REMOTE SURVEILLANCE MADE SIMPLE

VISIO-SOFT COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Visio-Soft Communications inc. (Visio-Soft) was founded in Montréal in 2003. The firm develops and delivers integrated remote surveillance solutions based on the latest video compression and remote control technologies, which enable clients to efficiently monitor their points of sale and facilities and remotely manage their companies’ security.

Visio-Soft is a fast-growing company that is targeting an especially dynamic market where the competition is currently very fragmented. Sales of remote surveillance systems worldwide will grow from $1.3 billion in 2003 to an estimated $7.4 billion in 2007, mainly in the retail (24%), public sector (22%), and recreation and tourism (12%) markets. Due to its unique technology, Visio-Soft expects to quadruple its earnings by 2007. The firm hopes to be listed on the stock exchange by the end of 2005.

THE CONTEXT

Before the advent of computers and the Internet, video surveillance was done with closed circuit video cameras. These systems, which were able to record fair quality video images, needed a security officer to be located near the cameras.

The situation has changed drastically as a result of advances in information technology, higher powered personal computers, and the Internet.

VISIO-SOFT TECHNOLOGY

Recording and transmitting digital video information both require a lot of storage space and bandwidth. These constraints make currently available digital solutions less attractive, since they are too expensive and require communication systems that only very large corporations can afford.

Visio-Soft has developed a digital video recorder (DVR) built on a technical platform derived from PC technology. The Visio-Soft DVR is an implementation of a very high performance compression, coding, and decoding algorithm, also called a codec, based on a coding/decoding technology called Wavelet.

This codec, one of the most powerful in the industry, can achieve image compression ratios from four to ten times higher than with other systems currently available on the market. Visio-Soft has created a software suite and equipment that is specifically designed for video surveillance based on this specialized codec, which makes it possible to do on-site and remote video surveillance via the Internet. The performance is so good that Visio-Soft is extending its products to cellular transmission-based applications.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES OF VISIO-SOFT TECHNOLOGY

Visio-Soft offers an integrated system that paves the way for a simple transition from legacy analog systems to a new digital environment. It offers a number of technological advantages, providing users with unprecedented protection.

Better image compression
Visio-Soft technology, which is specially designed for security applications, can compress images to the point that movement in a warehouse or store or at an on-the-job accident scene can be traced up to 28 days later. Moreover, installed cameras can record for much longer periods of time than previously.

Analog system integration
The system also makes it possible to integrate existing analog security systems. You can record information simultaneously with the image, point-of-sale operations and printing of sales slips. You can also integrate readings from different sources, such as motion detectors, opening of doors, or alarm triggers. With traditional technologies, it would take several hours viewing cassettes to achieve the same results.

Camera integration
The system is powerful enough to combine all existing cameras into a digital system, regardless of camera model. Digital technology can even make images produced by older cameras better and clearer than those taken by a traditional analog recorder.

The power of networking and the Internet
Visio-Soft technology shows its true value with its networking capability. Because images are highly compressed, you can transmit images from several cameras over links one-quarter to one-tenth as fast as any other system.

Remote access for users or operators
An owner or operator can connect remotely and follow operations recorded by different cameras via a program that can be installed on a PC or portable computer. This means a multi-site operator can monitor multiple locations from a single point anywhere, even at home.