Remote Monitoring
and Onsite Power
e-Report

February 2006

Network Cameras Let Web Surfers and Skiers Check Wave and Snow Conditions Before Leaving Home
The phrase "surfing the Web" takes on new meaning at the Dotworkz Group and its service company USrelay. Specialists in delivering and servicing advanced remote video-surveillance systems, the company has installed scores of Canon VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Network Video cameras at surf beaches and ski resorts across the United States to provide live, high-quality, viewer-controllable Web video that surfers and skiers can access at home to determine if conditions are right for heading out to hang ten or catch some air.

"The Canon PTZ cameras are unique in the fact that the user interface is completely intuitive; it allows people of all different Internet skills, levels, and interests to interact with it immediately," explained William Ferris, president of San Diego-based Dotworkz companies. "And these cameras are a great tool to boost business and get people to come to your Website because they're network-addressable. People can easily control and move the Canon cameras online from their Web browser and see the results live. Other manufacturers have not yet been able to replicate this type of user-friendly interface. That's why I think we see a much bigger push in our Canon sales for these types of applications."

Canon's industry-leading Network Video cameras, which include the new Two-Way Audio-equipped VB-C50i Pan/Tilt/Zoom and VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Video camera with Power Over Ethernet, provide the performance and versatility professionals demand. These cameras not only can capture fine detail from far distances, they provide compact, remote video-monitoring solutions over IP in the areas of security, distance learning, and telemedicine. Canon's Network Video cameras include such features as an advanced 26X Canon Optical Zoom Lens, a 12X Digital Zoom, and a 340K effective pixel CCD that delivers crisp 640-by-480-pixel resolution video with up to 30 frame-per-second quality. This-together with their ability to transmit high-quality video through the Internet or a LAN connection for viewing by multiple clients-has made these Network Video cameras a leading choice for Web video origination. And with Canon's WebView Livescope screen-monitoring software, camera pan, tilt, and zoom adjustments can be controlled remotely via the Internet as well.

Canon's Network Video cameras combine high-quality image capture with powerful low-light (1 Lux at 1/30 shutter speed) capabilities. In addition, a Motorized Infrared (IR) Cut Filter can be turned off to significantly brighten the viewing area in dark conditions. These cameras offer simultaneous video distribution in various frame sizes, including (640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120). Canon's new VB-C50i PTZ Network camera provides a wide-ranging pan of +/-100 degrees and tilt of +90/-30 degrees to quickly survey any site (the VB-C50iR is the camera's reverse-mount version, which features a pan of +/- 170 degrees and tilt of +10/-90 degrees).

"We mainly spec the VB-C50iR camera for Web monitoring, which produces the most professional results in this market," Ferris continued. "We do recommend the cameras are sold with our custom line of outdoor protective domes. We have many dome options such as stainless steel domes, bullet-resistant domes-a full range of products and services designed to tailor-fit each customer's needs. Our dome options are specific to these IP cameras. Canon's VB-C50iR's fits very nicely with our accessory line in both quality and performance. Each camera system is tested and configured for 'plug-and-hang' installation before they leave our hands."

Canon's new VB-C50i PTZ camera and VB-C50FSi Fixed Network camera include both bundled and optional viewing software. Optional viewing software for both cameras includes Canon's WebView Livescope MV 2.1 LE and WebView Livescope MV 2.1 for display of up to 16 Canon NVS cameras at a time on one computer screen. WebView Livescope Viewer for Pocket PC software allows cameras to be accessed and controlled from a handheld PDA. Canon also offers a Software Developer's Kit that permits developers such as Dotworkz to expand the functionality and performance of its Network Video cameras. These customized software applications may then be shared or sold independently amongst the community of users.

"We started Dotworkz based on using viewer-controlled camera systems to provide live content for Websites," Ferris recalled. "We now have three divisions: Dotworkz (engineered products), US Relay, and WebCamproShop. US Relay ensures that the cameras, which are IP-addressed devices on a network, are fortified for heavy Internet traffic to stream at 200Mbps via USrelay server farms. WebCamProShop.com is a major distributor for network cameras, protective housings, software, mounting towers, and wireless accessories. We just launched IPcamerademos.com for test-driving the Canon Network cameras against other brands based on similar features and optics, all side-by-side.

This site really lets the camera shopper see why Canon is such a successful Web broadcasting tool."
"We had the first online PTZ camera on the West Coast in 1999, at Mission Beach in San Diego," Ferris continued. "It was a good introduction to Canon and the Web stats quickly showed us the popularity of the user interaction with the ability to control the camera system. From there it just grew, and we focused on providing professional live content. We now have Canon PTZ's at all the major surfing spots up and down East and West coasts and two in Hawaii. If you go to wavewatch.com you can see some of these locations.

"As for ski slopes, after we installed four of our systems at the 2002 Winter Games it didn't take long for major ski resorts in North America to see what a clear, interactive streaming presentation can do to benefit their mountain resort's Web presence," Ferris revealed. "It was like a chain reaction. Live Web video on the ski slopes does wonders to enhance a resort's online experience and attract clientele from all over the world. We now have Canon PTZ cameras at almost all of the major ski resorts in North America and several in Europe. Once they buy the cameras we provide them with tech support and-very often-installation and streaming services."

"The Canon name means something," Ferris concluded. "Their products have a certain level of quality and intuitiveness. It's obvious that Canon spends a lot of time on design and engineering. Their level of detail and end product usability are years ahead of others in this market. They're not only easy to use but they convey a level of quality and useful features that the others haven't been able to replicate. Canon is well positioned to dominate the network camera market for many years to come in all aspects of reliability and end-user experience."

Contact www.dotworkz.com
Contact www.canon.com

Lantronix Offers Updated Networking Tutorials, Including Expanded Wireless Content, for Network Management Education
As part of the Lantronix Web site "Learning Center," the updated tutorials expand the networking educational tools that have provided a solid foundation and understanding of basic networking protocols and techniques for many years. Advanced topics such as serial-to-Ethernet and wireless serial port 802.11 connectivity are also covered.

"Networking has become an increasingly pervasive, worldwide reality because it is fast, efficient, reliable and effective," said David Schafer, senior vice president of worldwide sales for Lantronix. "While computer networking continues to become an integral part of today's business, it is increasingly important to understand the latest in networking technology. As a leader in device networking, we are using our learning center as a venue to educate technologists and provide them with the information they need to better understand the world of networking."

Lantronix offers six different papers including: Ethernet tutorials that provide information on networking basics and adding speed; an introduction to device servers, terminal servers and console servers; a fast Ethernet tutorial; a device server tutorial; and a network switching tutorial.

The tutorials cover the breadth of topics that are important to IT managers, including the newest solutions available for M2M (machine-to-machine) connectivity and remote management of console servers and data center equipment. Understanding the ability to "Network Anything. Network Everything," the tutorials also focus on the various technologies used to connect any device to a network or the Internet including wired and wireless device servers. In addition, the tutorials educate readers on network security and provide an overview of encryption standards including the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

Contact www.lantronix.com/learning/networking.html.

Telvent Signs Upgrade Contracts With Leading North American Utilities
Telvent GIT has signed contracts with Southern California Gas Company (SoCal) and Epcor Transmission Inc. (Epcor) to upgrade the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems at both utilities.

Telvent will upgrade the SCADA system it had previously installed for SoCal's gas system control center with its latest proprietary OASyS DNA technology. Telvent has also been awarded a contract to upgrade the existing SCADA system used by Epcor Transmission Inc.

Commenting on the significance of these projects, Manuel Sánchez Ortega, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Telvent said: "We are very pleased to see significant customers in the North American market continue to upgrade to our higher value-added solutions. The success of our initial installation and our continued excellent relationship with SoCal has been instrumental to our having been awarded this contract. Telvent's technology has contributed and will continue to contribute to the efficient and secure operation of SoCal and will increase system security at Epcor."

SoCal is a division of Sempra Energy in San Diego, California, the largest natural gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCal currently serves more than 19 million people in more than 530 communities in Los Angeles, California. In total, the Company delivers nearly 1 trillion cubic feet of gas annually, or about 5 percent of all the natural gas delivered in the United States.

Epcor is a Canadian company that distributes electric energy to Canadian and North American customers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and the state of Washington.

Telvent's technology will enable increased system security, and will be compatible with existing systems from other providers, implying lower operating costs for electric company.

OASyS DNA technology provides the means of combining Telvent's products and services with those of its customers, partners, and competitors, to provide a tailored solution that meets the end user's needs. This technology provides the ability to blend existing tools, new custom applications, and SCADA so that real time data may be fed into day-to-day operations, business and planning activities efficiently.

Contact www.telvent.com

Opengear's New Device Servers Provide Remote Management and Control
Opengear Inc., a supplier of console server and remote management solutions, has released Opengear's Secure Device Server line. The SD4002 2-port unit and SD4008 8-port unit are the first secure device servers to offer the highest level of security together with an ability to control any device with an RS232/422/485 serial port or Ethernet interface.

Utilities, refineries, factories, processing plants and health clinics use an array of devices in their control systems to digitally automate tasks and monitor critical information such as pressure, temperatures, speed, vital health statistics, etc. Today's control systems are sophisticated and are habitually connected to the broadband network infrastructure. However, most device servers are only capable of coupling 10 to 20 year-old legacy serial devices (meters, SCADA appliances, PLCs and sensors) onto an IP network. They can't connect to modern network devices and don't provide strong security.

"Management solutions that handle only text characters simply do not meet today's need," said Bob Waldie, CEO and Chairman of Opengear. "The modern machines have sophisticated embedded Windows or Linux operating systems, and they require sophisticated management tools that have graphical console management as well as text capabilities. The SD4000 is the only solution that offers secure local and remote VNC, Remote Desktop, HTTP and telnet access over the network or serial lines."

Waldie continued, "Control engineers who use old serial to Ethernet device server products that lack rigorous authentication, encryption and tunneling unnecessarily put their enterprise security at risk."
In addition to the ability to access, monitor and manage these devices both at the local site and over Internet, Opengear is the only device server supplier to provide secure text and graphical console access through secure, low bandwidth VNC, HTTP and Windows Remote Desktop access. Opengear's Secure Device Servers also provide Serial over IP transmission, which are standard in all device servers. For the first time, control engineers can remotely control PCs, Windows embedded machines and browser controlled appliances on the factory floor as if they were sitting in front of their office computer. Using tunneled VNC and Remote Desktop, Opengear's SD4000 Secure Device Servers securely manage distributed Windows PCs and embedded PC devices, while it's VNC-over-serial and RDP-over-serial functions enable remote access of PC appliances via RS422/485 lines. Leveraging the HTTP support, individuals can control both the network infrastructure (switches, firewalls) as well as other appliances (security and power switches.).

Both the SD4002 and SD4008 are configured for remote access via a dial-up modem, the Internet or at the local site through a local network or serial connection. Opengear places a priority on security with encrypted access to all remote applications by using 128-bit AES encryption. They also provide a variety of filtering, access logging and alerting capabilities including offline archived console logs and restricted IP address, password or account access.

The SD4000 Secure Device Servers are optimized for stand-alone device management. Using a simple Web browser interface, users can easily configure the appliance, set security levels and access the ports. The user can also interface directly at the command line with the embedded Linux kernel. With its secure tunneled HTTP, RDP and VNC support, and its rich set of serial port communications features, the SD4002 and SD4008 are perfect for central and off-site management and control.

Pricing for the SD4002 2-port unit is $245 and the SD4008 8-port unit is $595.

Contact www.opengear.com

The SMX900 can be configured as a Master, Slave or Repeater and is capable of transmitting signals up to 20 miles. It is Class 1 Division 2 certified and has an operating temperature range of -40 to + 85 Degrees Celsius.

Contact www.scadalink.com

Codespear to Provide Alert Notification, Communications Interoperability, and Information Sharing
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Emergency Management Division (EMD) has selected Codespear's software platform to coordinate emergency alert notifications and communications with state, county, and municipal emergency managers and first responders. The software will augment the current State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) incident command system, enhancing incident response, emergency preparedness and continuity of operations. SmartMsg, Codespear's flagship solution, works by enabling fully integrated two-way communications and alerting between multiple agencies, communities and first responders regardless of communication devices.

"SmartMsg will be valuable in numerous operational areas by providing a seamless communication system that enables multiple agencies and disparate groups to send and receive emergency alerts and communicate effectively using diverse networks and devices," said Michigan State Police Deputy Director, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller. "This supplemental communications capability will be a valuable addition to the operational and security needs of the homeland security and public safety initiatives in Michigan."

The Emergency Management Division recognized the need to eliminate their reliance on the basic text-based alert notification and chat functions that were included with their incident command system application, which has been implemented state-wide. The state sought the ability to transmit converged voice, data and text information relating to critical incidents and emergency declarations to all types of phones, two-way radios, computers, pagers, faxes and PDAs. Additionally, the Codespear solution meets the state's requirements for a secure, integrated software-based solution that is highly scalable, capable of operating on battery power, provides support for wireless voice and data communications and capable of alerting thousands of first responder personnel, without delay.

Contact www.codespear.com

Control Microsystems Releases SCADAPackER
Control Microsystems recently introduced the SCADAPackER automation controller, the first rack-mounted system in the SCADAPack family. Providing flexible solutions in applications requiring high-speed control and monitoring, the SCADAPackER meets a wide range of I/O requirements. The product offers native DNP and includes embedded Sequence of Events logging and data concentrator functionality. With hot-swappable I/O modules, and a IEC61131 programming environment, the SCADAPackER provides cost-effective solutions for the management of critical real-time processes in complex control and monitoring environments.

The SCADAPackER comes with a three year warranty and a comprehensive customer support program.

Contact www.controlmicrosystems.com.

Developed for online SCADA applications, WS SecuCrypto represents an array of software encryptors and decryptors for digital communications over the Internet. Innovative features, such as configurable encryption algorithms, web-based interfaces, multiple implementation options, service-oriented architecture design, and WebSCADA's proprietary encryption algorithms, make it a unique and revolutionary security software solution available from SCADA marketplace. WS SecuCrypto is a perfect choice for SCADA systems to communicate securely via the open Internet. All information that passes through WS SecuCrypto is automatically encrypted prior to transmission. Using WS SecuCrypto, secure communication can be established between any two points over the Internet. It allows SCADA system operators and business decision makers to quickly, easily, and securely communicate with their partners, devices, and PLCs.

The newly released WS SecuCrypto has been successfully integrated into WebSCADA systems and further improves WebSCADA system's security. WS SecuCrypto acts as a standalone software encryption and decryption services within WebSCADA Service-Oriented Architecture. It provides advanced security features which allow WebSCADA customers and system integrators quickly and easily embed security across multiple locations and generations of devices.

"Improving today's distributed SCADA system security requires a blend of the right technologies and the expertise. The successful launch of WS SecuCrypto enables us to provide the much needed software encryption solutions for online SCADA applications with rigorous security demands," said Dr. Jay Wu, CEO of WebSCADA Corporation. "The unique feature of WS SecuCrypto lies in the service-oriented software encryption technology combined with WebSCADA proprietary encryption algorithms. With the availability of this new SCADA security product, WebSCADA can help its clients develop appropriate security measures that are flexible and cost-effective for their specific situations."

Contact at www.webscada.com

Cannon, Hunt, Powel, RuggedCom Products Selected for Inclusion in Vyyo's New Program
Vyyo Inc., a global supplier of broadband access equipment for cable and private wireless broadband network solutions, has introduced a new program designed to ensure successful implementation of multi-vendor wireless solutions that include Vyyo products.

The "Vyyo Certified Compatible" program has been designed to offer additional assurance to utility customers that specific products have been tested, or field-proven, and certified as interoperable with Vyyo wireless utility solution products. The Vyyo solution combines 700 MHz licensed spectrum with the company's V3000 broadband wireless hub and compatible modems to provide greater efficiency by replacing legacy dial-up monitoring with cost-effective, high-speed wireless data services.

Cannon Technologies, Inc.'s YUKON Software and Substation Advisor gateway products; Hunt Technologies' TS1 AMR automatic meter reading system; Powel-MiniMax, Inc.'s ScadaCam remote security and monitoring solution and RuggedCom Inc.'s RuggedSwitch RS400 serial device server are the first to be included in the program. Additional products and solutions will be announced in the near future.

"Vyyo Certified Compatible" status assures that utilities using Cannon load management and automated distribution products can seamlessly incorporate Automated Meter Reading (AMR), Demand Management, Electric Substation Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Distribution Automation, and Equipment Monitoring functionalities in conjunction with the high-speed, real- time connectivity of the Vyyo broadband wireless solution.

"To achieve maximum efficiency, utility providers require monitoring and management solutions that bring together best-of-breed products," said Mike Ritter, Ph.D., chief technology officer and senior vice president of marketing for Vyyo. "Our ability to ensure interoperability of our wireless network with numerous devices gives our customers the flexibility to implement the options that best meet their needs as part of a tested, certified end-to-end solution."

"The combination of state-of-the-art monitoring systems and Vyyo's high- speed, always-on, two-way wireless products already dramatically increases the ability of utilities to manage remote substation systems," said Joel Brick, telecom director for Sioux Valley Energy and Sioux Valley Wireless. "By designating products as 'Certified Compatible,' Vyyo is offering even greater levels of assurance to customers regarding the performance and effectiveness of specific solutions."

Vyyo's technology is designed to enable management of remote utility locations, including accurate, real-time assessment of consumption, the reduction of excess power generation and the reallocation of power generation. In addition, the Vyyo solution is designed to allow utility customers to generate additional revenues using the same technology by providing high-speed Internet services to rural commercial and residential subscribers.

Contact www.vyyo.com

The security upgrade includes 20-plus additions and improvements and has been audited & approved by a major electric utility.

Trevor Harper, Director of Technology Development, said of the upgrade, "This upgrade enhances our robust data security and offers iSCADA administrators more security options to meet their individual security requirements."

iSCADA is a rapidly deployed, managed machine-to-machine communications service product used for monitoring and controlling remote, mobile, and fixed assets. iSCADA uses Internet, wireless, satellite, smart field devices, and industrial M2M technologies to efficiently communicate operating data between people, devices, and systems. The service is provided on a turnkey basis including communication services with minimal or no capital expense, and is backed by a service level guarantee.

Contact www.m2mdata.com

March

1-2 - KEMA Executive Forum, Washington, DC. Contact www.kema.com

9 - SCTE Network Management Symposium, San Francisco, Calif. Contact www.scte.org

19-23 - TelecomNext, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.telecom-next.com

28-30 -- Electric Power, New Orleans, La. Contact www.electricpowerexpo.com

29-30 - Globalcon, Philadelphia, Pa. Contact www.globalconevent.com

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 5-7 2006
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
www.sensorsexpo.com

Sensors Expo & Conference is the leading sensors event in North America exclusively focusing on sensors and sensor-integrated systems. The conference program is dedicated to exploring the most up-to-date innovations in sensor technology including physical sensors, sensor networks, biosensors, MEMS/Nanotechnology, Instrumentation & Controls, Intelligent Systems, Machine-to-Machine communication, wireless sensing and IT technology. Sensors Expo & Conference identifies cutting-edge trends, explores them in an information-packed conference program and reflects those trends throughout the exhibit floor with new product announcements, application presentations, technology focused tours, and a showcase of hundreds of products and services.

For conference enquiries contact: Devi Paulsen devip@spintelligent.com

For exhibition and sponsorship enquiries contact:  Gerald Schreiner gerald@spintelligent.com

For registration and travel contact:  Jimina Schmidt jimina@spintelligent

www.metering.com/events/mam2006

Decision makers from business, industry and government must now seek integrated energy solutions — solutions which assure both a secure and affordable power supply, and effective management of both energy and overall operational costs. Globalcon 2006, presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, is designed specifically to facilitate those who need to get up to speed on the latest developments in the energy field, explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies. The multi-track conference covers a variety of topics, and gives you the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the major players in the energy field.

The Niagara Summit is an open conference event focusing on the Niagara Framework. It brings together integrators, end-users, consultants, manufacturers, developers and resellers--- the Niagara Community--- to share experiences, get in-depth education, enhance their skills and hear what the future holds from leading industry experts.

General Sessions, keynote speakers and comprehensive workshops will focus on educating attendees on the latest developments in creating solutions that integrates today’s diverse systems and devices into a unified platform enabling distributed, real-time communications to machines and between machines.

No other event assembles such an extensive array of practitioners using the Niagara Framework. End-users, integrators, manufacturers, consultants and developers will have the quality networking time to discuss needs, real world applications and best practices. Take this opportunity to meet with the top business and technical decision makers working with the Niagara Framework.

Competitive broadband communications carriers have unique requirements. From Service Area to Service Mix. Customer Base to Terrain. That's why more carriers turn to wireless broadband networking gear of all types - WiMAX or WiFi, Point to Point or Mesh, Portable or Fixed, Access or Backhaul, Licensed or Unlicensed - to meet their outdoor networking needs. For more than eight years, Broadband Wireless World has been the place senior executives from all categories of communications carrier go to learn more about the business model and technology solutions to design and deploy fixed wireless broadband networks.

Attend Broadband Wireless World 2006 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, April 26-28, and see all the wireless access tools for today’s broadband network on display in one place, under one roof. Register today to receive discounted savings off the regular conference rate. For program and registration information, please visit www.broadband-wireless.com/BWW06 or call 800.608.9641.

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