Sage Design has written an article on our GPAC System which can be found in their Sage Advisor SCADA, security and automation newsletter, Fall/Winter 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2.

Excerpts of that article as follows

Within security and IT circles over the last couple of years, there has been talk of “Security Convergence”. What this new phrase refers to is the evolving relationship which is growing between disparate security functions such as logical security and physical security.

Physical security departments tend to focus on the three G’s (guards, guns and gates), while logical security groups are concerned with safeguarding information systems. How are these two business areas converging? And what impact will this have on you?

The traditional barriers between these functions are being blurred as increasing numbers of businesses migrate from the old style PLC Automation Systems to the current web based PACs ( General Purpose Automation Control). It is now possible to affordably monitor and control cameras, sensors and device over a TCP/IP network. One example is the sale of old style CCTV cameras which are being eclipsed by Network or IP Cameras. Current IP cameras often come built in with a lot more “smarts” than their analog predecessors, including:

• Megapixel resolution
• Ring Buffer memory
• Digital zoom
• Infrared sensors
• Configurable exposure zones
• Audio

IP Cameras also have the option of PoE (Power over Ethernet) which makes cabling faster and more economical.

Rather than have several different systems managing Access Control, Smoke Alarms, Cameras and sensing devices, today’s software platforms (PACs) are designed to integrate these and to instill common policy based security rules. This software has opened up the worlds of Integration and Automation Control to customers who can now use browser (Internet) technology to confidently install complex security and building automation systems that were previously the exclusive domain of PLC Programming Engineers. Security convergence has created an excellent opportunity for systems suppliers to take their businesses to the next level by broadening their field of expertise and the ability to take on larger and more interesting projects. Ask us about the Embedded Technologies Corporation’s GPAC System.

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