PARSEC: results and a look into the future.
Sergey STASENKO, RELVEST company, answers questions from the TZ correspondent
– I would like to immediately ask a question concerning the industry as a whole. In your opinion, how did the year go for it, is there a positive dynamic in the development of the security market?
Over the past year, positive trends have emerged in the security market. After a difficult 2009 for many, the economy has stabilized and there has been some recovery. As a result, there has been an increase in demand in our market, although not as impressive overall. Despite all the positive aspects, I would like to note that the year was ambiguous. The market, for the most part, remembering the previous year, was cautious, which in part was a kind of brake on its development.
Most areas of the industry did not stand still, painstaking and at the same time necessary work was carried out to create new and improve existing solutions and products. Positive dynamics of development of partnerships and integration of related areas of the industry continued. The market dictates its terms, the consumer today needs qualitatively new solutions that allow to effectively and comprehensively solve problems of security of objects. Therefore, it can be said that one of the main positive results of the year is that the trend of development of integrated solutions has been preserved.
– Crisis and post-crisis years are not the easiest time for the manufacturer, however, during this period the company has developed a number of new products, tell us about them.
Of course, the main new product, sales of which started this year, is the software platform of the integrated system ParsecNET 3, designed for building functional, extremely reliable, distributed security systems.
First of all, I would like to tell you what the main tasks of the new platform were. So, Parsec NET 3 is a distributed software and hardware complex of the new generation, capable of solving all issues related to access control and management, security and notification, dispatching and accounting, as well as video surveillance at a variety of sites (territorially and administratively separated, with a variety of network infrastructure, communication channels, etc.). The basis of the software part of the system is the PnSoft software — a unique product created by Russian developers and incorporating more than 10 years of experience in operating previous generation systems at several thousand sites in Russia and abroad. When developing this software, we tried to take into account all the wishes of our customers as much as possible, to create a product that is much more functional, but at the same time reliable, simple and convenient to install and work with on a daily basis.
In the articles devoted to the new system, we have already described in sufficient detail the main capabilities and features of the new software. Here I will briefly note the main ones again.
Firstly, it is now more than just a security system – it is an integration platform for working with various equipment, and not only with security system equipment. In addition, the system provides a software service for the possibility of integration with third-party software products (1C, CRM and ERP systems, automation programs for technological processes, etc.).
Secondly, it is no secret that the computer is the weak link in the system, so the main emphasis was placed on its reliability and survivability. The new software implements various mechanisms for protecting against data loss, the ability to exchange data between remote workstations, bypassing the server, duplicating event delivery channels, caching and creating local databases, etc.
Thirdly, the system architecture allows for the unification of geographically and administratively separated segments of the object into a single whole with the ability to delimit the visibility areas of system elements, and work on unstable and/or low-speed communication channels between segments.
Fourthly, the new software is characterized by its multivariance – the availability to the customer of various software versions, as well as a wide range of additional modules. This will allow the customer to select the configuration that will provide a solution to his security problems. Of course, in the future, he will be able to easily expand the capabilities of the system, while retaining everything that he already has.
– In which segment of systems is ParsecNET 3 positioned?
After all the above, my answer may seem unusual, but believe me, it is true: Parsec NET 3 is designed for all segments. This is precisely one of the features I mentioned earlier. The multivariance of the system software allows it to be used for any objects.
Let's take things in order. At the initial stage, when there is a need to ensure control of one or two entry points at the facility, we suggest using PNSoft-Lite software. This version includes basic software and the ability to organize up to 4 entry points inclusive. Imagine a small organization that wants to install an access control and management system for the first time. There is no need to control all the doors, there are no integration tasks, there is no opportunity to spend serious money on the system. This option is intended specifically for such enterprises, especially since, if necessary, they can expand their capabilities with additional software modules (time tracking, video verification, install additional workstations).
Let's assume that the PNSoft-Lite version was purchased to test the system and check its usability and reliability. Upon completion of the «testing stage», a decision was made to install it «globally» on this object, say, of medium scale. In this case, we can offer an upgrade to the PNSoft-Std version. In order to optimally solve problems in the medium-sized systems sector, the PNsoft-Std software has a logical licensing scheme that allows the user to select the required configuration: the number of access points, the availability of integration with the fire alarm and video surveillance subsystems, and select a set of available additional modules.
And finally, the top segment is the PNSoft-Pro software version. The PROFESSIONAL version is software for large distributed systems. PNSoft-Pro supports the multi-organization function. For example, if an object is a central office plus several branches around the country, then it is possible to make it so that any branch is managed and controlled from the central office. At the same time, the branches feel like separate units and “do not see” each other within the system. In addition, this version already includes most of the additional modules: time tracking, video verification, template development and card printing, pass office module, support for OPS and video surveillance systems.
As a result, we see that ParsecNET 3 perfectly covers all market segments and is capable of solving problems from organizing control of one door to a large-scale geographically distributed facility. By the way, as before, when switching from one version to another (for example, from the Light version to the Standard), the customer pays only the difference in their cost.
– In addition to the system, is there anything else new?
ParsecNET 3 is not the only new product; this year we also released a new line of low-frequency readers. While retaining the previous design for now, we made them universal, that is, capable of simultaneously working with identifiers
EM Marin and HID. With this solution, we tried to make life easier for those of our customers who, for example, use cards of different standards in different branches. Now they have the opportunity to use cards of different formats within one facility.
– What are the company's development plans for the next year?
A lot of tasks. Of course, we will develop the new ParsecNET 3 system. New devices will appear, the functionality of the software will be significantly expanded, new integrations with very powerful and well-established fire alarm and video surveillance systems will appear.
In addition, interesting new products will appear, which, we hope, the market will positively perceive and highly appreciate.
It is not possible to talk about all the plans in more detail within the framework of this interview. But I will note once again that the consumer will see more than one new product or solution over the next year.
We invite all those wishing to learn more about the new ParsecNET 3 system and, in general, about the products manufactured under the Parsec brand to our website parsec.ru.