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IT Big Bosses and Enterprise Reality

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Abhigna
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BANGALORE, INDIA: A chat with Todd Graves (who was in India to inaugurate Allegion ‘s first Engineering Centre in Bangalore). He is the Vice President, Engineering & Technology, Allegion and here he tells why the game between the bad guy and the good guy has only got more interesting with video intelligence thrown in this chase.

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How do you view Video Surveillance from a business as well as technology lens? What makes it hot as a trend today?

We are very excited about the future of this industry. As we focus work from our centres on integrated devices, new capabilities and gaps on both consumer and enterprise segment, we become confident of the possibilities and future.

A recent BCC Research report stated that the total market demand for surveillance equipment is estimated to grow to $127.6 billion by 2017. According to estimates, India will be investing Rs. 55,000 crore (Rs. 550 billion) into the private security industry by 2016. It's understandable as organizations today ensure securing their zones, be it education, healthcare, government, hospitality, commercial real estate, residential, manufacturing and transportation.

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Can you share more on IP strengths, compatibility and analytics pieces as you set the foundation of new engineering strengths?

First, about the India Engineering center - it has been established to accelerate innovation, leverage key India-based competencies in advanced technologies like software design, next-generation controls, automation solutions, mechanical design, systems simulation and Hardware Design to develop high-tech, niche engineering solutions and technologies as well as support regional product development, propelling the company's global growth

The idea is that this center will design and develop various security, safety and time management related products like biometric readers, mechanical and electric locks, safety devices such as exit devices & door closers, portable security products and software which manages access.

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Compatibility is our goal so that each solution is easy to integrate with existing as well as new solutions. Ease of installation is an important factor. IP wise, this centre allows us to leverage India's talent, its credibility and this will work in tandem with our global teams.

Are Analytics layers in surveillance technologies making things simple or complex?

At its heart, security is a simple mechanical problem. It is about the right people in and the wrong people out. That applies to a physical door and to a technology one. New approaches and technologies provide benefits, specially to large enterprises and they are changing the space a lot. Today locks can communicate to central security systems, or mobile devices can act as electronic authentication systems so change is part of the scenario here.

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Do you address CIOs or CISOs in your business?

In many companies, the CIO is directly involved in making such decisions and in others CISO has to be an important part also. We also have strong relationships with the architect community.

 

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Is it not a challenging space where the perception is that the thief always has a head-start whether it's a new technology or a new way to approach security?

The challenge is still there but we have to try to be a step ahead of the bad guys. That's what we always focus on and that's why we keep improving our products.

How big and significant is this centre?

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Allegion was built on a century of innovation in safety and security. Our investment in research and development capabilities in India demonstrates the creativity, skill and commitment of the team here in Bangalore. We have already invested more than $500,000 to fund the new facility, with an annual spend projected to be nearly $3.3M n the first year.

Give us a peek into the kind of work done so far?

Some projects executed in India with Interflex Management System are Persistent Systems Limited (10 towers across India), ICICI Bank (34 ICMC pan India, nine towers & 12 offices and bidding for branches pan India), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Datacenter & Disaster Recovery based out of Mumbai & Delhi and in discussion for PAN India Access management system- Phase II), Mastek Limited (Pan India - seven towers & US office) and NXP India (two offices in Bangalore).