Today, Verkada unveiled a series of groundbreaking security product updates that promise to revolutionize safety and operational efficiency for schools, small and medium-sized businesses, and local government facilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key announcements and how they can benefit your organization:

1. Verkada Command Connector

Verkada introduced the Command Connector, a seamless solution for integrating existing camera systems with Verkada’s cloud-based command platform.

Compatibility with Third-Party Camera Systems

The Verkada Command Connector is compatible with a wide range of third-party camera systems. While Verkada has not publicly listed every compatible brand, it generally supports cameras that adhere to common industry standards such as ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum). This includes many popular brands like Axis, Avigilon, Bosch, Hikvision, and Dahua.

How Third-Party Cameras Feed Data to Verkada Command

Here’s how third-party cameras can be integrated and managed through the Verkada Command Connector:

1. Connection Setup:
   • Network Configuration: Ensure that the third-party cameras are connected to the same network as the Verkada Command Connector. The cameras should be configured to use DHCP for IP address assignment, or static IPs can be set if preferred.
   • ONVIF Compatibility: Verify that the cameras support ONVIF protocols, which facilitate communication between the cameras and the Verkada Command platform.
2. Integration Process:
   • Add Cameras to Command: In the Verkada Command interface, navigate to the integration settings and select the option to add third-party cameras. You will need to provide the camera’s IP address, ONVIF credentials, and other relevant details.
   • Verification: The Command Connector will verify the connection and ensure that the camera streams are accessible. This may involve testing the video feed and ensuring that the camera’s settings are correctly configured.
3. Data Management:
   • Unified Interface: Once integrated, the third-party cameras will appear alongside Verkada cameras in the Command interface. This allows for centralized monitoring, management, and video playback.
   • AI-Powered Features: Verkada’s AI-powered search and analytics features can be applied to the video feeds from third-party cameras, enabling advanced search capabilities and incident detection.
4. Security and Compliance:
   • Secure Communication: All data transmitted between the third-party cameras and the Verkada Command platform is encrypted using HTTPS, ensuring secure communication.
   • Compliance: The integration process adheres to industry standards and compliance requirements, making it suitable for use in various sectors, including education, business, and government.

By leveraging the Verkada Command Connector, organizations can seamlessly integrate their existing camera infrastructure with Verkada’s advanced security platform, enhancing their overall surveillance capabilities and operational efficiency. This integration not only simplifies management but also provides access to Verkada’s powerful AI-driven analytics and cloud storage solutions, ensuring a comprehensive and secure surveillance system.

This is particularly beneficial for:

• Schools and Educational Institutions: Simplifies the transition to a unified security system without the need for extensive hardware overhauls.
• Businesses: Allows for centralized management of diverse camera systems, enhancing security monitoring and response times.
• Local Governments: Facilitates the integration of various surveillance systems across different departments, ensuring cohesive security management.

2. AI-Powered Search Enhancements

Verkada’s AI-powered search now includes advanced features like Boolean search capabilities and the “More Like This” feature, which refines search results based on specific criteria.

• School Administrators: Quickly identify and review incidents involving students or staff, improving response times and safety measures.
• Technical Directors: Streamline the process of locating specific footage, saving valuable time during investigations.
• Business Owners: Enhance security by efficiently monitoring and managing footage, ensuring a safer environment for employees and customers.

3. Extended Cloud Backup and Flexible Licensing

Verkada announced new flexible licensing models for extended cloud backup, allowing organizations to add backup in 30-day increments.

• Schools: Ensure critical footage is securely stored and easily accessible for longer periods, aiding in compliance and incident review.
• Businesses: Adapt storage needs based on seasonal demands or specific security requirements, optimizing costs.
• Local Governments: Maintain comprehensive records of surveillance footage, supporting transparency and accountability.

4. Advanced Access Control Solutions

The new AD34 Fourth Generation Multi-Technology Door Reader and Apple Wallet integration for access control were highlights of the announcement.

Key Features of the Verkada AD34 Card Reader

1. Wide-Ranging Credential Support:
   • Low-Frequency and High-Frequency Credentials: The AD34 supports both low-frequency proximity cards and high-frequency credentials, including ultra-secure, encrypted NFC credentials like Verkada DESFire EV3 cards and employee badges in Apple Wallet.
   • Improved Scan Range: The AD34 can read credentials at up to 30% greater distance than previous models, with a significantly larger scanning sweet spot.
2. Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity:
   • Intent Unlock: This feature uses a time-of-flight object distance sensor to deliver a secure and convenient Bluetooth unlock experience. Unlike less advanced Bluetooth readers that rely solely on proximity, Intent Unlock requires both proximity-based Bluetooth authentication and a precise unlock intent, such as a hand wave, to unlock the door.
   • Customizable Unlock Triggers: Admins can choose from several preset unlock triggers or fully customize the requirements for Bluetooth proximity and object distance. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor the unlock experience to their specific needs, whether it’s for a standard office door or a specialized entryway like a garage.
3. Robust Design and Easy Installation:
   • Sleek, Modern Design: The AD34 has a contemporary look and includes both single gang and mullion mounting plates, making it suitable for various installation scenarios.
   • Durability: The reader is IP65 and IK08 rated, ensuring it can withstand outdoor deployments and harsh environments.
   • Simple Management: Once installed, users can monitor reader connection quality through the Verkada Command platform, simplifying maintenance and management.

Benefits of Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity

1. Increased Security:
   • Prevent Unintentional Unlocks: By requiring both proximity and a specific unlock intent, the AD34 reduces the risk of accidental unlocks, enhancing overall security.
   • Edge Processing: The Bluetooth unlock operation is performed at the edge, ensuring an instantaneous response even if the reader is not connected to the internet.
2. Convenience and User Experience:
   • Hands-Free Access: Users can keep their phones in their pockets or bags and simply wave their hand in front of the reader to unlock the door, providing a seamless and almost magical entry experience.
   • Customizable Settings: Organizations can adjust the Bluetooth proximity and object distance settings to create the most suitable unlock experience for each entryway, enhancing user convenience.
3. Versatility:
   • Multiple Use Cases: The AD34’s customizable Bluetooth settings make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from standard office doors to specialized entryways in schools, businesses, and government facilities.
   • Future-Proofing: With support for both current and emerging credential technologies, the AD34 ensures that organizations can adapt to future access control needs without significant hardware changes.

Now Open Doors with Apple Watch

By leveraging the advanced features of the Verkada AD34 card reader, organizations can enhance their security infrastructure while providing a convenient and user-friendly access control experience. Whether you’re managing a school, a business, or a government facility, the AD34 offers the flexibility and reliability needed to meet your unique security requirements.

Key Benefits of AD34 Door Reader

• Educational Institutions: Enhance campus security with advanced door readers and convenient mobile access for staff and students.
• Businesses: Improve access control with secure, user-friendly solutions that reduce the need for physical cards.
• Government Facilities: Implement robust access control measures that are both secure and convenient, ensuring only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas.

5. Enhanced Gateway and Sensor Features

Verkada’s updates to their cellular gateways and air quality sensors provide more detailed insights and easier management.

• Schools: Monitor environmental conditions in real-time, ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment.
• Businesses: Optimize operational efficiency by tracking power usage and environmental data, aiding in energy management.
• Local Governments: Deploy security and environmental monitoring solutions in remote or hard-to-wire locations, enhancing overall safety and operational oversight.

These innovative updates from Verkada are set to provide significant improvements in security, efficiency, and convenience for a wide range of organizations. By adopting these new technologies, schools, businesses, and local governments can ensure they are at the forefront of safety and operational excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates and detailed insights on how these solutions can be integrated into your existing systems to maximize their benefits.