New from the Video Management Software (VMS) company Genetec is Stratocast. The Canadian company describes it as a Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) solution powered by Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud-computing platform. Stratocast is the makers say for small and mid-sized businesses who are looking for CCTV without the costs and complexities typically associated with installing and managing on-premise systems.
Now going through beta testing at customer sites around the world, Stratocast is due in the spring of 2013. The new product will be sold and supported exclusively by Genetec’s Stratocast channel partners. With it is claimed minimum training and setup costs, minimal onsite equipment to maintain and manage, and no need for dedicated security or IT staff, users will be able to focus on their core competencies, while having CCTV system. Pierre Racz, Genetec’s Founder and CEO, says: “With Stratocast, we are bringing 15 years of expertise in developing safety-critical video surveillance systems for users that include the world’s most traveled airports, largest retailers, and Fortune 500 businesses, to a section of the market that is currently underserved by existing systems. Because Stratocast is affordable, easy to install and simple to use, quick service restaurants, retail shops, office buildings, as well as sporting and musical events, will finally have the professional tools they need to secure their facilities, remotely observe their operations, and ensure a safe environment for their employees and patrons, at a price they can afford.”
Features include: HD video capture; intelligent video management features that alert users when an activity or incident has occurred instead of having to review hours of recorded video; and the Cloud Federation feature, which allows enterprise users to add new cameras to remote/satellite locations and supplement their existing on-premise Security Center unified security management platforms. Other features such as video trickling capabilities, mean that cameras, bandwidth, and archives can be tuned to each user. With a guaranteed uninterrupted service 99.5 per cent of the time, users will be able to access live and recorded feeds from their Stratocast system from any computer, smartphone or tablet.
“Windows Azure gives customers a secure and flexible cloud platform that opens up new possibilities for delivering solutions such as high-end security services to businesses of all sizes. With Windows Azure and Stratocast, customers can automatically and safely store security assets, including video and related critical data, in the cloud so they can easily reuse, retrieve and analyze their data at any time, anywhere,” added Mike Howard, Chief Security Officer at Microsoft.
Stratocast will support a variety of cameras that feature “phone home” functionality, including fixed and PTZ (pan tilt and zoom) cameras. More than 40 models of Axis Communications cameras are available at launch.
“Most small and midsized businesses today still rely on analogue cameras, and DVRs, for their security needs, but this is changing fast. With Genetec developing hosted cloud-based video and Axis delivering intelligent cameras designed to leverage the simplicity and ease of use of the Stratocast system, together we are driving the technology shift from on-premise to cloud-based video surveillance in small installations,” says Dominic Bruning, Director Global Alliances at Axis Communications. “Building upon our long standing relationship, we are thrilled to be the camera partner of choice for the launch of Stratocast.”
Stratocast will be demonstrated to the public for the first time at ISC West on booth #25049 (Las Vegas, April 9-12, 2013) and will be available for subscription through approved integrators in Q2-2013.
To register for ongoing information about Stratocast, visit http://www.stratocast.com
