Technology
New technologies or processes are released nearly everyday in some form or other.
It is very hard to stay on top of all the new releases, but we do our best.
For the latest news, articles, comments and video's please go to our
news page.
For any enquiries, quotes or installation please e-mail us:
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Recently there has been releases (beta's) of new interfaces, most predominately screen touch
and placement. By this we mean object recognition and interaction.
Microsoft are constantly watching new trends and possible intergration into new operating systems.
A little while ago they worked with a company that allowed images to be projected onto a glass window,
it also allowed for images from camera's to be intergrated with other images.
The greatest feature was for the users as it allowed the tracking of hand movements with in 12 inches of the glass.
Combine these together and you have an interactive interface that possible customers can use without entering the shop.
They can view items, interact with objects and even have their images combined with objects.
(like trying out a new hairstyle, or put on a coat etc.)
All without feeling pressured for an assistant. They could even book appointment times to come back.
Microsoft are currently testing a new table top interface which turns a normal surface into an interactive surface.
This allows for object recognition, interaction and control. This is best understood by watching the video below.
This product is currently being tested for Microsoft in a chain of resturants in america, but it is expected to be moved to the
next stage very soon. Some major manurfacturers are already on board and we will provide updates through our news pages when we know more.
We have been watching the change of interaction with machines for sometime and we think that this is going to be the main form
of input and control of not just PC's but many intergrated objects. No more mouse or keyboard, just move the objects with you hand
stretch, resize, flip, stack, spin, watch, play, listen......
Combine this with the progression of camera techniques and you could to could be computer literate just by siting in fornt of it.
We have a particular interest in security and with intergrated hardware & software
it allows setups and system changes to be done through the internet.
Many systems are following this route and generally makes intergration with other systems easier.
For example, a systems test can be performed, new users added or removed etc.
There are no limitations to combining systems, just our own inhibitions or lack of knowledge.
Here are some simple common examples of regular situations:
A Simple example. Combining Burglar alarm, Security Lighting & CCTV.
A Small business example. Using a PC to handle everything.
Large business example. Using a server with internet based backup.
Small Scale Security
A simple example: We design, install and commission Alarm systems of different types.
A customer has had a burglar alarm, security lighting and CCTV installed.
This requires the wiring & installation of the devices and also the appropriate communication equipment.
But, very few installers actually connect the systems together, why?
Lack of knowledge? Don't know what the systems are capable of? Haven't read the manuals? etc.
Many new systems already have paging, voice message, e-mail, text, fax, multiple dialing, internet connection, remote controls, extra inputs & outputs built-in, but they are just not used!
Most alarm systems already have the connections to allow any device to be activated when an alarm condition is reached. So instead of relying on each system to do their own thing, they are all enabled together, resulting in:
Alarm activationCommunications enabledProperty illuminatedCCTV fully activated
(The CCTV can actually record a proper image because the subject is lit correctly.)
We could go on .......
These sorts of systems can be created to meet any requirements and most features are built in (Depending on make & model). You don't have to believe us. Read you alarm system manual, or CCTV manual, it is all their in black and white.
This is the sort of projects we specialize in. Combining different hardware and software to create full control and integration of different systems. We have found that many customers have security lighting, Burglar Alarms and CCTV, but rarely are they combined together releasing and harnessing the true features of an integrated system.
Small Business
A Small business office usually contains:
Computer(s),Phone(s),Fax,Printer(s),and lots of paper.
System integration is never used to its full potential, especially in a small business and this is usually due to a lack of IT management. In an office environment this can mean spending a lot of time and money on things you don't need.
A PC is a very powerful tool, but is very rarely used to do more than one thing at a time!
Communications It can be used for all your communication, thus cutting down on paper and a lot of time. PC are more than capable of handling, phone, answer phone, multiple calling and line diversion, fax and e-mail, without any special software being required. This also has the advantage of being able to cut and paste from one for to another. All voice items can also be held as a file and attached to e-mails if required.
SecurityYour PC can also handle any security video that you may require in your business or just to keep an eye on the staff. The cost of this may be very cheap depending on the camera's you use. For local you could use USB cam's, for a larger office IP cam's may be a better option, but which ever you choose can all be run from one main machine. If you are worried about the office security, the system can easily be setup to notify you of any actions you set. This can be through, phone, pager or e-mail.
Paper-LessWith the current technology there is no need to use paper with-in the office, any data can be malnipulated on the PC and the majority of communications or ads can be sent using the PC to others and not the printer. But, the print out option is still there. By networking your printer(s) they are availalbe to everyone, but may be in a seperate room. (This also discourages unnessacary printing.) Sending files and using encryption has made the office a more secure place, but if you don't trust your PC, there are always other types of storage, online, removable drives, flash keys, secure servers etc. This enables regular backups of your system in case of problems.
Remote controlIf you are away from your office, you can still be in control from anywhere that you have internet access. Using this option, enables you to do what ever you want as though you were at your desk.
Larger Business
This example uses the small office idea's but offers a lot more options. As a larger business a server or servers are generally used to handle most things, but never to their full potential. Seperate machines are often used for e-mail, files, websites etc, but this is not always the best option.
Virtual PC software (® Microsoft) enables one machine to be used for many different operating systems and uses. If you use old software, this offers you the option of installing it on the server as a seperate environment. Multiple environments offer a very flexible work place and can save the company a fortune by not having to upgrade all the time. You can select an operating system that offers you the best option for a particular task. E.g Some companies prefer Linux, but some software requires Microsoft server or windows OS's. With this option you can install both.
This is not the definitive answer, but is an option and integrating systems to produce the most flexible results is what we strive to do. Keeping costs down, but providing options and flexibility both for now and for your future needs is what we aim to do.
We are currently working on several security systems that integrate both burglar alarms with remote accessed IP addressed cameras which also record on a permanent basis.
Permanently watching the technologies of tomorrow and incorporating them where possible often meets the requirements of the customer, without it costing a fortune.
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