A whitepaper on Security Grade, purpose built hardware and what it means for the bottom line

1. www.senecadata.com | 800.227.3432
Security Grade
Servers and Storage
The ROI Case
Have you ever heard the term “security grade”?
The answer is probably “No”, because traditionally not much emphasis
has been given to the requirements of servers and server-storage units
(a.k.a. NVR’s) destined for security environments. It’s fairly common for
integrators and end-users to source their server products from large,
well-known computer manufacturers. Perhaps the machine is specified
with higher speed, multi-core processors, powerful graphics cards,
commercial grade hard drives and higher output power supplies than an
application might call for to provide some buffer.
On the surface, and even under the hood, servers
look pretty much alike.
But you have to go not only under the hood, but inside the engine and its processor.
Security grade means that a unit is built and configured for the specific needs of the
security application. With multiple video streams destined for the server or storage
appliance, units are constantly processing and storing information. It’s always on, as
opposed to the environments where most consumer and commercial grade products are
deployed. And, just like in data center environments, throughput matters.
Contents
ROI for “Security Grade”
Security Grade Defined...........................................2
Embrace RAID............................................................2
What monitors the NVR?........................................3
What to Look For.......................................................3
The Value of Security Grade..................................4
Contributors
Ron VanTassel
Ed Stone
October 1, 2016
WHITE PAPER

2. 2 | www.senecadata.com | 800.227.3432
Security Grade Servers and Storage
White Paper | October 1, 2016
So what does a security grade server/storage product look like?
A number of factors come into play, but Proper Product Selection is the essential piece.
Questions to ask:
• What Video Management System (VMS) is being used? They all have various requirements that affect the processor decision.
• How many incoming and outgoing video streams?
• What compression type will be prominent?
• What is the likely bit rate? Will it be set for variable or constant for most cameras?
• Will panoramic cameras be deployed requiring dewarping or stitching?
• What is the retention requirement?
• Is there a preference for Operating System?
• How many client viewing stations are anticipated and what is the likely video display mode on them?
• What is the likelihood of system expansion that might affect this machine?
• Is performance monitoring desired?
• What is the network topology/requirements of the project? Single site, centralized or multiple systems? Multi-sites, multiple systems?
A company offering security grade products will ask these questions and guide the customer to intelligent choices.
WE TOOK THE COMPLEXITY OUT OF
THE SECURITY HARDWARE EQUATION.
Select the right xNVR for the job
with the Seneca Product Calculator:
http://dssproductselector.senecadata.com

3. 3 | www.senecadata.com | 800.227.3432
Security Grade Servers and Storage
White Paper | October 1, 2016
Built and Configured for the Purpose of Security
Manufacturerswho understandthe requirements ofsurveillancevideo regularlyevaluatethe most commonVMS systems and latest cameras andtheycertify
product performance.Theycan simulatethe environment ofmultiple camerasto predict system performance.Theyknowhowto adjust operating system
settingstotunethe unitforoptimum performance. Nearly400 mouse clicks have been measuredto properlytune asystem. Systems are burned into stress
the components andfilterout hardware issuesthat maycause out-of-boxfailures.Appropriate NIC cards are installedto help maintainthe neededthroughput.
Hard drives, processors and powersupplies are selectedfortheirrobustness. CurrentversionVMS installers and software executables are pre-loaded—just
supplyalicense key—sothat properperformance is assured. No internet connection is needed andthere are no datatransfersfrom external drives.
Don’t be Afraid of RAID
Most RAID enabled servers come from the factorywith the RAID configuration set, but not completely initialized, costing more unplanned time. Initializa-
tion can take several hours, and best practice suggests that a unit not be entered into service until the build is complete. Knowledgeable manufacturers
will pre-configure the RAID, insuring the build is completed in a non-interrupted fashion. The unit maythen proceed out ofthe box directly into service, with
the userfeeling confident that it will work as planned.
Cameras monitor the scene?
Who’s monitoring the recorder?
Increasingly, security professionals are discovering the value of monitoring
their security infrastructure—network, power, devices and appliances.
When it comes to servers and storage, the key components that can and
should be monitored are:
System level components
• Processor for performance and temperature
• Memory, cooling and power supply
Storage
• Hard drive monitoring for capacity and potential failures
Network
• Utilization and throughput on network ports
Device Monitoring
• Ability to monitor other devices on the network: cameras, switches
• 3rd
party integration from VMS software
Monitoring can identify problems before they have catastrophic effects
and cause needless expense and inconvenience. Security grade involves
having the hooks in place to understand the physical and performance
parameters of critical hardware.
What else to look for in a
“security-grade” server?
Specialized Product
• Learn and know a single hardware platform for consistency
and cost savings related to installation, configuration,
service and support within physical security
• True manufacture that designs, tests, builds and supports
“security grade” solutions
• Engineering Experience
• Product recommendations and sizing from industry leader
with tested and certified computing solutions by leading
VMS partners
• Expertise
• Best in class warranty and tech support

4. 4 | www.senecadata.com | 800.227.3432
Security Grade Servers and Storage
White Paper | October 1, 2016
The Value of Security Grade
Security grade means spending a little more up front to save in a big way during the lifetime of a unit.
Compare your security investment (extra cost to buy “security grade”) = X with the following areas of cost recovery:
Description Example Savings
Operating system configuration time: 387 mouse clicks @ 15 seconds/click = 1 ½ hours 1.5 hours @ $100/hour = $150.00
VMS installation and configuration time 1 hour @ $100 = $100.00
Reduced out-of-box failures – replacement means delay and an extra service/install visit Cost of truck roll = $500.00
Optimized throughput – 10% performance gain is typical, allowing fewer required units $5000 original cost x 10% = $500.00
Identification of actual system problems
Description Example Savings
Reduced troubleshooting time: 1 hour @ $100 = $100 per occurrence
Reduction in truck rolls due to having proper parts cost of truck roll = $500.00
Identification of impending system problems
Description Example Savings
Pre-emptive maintenance vs. unit replacement Unit cost = $5000
Integrator cost (passed through) to support non-warrantied systems $5000 amortized over 5 years = $1000/year
2 additional truck rolls to pull and replace $500 x 2 = $1000
Effect of out of service unit – lost video, reduced retention time, increased liability
Cost to provision spare or standby units @ $5000
Potential Savings – Priceless
Not all of the above will materialize in an installation, and, in fact, none of these may. However, the total risk exposure may be several times the cost of
the unit. Doesn’t it make sense to pay a small premium for “security grade”?
Going through the thought process of identifying areas of cost recovery vs. the differential to purchase security grade will not only demonstrate a
compelling ROI, but also deliver peace of mind that the security system is that much stronger. And what’s that worth?