ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, the security industry has stepped up with its most innovative security applications as part of the 2009 Security Innovation Awards from Security Technology Executive (STE) magazine. The contest, in its fourth year, recognized 2008's most innovative security applications and installations contributed by security industry vendors and integrators.

This year's judging panel had a tough decision, with a wide span of different applications entered, ranging from retail to education, to healthcare, property management, municipal government and corporate environments.

This year's Gold Medal winner, chosen by a panel of eight security industry experts, including STE editor-in-chief Steve Lasky, proved it could make a sensible transition to an IP-based security system for a network of more than 100 retail outlets and facilities -- Price Chopper grocery stores.

The Price Chopper application proved its innovation with the help of vendor Verint Systems, which supplied IP video encoders, cameras and retail software to enable director of loss prevention John Neuberger to leverage his existing analog camera infrastructure to create a total retail surveillance solution. The systems integrator for this project was Checkpoint Systems Inc.

"By eliminating proprietary CCTV hardware, leveraging their existing IT network infrastructure storage and integrating numerous store applications -- while still having the ability to add video analytics and future IP growth -- that is a feat onto itself," one judge said of the winning entry. "Although a physical security and loss prevention solution in this retail environment initially, this open-standards-based platform is a business solution that can be used as a valuable marketing tool, a warehouse logistics tool and a human resources performance tool with security officers and employees. This innovative 'security' approach was the best because it provided the flexibility and leverage Price Chopper sought while becoming a vital business tool and a model for other organizations to duplicate."

"The Price Chopper application was a great example of a forward-thinking and well-focused migration toward an IP video solution that is cutting edge in the retail sector," Lasky adds.

The Gold Medal Price Chopper application is being featured in the September issue of STE, on page 32. Copies of the magazine will be available at booth #2357 at the ASIS International Conference and Exposition, to be held Sept. 21-23 in Anaheim, Calif.

This year's Silver Medal has been awarded to TimeSight Systems, for its Technicolor Inc. submission. Tony Castorino, Technicolor's director of Physical Security for North America, has leveraged TimeSight's innovative video lifecycle management (VLM) system as part of his surveillance solution. VLM can compress video images over time as it ages, saving the end-user valuable storage space and bandwidth. The systems integrator for this project was VAS Security Systems.

"This project stood out because it solved some difficult requirements using some new and innovative technology," one judge said. "The one-year storage requirement for more than 200 IP cameras -- many with megapixel imagers -- was the critical challenge. The TimeSight solution allowed huge savings in the project costs. This project is an excellent example of the value an independent integrator presents when unique requirements call for unique solutions."

Castorino's story on the Technicolor Inc. project will appear in the October issue of STE.

This year's Bronze Medal has been awarded to Brivo Systems for its Grubb Ventures project. Bill Burgess, facilities manager for the provider of residential, commercial and development products and services, worked closely with integrator ASG Security to create a user-friendly access control system that increases security while improving employee effectiveness and productivity. After a gradual roll-out, Grubb standardized on Brivo's ACS WebService, and integrated the system with its surveillance infrastructure.

The Grubb Ventures project will be featured in the November issue of STE.

"This year's competition was very close and really demonstrated more than ever before the network-centric applications that are becoming more and more prevalent in the vertical markets of this industry," Lasky says.

All of the winners and runners-up in the 2009 STE Security Innovation Awards will be recognized at a short press conference at the ASIS International Conference and Exposition, to be held Sept. 21-23 in Anaheim, Calif. Join us on Sept. 22 at 3:30 p.m. in booth 2357 for the awards ceremony.

About Security Technology Executive

Security Technology Executive (STE) is a monthly magazine dedicated to risk mitigation strategies and solutions for today's security executive. It is part of Cygnus Security Media, a division of Cygnus Business Media that features STE, Security Dealer & Integrator magazine, Locksmith Ledger magazine and the flagship Website of the security industry, SecurityInfoWatch.com. To read current and back issues of STE, visit www.securityinfowatch.com/magazine/ste. To learn more about the Security Innovation Awards, or to enter next year's competition, e-mail editor-in-chief Steve Lasky at Steve.Lasky@cygnusb2b.com.

About Cygnus Business Media

Cygnus Business Media is an internationally-recognized business-to-business media company. Its diverse portfolio serves 13 market categories with print and interactive products, and live events. Through its media, the company reaches more than 1.5 million print subscribers, nearly 1 million industry professionals via its Custom Marketing services group, and attracts 2 million unique visitors to its websites monthly. Cygnus Business Media provides comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing programs for some of the world's strongest business-to-business brands. For more information, visit www.cygnusb2b.com.

SOURCE Security Technology Executive