The system, supplied through CCTV Center, delivers everything needed for the full remote monitoring of any site, from the cameras and recorders right up to the broadband link and service provision by one of Europe's most advanced ARC monitoring operations.

"This is an extremely important development that will be welcomed by the many customers who prefer the reliability and performance of Panasonic equipment but who have had to rely on third party solutions for remote CCTV monitoring in the past," says Andy Coombes, managing director of CCTV Center.

"From now on, system designers, installers and end-users will be able to get everything they need for a Panasonic end-to-end solution, allowing them to take advantage of the hugely exciting cost savings and operational advantages of IP-based CCTV monitoring."

Among the most important advantages for end-users are the cost savings that can be achieved by switching to i-Pro 24/7 event-driven remote CCTV monitoring. The use of existing IP networks allows substantial monitoring cost savings to be achieved - up to 70 percent compared with using dedicated phone lines, for instance. For any organisation relying on out-of-hours manned guarding or site-based CCTV monitoring, there is real scope for reducing manpower costs by switching to staffing during opening hours only, and this greater efficiency can be achieved without reducing security levels.

"When a site is protected by i-Pro 24/7, our monitoring team will verify immediately if an alarm event has occurred," says Mark Thomas, managing director of iWatch UK, which provides the Panasonic-approved monitoring service.

"The verification of any intrusion attempt or other security threat will be virtually instantaneous, thanks to the speed of IP-CCTV transmission. This allows monitoring staff to take immediate action, for example warning off intruders using an on-site PA system, or calling for rapid police response to the verified alarm."

For security installers, the key advantage of i-Pro 24/7 is that everything is included in the i-Pro 24/7 package delivered by CCTV Center, thus providing a straightforward route into the rapidly expanding remote monitoring market at the highest level.

In operation, the i-Pro 24/7 offers a web-based front end that provides complete transparency of operation for the user, with online event review; full reporting and statistics on events, alarms and system status; and online site management for keyholders. i-Pro 24/7 also allows online problem management and maintenance for system managers and engineers.

Once installed, i-Pro 24/7 provides a secure, round-the-clock monitoring solution that can be easily expanded, or redesigned to meet changing needs into the future.

"For both end-users and installers, i-Pro 24/7 offers the benefits of significant cost savings and improved security," adds Andy Coombes. "Now, using a fully Panasonic solution end-to-end, anyone can take advantage of the more flexible, secure and affordable future that remotely monitored IP CCTV offers."