Intransa's Low End Product Line Changes

Published Nov 15, 2011 00:00 AM
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Surveillance-focused server and storage provider Intransa has significantly reduced the number of items that are available pre-configured in its product line. While these moves are intended to simplify ordering for their integrators and stocking distributors, they also effectively place them out of reach for lower-end applications. In this update we'll examine their previous models, current models, and effect this move has on their position.

Historical Approach

Historically, Intransa offered a number of different models, in different form factors, intended for different system sizes. While providing some of the same server and high-capacity storage units for high end applications, the line also contained multiple options for smaller camera count systems. On the low end, they offered smaller, less expensive models such as the VA80tr, (tower form factor, supporting up to 16 cameras) and the VA100 (tower or rack mount, supporting up to 30-40 cameras). The VA80tr was available for under $4,000 MSRP, substantially lower than the price of current models.

Current Models

In the current lineup, Intransa has effectively removed the lower-end models from their offerings. They are careful to specify that they are not discontinued, but instead available as custom orders, as a number of their customers had standardized on old models. 

Intransa's available pre-configured products have been limited to the following models:

  • VA1020 [link no longer available]: One of two remaining products in the Maximum Simplicity line, the VA1020 is a 2U rackmount server/storage appliance, available with up to 30TB of storage on-board. The 1020 is available only in duo-mode, meaning only a single usable VM is provided for VMS software. Prices range from $11,650 to $19,450, depending on configuration.
  • VA320 [link no longer available]: The other Maximum Simplicity model still available, the VA320 is also a 2U rackmount form factor, with up to 24TB or storage on-board. The VA320 is available in tri-mode, so multiple applications may be run in separate VMs. Pricing ranges from $14,450 to $25,550, depending on configuration.
  • VA45as [link no longer available]: The VA45as is a 1U server unit, with no on-board video storage. Instead, it is meant to be coupled with the VA350st and VA600st storage units, which are capable of managing upwards of a petabyte of data. Pricing ranges from $6,650 to $9,650, depending on processor speed and quantity.
  • MS10 [link no longer available]: The MS10 "management server" is a 1U, non-VM'd server intended to be used with adjunct applications such as access control, video analytics, or license plate recognition. Pricing ranges from $6,450-7,450.
  • VS30 [link no longer available]: Lastly, the VS30 viewing station is a tower form factor client workstation capable of driving up to four monitors. Pricing ranges from $4,950-6,950.

Additionally, the VA320 and VA1020 are available in "combo" versions, available for quicker shipping from Intransa's distributors. The combos are cited as commonly ordered configurations. Built-to-order servers take 1-2 weeks to ship, and may be ordered with other options, such as a combination of SAS and SATA drives, which certain VMSs recommend.

Targeting the High End?

With this move, it would seem that Intransa is distancing itself from lower-end applications. The models they have available as standard configurations are intended for managing larger quantities of cameras (over 130 720p cameras on some configurations), and priced accordingly.

This may be an intelligent strategy for Intransa. Many have cited the additional premium paid for their features as a reason they have chosen to stick to COTS servers. Larger projects requiring multiple servers and large quantities of SAN storage are typically less cost sensitive than the low end of the market. Smaller camera count systems often use either pre-packaged NVRs from the manufacturer (such as Exacq EL [link no longer available], Genetec's SV-16 or the Milestone Essential NVR), or less expensive desktop hardware with storage on-board, neither of which Intransa's standard models compete with on cost.

Ordering simplicity is one of the selling points Intransa has pushed as one of their advantages to integrators. Whether the added simplicity will help Intransa sales or not, remains to be seen. In our recent integrator survey, the vast majority of integrators preferred to use COTS equipment to product lines such as Intransa and Pivot3. As such, our suspicion is that this move will make life somewhat easier for the Intransa faithful, but not necessarily draw new converts.