Sony Professional boosts channel assistance for security resellers

Expansion of partner programme helps Sony resellers to embrace new security solutions

Sony Professional today reinforced its commitment to its reseller community through the expansion of its partner programme. Sony believes that working more closely with its Independent Software Vendor (ISV) community will encourage innovation in the security market and the uptake of new products, enabling partners to grow their businesses more effectively. 

To date the support scheme has encouraged greater uptake of new security solutions, such as the H.264 codec and Intelligent Video Analysis, which in turn has had a significant impact on the expansion of IP technology. Sony's Security Solution Portal Site provides technical information including Software Development Kit (SDK), live demonstrations and promotional materials to help its partners trial and implement new Sony technology.

For example, Sony pioneered the adoption of H.264 compression in the security industry through the release of the first H.264 compatible security cameras line-up in 2006. It now boasts a line-up of eight H.264 compatible cameras and a group of ISVs in Europe that support the codec, or plan to by May 2009. As Wolfgang Baumgartner, CEO, NETAVIS Software GmbH explains: "NETAVIS system integrators have chosen to use Sony H.264 cameras not only because of quality they offer but because Sony supports H.264 in PTZ cameras."

Sony is also helping ISVs to realise the full benefits of Intelligent Video Analysis technology. One of the first manufacturers to embed intelligent video analysis technology into its cameras, Sony's real-time Distributed Enhanced Processing Architecture (DEPA) allows users to process content directly after image capture.

Sony now boasts a line-up of eight H.264 compatible cameras and a group of Independent Software Vendors in Europe that support the codec

Users also benefit from intelligent motion detection that helps to reduce false alarms, resulting in improved security and reduced costs.

"Sony's advanced security technology enables us to offer users autonomous, simple and powerful management of video analysis. Moreover, the standardisation across the complete Sony range gives all Sony camera users access to the technology regardless of the size of their investment," explained José Savoye, CEO, VISEOX.

"We are also working with our ISVs to incorporate DEPA support into other video management software offerings on the market," continued Yu Kitamura, EMEA Product Manager, Video Security, Sony Professional. "Sony is committed to enabling new customers to benefit from product innovation in the security market. We continue to work closely with ISVs to encourage accessibility and adoption."