ASIS 2012 was the site last month of several announcements about new cloud-based video surveillance services, including one from imaging expert, Sony Electronics Security Systems Division, together with Next Level Security Systems, a company that offers an IP-based security management platform that integrates video management, IP access control, video analytics and remote management into a single appliance.

Sony and Next Level are jointly developing a new cloud-based video surveillance solution, which they stated will be designed to deliver affordable, scalable security services and technologies to a worldwide customer base.

“Our mission is to design technology that delivers information quickly and efficiently to enable users to see a comprehensive view of security operations,” said Peter Jankowski, chairman and president, Next Level Security Systems. “Our cloud-based services combined with Sony IPELA camera technology will allow us to take the next step in allowing users to quickly gather video data and customize the way it is received, while increasing mobility and minimizing upfront investment.”

Combining Sony’s IPELA camera technology with NLSS Cloud Services from Next Level and EMC Iomega, Isilon, VNX, and VNXe storage technologies will allow cameras to automatically configure over the network and connect to the cloud for additional mobility, security and video storage options.

The service, planned to be available for a low monthly fee, will allow users to easily access on-camera and stored video, and provide additional flexibility through the cloud for long-term retention of critical data, the companies stated. Sony’s G6 IPELA ENGINE-based cameras incorporate unique technology including edge-based storage and image-enhancing technology such as View-DR and XDNR, according to a jointly issued press release. When combined with Next Level’s innovative cloud-based security management services, Sony cameras will be able to automatically detect available bandwidth and select a suitable bit rate stream to maximize video transmission and viewing. Unlike other hosted or cloud services, Sony will leverage patent-pending, peer-to-peer technology from Next Level to provide restriction-free access to live and recorded video regardless of the amount of video viewed, clients connected or events that are reviewed or downloaded, the companies said.

“This groundbreaking technology will allow us to steam ahead of the competition by offering cloud-based surveillance devices and services that redefine the market,” said Mark Collett, general manager, Sony Security Systems Division. “We are committed to serving customers that require a small number of cameras with minimal on-site infrastructure investment. This solution enhances our ability to deliver a variety of security technologies to our growing customer base while providing a high-level of safety, mobility and operational efficiency.”

With the new Sony G6 IPELA ENGINE-based cameras, users can access live and recorded video through a browser-based user interface that can be accessed on a wide range of network devices. Android and iOS-based mobile applications allow users to access Sony cameras and watch video at the push of a button from a variety of mobile devices. Two-way audio and I/O functionality also are supported.

“Physical security users demand solutions that allow for the deployment of cameras with minimal configuration, security efficiencies and access to video information from anywhere,” said Dick O’Leary, EMC’s global director for Physical Security Solutions. “EMC’s VMware Ready VNX and VNXe unified storage systems and low-cost Iomega arrays provide an industry-leading platform for hosted security services that provide centralized management and advanced remote site storage options for highly distributed environments. EMC Isilon’s scale-out capabilities are ideally suited for today’s big data, multi-petabyte physical security requirements that are becoming increasingly common in centralized hosted environments. Working with our partners to stay ahead of the growing demand for these capabilities, EMC’s Physical Security Solutions Lab has validated the Next Level unified security management system with our full line of storage arrays and Next Level Cloud Services running on VMware for centralized hosted environments. EMC looks forward to expanding our existing relationships with Sony and Next Level to deliver a unique video surveillance solution that leverages state-of-the-art, yet cost-effective cloud-based video and storage technologies.”

For more information, visit http://www.nlss.com.