Shaping the security landscape

 What are you showcasing at Intersec this year?

At Intersec, we launched the new version of our flagship product- Security Center 5.12. This is the first time we are unveiling it at a trade show, and we are very excited about a complete set of new features focused on unifying all our products into one platform. We are talking about video, access control, and license plate recognition all in a single platform. Additionally, we are demonstrating an access control product for the first time, featuring Axis hardware powered by Genetec software.

The key differentiator is that the software comes pre-loaded directly into the hardware. You don’t need to integrate it later or add another layer, making it a first-of-its-kind offering in the industry. This achievement results from 25 years of collaboration between Genetec and Axis. The concept behind it is to bring the software closer to the edge, increasing capacity and enabling faster decision-making. This approach also aligns with our cybersecurity strategy, ensuring no interaction or interference since the software is pre-loaded. All you need to do is plug it in, and it’s a game-changer. It combines Axis’s renowned hardware manufacturing expertise with Genetec’s industry-leading software, making it a powerful solution in access control.

What is new in Security Center 5.12?

The Security Center’s new version brings mapping enhancements, authentication improvements, and new automation features. With this, you can oversee access control and view the connected cameras to observe interactions within the access control system.

Have you changed the user interface and provided access through mobile apps, etc.?

We’ve reached a point where almost all the features available on a desktop can be managed through our mobile application. Additionally, we offer a web interface where you can log in. Of course, there are some configuration tasks that must be done on the main platform. However, when it comes to monitoring, understanding activity, and managing alarms, we prioritize mobile access and provide similar capabilities through the web interface. This approach aligns with our strategy to offer options and cater to our customers’ preferences for accessibility anytime, anywhere.

What sets Genetec apart from the competition?

The main differentiator between us and our competitors is the ability to unify all our products into one platform. Secondly, our scalability sets us apart;  we can support up to 30,000 – 40,000 devices. The Federation feature of our platform allows users to monitor global operations, not just in a single city or country. We are renowned for our scalability because we serve top verticals such as government, airports, transportation, and critical infrastructure. With such clients, there are no limits to the scale our products can reach. This scalability extends beyond technology to encompass our field support, which is present globally with offices everywhere and 24-hour technical support. It’s not just about delivering a product; it’s about providing robust support for scalability and geographic diversity, and I believe we excel in this aspect.

Do you provide both on-prem and cloud-based solutions?

This is the burning question of the hour – we are fully committed to a hybrid approach. We are not advocating for one way over another; instead, we provide options. As I mentioned, our primary goal is to offer our customers the freedom to choose the perfect solution that aligns with their specific operational requirements.

We have observed a significant trend towards adopting hybrid solutions, as traditional security practices have historically been on-premises. However, we are witnessing a transformation, and our primary focus is to ensure that anything achievable on-premises can also be accomplished in the cloud or through a hybrid approach. Today, we are close to achieving this goal, and I believe we can handle virtually all tasks through a hybrid model. For those who prefer a pure cloud solution, we have something very exciting in the pipeline for this year. Our top priority right now is giving customers the freedom to choose a solution that suits their business needs and budget.

Do you leverage AI and ML in your product portfolio?

AI is a topic that extends far beyond just security; it’s a subject everyone is discussing. What’s particularly intriguing this year is that AI has now become accessible to regular consumers, and people are incorporating it into their daily work routines. While we’ve been utilizing various forms of machine learning for many years, it’s important to note that this concept is not new.

However, we firmly believe that, despite the capabilities of AI/ML in expediting processes and aiding in data aggregation and pattern recognition, we have not yet reached a point where machines should be responsible for making critical decisions. The technology we are integrating into our platform focuses on enhancing data aggregation and process acceleration while keeping decision-making firmly within the realm of human interaction. The type of customers we work with leaves no room for error, and we acknowledge that AI is not infallible. It lacks objectivity and the nuanced understanding required for making flawless decisions. In our line of work, where we collaborate with governments and airports, there is absolutely no margin for error. Though we leverage AI, we continue to place the responsibility of decision-making in the hands of humans.

Is the Middle East region strategically important to Genetec?

We started our journey in the Middle East 19 years ago. We take immense pride in the fact that our first Middle East project was Dubai Airport, which happens to be the primary gateway to this region. Since then, our growth has been nothing short of exponential.

We have recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art office in the One Central in Dubai World Trade Center zone. This office houses a comprehensive experience center, designed to resemble a control room, where visitors can interact with and experience all our products firsthand. We welcome our customers, partners, and technology collaborators from around the world to this space. Dubai is a highly sought-after destination, drawing people from Europe and the US, and our references here are among the most significant globally.

Saudi Arabia is a notable example of our dedication to investment in the region, where we’ve tripled our team over the past 18 months. We are actively involved in substantial projects that align with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision, including the Expo and the World Cup. Our presence in Saudi Arabia continues to expand, and we proudly support these monumental initiatives.

Can you tell us about your sustainability initiatives?

We are already in a favorable position as a software provider because we don’t do hardware. However, what’s even more significant is our approach to the overall operations of the company. We adhere to very specific guidelines regarding various aspects, such as office construction and the products we use internally. For instance, we have taken steps like banning plastic bottles, which might seem like a small action, but it holds significance considering our global workforce of 2000 employees. We are committed to using sustainable alternatives even in our daily practices.

In general, Genetec considers environmental responsibility a passion deeply rooted in our company culture. Being environmentally conscious and contributing to the well-being of humanity and the Earth are integral to who we are as a company.