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BluB0X Open Cloud vs. Closed Client Server

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Feature/Capability Yes/No BluBØX Open Cloud

Yes/No

Closed Client Server
Lower Initial and Ongoing Cost Y BluBØX uses less onsite hardware, infrastructure, power and cooling resulting in lower initial hardware and installation costs. BluBØX's automatic software updates, Intelligence, deep monitoring, and remote diagnostics reduce lifecycle maintenance costs. N Not possible with client server architecture.
On Demand, Pay as You Go, Pay for What You Use - Goldielox Infrastructure Y This is the BluBØX cost model and results in the highest value for the end user. N Generally not available.
Seamless Transition to a New Platform Y The BluBØX architecture allows a system to be switched over without disrupting the legacy system. This results in a seamless system switch in a day or over a weekend. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime, Any Device Y The BluBØX Cloud architecture enables users to access 100% of their system from anywhere, anytime using any device.  This hallmark capability enables the BluBØX system to provide capabilities and benefits not achievable with traditional client server architecture. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Reduced Hardware and Software Architecture Y The BluBØX Cloud architecture eliminates the need to install on-premises servers, client stations, network video recorders and the associated peripherals such as monitors, UPSs, KVMs, etc.  This results in lower initial and ongoing costs, less maintenance, fewer headaches and no replacement of equipment every few years. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Hardware, Software, Database, and Storage Redundancy Y The BluBØX Cloud architecture and virtualized environment provide full hardware, software, database, and storage redundancy through multiple geographically dispersed locations.  It is protected from natural disasters, equipment failure, poor environments, and backup failure. N Not practical and prohibitively expensive with client server architecture.
Automatic Backups Y The BluBØX Cloud architecture continuous automatic backups every hour N Not practical and prohibitively expensive with client server architecture.
Microsoft Cyber Security Protection Y The BluBØX Cloud architecture is protected 24/7 against Cyber Security attacks by Microsoft through a combination of 24/7 monitoring, IPS systems, penetration testing and best practices. BluBØX also does its own penetration testing on its application software with every new major release. N Not practical, prohibitively expensive and probably not possible to achieve with client server architecture.
Multi-Factor Authentication Y   N Generally not available
Automatic Software Upgrades Y The BluBØX system provides automatic software upgrades and 100% distribution to all users.  All customers are always using the best software we have to offer and receive 10x more upgrades than client server architecture systems. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Continuous and Rapid Software Improvements Y The BluBØX system provides software upgrades every month N Not possible with client server architecture.
One Event Clock Y The BluBØX system provides one event clock and one events database such that all transactions and events reference the same common clock.   N Many systems have disparate clocks that aren't synchronized and drift such that the access, alarm, visitor, video events can't be correlated.  It is not practical and expensive to achieve with the client server architecture.
One Version of Software Across All Devices Y The BluBØX system provides one version of the software and one user experience across all devices; smartphones, tablets, tablets, laptops, desktops, large screen monitors independent of operating system and browser being used.  This makes BluBØX easy to learn, easy to transition from device to device and easy to support. N Not possible with the client server architecture. There are different versions for different O/S's. Mobile apps are different than client apps.
One Common Database Y The BluBØX system uses one common database to achieve deep unification Out-of-the-Box without the need for time-consuming and error-prone configuration and integration.  Everything remains unified and working from upgrade to upgrade, which is not the case for systems that use disparate databases. N Most client server systems are made up of multiple disparate databases; usually one database per system (access, alarm, video, visitor, biometric) and usually different original manufacturers.  The databases have different structures which makes them difficult and expensive to integrate together.  It also makes it impossible to have common reporting, analytics, notifications, and situational awareness.
No Client Software or Apps Y The BluBØX system does not require any client software.  All it needs is a browser and an internet connection.  This is what makes the system accessible from any device, anywhere, anytime.  Nothing to load, nothing to maintain, nothing to upgrade. N Requires client and server installed software on any PC or server need to use the application.  Mobile apps, if even available, need to be installed on each mobile device.
A Simple, Familiar Web User Interface that Anyone Can Use - No training Required Y If you can use the Internet then you can use BluSKY. It's that simple. N Most client server solutions require and magnifying glass, PhD and a few weeks to learn and use.
100% Mobile Functionality Y 100% of the BluBØX system capabilities are available on every device including smartphones. System functionality is not limited by the device being used. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Mobile 1st and Responsive Software Design Y The BluBØX system is designed from the ground up to be delivered on a mobile device and then every other type of device.  Mobile devices have become the dominant device that we conduct our daily business on.  But creating software that works across all devices is challenging.  You have to handle touchscreen devices, no right click, no hover over and small screen real estate.  BluBØX software achieves this through mobile first and responsive design. N Not available.  Client applications were written at a time before the mobile revolution and before mobile first and responsive design was available.
Real Time Status, Control and Events from Anywhere Y The BluBØX system provides real-time status, control, and events from anywhere for readers, floors, alarms, cameras, keypads, visitors, photos, operator actions, system, and health. N Not possible with client server architecture.
Ability to Open Any Portal or Elevator with Your Smartphone - No BlueTooth, NFC or Special Readers Y   N Not possible with client server architecture.
Ability for Fire, Police and EMT to be Alerted, View and Control Your System from Anywhere Y   N Not possible with client server architecture.
Ability to Simulate Credentials from Anywhere Y   N Not possible with client server architecture.
Seamless Virtual Credential Provisioning - Employee, Residents, Visitors or Vendors Y   N Not possible with client server architecture.
Email and SMS Event Notification and Response  Y The BluBØX system provides email and SMS servers that deliver event-based notifications to targeted users with an easy way to directly respond.  This capability provides the first level of situational awareness and notification. N Most systems do not come with an email server or SMS server.  This is an extra ongoing cost to provide, configure and maintain.  
Notification and Distribution List Management and One Common Notifications Engine Y The BluBØX systems provide an easy way to define and manage event-based notifications.  The system comes with many notifications already defined. The BluBØX systems also provide an easy way to define and manage distribution groups. Distribution groups can be static or dynamic. Distribution groups are used in conjunction with notifications to target the appropriate audience.   N Using emails and SMS are not part of the system function as it is with BluBØX.  As a result, client server system does not have sophisticated notification management and distribution systems. They do not have targeted and event-driven notifications triggered automatically and manually by system events.  Without this component situational awareness is not achievable.
Person Reader Y The BluBØX Person Reader is a unique product to BluBØX.  It provides hands-free and cards free multi-biometric identification of a person.  It can be used in conjunction with a PIN, card or some other credential. N Not available.
Integrated Biometric Security Y BluBØX provides integrated biometric credential management used for Person Reader enrollment.  It can also be used to log into BluBØX. N Generally not available.  The biometric database is generally a separate database that is managed independently from the access control database and a manual mapping must connect the biometric information to a card number.  This is cumbersome at best and the problem is made worse for each different biometric reader because each one requires its own database and ongoing management.
Mobile Digital Credential Y BluBØX provides integrated mobile digital credential management and provisioning.  This enables people to use their smartphones and other devices as a credential to gain access to equipped readers. N This is new technology and generally not supported yet by most manufacturers.  The client server architecture will provide significant limitations to achieving the full potential of mobile digital credentials.
Unified Access, Alarms, Visitor and Video Everywhere Y The BluBØX system provides unification between access, alarms, video, visitor and biometrics anywhere, anytime on any device because unification is accomplished in the Cloud - not on a local machine. This is far better than the specified system. P Not specified and not possible with the specified client server architecture. Unification is only available on the computers in which the client software is loaded (NOT Everywhere).  Unification is not available on Mobile apps.
Integration with Any 3rd Party Alarm, Fire, BMS System Y   P Not possible with client server architecture.
Cross-System, Multi-Site, Partitioned Database Architecture Y View, control and exchange data between multiple independent systems, facilities, and sessions N Not possible with client server architecture.
Tenants Manage Building Security Database and Functions for their Own Employees - personnel record management, access control, visitor pre-registration, photos, badging and reporting Y The BluBØX system partitioned database allows each tenant to manage their own employee personnel records, building access, visitor pre-registration, photos, badging and reporting all through the internet an without interfacing directly with the local building system hardware.  The building maintains control over what access can be given but the responsibility and liability for doing the work reside with each tenant where it should be. N Not practical, cost prohibitive and introduces security risks with client server architecture.
Ability to Take Selfies for Badging and Photo Verification Y   N Not possible with client server architecture.
Tenants Share Data Between Building Security System and Tenant Security System Y The BluBØX system allows personnel records, access levels, and events to be accessed across the building system and tenant system eliminating double data entry of the same information in two systems.  This capability has the benefit of keeping the building system and tenant system perfectly aligned without any holes in security. N Not possible with client server architecture.
One Set of Credentials for Building Security and Tenant Security Systems Y The BluBØX system allows the same set of credentials to be used in different systems like the building system and a tenant system. This eliminates the need for tenants to carry two sets of credentials. A credential set could include multiple cards, PINS, mobile digital credentials, and multiple biometric credentials. P This can be partially achieved by entering the same credentials into both the base building system and tenant system. However, there are many complications with this approach and it leads to many security holes due to communication and administration failures and the lack of integration between systems.
Virtual Visitor & Vendor Credentials via Email Y   P Generally not available
Inexpensive MiFARE Visitor & Vendor Credentials Y   P Generally not available
Included Email/SMS Service Y   P Generally not available
Customizable Email/SMS Notifications and Distribution Groups Y   P Generally not available
Open Hardware Y The BluBØX system's "Freedom of Choice" architecture uses open Authentic Mercury hardware that can be used on 20+ other manufacturers.  Mercury hardware is "Tried and True" in the marketplace and the most installed hardware set of any brand. This choice future proofs the BluBØX system and eliminates the risk of getting stuck with proprietary hardware that must be replaced if it is decided to move to a different manufacturer. P This depends upon the manufacturer.  Unless the manufacturer uses Authentic Mercury or HID Vertex its not open hardware. The Axis controller is a newer product that is also open but doesn't have a lot of field exposure and software development behind it.
Open Restful Software API Y The BluBØX system uses an open restful API to integrate with third-party systems.  This enables BluBØX to virtually connect to anything and further future proofs the BluBØX solution. N Generally not available.  This is a newer technology and approach to software development.
Destination Dispatch Elevator(DDE) Security Integration and Certification with All 5 Major Providers; Schindler, OTIS, TKE, Mitsubishi and Kone Y The BluBØX system provides DDE security integration and certification with all 6 major elevator providers including interfloor matrix, keypad/kiosk, and site server configuration and control. N Few manufacturers have good hardware and software interfaces into destination dispatch elevators.  If they do, they are expensive, not robust, difficult to upgrade and lack full feature sets.
Open Hardware Appliance-based DDE Security Integration Y The BluBØX system's open hardware appliance based DDE Security integration provides easy installation, support, and maintenance.  It eliminates the layers of hardware, software, and complexity associated with most other solutions. N Few manufacturers have good hardware and software interfaces into destination dispatch elevators.  If they do, they are expensive, not robust, difficult to upgrade and lack full feature sets.
Elevator Floor Control, Car Control and DDE Kiosk Control Y The BluBØX system's elevator interface provides floor bank control, individual car control and DDE Kiosk control. N Few manufacturers have good hardware and software interfaces into traditional relay-based elevators and destination dispatch elevators.  
Unified Relay and DDE Elevator Control Interface Y The BluBØX system's unified DDE and Relay interface works across all brands and in mixed-use elevator environments. N Few manufacturers have good hardware and software interfaces into traditional relay-based elevators and destination dispatch elevators.  
One Common Reporting Engine Y The BluBØX system provides a unified reporting platform across all security applications personnel, access, alarms, video, and visitors. P Reporting is only available on the computers in which the client software is loaded (NOT Everywhere).  Reporting is not available on Mobile apps. Most reporting is done on an application by application basis instead of as an integrated solution.
One Common Analytics Engine Y The BluBØX system provides a unified analytics platform across personnel, access, alarms, video, and visitors, safety, logs, notifications, hardware, software, security, database, communication, power, and system health. P Analytics is only available on the computers in which the client software is loaded (NOT Everywhere).  Analytics is not available on Mobile apps.
AI Engine to Evaluate Risks Y   P Generally not available
24/7 AI-Based Monitoring Y   P Generally not available
Virtual-Remote Commissioning and Testing Y The BluBØX system provides the unique capability to commission a system virtually and report on the status of the commission test to prove that the major components of the system have been tested and are functioning properly.  This saves time and money and provides assurance that everything has is functioning properly.  This test can be done at any time during the life of the system. N Not practical, cost prohibitive and introduces security risks with client server architecture.
Virtual and Remote Support and Diagnostic Tools Y The BluBØX system provides component level diagnostics for the entire system accessible from any device, anywhere and anytime. The capabilities provide for 2X quicker support with fewer "truck roles." and 50% of problems being resolved in less than 2 hours. P Not practical, cost prohibitive and introduces security risks with client server architecture.
Remote Power Control and Management Y The BluBØX system provides remote power management and control over system power including, spikes, shorts, battery power, power loss, ac power, power shut down and channel level power control. N Not practical, cost prohibitive and introduces security risks with client server architecture.
24/7 AI Based System Health Monitoring and Notification Y The BluBØX system provides a robust System Health Monitoring capability that monitors Hardware, Software, Security, Database, Communication, and Power. N Not practical, cost prohibitive and introduces security risks with client server architecture.
Unified DIY Knowledgebase and User Guide Available to Everyone Y The BluBØX system provides a unified, mobile first online knowledgebase that is accessible to everyone on any device, anywhere at any time.  The knowledgebase provides page-level help for the entire BluBØX system. N Generally not available.
Context Sensitive Help on Every Screen Y The BluBØX system provides a unified, mobile first online knowledgebase that is accessible to everyone on any device, anywhere at any time.  The knowledgebase provides page-level help for the entire BluBØX system. N Generally not available.
Simplified Remote Support Y   N Generally not available.
Unified Service Request System Y The BluBØX system provides an easy way for end users and integrators to submit service request tickets online right in the BluBØX interface.  End-user requests are routed to the integrator and integrator requests are routed to BluBØX.   N Generally not available.
Double Layer Customer Support Y System integrator and BluBØX support every system N Generally not available.
Automatic System Documentation Y   N Generally not available.
50% fewer Truck Rolls to Your Site Y   N Generally not available.