Open architecture: Who will lead?

May 1, 1998 12:00 PM, TINA D'AVERSA-WILLIAMS

Who is driving the movement toward open-architecture hardware, and how open should it be? Views on open security hardware come from interested parties such as manufacturers, end-users and integrators.

Manufacturers As evidenced by the HID announcement at ISC West (see story, page 6), manufacturers are increasingly accepting that some level of openness in hardware components is inevitable. The extent to which the components are interchangeable depends on the confidence a manufacturer has in his system. Many manufacturers see a minimum level of interchangeability as an opportunity to increase their customer base.

However, Bill Prevost, president of Westinghouse Security Electronics, cautions, "The reason it can be so difficult for some systems integrators to combine all security functions into one comprehensive system is that most systems are made from major components built by different companies. This can lead to a fragmented system that is less secure and that operates only at the level of the lowest common denominator. It's like systems integrators are taking pieces of different puzzles and trying to pound them together into one picture. The pieces just don't fit. Even if they're able to pound them together, the picture won't make sense."

Westinghouse's primary open architecture strategy focuses on creating electronic access control systems that do the following, without compromising security: n interface with common communication protocols such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet and BACnet; - integrate electronic access control systems with facility automation systems such as HVAC and electronic security systems such as CCTV, burglar alarm and fire alarm; - share databases between access control, human resources and other functional departments through standard database protocols, like ODBC or SQL; and - integrate access-control-related third party products with systems such as photo ID and biometrics.

There are several manufacturers that use open, third-party hardware enhanced by software, packaging and a custom front end. Jim St. Pierre, vice president of Revolving Door Control/Safesec, says third-party panel manufacturers should drive the development of open standards. "The strategy for Safesec is to use open, third-party hardware in conjunction with a highly customizable front end," he says. "Safesec has built-in levels of security in its hardware and software, including electronic serial numbers in all panels for hardware substitutions."

David Swartz, president of Security Applications Inc., says "manufacturers who ignore open systems will realize the same fate as computer manufacturers who ignored the same issue." Manufacturers who embrace open standards will be able to offer the advances of many companies in their products, he points out.

"The future of open systems lies in software," says Swartz. "Software will address the functional, graphical user interface, networking and data security requirements of the customer."

End-users Security managers desire openness for flexibility in choosing and maintaining a security system; end-users do not want to be tied to one manufacturer's proprietary system. Open systems will allow end-users greater flexibility and increased design capabilities.

George Temidis, manager of security systems for IBM Corp., believes open hardware is inevitable. From the start, the systems must be designed to communicate using encryption, which provides security, he says.

"We are living in an open-communication world, transferring data over telephone lines, the Internet and wide-area networks. Encryption is needed with even the most proprietary systems."

Design engineers and integrators Openness allows for easier integration of system components, simplifies system design and adds more capabilities. Open hardware allows for greater flexibility in software design.

Vernon Daniels, integrated systems project manager for SPAWAR, states, "An open architecture hardware approach would be highly supported by companies that outsource panel manufacturing and would stimulate a thriving marketplace for software developers. Software developers must use unique algorithm encryption to secure these open systems."

Minimum standards for open architecture Before reliable open architecture is adopted, some minimum standards must be outlined. Who will write the standards: manufacturers, end-users, design engineers and integrators, governmental agencies or independent third parties?

The answer: All of the above. Representatives of the groups must come together and make a commitment to outlining and developing a consensus on minimum hardware and component standards to ensure compatibility of components, data and processes.

Hardware and software standards should provide consistency, reliability, training and cost savings to manufacturers and end-users.

Most, if not all, of the progress in the area of interoperable controls has occurred in the building automation area, and most of the push has come from the federal sector. Few security companies have picked up the banner of interoperability.

Whether we agree that open architecture and hardware is a good thing or simply an inevitable thing for the security industry, the next step is a commitment by end-users, manufacturers and other interested parties to move forward in standards development. For secure, yet open, systems, the industry needs standard protocols, open databases and globally accepted platforms like NT.

Standards can help prevent: - incompatible components, - system fragmentation, - unnecessary expenses, - limited abilities, - limited upgrade paths, and - training barriers.

SIA supports standards programs

The Security Industry Association (SIA) is an association of manufacturers and suppliers to the security industry. SIA works for the industry's legislative interests in Washington, helps members exchange technical information and advice, develops educational materials and programs to assist members to increase their effectiveness and productivity, and facilitates the development of industry standards so that products are better accepted in the marketplace.

SIA sponsors a standards program, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the Canvass method. It is an open program, meaning that all interested parties may participate, regardless of membership in SIA. The program is supported by SIA's operating budget, which comes largely from SIA member dues but is provided as an industry service to the entire security industry. The program operates under the guidance of the standards committee using procedures registered with ANSI.

Organizations that influence standards development

There are several national organizations that facilitate hardware standards development based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). However, few of these are focused on electronic and physical security components and systems.

- The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for producers, users, ultimate consumers and those having a general interest such as representatives of government and academia to meet on common ground and write standards for materials, products, systems and services.

- For over 70 years, Electronic Industries Associations (EIA) has been the primary trade association representing the U.S. high-technology community.

- The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) promotes the development and application of electronic technology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession and the well-being of its members.

- The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits (IPC) supports designers, printed circuit board manufacturers, electronics assembly companies, suppliers and original equipment manufacturers.

- The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components is a third-party certification system for electronic components.

- The mission of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is to promote the development of standardization and related activities with a view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity.

- The mission of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to reduce the burden of fire on the quality of life by advocating scientifically based consensus codes and standards, research and education for fire and related safety issues.

- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the leading third-party certification organization in the United States and the largest in North America. As a not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, UL has been evaluating products in the interest of public safety since 1894. UL joined with Sandia National Laboratories in 1995 to form Security Equipment and Systems Certification Program (SESCP).

Offering analysis and commentary on the security industry at large, our goal is to keep readers informed of the market growth and forward move-ment within the industry. The column is written by Tina D'Aversa-Williams, publisher of Access Control & Security Systems Integration, whose background includes work in market research and analysis.

We want your feedback. Send comments to: Access Control & Security Systems Integration, Attn: Editorial Comments, 6151 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339; or e-mail us at tdaversa@mindspring.com.

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