IBM Deploys Intelligent Security System at Chicago's Navy Pier

Chicago’s Navy Pier will now have one of the world’s most advanced, integrated network video monitoring systems in the world, according to IBM. The company has implemented new high-resolution cameras and believes that this project will improve video security capabilities at Navy Pier.

 

Video monitoring is important for a destination such as Navy Pier to better manage the resources and protect the people. The IBM (News - Alert) smart surveillance solution is designed to help companies migrating from tape-based monitoring to digital video surveillance get more value out of the video content they are capturing and storing.

 

If there is an incident, the Pier and operational assistance can now function with the help of situational awareness as the cameras deployed by IBM have far- and wide-range viewing capabilities. For this project, IBM has also provided advanced Internet Protocol-based video recording and monitoring system called, Omnicast from business partner Genetec

 

“Chicago is one of the first and most ambitious adopters of the smart city concept. As evidenced by this most recent project with Navy Pier, the City of Chicago is committed to infusing intelligence into its systems, processes and infrastructure to provide better quality of life for citizens and visitors,” said Roger Rehayem, principal of emerging technologies for IBM Global Technology Services.

 

The first phase of the project will protect Pier’s visitors by extending visibility along the perimeter of the Pier and its entrance and departure points. Strategically placed emergency call buttons, will stream video and audio content to the Pier’s new command center when streamed.

 

The second phase of the project will provide Navy Pier with the greatest lakefront security coverage in the world. IBM will make use of high-end laser infrared with long range capabilities to achieve this goal.

The company recently teamed up with finance management software vendor Intuit Inc to launch an appliance in the United States that eases the business operation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The appliance, the “Smart Cube,” is in fact designed to capitalize on the growing need for technology in the small and medium business sector.