Signalling technology must be All IP-compliant
During 2020 British Telecommunications has begun vigorously pursuing its goal to convert its entire traditional UK public telephone (PSTN) network to an internet protocol (IP) based system – known as the All IP project – by 2025. This process has important consequences for businesses and homes which use telephone network-based monitoring of security (intruder alarm/access control/CCTV) and fire alarm systems connected to alarm receiving centres. Some customers may recognise they are involved with this process because they have a BT classification as receiving Special Services via their phone lines.
Securing corporate data against cyber attack
Choice has gained Cyber Essentials accreditation. It has acquired this certification to the UK government information assurance scheme with the assistance of IT partner/service provider SEDCOM Networks.
Improve safety and recognise reputable fire systems support businesses
Pressure is building towards a change in the UK fire systems market whereby, as with security systems, compulsory third-party certification of fire systems support businesses is being called for. In the light of Grenfell Tower and other tragedies, in July 2020 the government launched an open consultation into the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and published a new Draft Building Safety Bill (as reported by Ifsecglobal). At the same time The National Security Inspectorate has recently argued the case for fire certification in The Parliamentary Review 2020.
Increased Security and Health & Safety advantages
While the body temperature-measuring capabilities of thermal imaging CCTV have come to the fore in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, this CCTV technology has other uses, including its ability to ‘see’ and capture body images in fog- and smoke-filled environments. See our short (18s) test video below.
Systems can screen employees, students, passengers, visitors…
Thermographic CCTV cameras that can read multiple people’s surface skin temperature in a second to within ±0.3°C accuracy have been harnessed within a simple, rapidly deployed system. This can mass-scan people entering a premises and so provide preliminary detection of those who may be unwell. The benefits for screening of employees, students, passengers, visitors etc in the present circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic are clear.
Choice has gained Constructionline accreditation (Silver) in a move aimed to broaden opportunities for the business’ fire and security capabilities within the UK construction sector.
Protection for reconfigured roof space in listed 1931 Tuke Building
Choice has completed a fire system replacement within an extensive second-floor refurbishment project in the imposing Tuke Building, at the Regent’s University campus adjacent to London’s Regent’s Park. The work had to be executed in a tight time window between academic sessions during the summer of 2019.
Government’s new CCTV certification scheme
The growing importance and increasing dominance of internet/network-based CCTV security has brought with it the inherent risks to business and personal safety associated with cyber-attacks (hacking) and data theft. These have been illustrated in recent years by a number of high profile cases that have made news headlines.
Choice has installed the latest intelligent, cctv-based intruder alarm system using DeepinMind technology from Hikvision at a Grade II-listed Elizabethan manor house in south-east England. Within its walled garden the privately-owned property is protected by a perimeter ring of cctv cameras.
