Guest Blog by Matt Bretoi, Vice President of Sales, North America at FLIR Systems, Inc.

Security technology and the demand for security systems has rapidly evolved over the last several years. In 2006, less than 10 million video surveillance cameras were shipped globally, as reported by research firm IHS Markit. Fast forward to 2018, IHS forecasts that 130 million surveillance cameras will ship worldwide, with the majority of these being network cameras.

With artificial intelligence, deep learning technologies, and other advanced functions increasingly being built into these IP cameras, interoperability has never been so critical. Interoperability is one of the key determining factors for which solutions get deployed in a security project. If a customer is impressed by a new product on the edge, but the device isn’t compatible with the video management system, the customer might consider changing the head end. But often, the customer just won’t deploy the edge device. In other words, if there’s no interoperability, it won’t go anywhere.

At FLIR, we see interoperability as an essential driver of product adoption as well as new business.  Therefore, we see our ONVIF membership as critically important. Here are few reasons why.

First, we want to do all that we can to please the customer. We want to eliminate any barrier, such as a lack of compatibility, that could inhibit a system integrator or enterprise from using our products. Developing solutions that are ONVIF conformant helps us achieve that goal.

Secondly, we want it known across the marketplace that we are open for business. We want to partner with other security solution providers to deliver an enhanced value to our customers. A prime example is our new multi-spectral camera, FLIR Saros, which features multiple thermal sensors, a high-definition optical camera and built-in analytics. The solution is designed to integrate with leading central station and VMS platforms. The integration allows system integrators to provide remote video monitoring and video verification services to end users, driving RMR. It also enables central stations to provide a heightened level of perimeter protection to their customers through accurate threat detection and real-time response.

All in all, we want to thank ONVIF and the ONVIF community for driving standards in the industry. The continual improvement of ONVIF drivers to include full camera capabilities is helping FLIR drive innovation. We are able to allocate resources to improve and innovate across all security product platforms.

Creating new ONVIF compliant solutions that are optimized for third-party integration positions FLIR for long-term success in the security industry, and we will continue to align ourselves with ONVIF.

Author bio:

Matt is the Vice President of Sales, North America for FLIR’s thermal/perimeter solutions business.  He has been with FLIR for eleven years and in the security industry for twenty-two years, primarily focused on site/perimeter security and general surveillance.  He has been closely involved in many types of projects over the years related to critical infrastructure sites including utilities, airports and ports, bridges, petro-chemical facilities, and federal landmarks.  General surveillance projects include extensive work with correctional facilities, casinos, corporate campuses, education, and healthcare. Matt’s education includes the engineering school at the University of Michigan and a business degree from the University of Florida.