In an era marked by technological acceleration and urban transformation, the evolution of smart cities has taken centre stage, redefining the landscape of urban living and governance. As cities across the globe embrace the potential of interconnected technologies, Genetec is trying to shape this paradigm shift.
Firas Jadalla, Regional Director, Genetec MEA elaborates on the company’s forward-looking strategies positioning them as a driving force in ushering cities into a new era of technological excellence and sustainable urban evolution.
How does Genetec’s open architecture approach contribute to the advancement of smart city initiatives in the region?
By offering an open and flexible platform, we enable cities to seamlessly integrate various technologies and systems, such as video surveillance, access control, and IoT devices. This integration fosters interconnectivity among different stakeholders, including law enforcement, transit agencies, and public safety teams, allowing them to collaborate effectively. Our open architecture approach empowers cities to choose the best-of-breed hardware and software solutions, ensuring compatibility and scalability as their needs evolve. This approach also promotes innovation, data sharing, and better decision-making, all of which are essential elements for creating safer and smarter urban environments in the Middle East.
Can you elaborate on how smart city initiatives enhance public safety through the integration of video surveillance, access control, and other IoT devices with advanced analytics? How do these initiatives empower citizens to participate in urban governance?
Smart city initiatives, fueled by the integration of advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, have a transformative impact on public safety and urban governance. By combining video surveillance, access control, and IoT devices with sophisticated analytics, cities gain real-time insights into their environments. This empowers law enforcement to respond more effectively to incidents, optimise traffic management, and enhance emergency response. Moreover, citizens become active participants in urban governance as they can contribute data and insights through these interconnected systems. For instance, citizens can report incidents, offer feedback, and engage in community policing efforts. This collaborative approach leads to a safer environment, improved trust between citizens and authorities, and a stronger sense of ownership in building a secure and vibrant city.
How does video surveillance software utilising deep learning analytics provide more accurate and reliable object and behaviour classification?
Deep learning algorithms enable the software to understand and interpret complex visual data, allowing for precise identification of objects and behaviours in real-time. This advanced technology distinguishes between ordinary activities and potential threats with greater accuracy. For instance, it can differentiate between a regular pedestrian and a person engaging in suspicious behaviour. This level of precision reduces false alarms, ensures timely alerts for genuine security concerns, and significantly enhances the overall efficiency of surveillance operations. By continuously learning from new data, the software becomes increasingly reliable over time, providing an unparalleled level of security and threat detection.
Given the increasing concern about cyberattacks on physical security systems, how does Genetec address the potential vulnerabilities of devices like video surveillance cameras, access control readers, and alarm panels to fortify them against cyber threats?
Research by Genetec shows that 36% of IT and security professionals want to invest in cybersecurity-related tools in 2023, with 40% of efforts focusing on access control alone. We leverage our advanced platform, Genetec Security Centre, to fortify devices against potential cyber threats. This unified security solution integrates diverse security systems and data into a single interface, ensuring true unification and simplified operations. Our systems are built with robust encryption protocols, with regular software updates and patches diligently provided to address any emerging security risks.
Additionally, we advocate a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes best practices for network segmentation, access control, and authentication. By adhering to industry standards and collaborating with cybersecurity experts, we ensure that our solutions remain resilient against cyber threats, providing clients with the confidence that their critical security infrastructure is well-protected.
As the smart city movement evolves, what future developments or innovations does Genetec envision for its solutions in the region, and how does the company plan to stay ahead in the rapidly changing technology landscape?
Genetec envisions a future where our solutions play a central role in creating safer, more efficient, and interconnected smart cities in the Middle East. We are witnessing nations across the region divert significant efforts towards smart city development, to realise the transitioning of their economics from oil-based to knowledge-based models. A prime example of this trajectory is the NEOM project, a groundbreaking initiative from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that exemplifies the fusion of innovation and urban planning. This year, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a frontrunner in the smart city movement, ranking as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for 2023, and securing the 13th spot globally, as per the IMD Smart City Index.
As the technology landscape rapidly evolves, we plan to stay ahead by investing in research and development, fostering strategic partnerships, and actively participating in industry collaborations. We are dedicated to anticipating and addressing the evolving security needs of smart cities, empowering our clients with the tools and capabilities they need to thrive in the dynamic urban environment of the future.
