25 with Pan/Tilt/Zoom and day/night functionality.
Strong Nordic Partner
“The decision to use Milestone was easy. We know Milestone really well, and they offer a very strong platform that allows integration with all kinds of software and hardware. Among other things, we can archive the surveillance video in very high quality and quickly export images to other locations, which has huge value for the CityTunnel,” states Pontus Pettersson, VP at Insupport Natverksvideo.
Three security guards patrol the underground stations where the surveillance is installed. When they walk their normal rounds they can also have their colleagues follow with the video monitors at any time. The system has been used primarily for documentation which has already been a big help, for example in the case of two inebriated Danes who got lost in the tunnel in January. With the video images, there was incontrovertible evidence that was immediately given to the police.
“We have been very pleased with the Milestone software, not least because it is easy to use by our security personnel, but of course because it makes our work much safer,” concludes Mikael Lundquist.

When the Swedish national railway began major construction of the Malmo CityTunnel Project in 2005, workplace security was of utmost concern. Now the tracks are almost ready, and it is IP video surveillance management software from Milestone Systems that helps make sure everything goes smoothly.

COPENHAGEN, March 4th, 2010. When construction is complete in December 2010, 17 kilometers of new high-tech, double-track electric rails will connect Malmo Central Station in Sweden with the Oresund Bridge to Denmark. Six kilometers of that will run underground in two parallel tunnels through the center of Malmo. The goal of the CityTunnel connection between Malmo and Copenhagen is to greatly reduce the travel time between the two cities – and not least to transform Malmo Central Station into a transit hub that powers the pan-Scandinavian network.

Several thousand people have been involved in this construction, and today around 100 men are working with the last preparations. It is precisely this reduction in personnel that has made the managers of the CityTunnel project sharpen security for the workers with IP video surveillance from Milestone Systems.

“In conjunction with reducing the workforce in this phase, we have increased the security because even though the project will soon be finished, we have to continue to ensure that the work goes smoothly and problem-free and that our employees have safe work conditions. We have therefore chosen IP network video surveillance, and it has already solved a number of issues for us,” says Mikael Lundquist, Manager for Personnel & Work Environment, CityTunnel.

In collaboration with Insupport, a Certified Milestone Partner, the CityTunnel project identified weak points in their security and it was clear that network video surveillance was necessary. The choice was Milestone XProtect™ Enterprise, an IP software solution designed as an open platform that supports the largest options for cameras and integrations with other systems – both existing and future. The video surveillance is installed in three train stations, as well as the tunnels, with about 30 Sony IP cameras, including the rugged stationary dome model SNC DF80 and the panorama model SNC RZ25 with Pan/Tilt/Zoom and day/night functionality.

Strong Nordic Partner

“The decision to use Milestone was easy. We know Milestone really well, and they offer a very strong platform that allows integration with all kinds of software and hardware. Among other things, we can archive the surveillance video in very high quality and quickly export images to other locations, which has huge value for the CityTunnel,” states Pontus Pettersson, VP at Insupport Natverksvideo.

Three security guards patrol the underground stations where the surveillance is installed. When they walk their normal rounds they can also have their colleagues follow with the video monitors at any time. The system has been used primarily for documentation which has already been a big help, for example in the case of two inebriated Danes who got lost in the tunnel in January. With the video images, there was incontrovertible evidence that was immediately given to the police.

“We have been very pleased with the Milestone software, not least because it is easy to use by our security personnel, but of course because it makes our work much safer,” concludes Mikael Lundquist.”

February 16th, 2010

Milestone XProtect Device Pack 4.7 Released

Milestone XProtect Device Pack 4.7 has been released with:

  • Support for the following new devices on XProtect Enterprise, Professional & Basis+ :
    - ACTi ACM-8211
    - ACTi ACM-8511
    - ACTi TCD-2500
    - Axis P5534
    - Axis Q1910
    - Hikvision DS-2DF-401E
    - Hikvision DS-2DF-402E
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-601X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-602X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-603X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-604X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-605X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-607X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-611X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-612X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-613X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-614X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-615X
    - Hikvision DS-2DF1-617X
    - Hunt HLC-7RI
    - Hunt HLC-15M
    - Hunt HLC-15V
    - Hunt HLC-79G
    - Hunt HLC-79M
    - Hunt HLC-84M
    - Hunt HLC-84V
    - Hunt HLV-1CAD
    - Hunt HWS-01AD
    - Messoa NCB-855
    - Messoa NCR-875
    - Messoa NDR-895
    - Mobotix D24
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-20
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-22
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-26
    - Optelecom Siqura MD-20
    - Optelecom Siqura MD-22
    - Pelco IDE20DN
    - Pelco IMS0C10
    - PSIA Conformant Device with 16 channels
    - Samsung SNC-B2331
    - Samsung SNC-B2335
    - Samsung SNC-B5368
    - Samsung SNC-B5399
    - Sanyo VCC-HD4600
    - Sony SNC-CH140
    - Sony SNC-DH140
    - Sony SNC-DH180
    - Sony SNT-EX101E
    - Vivotek IP7361
  • Support for the following new devices on XProtect Corporate:
    - ACTi ACM-8211
    - ACTi ACM-8511
    - ACTi TCD-2500
    - Axis P5534
    - Axis Q1910
    - Messoa NCB-855
    - Messoa NCR-875
    - Messoa NDR-895
    - Mobotix D24
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-20
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-22
    - Optelecom Siqura HD-26
    - Optelecom Siqura MD-20
    - Optelecom Siqura MD-22
    - Pelco IDE20DN
    - Pelco IMS0C10
    - PSIA Conformant Device with 16 channels
    - Samsung SNC-B2331
    - Samsung SNC-B2335
    - Samsung SNC-B5368
    - Samsung SNC-B5399
    - Sanyo VCC-HD4600
    - Sony SNC-CH140
    - Sony SNC-DH140
    - Sony SNC-DH180
    - Sony SNT-EX101E
    - Vivotek IP7361
  • Support for new firmware on different devices. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added support for JPEG, I/O, VMD Events and Two-way Audio for ACTi devices running Streaming mode V2.0. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added support for multiple Microphones and Speakers on ACTi devices with multiple Audio In and Audio Out. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added support for the new Bosch I/O API from Firmware 4.0. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added support for more Inputs and Outputs on the Barix Barionet when chaining devices. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added H.264, Absolute PTZ and PTZ Preset Type 3 functionality to ONVIF driver. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Added Digest authentication for PSIA driver. Please see the Release Notes for further information.
  • Solved different issues related to Device Pack 4.6. Please see the Release Notes for further information.

The Device Pack Release Notes contain an exhaustive list of devices and supported firmware, changes, and issues solved, as well as an upgrade guide for the different XProtect Systems.

The Milestone XProtect Device Pack 4.7 and the Device Pack Release Notes are all available for download from the Downloads section