13 Feb A new platform for security
“Today the industry still has the tendency to tackle common problems with proprietary solutions.”
Security Middle East speaks to Johan Jubbega, president of the newly-formed Open Security and Safety Alliance which aims to offer of more collaborative approach to today’s security challenges by offering specifications for a common standardised platform for security and safety solutions
Why is there a need for another open standards alliance?
“We believe the purpose of the Alliance is unique. It focuses on developing a framework outlining a common standardised platform for security and safety solutions. The framework provides standards and specifications for a common components including an operating system, IoT infrastructure, collective approach for data security and privacy, and a drive for improved levels of performance. In addition, we aim to promote new business models to encourage the adoption of more data-centric services by users. By addressing common challenges the individual members can free-up resources to focus on real innovations that benefit end-customers.
Today the industry still has the tendency to tackle common problems with proprietary solutions. One of the main objectives of the Open Security & Safety Alliance is to increase the level of trust in the industry. Users of solutions that are based on the framework, specifications and best practices set by the Alliance (Alliance certified) should have the assurance that certain levels of data security and privacy, performance and interoperability are a given. Already existing organisations like PSIA or ONVIF have a different purpose. As a matter of fact the Open Security & Safety Alliance’s purpose is not reflected in any of these associations.
Who is the Alliance aimed at and who will it benefit?
The key beneficiaries will be the customer and user of the improved security, safety, building automation and business intelligence solutions which result from the groundwork laid by the Alliance through its standards, specifications and best practices. Participants in the Alliance who will also benefit directly include: Device manufacturers, software developers, systems integrators, management software providers, consultants and specifiers and distributors
How is this different from ONVIF?
ONVIF is an open industry forum that provides and promotes standardised interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products. We foresee both initiatives supporting one another in shaping the industry. We expect ONVIF and the Open Security & Safety Alliance to be complementary. As an example, we may imagine that ONVIF profiles may be adopted by the Alliance if they contribute to the Alliance’s purpose.
You are also pitching the organisation to software developers? How can you help them and is their inclusion an important part of the Alliance’s remit?
“We enable software /app developers to invest in new applications that can run on a commonly-agreed framework and standards so that they can address a larger market and scale their business. As a consequence these app developers can create new applications and software solutions that open up new possibilities for users and customers of safety and security solutions. They better the variety of apps, the more added value we can deliver as an industry to our users and customers. Therefore it is important that app developers are joining the Alliance.
Apart from an interesting market volume to fund innovation we can offer app developers:
· To be at the forefront of shaping future security, safety, and business intelligence solutions – software and applications that drive hardware specifications, not vice versa.
· To connect directly to their customer base to optimize and tailor applications and software solutions to their needs.
· To leverage and influence hardware specifications to drive software innovation in the market.
How many member companies do you currently have?
The Alliance went live on September 25th 2018. Currently we have about 20 active members including the founding members Bosch Building Technologies, Hanwha Techwin, Milestone Systems, Pelco, and VIVOTEK as well as companies like Anixter Inc., Ambarella Inc., AndroVideo and Kings Security Systems Ltd. Around 30 additional companies have expressed an interest in joining the alliance soon.
Are there different levels of membership ?
Companies have the possibility to either join as sponsor, contributor or adopter. More information can be found via following. www.opensecurityandsafetyalliance.org/Join#MembershipBenefits.
What about certification? Do you plan to roll out a range of standards in the near future and if so what is the first one likely to focus on?
Yes we are planning to introduce a program of certification of hardware and software solutions to ensure they meet the proposed agreed standards and specifications.