Interview with Dieter Dallmeier: How Hard- and Software Interact in an Optimal Way

The Regensburg company Dallmeier has always been well known for pioneering spirit and innovations. Dallmeier now presents a new Video appliance. We interviewed Dieter Dallmeier, chief executive and company founder about the background to the new appliance.

GIT-SECURITY.com: Mr Dallmeier, what exactly does the term "Appliance" mean?

Dieter Dallmeier: To begin with, "appliance" is a common term in English, used in daily language, which is often translated as "device" or "application". In the IT world however, "appliance" is a technical term. An appliance is distinguished by the fact that it offers an optimal interaction between hard- and software, that means hardware and software are perfectly adapted to each other. An appliance is no "all-rounder", but instead is intended for a single task area - that is controlled perfectly. Take an everyday example: With your washing machine, you neither telephone nor make coffee. But for washing your jeans, there is nothing better suited for it than the washing machine.

So there are also separate appliances for ­different areas of use?

Dieter Dallmeier: Exactly, in IT there are standard appliances such as mail-, spam- or firewall appliances. Similar to this, we have developed a VideoIP appliance, which is specially designed for video surveillance purposes; for example via an elaborate hardware concept with extremely fail-safe components or with hard disks, which are optimised for continuous operation (24/7) and for saving image data.

For you can easily imagine that an appliance which is designed for handling emails for example, cannot process large image data. With our VideoIP appliance, named Smatrix, we have not taken a server or storage "off the shelf" and used it for video surveillance (a purpose that it was not intended for); instead the device is developed and designed from scratch for its specific assignment. And of course, the Smatrix, like our complete product range, is produced in Germany.

Is the installation of the appliance time-consuming?

Dieter Dallmeier: No, because the Smatrix is completely pre-configured, that means all the functions are already installed on the device. Just connect to the network, turn on the power supply, and it's ready. In a few minutes therefore, the appliance is ready for use.

What is the maintenance work like?

Dieter Dallmeier: Maintenance and repair work can be done while the system is running and therefore requires no downtime. The Smatrix is HotPlug and HotSwap compatible, the changing of the hard disks can be carried out quickly and easily on the front of the device.

What areas of use is the Smatrix suited for?

Dieter Dallmeier: The Smatrix is the ideal solution for any project size, be it 10 or 10,000 cameras. The system is left to expand and scale at your will. It grows with your demands and offers long term investment protection!

You promote the Smatrix with the slogan "small, smart, green". Let's begin with the first statement, the Smatrix is particularly small?

Dieter Dallmeier: The Smatrix is just two height units and offers space for up to 24 channels at a time. These are variably configurable; therefore it is left to you, whether you want to connect only network cameras, only analogue cameras or both in hybrid joint operation. In contrast to standard appliances from the IT world, the Smatrix stands out due to its small depth, which means it fits comfortably in a standard 19" rack space. Thus, space saving in larger systems can be realised.

Why "smart"?

Dieter Dallmeier: Smart, because the Smatrix, despite its small size, stands out due to the highest efficiency and reliability. The elaborate hardware concept ensures long term disposability of the system - the service life is up to 30% higher than standard DVRs/NVRs with storage!

"Green" surely refers to the topic of the environment?

Dieter Dallmeier: Correct, since the Smatrix fits in perfectly with the "Green Global Security" philosophy of Dallmeier. It especially stands out due to its high energy saving: a sophisticated system architecture and the use of 2.5" hard disks make extremely low power usage possible - up to 70 % less than conventional DVR/NVR with storage! And because of the low heat emissions, cooling and air conditioning costs can be saved - up to 75 % less than with standard devices. Less energy use and lower heat emissions not only helps save the environment, but also the money in your wallet!

You talk about the "Green Global Security" philosophy, what exactly is it?

Dieter Dallmeier: Environmental protection is a major concern for Dallmeier and in this regard the company's efforts far exceed the legal regulations. Waste avoidance and low energy usage during the production processes, as well as use of recyclable materials equally belong to the "Green Global Security" philosophy, as does the orientation of the product development towards environmentally friendly and ecologically efficient devices.

And one last question: In this interview you have often used the term "IT"...

Dieter Dallmeier: Physical security, which also includes video surveillance, and IT security are increasingly growing together. "Convergence" is the often-quoted key word here. CCTV and IT, previously two separate sectors, are merging together more and more. So, for example, IT computer retailers are evermore included in the sale of video systems.

That development was not least driven by the opening of video systems, for instance via open interfaces, as well as by the operation of systems over standard network infrastructures instead of closed CCTV networks. Video is also more often seen as an additional component, which is operated over an already existing network by the customers. With our VideoIP appliance Smatrix, we have kept up with the changes and developed a product that satisfies both the requirements of video security technology and the IT world.

Mr Dallmeier, thank you very much for the interview.