A secure feeling

BIRD'S-EYE VIEW

Security systems in India are receiving a lot of attention and a select number of companies are introducing state-of-the-art security devices for customers.

when you enter a penthouse or any other luxury apartment these days, there is every chance of your being met by a hi-tech security system.

It might make you feel like you are entering fort Knox and not just somebody's home. But maximum security is the buzzword for people living in high-end apartments across the country.

And with break-ins and burglaries becoming common, residents are responding with advanced security surveillance systems.

Fortunately, there are a few companies that now offer such systems. Mumbai-based Micro Technologies, HCL Technologies and Zicom are a few of them that handle the business of effective security for homes.

Says Milind Londhe, head, software implementation and support, Micro Technologies, "Our security system operates on GSM technology requiring a normal SIM card.This is installed with various door sensors and RAS units that allows customers to connect home appliances and telematics unit."

This is how the system works: The company gives user control on the owner's existing mobile (GSM/CDMA). The user receives alerts whenever the doors are opened.

For instance, if the main door is intruded by a thief, a message from the system warns the user and to read: "Alert ! My house's main door opened on 07/06/06 at 12:30."

The system is effective and convenient and starts at a price point of Rs 16,500, but can run into lakhs depending upon your requirements.

Besides offering CCTV camera security systems, HCL Technologies has other devices too, such as the HCL InfoSurveillance system.

Says George Paul, executive vice president, HCL Infosystems, "Security was always perceived as a luxury that could be afforded by only the rich and famous. But we offer products which are affordable and can be used by anyone."

HCL InfoSurveillance is an appliance-based multichannel video/audio surveillance solution that brings the highest picture quality and video performance for motion detection in critical/secured areas.

Its multi-utility capability enables users to view live and recorded images on one monitor while simultaneously doing recording, image playback, remote monitoring and archiving.

The system comes with high-resolution images for real-life pictures and can install upto 16 cameras. You can even set multiple motion detection areas with the help of this system and use five preset limits. Multiple recording modes include scheduled recording, motion-triggered recording and event triggered recording.

HCL also offers remote monitoring, wherein camera images can be monitored and played back in web browser over Internet or LAN. It can also be used for tracking motion detected events via logs. The multiple camera channels can be viewed on one screen while you also get real time alerts on e-mail.

Security solutions provider Zicom caters to the needs of individuals and corporates alike. Its Intrusion Detection System (IDS) communicates directly with the individual in case of any security lapse.

The system can be enhanced to automate lighting and other electronic and electrical appliances through mobile phones.

A personal favourite is the fingerprint door lock that is perfect for today's homes. Its fingerprint reader can store up to 125 different fingerprints.

In other words, only your family and a select group of friends can enter the house. This lock comes for Rs 35,000. A cheaper option is the keypad access control system at Rs 7,500 that allows the front door to open only if you key in the correct password.

Londhe feels security systems in India need to be beefed up not just for the well-heeled but for the vast majority of the middle class as well. "You can't compromise on security," he says. Paul adds, "Security is finally getting serious attention."

There's no way anyone should barge into your house if you don't want them to.