MOBOTIX, provider of advanced IP based high resolution megapixel video solutions, announced today that its video surveillance systems have been installed to address Panama Ports' very high security concerns regarding protection of its ports and cargo in the area of the Panama Canal.

Panama Ports Company (PPC) is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings, which operates 255 berths in 44 ports across the world. PPC operates two ports in Panama 24 hours a day, all year round. Port of Balboa Container is located at the end of the Panama Canal over the Pacific Ocean. Port of Cristobal Container is located at the end of the Panama Canal over the Atlantic Ocean.

PPC is today one of the most important and successful members of Hutchison Port Holdings. It provides links and strategic access for the transatlantic and transpacific traders to the east and west coast of the Americas.

As such, PPC has very high security concerns regarding protection of its ports and cargo. Working with local integrator Multitek, PPC was able to locate the right system to upgrade its video surveillance. Specifically, PPC sought improvement in the following areas:

-Overall high resolution image quality
-Low maintenance system able to withstand the weather conditions of an ocean environment
-The ability to survey greater areas with each camera

After discussions with Multitek and MOBOTIX, PPC became convinced that MOBOTIX could provide the system to meet their high performance requirements -- in terms of high resolution , integrated intelligent and cost efficient recording and analytical software and extremely sturdy design -- to better protect their ports, employees, and cargo. To that end, there are three main areas of concern: theft and injury prevention as well as protection from acts of terrorism.

Image Quality
One of the things that impressed PPC about MOBOTIX was the exceptional megapixel quality of their video surveillance camera images.

"We were used to the grainy, blurry images of CCTV," said Michael Hernandez, CIO of PPC. "When we first saw MOBOTIX camera images, they were so clear it was like watching a DVD. That sort of quality has become necessary in our industry."

The reason for that clarity is that MOBOTIX provides intelligent IP (digital) video systems, not the standard analog CCTV. The MOBOTIX system can display and record up to 30 times more resolution than these standard systems.

Weather Conditions
PPC has particular concerns related to the weather conditions of a tropical coastal environment: salt air, frequent wind driven rain, intense heat and humidity. MOBOTIX cameras are built to withstand extreme environmental conditions: from -30 to +60 °C (-22 to +140 °F). The fiberglass reinforced and shock-resistant MOBOTIX cameras protect the network cable and connections against vandalism as well as severe weather conditions. There is no worry in this case about deterioration due to salt air, camera lenses fogging over, or the system getting rain or heat damaged.

"The sort of durability MOBOTIX cameras offer gives us a peace of mind we're not used to with other companies. These are truly built to last under the most adverse of conditions," said Michael Hernandez.

Audio Features
The fact that MOBOTIX cameras have both audio and video features is a big advantage for PPC. "We don't just need to see what's going on, we need to hear it as well," said Michael Hernandez. "Our overall security and safety is dependent on having both those features." MOBOTIX cameras can also be programmed to give an audio alert that warns away individuals from particular areas. The audio feature also allows PPC to communicate directly with an employee if they are spotted in danger.

Ability to survey large areas
The dual lens feature of MOBOTIX cameras serves PPC's need to cover very large areas. It is essentially like having two high-resolution megapixel cameras for the price of one with the added advantage of being able to see a much wider area. In addition, MOBOTIX is able to do this with no moving parts.

Higher quality images, along with the ability to see more with one camera, have crucial advantages for PPC. It helps lower the risks of theft, vandalism, and injury. The ability to preprogram both video and audio alerts is another aid in this process.    

Because MOBOTIX cameras provide up to 30 times more detail than the average camera, one MOBOTIX camera can watch multiple targets and thereby reduce the total number of cameras required. Intelligent, direct storage management reduces the number of digital video recorders needed and the overall cost of storage by a ratio of 10 to 1. For PPC, this has translated into a much higher level of safety and security.

Next steps
PPC has begun with installation of 54 MOBOTIX cameras, typically at 300 feet, with 2 cameras on each crane. The cameras are aimed at entrances and remote perimeter areas where manual surveillance would have been very labor intensive. Due to its high level of satisfaction with the cameras, Hutchinson Port Holdings intend to purchase an additional 400 over the next few months.

For more information, please contact:

Emilio Dabul      
Phone: 908 822 7106
Gunnar Ek       
Phone: 207 475 6570

Mobotix AG Company Profile
MOBOTIX is a German based manufacturer, surveillance system designer and solution provider with US offices in Fulton Street, Manhattan. They are world market leaders in innovative new surveillance solutions incorporating the latest high resolution mega pixel image technology with their state of the art integrated video management and alarm control software.

Thanks to its extensive features, functionality and flexibility, the weatherproof Mobotix camera is perfect for a wide range of applications such as security and surveillance, logistics and transportation, production and manufacturing, marketing and research, tourism and weather observation, private installations as online web cams or for keeping an eye on your vacation home. With all features integrated in the camera, no additional software installation is required. More information can found at www.mobotix.com.