Industrial Video and Control acquires Longwatch Technology

Industrial Video and Control (IVC), a supplier of cameras and video systems for industrial, military and commercial applications, has announced the acquisition of Longwatch, a developer of video management software for industrial automation and process control applications. IVC, based in Newton, MA, is known for its industrial camera systems that incorporate ruggedised cameras and video management software.

Longwatch’s Video Surveillance system, first introduced in 2005 to water treatment and power plants, is able to transmit video over existing instrumentation networks at speeds as low as 9600 baud. Its Video Historian automatically links video with various user databases (including data historians). Its most recent innovation is the Longwatch Console Recorder, which records industrial control console displays and enables easy playback for troubleshooting, operator training and regulatory compliance.

“The acquisition of Longwatch is a great opportunity for IVC,” said Norman Fast, CEO of Industrial Video and Control. “Longwatch’s ... software for SCADA video and remote monitoring will be a major addition to our product line and will bring extraordinary value to manufacturers and commercial users,” he added.

Stephen Rubin, CEO of Longwatch, stated, “IVC makes cameras and enclosures specifically for rugged applications as demanded in process and manufacturing industries. Together, IVC and Longwatch can now deliver leading-edge solutions that deliver (greater) value ... The know-how and service capability of IVC combined with their cameras and our software brings a totally integrated, reliable solution to customers.”

IVC will maintain the Longwatch brand and operate the company as a division of IVC. According to Norman Fast, the plan is to make both companies’ product lines interactive while building on the Longwatch brand, leveraging its reputation for innovation in remote monitoring and process control. IVC’s Relay Server will interface with Longwatch’s Video Control Center - the software that drives the Longwatch Viewer, ActiveX controls for video integration, as well as the Video Historian. Longwatch’s Video Engine, which provides recording of events and video, will also provide video streams to the IVC Relay Server.

IVC also plans to add support of its camera offering to the Longwatch environment. IVC manufactures and sells pan-tilt-zoom, fixed, auto-zoom, and manual-zoom cameras that incorporate the latest in imaging technology. Their industrial cameras are suitable for harsh weather and environmental conditions; some models have been certified for use in Class I Division 1, Class I Division 2, and ATEX (inherently dangerous) environments.