Internet communications are changing the way organisations operate across the globe.
This change is affecting how companies do business across a variety of industries. IP has already been adopted by most UK companies, and is rapidly replacing PSTN across Europe. The security industry has been slower to embrace this new technology than other areas, but the not-too-distant future may see a time when PSTN communications will not be an available option. Users and suppliers have to respond to these changes and use the technology to its fullest advantage. Bold Communications, a supplier of alarm communications and management software, is well-positioned to understand and respond to the direction in which alarm signalling over networks is headed.
There have been concerns about the change to IP, mainly revolving around the use of security systems onto data network. While IT provides added security and reliability, many companies perceive the migration process as challenging and potentially high risk. Tackling customer concerns, Bold Communications has considered how best to develop new strategies which embrace these developments and deliver real benefits to users.
While a stream of new IP-based communications products regularly arrive in the alarm signalling market, the big question is – how do we utilise the technology to provide a better solution at lower cost. Each situation is different and the trick is to provide a tailored answer using, as far as possible, off the shelf components. And, of course, customers want an end to end solution they can trust; no-one seems willing to volunteer for the role of guinea pig.
The use of network technology for alarm signalling is moving beyond the early adopters phase. The Bold NetRX alarm receiver, developed some years ago, for use with the Honeywell Galaxy Ethernet communicator, has proved valuable in numerous applications. The NetRX is designed to receive alarm signalling over IP from the Galaxy 8-512 & G3 ranges of control panels. In line with our core objective of being able to offer "open" communications systems, users now have the flexibility of using BoldNet RX with all standard alarm panels. Whether used over Public Internet Broadband or private Ethernet networks, this method of alarm signalling can significantly reduce costs, has negligible impact on the network traffic and doesn’t compromise the security of the communications system in any way. System status assurance can be given for a far longer period than conventional analogue comms, data is encrypted at a high level and line faults are quickly reported.
A particularly effective example of how IP has been implemented can be seen at P & R Security in Oldham, who monitor a range of commercial and public sector clients. Paul Bromley, Technical Director at P&R said: "[We] chose MiniBold and BoldNet RX for its ease of use and proven reliability. I would not have considered the use of these products if Bold didn’t have an IP vision for the future; their commitment to new technology chimes with our own objective of providing best value for our clients.”
