Soratek on Test
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Andrew Walker, Technical Services Director reviews Soratek’s new Linux based, video recording appliance.
We were handed an appliance and a CD with the promise that it was going to do the job that other surveillance solutions do, but quicker with greater simplicity at a much reduced cost.
Soratek claimed we could set up an effective surveillance system using our existing analog and IP cameras, with just one box. Without the need for separate video storage, and no time consuming training needed to operate it, I was somewhat sceptical.
There wasn’t much time left in the day, and I was eager to prove the concept so I set about installing the client software and set up five cameras. Within an hour of adding the appliance to the rack I had the surveillance system working.
I left for home, but was drawn out of interest to see if I could log on to the system from home to find out what was happening back at the office. Everyone had gone home but I saw someone had left the office lights on! Finding the culprit wasn’t difficult, using Fast Detection Mode I was able to view a list of trigger events and times for that day and pin down the perpetrator – evidence was mine! Operating the PTZ whilst sat at home working across our VPN was fun and pretty impressive.
Set-up
First impressions were good. The MS Windows® style client software lived up to its promised ease of use. Intuitive wizards made set-up straightforward although if setting up a number of cameras you may consider enlisting the help of a Reseller to make sure you’ve got everything covered; you can assign different time and date recording schedules for each camera, image size and quality and frames per second - ideal if you need to implement a mix of strategies for cameras throughout your location.
Cameras
We used our existing Axis IP Cameras; Soratek has a nifty way of off-loading the overhead of image processing to the camera to minimise the impact on the performance of the network and recording appliance. For existing installations with legacy technologies there is a migration path whereby analogue cameras can be integrated as part of the IP solution using Video Gateways.
Licensing
Soratek being Linux based means that licensing is straight forward; you just pay for the devices connected to your network, there are no operating system licenses required.
IP Technology
Its ability to work alongside other IP devices means it has longevity and it can take you closer to achieving a more unified communications strategy. As more IP devices enter the market, they too could be linked in to Soratek enabling you to implement enhanced security policies in the future. Door Access Control is one example; being able to record video images of staff as they enter the building could have its advantages if you have tailgating issues.
Data Storage
It’s hard to believe that one box can do everything you need to run surveillance, the vast amount of video to be stored is enough to question just what one box can do. Soratek gets around the problem using a file recycling process to ensure the appliance always operates at its maximum capacity, ensuring video is retained for the longest period possible. This efficiency repays the investment in the technology by saving you time spent administering video files and removing files that are no longer required.
Channels not limited
Soratek shouldn’t be confused with network enabled DVR products. It doesn’t suffer from limited channels and storage issues that have impaired the traditional DVR, it’s a scalable network product.
Our View
The flexibility of adding a box to the network without the need for complex set up involving a lot of time and effort from the IT Department will appeal to many, I’m sure. Its ‘plug and play functionality’ may make it sound slightly corny, but I can see the advantage of installing a box that just plugs in and does what is says on the tin without much administration.
The fact that there is no ongoing operating system licensing also makes it a very cost effective platform for video surveillance.
Certainly a strong contender in the IP surveillance market and worth considering if you’re looking to implement a new surveillance system or upgrade a legacy analog system.
Being developed on Linux provides stability and freedom from constant license upgrades. It offers a simplified, cost effective route no matter how small or large your installation. Regardless of the number of sites to be covered you’ll be able to take advantage of your existing network whilst controlling your system remotely.
We’d be delighted to discuss our installation of Soratek with you further.
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