Using a Web browser rather than software on a user’s computer to integrate access control with other security functions is becoming an option with several systems.

The advantage cited by Jim Lynch, director of product management, International Electronics Inc., Canton, Mass., is that the system can be monitored from any location through the browser and it eliminates loading of security software on a user’s computer system.

“IT people sometimes don’t appreciate it because you’re in their world, and they’re responsible for the main integrity of the network,” Lynch says of systems that require software being loaded on a com-puter network. “If you have an embedded solution, we’re not using the network sources.”

Another advantage of the browser in an emergency is remote operation, he points out. “Through the browser or an alarm event, the user can lock down a facility in an emergency situation instantaneously,” Lynch maintains. “In this day and age, that type of functionality is unfortunately important.”

Brivo Systems LLC, Bethesda, Md., also uses browsers to control access control systems. “We manage a central database on a set of server farms,” explains Christie Walters, Brivo’s director of business development and marketing. “The customer is not required to be connected to a specific personal computer or have any software on their computer. They have ultimate remote flexibility.

“The best analogy for us is online banking,” she adds. “Most people are very familiar with that. They have a secure log-in and password that protects that data. Our system has the same scenario.”

Because a browser-based access control system is a more recent product than conventional access systems, “It will take a while to penetrate the marketplace,” Lynch admits. “It’s an educational procedure — it’s one integrator at a time.”