INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
24 Sep 07. ObjectVideo® and Harris Corporation announced that they have entered into an agreement to create an advanced system that provides added security and protection at remote sites. The new solution is designed for customers with mission critical communications and security needs, including public safety, federal government agencies, transit authorities, and broadcasters. Under the agreement, Harris has integrated the ObjectVideo OnBoard™ digital signal processing-based suite of analytics software tools within the video encoding module of its Intraplex® NetXpress™ managed IP networking platform. The Intraplex® NetXpress™ platform provides a versatile IP edge solution for the transport of surveillance video, voice, data, and program audio. Integrating ObjectVideo OnBoard™ software within the NetXpress™ video encoder expands the system’s capability, providing an additional layer of security monitoring and protection. ObjectVideo’s industry leading video content analysis software intelligently discerns objects of interest; distinguishes between humans, vehicles, and other objects; continuously tracks positions for all moving and stationary targets; and recognizes if objects have been removed or left behind at the designated site; among other possible security breaches. When significant changes are detected in the video, ObjectVideo OnBoard™ immediately issues alerts—complete with still images or full-motion video—over the IP network to security personnel and maintains detailed event logs.
24 Sep 07. Airbus has named five aeronautical suppliers as potential partners to take over some of its manufacturing facilities in France, Germany and Britain, the company said Monday. The short list, narrowed from 11 contenders, includes GKN PLC of Britain, Aviation Latecoere of France, the two German companies Voith AG and MT Aerospace and U.S.-based Spirit AeroSystems Inc. Airbus gave no date for a further decision, saying there were no front-runners and it wouldn’t be rushed into a choice. “We will decide when we are ready,” Chief Executive Tom Enders said in a statement. “Announcements will only be made when the Airbus and EADS management have arrived _ together with the potential partners _ at concrete terms and conditions for a promising long-term partnership,” Airbus said. The companies that are eventually selected will become long-term partners of Airbus and share the risk of its planned A350 XWB wide-bodied aircraft, which is planned to enter commercial service in 2013. Airbus is looking for partners for its manufacturing sites in Filton in Britain, Meaulte and St. Nazaire Ville in France, and Nordenham and Varel in Germany as part of a broad restructuring and cost-cutting program. Airbus said its parent company, European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., “is close to making a decision about the incorporation of its Augsburg, Germany site into the process.” That decision is expected soon, the statement said. The bidding process was announced in February and officially launched in May. Under the A350 XWB program, the partners would share investment and risks but also the benefits from their participation in the program. Partners would manage, invest and further develop the sites and ensure their participation in the current Airbus programs, new participation in the A350 XWB program and the potential participation in future program.
19 Sep 07. Smiths Group and General Electric have called off their deal to put their detection businesses into a joint venture after a disagreement over strategy. The UK engineering company was to have had a 64 per cent stake in the joint venture, bringing together businesses that make scanners to examine passengers’ baggage at airports, and management control. Smiths said because the decision was mutual, it would not need to pay the £35m break fee it would have been liable for if it had broken off the deal. There would be exceptional costs.
The ending of the agreemen