A package of "intelligent" security services from Siemens, based on a combination of GSM and GPS technology and operable off the existing GSM network, is set to cause a stir at the Tel.Com exhibition at Midrand from 20 - 22 April.
The security products comprise three devices for personal, car and home property protection. They connect the caller to an emergency centre via the GSM network, and rely on GPS for accurate location detection and swift response by rescue teams.
Peter Holford, marketing manager of Siemens Telecommunications, says the products are certain to find a ready market in South Africa, given the high levels of crime and violence and the increasing need to protect person and material possessions.
"The real growth in GSM technology is in the area of value-added services off an Intelligent Network (IN) platform, and it was merely a matter of time before cellular network operators would be able to offer security services based on an existing GSM network," he says.
The personal security device dramatically increases safety for people, especially in an urban environment where muggings and attacks are commonplace. It allows a person to call for immediate help, via the GSM network, at the touch of a panic button on a small device that fits into a pocket or handbag.
Accurate localisation of a person via GPS drastically reduces the response time of a security patrol. Additional panic buttons can be built in, for example to alert hospital or fire fighter services.
A similar device is also available for car installations, which could prove invaluable in hi-jacking or any accident situation. The device is installed in a hidden place in a vehicle where, in the event of an attack, the panic button can be pressed without being noticed by any other party. As soon as the location of the attack (and consequent location in the event of an escape) is sent to the emergency centre, the car can be located and recovered.
An added advantage of this car device is that the emergency centre can secretly listen into the car and monitor the situation. Automatic alert forwarding to the nearest security patrol means a very short reaction time for rescue activities.
The third security service offered in the Siemens package provides protection for private property, and can be seen as an additional security service to the others.
The primary idea of this service is to provide residential households with more intelligent means for monitoring and protecting their property at a reasonable price. It aims to avoid the problems with false alarms caused by infrared monitoring and high costs associated with video monitoring.
The service`s hardware consists of "intelligent" video sensors placed at key points of the property, such as doors and gates, which are connected to an emergency centre via the GSM network. Benefits include easy installation, false alarm suppression, remote visual inspection by authorised persons, event classification and event history.
Peter Holford says that the security devices should be available locally by the end of the year.
Siemens mobile networks other GSM products on show at tel.com
Note: This is simply abbreviated information - demo and brochures available at Tel.com. Contact person is Jeanne Fourie on 082 774 0309
1.GSM security products
(please see the release)
2.Sigi-Pro community phone
This product is the latest in the Sigi line of community phones, which Siemens Mobile Networks has supplied to Vodacom since 1994. Used in community phone shops and telecentres, the Sigi Pro can enable services such as fax, data, e-mail and Internet access in communications-deprived areas through connection to the Vodacom network. Although developed by Siemens Mobile Networks and Psitek specifically for the South African market, the Sigi Pro has generated great interest from other developing countries, leading to significant export orders.
3.CTI (Cellular Telephone Interface)
The CTI is a highly cost-effective way of linking your business or personal phone to the GSM cellular network, thus providing fixed-line telecommunications and obviating the need to rely on public telephone systems. Applications include : entrepreneurs setting up offices and needing a telecomms solution while they wait for a fixed-line service mobile business applications and temporary installations, such as construction sites emergency control centres in disaster situations security back-up for existing fixed-wire service secondary back-up or emergency outgoing voice and fax calls from a company PABX switchboard remote and rural areas applications.
4.DuO Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management system
The Siemens DuO Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management system is a state-of-the art powerful business tool whose primary function is to optimise use of the fleet manager`s assets. As such, DuO offers a logistics-based business solution, not just a technological solution. It is tailor-made for transport concerns, haulage companies, management of sales teams, small and large fleet management, taxi and car rental companies.
Siemens Mobile Networks has invested more than R34-million to date on the DuO system, an upgrade of which has been released (DuO v3.0), representing the latest in Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology. The system incorporates several innovations, such as enhanced internet-based connectivity, and has been specifically designed for use in a bureau environment.
5.Micro-BTS mini-base station
This is a mini base station, with low RF output power to obtain small-size cells which are essential in high-traffic density areas, and may be a valid alternative to traditional systems for rural areas or to fill coverage holes in areas already covered by high-power BTS. The base station has low power consumption and is reduced in size, to allow installation in conference halls, theatres, railway stations, airports, subways tunnels, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Siemens will have it connected to run on an 1800 frequency at the Tel.Com exhibition, as a test mini-network.
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