Ottawa Business Journal

Video surveillance equipment from March Networks will soon be keeping an eye on passengers on the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in San Jose, California.

The Viscom division of Diversified Security Solutions has chosen March's mobile digital video recorders and related software for installation on 80 VTA light rail vehicles. The deal, which includes a 3-year maintenance agreement, is worth $1.5 million to Viscom. March Networks did not release financial details of its agreement to supply the recorders to Viscom.

"March Networks has invested extensive resources to ensure that our on-board surveillance systems and software meet the demands of our customers in the transportation market. We believe that this new contract for Viscom installation and support paired with March Networks mobile DVRs is an indication of the tremendous opportunities ahead of us in the transportation space," Peter Strom, president and CEO of March Networks, said in a statement.

Each installation will carry a sign reading "Video surveillance by March Networks."

The transit authority awarded the contract after a three-month trial period in which the March/Viscom system out-performed two rivals.

"The Viscom Products system completed the final demonstration without failure, had excellent image quality, and demonstrated better wireless diagnostic and video download capabilities than the other two," said VTA project manager Robert Gave.

March Networks has identified transit systems and the transportation sector as one of the key market opportunities for its video surveillance technology.