IP Surveillance Solution Helps Retail for Successful Operation

DUBAI, UAE, July 19, 2010 - Retail is one of the markets that heavily rely on video surveillance for
day-to-day operation. Due to budget restrictions, analog systems currently
dominate retail applications, even as some begin to move towards IP
surveillance. Since it is impossible for retailers to immediately discard
these existing technology investments, the flexibility from IP offerings to
be integrated with legacy video systems became one of the key factors when
choosing vendors.

Monitoring Activity

Video surveillance is an easy and discrete way to protect the people,
products and property of a retail site. Shoppers who see cameras placed
around a store will be notified that they are being watched, which can deter
theft. Throughout a store, high-value items and attractive merchandise, such
as makeup and perfume, could be carefully watched. "Suspicious behavior
requires tracking, high-resolution cameras such as PTZ cameras cover large
areas, allow security managers to see details and easily identify objects
clearly," said Harrison Albert, Regional Sales Director at D-Link Middle East
and Africa.

Another important place throughout a retail store which cameras usually
monitor is POS terminals. Connecting high-resolution cameras to the POS can
provide supporting evidence for conflict and disagreement management, for
instance, when cashiers forget to scan the price tag for purchased items.

Event correlation for effective security management is important for
retail. Motion detection recording with e-mail alert allows for instant
notification in the event of a break-in or a crime committed. The alarm
notice with snapshot will be sent to security managers and associated
executives instantly. Retail stores with larger space would require more
efficient methods to deal with accidents. Now, most network cameras support
audio recording along with a video recording process.

"Built-in microphone and speaker port for 2-way communication, security
managers and IT administrators of the retail stores are able to do
interactive conversation from remote to local areas when sudden accidents
occur," Harrison continued. Security can adopt one-to-one or one-to-multiple
users for broadcasting to specific camera sites or group camera sites,
depending on the situation.

Lighting presents a challenge. Cameras need to operate in daylight and at
night to continue monitoring jobs. "A day and night network camera that
provides automatic day/night functionality by adjusting the image from color
during the day (or in lowlight conditions) to monochrome at night or during
very poor light conditions is very important," Harrison added.

DVR and Data Protection

More retailers are replacing malfunctioned DVRs with NVRs, as NVRs are
easier to maintain. All cameras can be managed and accessed through a single
source for video management, which is capable of scaling to theoretically an
unlimited channel of cameras. These images can be easily stored, viewed
off-site and easily backed up. NVRs can store almost unlimited images for
playback or retrieve historical video clips under one single and simple
interface. Flexibility for local and/ or remote storage of video data that
provides secured data protection for the use of post-event evidence.

"Since end customers can access real-time video via Internet browser or
smart phone, retailers must carefully prevent unauthorized access to their
store's information. Intrusion can be prevented with software that comes with
profile and user options together with network firewalls, anti-virus software
and system updates," Harrison explained.

Network and Integration

The average retail chain uses multiple systems all with separate user
interface. "Our SDK (Software Development Kit) program is able to integrate
with an existing system like POS, building automation, access control,
intrusion detection and fire alarms," Harrison further elaborated.

Retailers with multiple locations need to analyze data centrally, which
then requires sufficient upstream capabilities from each store. The challenge
is that many retailers do not know which network architecture and bandwidth
requirements they need. The scalability and interoperability of future system
deployment remains the uncertainty for retailers.

"We understand budget constraints. D-Link is able to provide integrated
IP surveillance solutions by delivering worry-free product interoperability
and future expansion. Our expertise and over twenty years of experience in
network technology and development is the most unparalleled value that
retailers could rely on. No matter if you are starting from scratch,
extending an existing IP network or upgrading from a CCTV solution, D-Link's
IP Surveillance solutions can meet your business requirements and help you
achieve maximum value with the minimum resources," Harrison emphasized.

Return on Investment

There are many reasons to invest in a modern video surveillance system.
With a network video solution, retailers can better manage inventory loss and
fraud. All types of retail business - from a single shop to a whole chain of
malls - can benefit from IP surveillance to truly enjoy the successful retail
operation.

    Press Contact:

    Nicole Maria Meier
    D-Link Middle East & Africa
    Tel.: +971-4-880-9022
    Fax:  +971-4-880-9066
    E-Mail: nmeier@dlink-me.com

Press Contact: Nicole Maria Meier, D-Link Middle East & Africa, Tel.: +971-4-880-9022, Fax: +971-4-880-9066, E-Mail: nmeier at dlink-me.com