CSCO: Cisco Systems Announces Networked Physical Security Ecosystem

Cisco Systems® announced the creation of a physical security partner and technology ecosystem to help accelerate the development and adoption of physical security solutions that run over Internet Protocol networks. Cisco unveiled two new ecosystem partner programs: the Cisco Physical Security Consultant Liaison Program, and the Physical Security Cisco Technology Developer Program.

Cisco's Consultant Liaison Program is adding a new focus area designed to provide members with easy access to the information they need to make informed recommendations to clients about Cisco physical security solutions. It will offer independent consultants with opportunities to understand the value of Cisco's Intelligent Converged Environment (ICE) and share how Cisco's IP security and networking solutions can be used in new physical security applications.

The Cisco Technology Developer Program focuses on building relationships with other technology companies as a means of providing comprehensive tested solutions to customers. Joint physical security solutions will span a variety of technology and vertical market applications including video analytics, IP cameras, display systems, video storage solutions, sensor technologies and access control.

"Cisco is looking to engage other physical security technology developers to work collaboratively in developing value-added solutions for customers and resellers," said Steve Collen, Marketing Director at Cisco Systems. "The physical security market is often best addressed with a combination of integrated, innovative technologies. Our goal with Cisco's Technology Developer Partner Program is to build an ecosystem of companies with complementary technologies to address customers and partners' security requirements."

The new programs represent a key part of Cisco's physical security initiative, and will help to generate greater awareness and expertise around IP-networked physical security systems - all in an effort to improve operational efficiency among security teams and enhance protection of people, and assets.

"Cisco's Physical Security Consultant Liaison Program is designed to help the physical security consulting community expand their scope and business opportunities," said Ray Coulombe, business development manager for Cisco Systems' Converged Security Infrastructure Business Unit. "As consultants become more familiar with IP networking technology and Cisco's expertise and information resources, they gain greater credibility with their clients by offering more progressive, business-savvy solution strategies. They will be better able to design and specify products for network-based physical security systems that provide greater control and protection."

The Cisco Physical Security Consultant Liaison Program offers qualified consultants a number of exclusive benefits, including:

• Web Portal access to product information, design guides, pricing, and specification material.


• Technical training programs


• Informational Webinars and regional meetings


• Access to partner-level product information and other resources on the Cisco.com (http://www.cisco.com)


• Opportunities to interact with knowledgeable Cisco personnel and technical partners


• Monthly newsletter

"Physical security consultants are continually looking to broaden their knowledge base and stay on the leading edge of innovative technology," said David Nelson, Senior Security Engineer, at Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company. "Our clients will ultimately reap the benefits of vendor information and programs such as Cisco's that provide insights into how IP networking can integrate with physical security."

For more information on Cisco's Physical Security Technology Developer Program, please visit: http://www.cisco.com/web/partners/pr46/tdp/solutions_security_and_vpn.html

Cisco's physical security strategy is based on the Cisco Integrated Convergence Environment (ICE), an architectural framework for video surveillance and other physical security applications to work over a Cisco intelligent information network. ICE solutions and supporting technologies will help enable the deployment and control of new security applications.