Industrial Video and Control   (IVC, www.ivcco.com), a Newton, Mass. supplier of cameras and video systems for industrial, military, and commercial applications has acquired Longwatch (www.longwatch.com), a Norwood, Mass. developer of video management software for industrial automation and process control applications.

IVC is known for its industrial camera systems that incorporate ruggedized cameras and video management software. Longwatch, known for integrating video with industrial SCADA applications, introduced its Video Surveillance system in 2005 to water treatment and power plants. Its Video Historian automatically links video with various user databases (including the data historians typically associated with distributed control systems (DCSs) and manufacturing execution systems (MESs). Its recent introduction, Longwatch Console Recorder, records industrial control console displays for troubleshooting, operator training and regulatory compliance playback.

Stephen Rubin, CEO of Longwatch, said, “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 value that standard camera integrators cannot touch. The know-how and service capability of IVC combined with their cameras and our software brings a totally integrated, reliable solution to customers.”

According to IVC CEO Norman Fast, IVC will maintain the Longwatch brand and operate the company as a division. “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,” said Fast.

IVC’s Relay Server, which interfaces with a multitude of cameras, 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 “at the edge” recording of events and video, will also provide video streams to the IVC Relay Server.

IVC also plans to add support of its extensive 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. Its industrial cameras are suitable for harsh environmental conditions, with some models certified for use in Class I Division 1, Class I Division 2, and ATEX (inherently dangerous) environments.

“The acquisition of Longwatch is a great opportunity for IVC” said Fast. “It establishes us as the clear leader in industrial video applications. Longwatch’s leading edge software in SCADA video and remote monitoring will be a major addition to our product line.”

Renee Robbins Bassett, rbassett@automationworld.com, is Managing Editor of Automation World.