GE Security, Inc., a business of GE Enterprise Solutions (NYSE:GE), today announced the deployment and installation of new access control and fire and life safety systems at King Abdulaziz International Airport's Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The installation includes an innovative use of the new DirecDoorâ„¢ IP door controller to efficiently manage access at the large terminal's many doors.
DirecDoor is the first two-door, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controller that can be used to cost-effectively control doors in a variety of unique applications anywhere there is Ethernet connectivity. While most typical installations use DirecDoor to add control of doors to existing access systems, Hajj Terminal is the first to use this advanced technology to economically control hundreds of doors.
"GE Security's access control systems have allowed us to further our commitment to increasing airport security and passenger safety, said Yasser Farouk, projects estimation manager, BT Applied Technology, the sub-contractor for the Hajj terminal installation.
"GE Security is pleased that our access control and fire solutions were chosen to help protect passengers using the new Hajj Terminal, said Bart Otten, president EMEA, GE Security. "This particularly innovative deployment of the new DirecDoor controller is an example of the growing number of airports across the Middle East turning to GE Security to help meet their aviation security and life safety needs.
Hajj Terminal can accommodate 80,000 travelers and is estimated to be the world's fourth largest air terminal. King Abdulaziz International Airport is Saudi Arabia's third largest air facility.
With simple plug-in installation, DirecDoor can significantly reduce labor costs and allow new doors to be efficiently controlled using online access systems. Unlike traditional centralized access control panels, the DirecDoor controller is deployed at the door -- at the edge of the network -- with full controller intelligence. Each controller can provide simplified installation for up to two doors.
The Hajj terminal installation also includes the proven GE Security fire solution, deployed widely in large airport installations to provide improved safety. The Hajj Terminal installation is complemented by the VisioWave-based intelligent smoke detection system -- one of the first VisioWave intelligent applications to be used in a Mideast airport. VisioWave is used in airports and other large facilities across EMEA for demanding video surveillance applications.
DirecDoor integrates with GE Security's Secure Perfect® and Picture Perfectâ„¢ access control and security management platforms, adding to a long line of integrated security solutions from GE Security.
About GE's Security Business
GE Security, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is a leading supplier of security and life safety technologies, with operations in more than 35 countries and $1.8 billion in annual sales. GE Security offers one of the industry's broadest product portfolios, covering explosives and narcotics detection, intrusion and access control, video surveillance, key management, and fire detection. GE Security's products are used to protect people and property across a wide range of industries, including aviation, law enforcement, banking, education, healthcare, mass transit, residential and retail.
GE Security was honored with Frost & Sullivan's 2007 Global Market Leadership Award for Container Security Devices for its CommerceGuard container security solution. For more information about GE Security and our products, please visit www.gesecurity.com.
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