why security-grade servers and storage?

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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.

ContentsROI 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 | www.senecadata.com | 800.227.3432

Security Grade Servers and StorageWhite 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



Built and Configured for the Purpose of SecurityManufacturers who understand the requirements of surveillance video regularly evaluate the most common VMS systems and latest cameras and they certify

product performance. They can simulate the environment of multiple cameras to predict system performance. They know how to adjust operating system

settings to tune the unit for optimum performance. Nearly 400 mouse clicks have been measured to properly tune a system. Systems are burned in to stress

the components and filter out hardware issues that may cause out-of-box failures. Appropriate NIC cards are installed to help maintain the needed throughput.

Hard drives, processors and power supplies are selected for their robustness. Current version VMS installers and software executables are pre-loaded—just

supply a license key—so that proper performance is assured. No internet connection is needed and there are no data transfers from external drives.

Don’t be Afraid of RAIDMost RAID enabled servers come from the factory with 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 may then proceed out of the box directly into service, with

the user feeling 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



The Value of Security GradeSecurity 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


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


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 liabilityCost to provision spare or standby units @ $5000Potential 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?

why security-grade servers and storage?

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