Flexible, Expandable IP/Hybrid Camera & Recording Systems for Offices & Businesses

You can buy security cameras anywhere. But to have a truly functional, robust surveillance/recording/monitoring security camera system for your office in Roselle, IL, you need system design, installation, programming, and integration with your data network from someone who truly understands both. Don't get sucked into contracting services from a "camera installer" for whom IT networks are just a sideline or vice versa.

For decades, Andromeda has served the IT/Security needs of small-to-medium sized organizations like yours in the greater Chicagoland IL/Indy area. We have cultivated expertise in both the data network "brains" as well as the camera/access control/alarm/communication "arms and legs" of office systems and have years of experience integrating these together for a diverse cross-section of businesses, municipalities, and other associations/organizations.

Your timing for creating or expanding a current security camera surveillance system could not be better. There is no longer a need for an expensive, dedicated system to monitor your premises. We also provide great options for expanding an older security camera system with better/newer analog and digital technology without scrapping what you might already have! By leveraging your existing IT network for your security camera system(s), Andromeda can save you time, money, and lots of headaches with efficient integrated systems that can do more than you probably imagined: real-time alerts, automated responses, and more.

Security Camera/Surveillance/Recording Systems -Roselle, IL 60172

We are a certified Panasonic Network Camera Installer. We utilize the latest in IP Video Camera technology, which allows the cameras, DVR recording and viewing all to be performed on your existing computer data network. This allows you to use your existing investment in your data wiring and data systems and extend that network into the security camera/webcam arena.

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Panasonic Cameras and Recording Software

• Panasonic manufactures over 20 different types of network video cameras. The following are some of the features that are available:
  Wireless
• Outdoor
• Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE)
• Digital and Optical Zoom
• Very High Resolution
• Low Light, Night Viewing
• Motion and Thermal Activation
• Full Pan, Tilt, and Zoom with Scanning Presets
• 2-Way Audio with Microphone and Speaker

The ability to record and later playback is an important and necessary part of any video security system. There are many options available; from on-camera memory sticks to a full-blown, searchable recording system capable of storing months worth of video from all your cameras. The viewing software is very user-friendly and easy to use.

Andromeda Technology Solutions will work to understand all your needs and provide a solution that exactly fits those needs, and allows for future growth if necessary. Our attention to detail will ensure you receive a system that you will be 100% happy with.

Applications

There are many types of applications where it pays to see there, when you cannot be there. Here are just a few types of oranizations that have benefited from our security camera systems:

• Parking Lots
• Daycare / Nursery School
• Construction Sites
• Car Dealerships
• Retail Stores
• Restaurant / Franchise
• Self Storage
• Hotel / Motel
• Multi-unit Residential

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Flexible / Programmable / Expandable Surveillance Systems

You can start with just a few cameras and expand the system as you grow. It is very easy to add security cameras to the system, without throwing away any of your initial investment.

There are options to synchronize recordings with your POS receipts, so you can exactly match the video recording with an individual receipt transaction.

The wide variety of camera types and camera options make the system extremely flexible to fit almost any application.

We can also setup remote access for you to view live video or search through recorded video, from any remote location with Internet access. You can keep tabs on your business without having to be there.

Integration: Get The Most From Your Security Systems

How does Integrated Security work?

How does Integrated Security work?

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...)

Why is Integrated Security better?

Why is Integrated Security better?

This allows the entire system and designated human responders to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

Triggers:
• Motion in ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Discontinue ...more

Triggers:
• Door opening ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Selective lock ...more

Triggers:
• Zone fault ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Set/Reset ...more

Triggers:
• Manual Pan/Tilt/Zoom signals to designated cameras
• Overrides of any current Access Control statuses
• Set/reset Alarm status

I.S. Programmable Responses:
• Alert Central Station
• Email/text alert to owner/designated responders
• Pop appropriate camera feed(s) to all responders
• Release of appropriate cameras to manual control

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...). This allows the entire system to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

AndroPedia Tech Library

As part of our service, it is important to keep our client-partners well informed on Security Camera system developments, news, and best practices. Here is just a sampling of typical items from our AndroPedia^SM library archive:

We’ve all seen a professional camera system on sale online and at the big retailers. Systems with 10+ IP cameras on sale for less than 5K on Amazon or other large online retail databases.

And if you haven’t seen these systems, don’t go looking them up unless you are looking to install them at home – and even then, we’d suggest doing so with caution.

It is understandable that you might be tempted to purchase one and install it at the office.

But while the price tag associated with these systems appeals to you, there are some big things to consider and reasons that these systems appear “too good to be true”.

Let’s dive in . . .

In some cases, you don’t really know where a professional camera system comes from and if it might be infected.

Over the last few years, cyber criminals and hackers have gotten very creative in new ways to infiltrate your life and business.

There have been numerous incidents of camera systems purchased online preloaded with malware. This malware can be used to hack into a system and see what is going on in the business or even at your home.

That is some seriously creepy and scary stuff!

Even worse, since most of the systems sold online are IP based, they are connected to your network. If you install an infected system that is like giving a hacker or cybercriminal the keys to your server and saying, “have at it”.

A professional camera system purchased online probably won’t have the same warranty or manufacturer guarantees.

While an upfront investment in a professional camera system will surely be larger, you are also purchasing professional installation and in most cases a product with a professional quality warrantee as well.

For example, Andromeda is partnered with Honeywell and when we install a professional camera system for you it comes with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee (meaning we will come back to make minor adjustments if you find that your view is off or a piece of equipment is faulty), and a 3 year manufacturer warranty.

You are also offered a service agreement that includes all maintenance, cleaning, updating and any equipment swaps. This type of regular maintenance leads to a longer lasting and better functioning system all around.

When you buy a system online . . . you’re the one stuck installing it.

Now, we aren’t questioning whether you are handy or capable of doing it yourself, but installing a camera system can be a pretty big job.

Depending on what type, there may be wiring required, a power supply must be available, you have to mount the equipment, and you may need to program the system and many other details.

Andromeda staffs professional engineers and service technicians to take care of this for you and when it comes to your business, you want to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing things were properly installed.

On top of installation itself, the systems sold online are often manufactured by little known brands overseas. This means that if something goes wrong you are often on your own. Local service companies and professionals won’t be able to come out and trouble shoot for you.

With a lack of service available, the lifetime of your equipment tends to be much shorter than professional alternatives.

We understand that a camera system and installation may seem like a pretty big expense, but as with many other technologies and services, you want to make sure you aren’t putting good money into a bad solution.

You may save up front, but the risk of much larger costs down the line simply doesn’t outweigh the benefit.

The post 3 Reasons You Don’t Want To Purchase A Professional Camera System Online appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Security cameras have many uses at your business. They can be used to deter crime, monitor employees and ensure safety on your premises. Cameras can also be used as a piece of a larger integrated security solution with software add-ons (i.e. facial recognition, temperature maintenance etc.) or equipment integration such as access control with visual intercom capabilities.

As technology advances and companies look to integrate different devices cameras will be able to do even more.

All of this in mind, your professional camera system is an investment in the security of your business and you want to get your money’s worth out of it.

On average, a professional system has a life cycle of approximately 5 years. This life cycle can be significantly shorter due to extreme weather conditions (if the cameras are outside) but new technologies are improving exposure thresholds every year.

There are many things you can do as the equipment owner to ensure that you get a long and dependable life out of your security cameras.

Here are our Top 5 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your CCTV Professional Camera System:

1. System Updates/Patches

Unless you’ve opted for a cloud based solution, your cameras connect back to a physical recording device at your facility. Professional recording devices are now more like a PC or a server. They require regular updates/patches to help improve functionality, decrease bugs and resolve issues.

2. Dust Your Recording Equipment

Your recording equipment will most likely be mounted on some kind of rack in an area where you keep the rest of your IT equipment (like your server, router, phone equipment and other hardware).

3. Regular Testing of Recording Functions

It might sound a bit foolish to say you should regularly be checking your footage or regularly confirm that your cameras are working but when there aren’t regular incidents or needs to check footage, it can be easy to forget you even have the cameras at all (maybe you won’t completely forget but you get the idea). Obviously, they last thing you want is for an incident to occur and realize too late that your cameras are malfunctioning or your recorder isn’t working properly. We would suggest adding regular testing of your equipment to your maintenance schedule.

4. Clean Camera Lenses

Just like regular testing, it is important that you check and clean your camera lenses regularly. You never know what might get on them. Additionally, make sure to clean up foliage around your cameras to avoid blocked views. It is smart to clean camera lenses at least once a quarter if not more.

5. Semi-Annual Professional Service/Checkup

There are many small things that can happen to a professional camera system that are best left for professional technicians.

• Wiring issues
• Corrosion
• Faulty Equipment
• Port Forwarding
• System Audits (verification of views, users, permissions, updates)

We would recommend that you have a professional technician come on site at least twice a year to perform maintenance and checkups – hopefully from the same company who installed your equipment. At this time they can handle all of the above and possibly even more.

A quality professional camera system is an investment. They aren’t cheap but the protection and security they give you are well worth the expense. If you take proper care of your system, it will service your needs for years. Additionally, it makes sense to look into service packages your vendor offers to maintain a system before you even install it. Many companies include all of these services for a reasonable monthly fee.

Give us a call and let’s see what we can do to prolong the life of your system today!

The post Tips to Prolong the Life of Your CCTV Professional Camera System appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

First it was 55 million.� Then 77 million.� Now, it's 2.2 billion, or pretty much every user on Facebook.� That's how many people should assume that their public profile information has been scraped.

The conversation began when it came to light that Cambridge Analytica (a political research firm) had misused Facebook's search function to scrap profile data for tens of millions of Facebook's users to help the Trump campaign win the recent presidential election.

As research into the matter has continued. However, it has become clear that Cambridge Analytica wasn't the only group misusing the search feature, and that before Facebook disabled it, more than two billion of Facebook's users had seen their public profile information scraped.

Essentially, Facebook was used to paint a more complete picture of users to build a profile which could be sold on the Dark Web.

Starting with stolen phone numbers or addresses, hackers developed automated routines that fed this information into Facebook's search function, enabling them to link these bits of information with the names and locations of specific people.� Having a more complete profile in hand made the data that much more valuable on the Dark Web, where it is currently being resold.

At 2.2 billion impacted users, it's certain that this will be the year's largest data breach. In fact, this one is likely to hold the world record for quite some time.

Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg issued an apology to the company's massive user base.

Mike Schroepfer, the company's Chief Technology Officer, had this to say:

"Until today, people could enter another person's phone number or email address into Facebook search to help find them.� This has been especially useful for finding your friends in languages which take more effort to type out a full name, or where many people have the same name.� However, malicious actors have also abused these features to scrape public profile information by submitting phone numbers or email addresses they already have through search and account recovery...we believe most people on Facebook could have had their public profile scraped in this way."

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