Network managers are constantly expanding their remit, acting upon decisions traditionally made by the combined business of the telephone manager and security managers (e.g. deciding upon - issues such as CCTV and video monitoring, access control and intruder systems). These network managers are frequently not only purchasing their IP cameras from many different sources, but they are also at a loss when it comes to buying all of the required necessary peripherals.
"If you take popular IP cameras such as those manufactured by Axis, or Sony and Pixord, customers are finding that they can obtain them from a vast range of suppliers, but this is not the case when it comes to the related accessories such as housings, poles and power supplies," says Gardiner's Integrated Systems Product Manager, Ray Ashby.
"The biggest criticism we discovered from the IT network sector was regarding suppliers'general inability to offer a full range of peripherals. With the increasingly widespread move to Converged Networks, (transporting data, video and voice over the same infrastructure), those working in the IT sector have made most progress with and derived most benefit from those suppliers that provide all of their product and advice needs from a single source - one that spans networks, CCTV, access control, even fire systems, PA and intruder alarms."
Aware of the development work then being carried out by some of the major security manufacturers, and recognising the emerging importance of the Ethernet network infrastructure, and TCP/IP in relation to all aspects of security, Gardiner Security established a dedicated Integrated Systems Division back in 2001 - a Division which is now the fastest growing business in the company.
Advising and serving IT managers and network integrators, the Division has seen a massive growth in interest from the industry for IP video networking, CCTV products, intruder and access control product solutions. As a consequence many fruitful partnerships have been forged with a number of leading consultants.
"Besides combining over 20 years of experience in the security industry with in-house expertise in network systems, the Integrated Systems Division offers access to a whole range of support services to an installation, such as full CAD facilities and system design," says Ray Ashby.
"We provide a totally independent product solution that is not restricted by manufacturer, plus giving access to technical support, on site surveys, demonstration facilities and training. On site delivery is available from any one of our National UK branches. Equally important, our Integrated Systems team can offer them the expertise on working practices to complete the solution."
With the recent partnering of IP-CS, for the first time now, integration of video surveillance with access control and IP telephony using 802.3af inline power switches on a single LAN infrastructure is possible. Gardiner's strength and expertise in this market will be a major force in enabling support for the IT companies network sector to overcome the sourcing and support issues that they currently face when working with converged systems. Pre and post sales support is offered as standard, with manufacturers brought in to assist with training customers on suitable solutions.