It’s no secret that unified communications can make jobs easier and simpler for a variety of different markets. Now, the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of the service for retailers. However, while other businesses have continued to jump on the unified communications bandwagon, retailers simply aren’t following the crowd.
According to Call Center Clinic, recent research suggests that 68.9% of retailers did not fully understand the benefits of unified communications. Other research also suggested that within the next two years, 80% of global businesses will look to implement the technology.
The truth is that unified communications simplifies the process for each industry, making work easier for employees, and especially IT departments. The Wall Street Journal agrees, stating that unified communications provides one simple system that can easily integrate calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, document sharing and more.
Unified communications through AltiGen Communications make it easy and affordable for SMBs of all kinds. AltiGen provides Microsoft Lync-based products, which are proving to cut down costs and simplify business. Alan Bourassa, CIO of a limo-based service estimated his savings to $210,000 per year after he switched from a more traditional phone system to Microsoft Lync.
However, Bourassa said that it’s not just the cost savings that keeps him using the service. Unified communications offers his business a more personalized service, allowing him to provide better service to his customers. It reduces the overall administrative complexity by allowing dispatchers to more easily switch to other phone calls, video chat or instant message with others.
Switching to a unified communications solution is becoming more and more contagious. SMBs and contact centers are realizing how valuable the service can truly be. Now, as the trend is starting to move forward with cloud-based unified communications solutions, it looks like unified communications will continue to make jobs easier for a variety of different companies.
For more information on unified communications, give Capture Technologies a call. We proudly partner with AltiGen Communications for all of your unified communications needs. We are dedicated to making communications simpler.
New Yorkers may just find themselves a little bit safer in the future. With Next Generation 911 (NG911) conferences, and a new bill to fight for IDs and licenses for all New York residents, New York lawmakers and 911 coordinators are focusing on public safety. 911 texting and immigrants driving without licenses were just a couple of the issues brought up for discussion recently. However, only time will tell if New Yorkers will be able to use these new safety measures.
New York 911 coordinators meet twice a year to discuss how the emergency line can be improved. This year, they met in Oswego County to learn something new. Of course, funding is the major issue. Funding has been the major roadblock that stands between 911 centers and NG911 implementation. While some funding is still coming in for the centers to advance to the latest and greatest technologies, some of it is still not reaching the centers that need it most.
According to Oswego County Today, 911 centers in New York still cannot accept 911 text messages. With changes shifting in technology every day, New York 911 centers recognize how important making the NG911 switch is. During the NG911 conferences, 911 coordinators urged people to talk to the state and local legislators about lack of funding, and the significance of the service. Senator Patty Ritchie is also trying to bring awareness to the issue by co-sponsoring a bill to change the funding mechanism itself.
However, there’s another proposed bill that could change safety for New Yorkers as well. According to NY Daily News, Albany should be passing a law that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. While the same law has been discussed on a state level, the bill did not pass.
IDs for undocumented immigrants has remained controversial amongst New York politicians. However, New York Daily News writer, Bill De Blasio points out that undocumented immigrants who are not given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license are likely to drive anyway. Because they are not given the proper driver’s training, immigrants could be putting themselves and other drivers’ lives in danger while on the road.
Other cities are recognizing the importance of IDs and NG911 for all of their citizens. Oakland, Calif. is just one example of a city willing to provide IDs for all. However, these issues will take time to resolve. As each state and city decides what is best for their citizens, perhaps NG911 and IDs for all can become a part of their plan.
For more information about ID card printing and NG911 implementation, give Capture Technologies a call. We are dedicated to making your community a safer place.
Smart cards are the wave of the future. Even though some companies have been slower than others when adopting the new technologically advanced card, now there are better options for industries that want to keep some of their old habits. That’s why HID Global combines the best of both worlds with readers that accommodate both proximity and smart cards.
It’s clear that smart cards have already grown in popularity in a number of industries and countries around the world. From education, to healthcare, to transportation, people are using smart cards in order to make tasks easier for everyone.
Recently in Denmark and the Netherlands, they have completely rid their transit systems of paper tickets and have adopted smart transit cards for all. According to International Rail Journal, Denmark is the first country to implement smart card technologies on a national level. We’ve seen these types of adoptions in the U.S. as well. In San Francisco, they’ve adopted the popular Clipper card, which connects riders more easily to transit systems like BART and MUNI.
Banks and healthcare systems are looking for the same types of solutions for their customers and patients as well. In healthcare, professionals are looking for a variety of ways to protect patient data, including biometrics and smart cards for access control. According to How Stuff Works, every German citizen has a smart card for their health insurance. However, healthcare organizations and financial institutions may already have a solution that they’re not quite ready to let go of.
Now, if any of these industries want to make the switch to smart cards, or simply want to offer both proximity and smart cards, there are more options. HID offers the iCLASS SE Platform, which is a multi-layered security model for data. It reads and supports smart cards, microprocessor cards and NFC-enable smartphones. It also carries simultaneous support for HID Prox cards, Indala and so much more.
HID isn’t the only company that is providing this option either. Many more technology companies, and many of Capture Technologies’ partners are offering similar options in order to keep customers happy. With integrative solutions, industries like healthcare, transportation and finance don’t have to make a full transition without being given an alternative option.
Ask us about the possibilities that smart technology can provide. No matter what application needs you may have, we have the complete, secure solution to fit your unique business model. Call Capture Technologies to find out what your smart card options are.
Spring brings so many new beginnings. As new semesters begin for students, and new memberships begin for businesses, new ID cards will often be needed. However, finding the right printer to do the job can be a challenge. That’s why Capture Technologies thrives on giving businesses the options that they deserve.
As new recruits are hired on staff, and new students walk through open doors, businesses, schools, corporations, casinos and so many other types of businesses will want certain features in order to make IDs securely and accurately.
Businesses of all kinds need color printing, dual-sided laminating and of course, speed and accuracy. The EDISecure DCP 350 offers all of this and more. It is even small enough to put on a desktop without taking up too much space. Watch the new video and see how this printer can meet your needs.
Capture Technologies is also featuring another new ID printer for businesses. The Javelin FLX series offers instant issuance for fast and easy printing, with full color and an open-card format. The Javelin FLX is known for its popularity in the gaming industry, but with its flexibility, it can be used in a wide variety of markets.
Ask us about your options for new ID printing possibilities. We are dedicated to making your business a safer place.
After the recent, unfortunate events at the Boston Marathon, cities are finding out how important security really is. In Boston, they’ve found out how important retail surveillance systems can be, while in San Francisco, the government is talking about more security for special events. There is no doubt that the tragic bombings are changing how the United States feels about security, including everything from cameras to IDs.
Retail surveillance cameras outside of Boston storefronts were able to capture the two bombing suspects. According to ABC, the security technology is improving in such a way that law enforcement is able to make more arrests because of retail surveillance. Richard Mellor, vice president of loss prevention with the National Retail Federation has said that these cameras are definitely catching more than just shoplifters.
With advances in security technology, viewers can see crystal clear images. Gone are the days where images are too fuzzy to identify a suspect. With enhanced video capabilities, new arrests can be made. Not only were storefront cameras important in capturing images of the Boston suspects, but also for catching the suspect in the shooting of former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the death of a MIT campus police officer. In all cases, businesses with security cameras were able to help.
This news is making other cities think twice about their event security as well. San Francisco hosts hundreds of events each year. Now, San Francisco Police Chief Greg Surh is thinking of putting in more surveillance cameras on Market Street in order to capture more during important events. San Francisco has already found that adding in more cameras can often be useful in capturing crimes. After adding surveillance on public transportation vehicles, more thieves trying to steal from passengers were caught.
However, security is now being affected on an even larger scale. Now on a national level, authorities are now discussing biometric IDs as a result of the Boston bombings. The Washington Times recently reported that Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York and Senate Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina have a new proposal for biometric IDs.
Their proposal would make it mandatory for every immigrant and every U.S. citizen to carry a fraud-proof biometric ID in order to gain employment. The biometric ID would contain all the same information as a social security card. However, it would be a high-tech version, carrying unique identifiers from the person’s body. This can include, height, weight, hair color, eye color, face structure, voice, fingerprints and more.
While there is still much debate over whether or not biometric IDs would keep citizens more secure, the issue is still up for discussion. Who will have access to such personal information is still not exactly known. However, as the issue continues to evolve, Senators Schumer and Graham may have more insight on how their proposal will improve security.
Unfortunate events are shedding more light on the importance of safety and security every day. While not all problems have obvious answers, security solutions can help to keep us all safer. Call Capture Technologies for your ID and security needs. We are dedicated to making your communities safer.
100,000 people die in the United States due to hospital-related infections. That’s why a new RFID start-up, is making a new bracelet to make sure that health workers are keeping their hands clean. The new wristband is smart enough to tell if a healthcare worker has, or hasn’t washed their hands properly.
According to Technology Review, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infections could be prevented if doctors, nurses and technicians were doing a better job of washing their hands. However, now they have the latest healthcare accessory to help them get the job done right.
Many different types of technology have tried to tackle the same issue. For example,companies have been developing a chemical-sensing monitor that can sense if soap has been used on hands. Their main struggle is to find a cost effective method that works effectively for the industry. However, there may be a new solution.
The new RFID wristband works by reading a tag at sanitizing stations. An accelerometer can see how long the healthcare worker has been washing. If the employee has not washed their hands properly, the wristband will buzz three times. If it’s been done correctly, the wristband will buzz once. The bracelets also collect data, so supervisors can check and see how each employee is doing.
RFID tags may play an even bigger role in the healthcare industry. This new solution also places tags on medical equipment and on the outside of patient rooms. These tags may be used to alert health workers when they need to wash their hands.
While the product seems to solve some healthcare problems, there are still issues. For some patients and procedures, arms need to be washed as well as hands. According to healthcare experts, even the bracelet itself could cause some medical hygiene problems.
However, companies in Florida have been using the product, and more industries have expressed interest. The food industry will be the next to benefit from this new technology. While there are still some issues with this new solution, perhaps RFID can help to stop infection and solve some problems along the way.
Looking for an RFID, or wristband solution? Give Capture Technologies a call. We make security and safety our highest priorities.
With new rumors that the next iPhone will come with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, it seems like NFC is becoming a part of the future. It’s already becoming common for commuters and for shoppers as a new way to pay. However, while NFC continues to create new opportunities, there are also many new challenges to the new technology.
In Nairobi, Kenya, commuters have been using NFC to board their buses in a whole new way. Google has deployed the technology into unique cards. According to Daily Nation, mobile payments were possible through SIM cards, but now that smartphones have newly embedded NFC chips, payments could be made even easier.
There are countless benefits to the new technology. NFC can already be found in Android phones, propelling it into the market. With this advancement, NFC can be used for m-commerce, electronic funds transfer and electronic ticketing. With NFC enabled smartphones, the smartphone becomes the credit card. Users simply wave their phones over a reader in order to make a payment.
While NFC enabled payments have many benefits for several different reasons, consumers are still concerned about security. However, NFC is said to be more secure than a credit card. NFC uses an end-user encryption protocol and authentication levels to keep it secure. If a smartphone is stolen, the user can simply call their provider to let them know that the NFC chip must be disabled.
Even with more countries accepting NFC into their technological worlds, there are still global challenges as well. If NFC is going to work, many more readers need to be in place. Its success depends on the big industries, the merchants and the operators. However, with more adaptation and acceptance of the new technology, we can slowly move towards a better future for NFC.
Ask Capture Technologies about NFC-based and smart cards based solutions for payments. We carry a variety of different solutions for financial institutions.
Congress now holds the power to make Next Generation 911 (NG911) deployments easier for Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs). With the FCC’s latest recommendations, which support state upgrades, Congress can help to eliminate past regulations. These new recommendations from the FCC not only support the National Emergency Number Association’s (NENA) suggestions, but they also support the overall transition to a nationwide NG911 migration.
Currently, states and local PSAPs have to go through incumbent telephony providers in order to make the switch. According to Urgent Communications, this regulation made sense when 911 was strictly for landlines. However, now, it no longer applies.
In the FCC’s latest report, they address the important needs of PSAPs. They have made the plea to Congress to make it possible for PSAPs to make the NG911 transition regardless of what provider they use. National databases were also discussed, as NG911 databases will need to be both established and secured.
These recommendations would help to lower costs for state and local governments, and help to push the national migration forward. Trey Forgety, director of government affairs for NENA has also approved the FCC’s recommendations. He stressed the importance of both incentives for state governments, as well as the importance of getting regulation right.
Right now, the government plays a very small role in 911 in general. Federal grants are often aimed at public safety, but they generally exclude 911 services. Therefore, an incentive has been lacking. By lowering the cost and making the process easier for PSAPs, NG911 can spread nationwide.
However, the changes to 911 services don’t stop there. According to Forgety, NENA would like to make it as cheap and easy for PSAPs as possible. One way for that to become a possibility is for all network connections to be charged.
The basic concept is that if the service is affordable, the PSAPs will keep migrating, making one 911 service for the generations to come. As NG911 includes text messages, video and other communication capabilities, the service clearly propels 911 into the future.
Ask Capture Technologies about our solutions for public safety and PSAPs. We are dedicated to making your job easier.
Panic buttons and security cameras are on the minds of California schools and lawmakers. Even a new bill could make it mandatory for schools to have panic buttons that alert law enforcement officials in case of an emergency. Ever since the tragedy at Newtown, authorities and school officials have been looking for answers, and it looks like technology and security are the solutions they’ve been searching for.
Just this past week, Assemblymember Kristin Olsen of Modesto said that school safety is an issue that needs to be addressed. According to CBS, Assembly Bill 1076 will address school safety and security in California by placing panic buttons, or personal duress pendants on school campuses. Olsen’s proposal suggests that each classroom should have a panic button.
This type of thinking has caught on. Glendale Unified School District has also just announced their plans for addressing and changing school safety plans. At a recent school board meeting, members concluded that they would add security cameras and panic buttons to all of the schools. The L.A. Times reported that each room would be equipped with a panic button that would send an alert to 911 with a single push. Access control was also discussed, as officials would like to limit the buildings to one single point of entry.
Because of the tragedy in Newtown, and other unfortunate events in Glendale, officials feel like these actions will keep students and staff safer, while keeping danger out. Security cameras, personal duress pendants, panic buttons and access control solutions are just a few of the resources that help schools to face the reality of school violence.
Personal duress pendants like Inovonics’ Radius allow officials, or even students to send out an alert for help. Simply press on the pendant button twice to alert staff members and dispatchers of an emergency. The pendant is easily worn on the collar or the belt line, making it easily concealable and accessible.
Ambit by Maxxess also provides a mobile solution for schools that are looking for new safety and security solutions. With Ambit, users can easily manage and plan for emergencies all through the ease and familiarity of a smartphone. Users can send messages and alerts to groups, departments or even entire organizations.
For school security solutions that are easy to use and integrative, call Capture Technologies. We carry the solutions that you need to keep students and staff safe.
Carefully Design Your Security Structure
Security is important for every business. For corporations, we understand the importance of the proper strategy, design and structure of your security solution. With our wide variety and seamless solutions, you’ll be able to view and secure all of your corporation’s assets. Whether you’re just starting to think about security for your building, or you’re looking for a security upgrade, we have the products that are made for integration.
U.S. Military members in Germany can have more confidence in their payment options now. Datacard Group’s CardWizard issuance software is now being utilized at Service Credit Union. The new Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) smart payment cards can be issued immediately through instant issuance.
Service Credit Union has been using Datacard’s software for years. However, now they see how important EMV smart cards can be for their customer’s convenience. Since the U.S. military members who are based in Germany were having issues with their magnetic striped cards, the credit union added EMV to make sure that their cards are always accepted.
Ron Zanotti, regional vice president of financial issuance for Datacard Group has recently said that it’s only a matter of time before all banks begin to migrate to EMV payments. According to him, the sooner financial institutions can make the switch to EMV, the better. EMV cards not only allow users to pay on a more global scale, but they also help to keep finances more secure.
Datacard Group now has more than 200 EMV solutions that have been installed globally. With Mastercard and Visa’s recent announcement that they will also be heading towards EMV migration, payment security can now increase.
According to Info Security, Jim McCarthy, the head of Visa products, has said that there is a growing demand for higher payment security. That’s why Visa is now expanding their capabilities in order to create a new environment for electronic payments. Mastercard also has their plans to make payments more secure with EMV’s fraud-resistant algorithms.
Many more are sure to follow as the public continues to demand higher quality methods of payment. Ask Capture Technologies how your financial institution can change it. Call us to find out more information on EMV.
Social Security cards could soon come with a fingerprint. Due to changes in immigration reform, politicians are saying that they want an ID card that is “tamper-proof.” While some are in favor of a more secure ID card, others are against biometric Social Security cards, as it may bring us closer to national identity cards in general.
According to the Huffington Post, Senator John McCain is in favor of a biometric Social Security card. Since the technology is there, some politicians are in favor of an ID program that would ensure that employers are not hiring people illegally. With fingerprint or iris identification on a Social Security card, it would be much more difficult for people to forge and use Social Security cards to gain employment.
However, the thought of creating a biometric ID has been around for years. Even in 2010, Republicans and Democrats alike were talking about the possibility of a biometric ID card in order to solve some illegal immigration problems. In 2010, the biometric technology was still a problem. Today, biometric technology is ready.
As TIME reported in 2010, most politicians were concerned about false positive identification, but now biometrics has advanced to the point where they feel more comfortable with the idea. Currently, most workers are using E-Verify for authorization, but it has not been a reliable identification tool. With too may false negatives and false positives, E-Verify proved ti be inconsistent.
That’s why there has been a political push for biometric IDs. Biometrics would be able to check and verify externally on a bare Social Security number. To keep the card more private, suggestions have been made to link an ID with an embedded chip that could contain other information, like a photo. Then that embedded information could be stored in a database for extra security.
Yet with any new proposals for identification changes, there is always a controversy. Privacy advocates are not convinced that personal privacy would be protected. They are also worried that it would evolve from a Social Security card to a national ID card, meaning that the card would have to be ready upon request.
With new changes to immigration legislation, this discussion will undoubtedly continue. As privacy and security are the two main issues to be covered and protected, decisions may take a while longer to make. Make sure to call Capture Technologies with all your biometrics and ID questions. We are dedicated to keeping your information safe and secure.
A solar company in the UK needed some extra sunblock. That’s why Axis Communications has partnered with Agent Video Intelligence (Agent Vi) and Milestone Systems to protect the UK’s solar farms from theft and vandalism. With the combination of these technologies, the UK can more effectively protect the sites, even though the locations are remote.
Axis Communications’ AXIS Q1921E was just one of the products that made it all possible. The surveillance system, complete with new analytics software and video management, was rapidly deployed on several different sites for Wirsol Solar. Security Info Watch recently reported that the solution has already been proven to be effective.
The AXIS Q1921E Thermal Network Camera works to detect intruders, even during inclement weather. Even during heavy rain and fog, the camera can still capture a clear image. Also, with the help of video analytics, the Axis solution is able to detect and alert in real-time. Because the solution has already captured incidents of intruders who have been climbing over solar farm fences, Wirsol Solar can start feeling more secure.
With solar sites, thermal imaging can be the key element to detecting an intruder. Daren Lang, Regional Business Development Manager for Axis Communications said that their thermal imaging coupled with the right analytics can help solar farms with both their remote location and their environmental challenges. Identifying who is coming in and out of a site is important. However, according to Lang, detection must happen first in this type of environment.
Lighting and weather often come into play in dealing with security challenges of all kinds, at a variety of different sites. Capture Technologies can help to make a custom fit, made for any specific type of environment. As a proud carrier of Axis Communications’ products, we can help you find the solution you need to stay secure. Give us a call and ask us about our 24-hour service, all in an effort to make your business a safer place.
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