Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) YES | | NO |X|
The issuer's revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 were $1,256,534.
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The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates as of March 28, 2008 was $3,943,009.20
As of March 28, 2008 there were 98,575,232 shares of the issuer's common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure format (Check one): YES | | NO |X|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I |
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Item 1. Description of Business | 3 |
Item 2. Description of Property | 11 |
Item 3. Legal Proceedings | 11 |
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 12 |
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PART II |
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Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters | 12 |
Item 6. Managements Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation | 14 |
Item 7. Financial Statements | 23 |
Item 8. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures | 23 |
Item 8A. Controls and Procedures | 24 |
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PART III |
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Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance; Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act | 24 |
Item 10. Executive Compensation | 26 |
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 27 |
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 28 |
Item 13. Exhibits | 28 |
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 30 |
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SIGNATURES | 31 |
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Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Information included in this Form 10-KSB contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of View Systems, Inc. (the Company), to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words may, will, should, expect, anticipate, estimate, believe, intend, or project or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that these projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Actual results of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company has no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.
PART I
Item 1.
Description of Business.
In this report the context requires otherwise, references to the "Company", "View Systems", "we", "us" and "our" are to View Systems, Inc.
Company History
View Systems was incorporated in Florida on January 25, 1989, as Beneficial Investment Group, Inc. and became active in September 1998 when we began development of our digital video product line and changed the company's name to View Systems, Inc. Starting in 1999 we expanded our business operations through a series of acquisitions of technologies we use in our digital video recorder technology products and in our concealed weapons technology.
On July 25, 2003, View Systems incorporated View Systems, Inc. as a wholly-owned Nevada corporation for the sole purpose of changing the domicile of the company from Florida to Nevada. On July 31, 2003, articles of merger were filed with the states of Florida and Nevada to complete the domicile change.
Our Business Operations
View Systems, Inc. develops, produces and markets computer software and hardware systems for security and surveillance applications. In 1998 digital video recorder technology was our first developed product and we enhanced this product line by developing interfaces with other various technologies, such as facial recognition, access control cards and control devices such as magnetic locks, alarms and other common security devices. In 2003 we sold this product to various commercial entities included schools, restaurants, night clubs, car washers and car dealers (license plate recognition was incorporated into these types of installations), ranches and gas stations. In these installations we integrated the digital video recorded technology with other electronic devices and we gained knowledge of the security needs of a wide range of businesses.
We expanded our product line in 2002 to include a concealed weapons detection system we call ViewScan. We have penetrated four major market segments for this product: correctional facilities, courts, probation offices and federal facilities in the Mid-Atlantic states, the West Coast and the South. In 2003 we added a hazardous material first response wireless video transmitting system to our product line we refer to as Visual First Responder. The markets for these units are first responder units such as the National Guard, Coast Guard, Army, state law enforcement agencies and fire departments. Both of these technologies were licensed from the department of Energy National Lab in Idaho.
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Until 2005 we assembled all of our products in-house, but we currently contract with third party manufacturers to manufacture the components of ViewScan and Visual First Responder products.
Products and Services
1. ViewScan Concealed Weapons Detection System
We acquired exclusive licenses to manufacture, use, sub-license and distribute technology and processes for the concealed weapons detection technology and the first response wireless video transmitting system from Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC. Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC manages and operates the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory ("Idaho Engineering Lab"). The development of the concealed weapons detection technology was funded by the National Institute of Justice and development was performed by the Idaho Engineering Lab. The ViewScan concealed weapons detection technology was patented by the Department of Energy and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Until last fall View Systems owned the exclusive worldwide rights to the ViewScan technology and ongoing improvements currently being funded by the National Institute of Justice. Over time View has developed propriety components and made sufficient engineering design changes to the ViewScan product to allow lower costs and to accommodate the price points required by competitive pressures. The knowledge gained through this process is allowing View to apply for new provisional patents which incorporate new innovative sensing and data processing methods.
This product is a walk-through concealed weapons detector which uses data sensing technology to accurately pinpoint the location, size and number of concealed weapons. The controlling processors for this walk-through portal is a master processing board and a personal computer based unit which receives magnetic and video information and combines it in a manner that allows the suspected location of the weapon to be stored electronically and referenced. ViewScan products were distributed in three basic configurations; stand-alone units, portable units and integrated door systems. Today we have added; biometrically readable personal data, scanable identification documents such as drivers license and passports and detectable communications devices such as cell phones and other RF signaling circuits.
Our marketing efforts and sales have been to courthouses, schools, correction facilities, and other public/governmental facilities, rather than public airports.
While electromagnetic induction systems of the type described above have been used for decades as concealed weapons detection systems, they are not without their problems. For example, such electromagnetic induction systems are generally sensitive to the overall size, i.e., surface area of the object, including its mass. Consequently, small, compact, but massive objects, such as a small pistol, may not produce a "signature" that is significantly larger than the signature produced by a light weight object of the same or greater size, such as a cell phone or compact camera. Another problem associated with electromagnetic induction systems is related to the fact that electromagnetic systems are sensitive to electrically conductive objects, regardless of whether they are magnetic or non-magnetic. That is, electromagnetic systems tend to detect non-magnetic objects, such as pocket change, just as easily as magnetic objects, such as weapons. Consequently, electromagnetic systems tend to be prone to false alarms. In many circumstances, such false alarms need to be resolved by scanning the suspect with a hand-held detector in order to confirm or deny the presence of a dangerous weapon.
The software calculates the difference between the magnetic field strength with the object in the magnetic field inside the sensors' range and the normal magnetic field strength. Then the system displays the results in graph format on a video display unit. Since the ViewScan technology does not use transmitters to produce electromagnetic induction, it does not pose a problem for pacemakers.
Radiation measurement devices are difficult to incorporate with ordinary metal detectors. They generate magnetic gradients which would spin the nuclear radiation outside the sensing fields. The ViewScan can incorporate radiation sensors which can be of significant value in hospitals, research institutions and nuclear facilities.
The ViewScan portal uses an array of advanced magnetic sensors, each with internal digital signal processors. The sensors communicate with the control unit's software which spatially places identified magnetic anomalies and visually places the location of the potential threat object with a red dot that is superimposed over a real time
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snapshot image of the person walking through the portal. Along with the snapshot, a graph displays the sensor data which automatically scales the signal strength of the individual sensors and cross-references them to the video image. All of this information is brought together on a video screen that displays the image of the person, the location of the weapon(s) and the size of the weapon(s), depending on the intensity of the magnetic signature. The visual image allows the operator to determine what the object is without the need to conduct a personal search to locate the object and look at it.
The ViewScan system operates faster than ordinary metal detectors and can scan as high as 1,200 persons per hour.
The ViewScan self calibrates and does not need operator intervention nor special calibration tools.
The ViewScan weapons detection system can be controlled via a central monitoring station using a Windows operating system and Pentium hardware. This can include additional closed-circuit television, two-way voice communication, door interlock, card-key and other biometric identification or access control components. The functionality of the ViewScan portal is increased by access control, database recording, video capture and archiving of images.
In 2004 we introduced the ViewScan product to the venue and stadium market. In February 2005 we tested the ViewScan at the pre-game venues of the Super Bowl football game in Jacksonville, Florida. During that installation, the portal scanned up to 3,000 to 4,000 people and at various times throughput ranged from approximately 600 to 1,200 persons per hour.
During 2005 we contracted with the University of Northern Florida to design new sensor boards for the ViewScan product which has allowed us to reduce the installed sensor cost by a factor of four. The new lower costs allow us to offer price points to the market which compete directly with traditional metal detectors. We sell these units for an average retail price of approximately $10,000 with a one year extended warranty. We feel the new reduced price points and enhanced interface abilities will allow us to be more competitive, along with the advantages of three to four times the throughput rate, non-contact imaging and permanent visual storage, and a log of all individuals scanned. We are making additional cost reductions through economies of scale and larger scale integration by taking advantage of ongoing computer component improvements.
In February 2006 we demonstrated a ViewScan product with a precision optical biometric fingerprint terminal. We had developed this product with Sagem Morpho, a multi-biometric solutions provider. In March 2006 the Georgia Courts placed a purchase order for three Secure Scan II units with fingerprint identification capabilities. As expected, the demand for biometric interfaces has increased significantly. In addition to verifying that an individual is not carrying guns, knives and sometimes cameras, the units can perform multi-modal double and triple identity checks, including: fingerprint, facial, iris, drivers license and employee identification card verification.
In spring of 2006 we entered into an additional CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to integrate nuclear radiation sensors into the ViewScan portal. We paid $50,000 (of a $200,000 total) as initial investment to license and deploy these sensors with the help of INL. We also hired an additional electrical engineer to reengineer the ViewScan to integrate this additional data with the magnetic and visual data processed by the firm/software. The entire processing system was rewritten into a Linux based java operating system by another engineer hired for that purpose.
We intend to continue development to integrate explosive and other detections capabilities into the ViewScan.
2. Visual First Responder
In December 2003 View Systems obtained exclusive licensing and marketing rights for the HAZMAT CAM technology from the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.
Visual First Responder is a lightweight, wireless camera system housed in a tough, waterproof flashlight body. The camera system sends back real-time images to a computer or video monitor at the command post located outside the exclusion zone or containment area. Visual First Responder is able to transmit high quality video in the most difficult environments. It uses a patented triple-diversity antenna system that minimizes signal distortion in urban
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environments. Traditional wireless videos use one antenna and a single receiver. The problem with this configuration is that signals multi-path, which means they bounce off other structures, like buildings, file cabinets, etc., on the way to the receiver. This multi-pathing causes interference and seriously degrades the video images. The Visual First Responder receiver seeks the strongest signal from each of the three antennas and locks in that signal, resulting in a more reliable and clearer image.
The image received from the Visual First Responder monitor or on the Visual First Responder color LCD monitor, and can be easily recorded using a common camcorder or VCR with video input. The camera can be completely submerged for fast and easy decontamination. We also offer a unit with 360 degree coverage of a target area.
Visual First Responder also uses Extension Link which is a separate transmitter and receiving system that increases the operating range of the Visual First Responder. The Extension Link has field-selectable channels to avoid interference at longer distances. We have also incorporated a video encryption feature that allows first responders to transmit on-scene video to the command post without the data being intercepted by unwanted parties.
The complete Visual First Responder fully deployed by one person in a stand alone configuration in less than 10 minutes. The system is battery operated and can operate for eight continuous hours using one set of spare camera batteries. We sell this base product for approximately $18,000 retail, but the cost can be as high as $30,500 depending on additional special features such as the extension link and encryption capabilities.
In March 2006 we introduced the Visual First Responder M2. This new product allows "hands-free" operation of the unit because it allows the person to wear the unit as a helmet mounted monocle. In 2007 we introduced the Multi-Mission Mobil Video (MMV) and field deployed it for testing.
We have chosen to not continue with the VFR product and are finding the MMV superior and more in line with customer needs and desires both functionally and cost wise.
3.ViewMaxx Digital Video System
ViewMaxx is a high-resolution, digital video recording and real-time monitoring system. This system can be scaled to meet a specific customer's needs by using anywhere from one camera up to 16 surveillance cameras per each ViewMaxx unit. The system uses a video capture card recording which translates closed-circuit television analog video data (a format normally used by broadcasters for national television programs) to a computer readable digital format to be stored on direct access digital disk devices rather than the conventional television format of video tape.
ViewMaxx offers programmable recording features that can eliminate the unnecessary storage of non-critical image data. This ability allows the user to utilize the digital disk storage more efficiently. The ViewMaxx system can be programmed to satisfy each customer's special requirements, be it coverage which is continuous, or only when events are detected. For example, it can be programmed to begin recording when motion is detected in a surveillance area, or a smaller field of interest within the surveillance area, and can be programmed to notify the user with an alarm or message.
Viewing of the stored digital images can be performed locally on the computer's video display unit or remotely through the customer's existing telecom systems or data network. It also uses a multi-mode search tool to quickly play back files with simple point and click operations. The search mode parameters can be set according to a specific monitoring need, such as: certain times of day, selected areas of interest in the field of view or breaches of limit areas. These features and abilities avoid the need to review an entire, or many, VCR tapes for a critical event.
Our ViewMaxx products include the following features:
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Use any and all forms of telecommunications, such as standard telephone lines;
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Video can be monitored 24 hours a day by a security monitoring center;
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Local and remote recording, storage and playback for up to 28 days, with optional additional storage capability;
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The system may be set to automatically review an area in a desired camera sequence;
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Stores the video image according to time or a criteria specified by the customer and retrieves the visual data selectively in a manner that the customer considers valuable or desirable;
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The system may trigger programmed responses to events detected in a surveillance area, such as break-ins or other unauthorized breaches of the secured area;
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Cameras can be concealed in ordinary home devices such as smoke detectors;
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The system monitors itself to insure system functionality with alert messages in the event of covert or natural interruption; and
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Modular expansion system configuration allows the user to purchase add-on components at a later date.
Depending on the features of a particular system the retail price can range from approximately $1,500 up to $6,500.
5. Additional Products
We also offer integration of other products with ViewScan or ViewMaxx. Biometric verification is a system for recognizing faces and comparing them to known individuals, such as employees or individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies. This product can be interfaced with ViewScan and/or ViewMaxx to limit individual access to an area. ViewScan and/or ViewMaxx can be coupled with magnetic door locks to restrict access to a particular area. We also offer a central monitoring or video command center for ViewScan or ViewMaxx products.
In addition, we offer support services for our products which include:
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On site consulting/planning with customer architect and engineers,
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Installation and technical support,
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Training and "Train the Trainer" programs, and
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Extended service agreements.
OUR MARKET
Our family of products offers government and law enforcement agencies, commercial security professionals, private businesses and residential consumers an enhanced surveillance and detection capacity. Management has chosen to avoid the air passenger traffic and civilian airport market for metal detection because we believe that a larger market exists in venues such as sporting events, concerts, and race tracks, and schools, courthouses and municipal buildings, and law enforcement agencies.
Commercial business users represent the greatest potential users of our surveillance and weapons detection products. Commercial businesses have already realized the need for surveillance and using access control devices for protection of employees, customers, and assets. Our products can curtail crime and prevent loss caused by employees and others. The market for surveillance technology includes many types of commercial buildings; including, hospitals, schools, museums, retail, manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
Our ViewScan products and technology can be used where there is a temporary requirement for real-time weapons detection devices in areas where a permanent installation is cost prohibitive or impractical. For example, our ViewScan portal could be set up for special events, concerts, and conventions. Our systems may reduce the need for a large guard force and can provide improved pedestrian traffic flow into an event because individuals can be scanned quickly and false alarms are reduced.
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Schools have been very receptive and enthusiastic about the ViewScan portal and its integration with School Technology Management's Comprehensive Attendance/Security System, now named Access411. In early October 2003 we announced an alliance with School Technology Management, Inc. to integrate and market its products with ours. School Technology Management developed the comprehensive Attendance, Administration and Security System ("Comprehensive Attendance/Security System"), which is designed to use a magnetic card swipe system to monitor identification of students entering a school and to verify each student's attendance. School Technology Management combined our ViewScan portal with its card swipe system.
With the combined technology a student enters the portal and is scanned for any threat objects and his or her identity is concurrently confirmed to school security officers. During the spring semester of 2004, a subcontractor of the National Institute of Justice conducted a study of the effectiveness of the ViewScan portal in a school environment and the results were positive. The combined technology has been tested in schools in New York and Philadelphia. Management estimates that there are over 120,000 schools in the United States that may have problems with violence, truancy and other safety considerations, which may be addressed by the combined technology.
In addition to school security, the gathering of video and data images and weapons detection is commonplace in law enforcement. Because our technology can be used for stakeouts and remote monitoring of areas, we believe there is a market potential with law enforcement agencies. A primary market for our ViewScan portal is federal and state government courthouses, county and municipal buildings, and correctional facilities. We have installed our ViewScan weapons detection products in a variety of court house situations.
The Visual First Responder product's market includes state National Guard units and first response agencies such as firemen, police, SWAT, and homeland security response teams.
The residential home security user may purchase our products from either commercial companies installing self-contained or centrally monitored systems, or directly from retail distribution centers. However, at this time we do not have retail agreements in place. Using our technology, individuals may run their own perimeter and interior surveillance systems from their own home computer. Real-time action at home can be monitored remotely through a modem and the Internet. There is also the capability to make real-time monitors wireless. An additional advantage of our technology is that it allows for the storage of information on the home computer and does not require a VCR. This capability may reduce the expense and time of the home installation and may make installation affordable for a majority of homeowners.
Manufacturing
We initially manufactured the ViewScan portal internally at our facilities in Baltimore, Maryland. During the second quarter of 2004 we set up a complete manufacturing line in the Baltimore, Maryland facility. In the summer of 2005, we contracted with Sports Field Specialties, LLC, a sheet metal manufacturer, to build the ViewScan product line. The Sports Field Specialties relationship did not work out due to quality and support issues. We settled our issues with a separation of the relationship and a payment plan for supplied components. We continue to entertain other manufacturing alternatives to insure the lowest possible cost while maintaining the highest possible quality.
Our third party manufacturers create several of the hardware components in our systems and assemble our systems by combining other commercially available hardware and software together with our proprietary software. We hold licenses for software components that are integrated into our proprietary software and installed in our systems. We believe that we can continue to obtain components for our systems at reasonable prices from a variety of sources. Although we have developed certain proprietary hardware components for use in our products and purchased some components from single source suppliers, we believe similar components can be obtained from alternative suppliers without significant delay.
Sales and Distribution
We are in the process of building a United States domestic network of manufacturing representatives and dealers for the sale and distribution of our products. We have added a Distributor in the Texas region to manage our end user
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dealer relationships. The distributor has successfully placed several units and we are encouraged by the progress. We are seeking security consultants, specifiers and distributors of security and surveillance equipment that sell directly to schools, courthouses, and government and commercial buildings. We intend to develop a national sales channel model and a distributor development program.
We use mailings and telephone calls to contact potential representatives in a geographical area with the intent to arrange a demonstration of our products to these persons. We attend region specific trade shows such as sheriff's conventions, court administrators meetings, civil support team and state police shows. Then we demonstrate or give trial offers in the area until a sale is completed. Once we have completed a sale in a specific market area, then we expand that market by contacting correctional facilities, courthouses and other municipal buildings. We ship our products to the customer and each product has an unconditional 30 day warranty, during which time the product can be returned for a complete refund.
We have ongoing reseller arrangements with small- and medium-sized domestic and international resellers. Our reseller agreements grant a non-exclusive right to the reseller to purchase our products at a discount from the list price and then sell them to others. These agreements are generally for a term of one year and automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless terminated by notice or in the event of breach.
We also have experienced international interest from security related resellers and system integrators. Previously, we had chosen not to pursue international markets, but are now evaluating potential sales in the Middle East. We have unsuccessfully opened a distribution center in Bahrain and have decided that our business can be better served with agent relations and established distribution partners that have local presence and can distribute all our products more widely and efficiently.
Backlog
As of December 31, 2007, we had a backlog of $510,000. We measure backlog as orders for which a purchase order or contract has been signed or a verbal commitment for order or delivery has been made, but which has not yet been shipped and for which revenues have not been recognized. We typically ship our products months after receiving an order. However, we are attempting to shorten this lead time to several weeks.
Also, product shipments may require more lead-time and may be delayed for a variety of reasons beyond our control, including additional time necessary to conduct product inspections prior to shipping, design or specification changes by the customer, the customer's need to prepare the site, and delays caused by other contractors on the project.
Major Customers
During the year ended December 31, 2006 we had one customer, Battelle Energy Alliance, L.L.C., that accounted for $149,050, or 11.9%, of our revenues. These sales were related to product sales of our Visual First Responder. Battelle Energy Alliance, L.L.C. is a science and technology organization that develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories for the National Laboratories, Department of Defense and other clients. This customer cancelled its order for 7 VFR units worth $210,000 to us. We replaced the product with our MMV and have since received a much greater demand for the new improved technology from a variety of military contractors both domestically and abroad
Competition
The markets for our products are extremely competitive. Competitors include a broad range of companies that develop and market products for the identification and video surveillance markets. In the weapons detection market, we compete with Ranger Security Scanners, Inc. and Garrett Electronics, Inc. in the United States, and an Italian company, CEIA SpA, which has the most sophisticated electromagnetic induction product. In the video surveillance market we compete with numerous VCR suppliers and digital recording suppliers, including, Sensormatic Corporation and NICE Systems, Ltd. and Integral Systems.
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Trademark, Licenses and Intellectual Property
Certain features of our products and documentation are proprietary and we rely on a combination of patent, contract, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and other measures to protect our proprietary information. We limit access to, and distribution of, our software, documentation and other proprietary information. As part of our confidentiality procedures, we generally enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and mutual non-disclosure agreements with our manufacturing representatives, dealers and systems integrators. Notwithstanding such actions, a court considering these provisions may determine not to enforce such provisions or only partially enforce such provisions.
The SecureScan concealed weapons detection technology involves sensing technology and data acquisition/analysis software subsystems that have patents pending or issued to the U. S. Department of Energy. We have not renewed our license, with the national labs, to commercialize, manufacture and market the concealed weapons detection technology. However, since we have improved the technology we will be filing for provisional patents in the near time frame, we call the new, improved technology ViewScan.
Governmental ownership of the patents is advantageous because the government has prosecution and stewardship responsibilities for the life of the patents. We enjoy the benefit of any continuations and improvements to the concealed weapons detection technology performed by the government under the ongoing contract between the Department of Energy and National Institute of Justice. Our exclusive marketing agreement allows us to have cutting edge technology without funding the research and development or patent applications. However, the costs have outweighed the benefits. We have not received improvements, the promised funding or support. We have, however, paid money and spent time to advance the technologies. The company is in a position to patent and further develop the technology for the benefit of the shareholders and society.
We have obtained software licensing agreements for software operating systems components, fingerprint identification to possibly integrate into our proprietary software, and integration of commercially available operating systems software into our proprietary software for installation into our products.
Because the software and firmware (software imbedded in hardware) are in a state of continuous development, we have not filed applications to register the copyrights for these items. However, under law, copyright vests upon creation of our software and firmware. Registration is not a prerequisite for the acquisition of copyright rights. We take steps to insure that notices are placed on these items to indicate that they are copyright protected. The copyright protection for our software extends for the 20-year statutory period from the date of first "publication," distribution of copies to the general public, or from the date of creation, whichever occurs first.
We provide software to end-users under non-exclusive "shrink-wrap" licenses, which are automatic licenses executed once the package is opened. This type of license has a perpetual term and is generally nontransferable. Although we do not generally make source code available to end-users, we may, from time to time, enter into source code escrow agreements with certain customers. We have also obtained licenses for certain software from third parties for incorporation into our products.
Research and Development
We have ceased our cooperative research arrangements with the Department of Energy to receive technical assistance and further enhancements of the concealed weapons detection technology, nuclear sensors and the Visual First Responder technology which were performed by the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Justice. We have tasked our own engineers and other third parties to develop or vary the design of our products, and we record these expenses as professional fees.
Regulatory Environment
We are not subject to government regulation in the manufacture of our products or the components in our products. However, our products are subject to certain government restrictions on sales to "unfriendly" countries and countries designated as adversarial, which may limit our sales to the international market. In addition, our resellers and end users may be subject to numerous regulations that stem from surveillance activities. We also benefit from
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the recent "made in America" trade laws where non-United States manufactures must secure waivers in order to sell security and surveillance products to United States domestic end-users.
Security and surveillance systems, including cameras, raise privacy issues and our products involve both video and audio, and added features for facial identification. The regulations regarding the recording and storage of this data are uncertain and evolving. For example, under the Federal wiretapping statute, the audio portion of our surveillance systems may not record people's conversations without their consent. Further, there are state and federal laws associated with recording video in non-public places.
Employees
As of the date of this annual report, the Company employed approximately 8 persons, including 2 sales executives, 1 engineer and 6 office personnel which include 3 customer service engineers. Two persons are part-time and we also contract with one independent contractor who devotes a majority of its work to a variety of our projects. Our employees are not presently covered by any collective bargaining agreement. Our relations with our employees are good, and we have not experienced any work stoppages.
Investor Relations
In August 2006 we entered into a consulting agreement with The Riderwood Group, a Maryland limited liability company, for the purpose of assisting in raising private equity financing and finding suitable acquisition targets. The Riderwood Group subsequently introduced the Company to Sigma International Holdings in 2007 which signed a non-binding merger and acquisition agreement and loaned us $250,000. The proposed merger was cancelled approximately three weeks later.
Item 2. Description of Property
Our principal executive office is located in Baltimore, Maryland, where we lease approximately 4,600 square feet under a three-year non-cancelable operating lease, expiring October 2008, with monthly rental payments of approximately $2,870 and with an annual escalator clause of 3%.
We also lease a sales and engineering office at Office World Plaza in Lomita, California, near Los Angeles. Two of our employees work from this office. A written lease expired in February 2006, and we have continued to lease this office space for $950 per month on a month to month basis.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As of the date of this report we were not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Subsequent to the year end, we became a party in two material matters.
1.
View Systems, Inc. vs. State of Florida, Dept. of State, Div. of Corporations
On February 5, 2008, we filed suit in the Florida 4th Judicial Circuit in and for Duval County, Florida in a case styled View Systems, Inc. vs. State of Florida, Dept. of State, Div. of Corporations, Case No. 2008-CA-001565-XXXX-MA, seeking an order compelling Florida to change the date of filing of our Articles of Merger, which we filed in 2003.
During the third quarter of 2007, it came to our attention that there was a clerical communications error, which affected our efforts in 2003 to re-domicile our state of incorporation from Florida to Nevada. On July 31, 2003, we filed Articles of Merger in both Florida and Nevada to effect our re-domicile. However, on August 12, 2003 the Florida Secretary of State rejected our Articles of Merger. The Florida Secretary of State wanted original documents, not copies, which would be acceptable for computer imaging. The Company re-filed the Articles of Merger with the Florida Secretary of State as requested. However, Florida filed our Articles of Merger as of August 29, 2003 instead of July 31, 2003; an event that escaped our attention for more than four years.
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In our recent inquiries to the Florida Secretary of States office, we were told that in 2003 we did not request in writing to have the filing date for the Articles of Merger related back to the original filing date of July 31, 2003. Florida will not change the filing date unless ordered to do so by a Florida court of competent jurisdiction. Accordingly, we filed suit to remedy this circumstance.
As of the date of this report, the litigation is pending.
2.
Sigma International Holdings, Inc. v. View Systems, Inc.
We were served with a complaint filed in the circuit court in Montgomery County Maryland, case number 288395-V, in which the plaintiff seeks payment of $250,000. The circumstances underlying this dispute are set forth under Item 1, Description of Business, Investor Relations, above.
As of the date of this report, the litigation is pending.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
We have not submitted a matter to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies, or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of 2007. We intend to solicit shareholder proxies to increase the authorized shares during 2008.
PART II
Item 5. Market For Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Small Business Issuer
Purchasers of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock has been traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "VYST.OB" The following table sets forth the high and low bid information of the Company's common stock for the periods indicated. The source of the following information is Yahoo Finance.
OTC Bulletin Board (1) (2) | |||
| COMMON STOCK MARKET PRICE | ||
| HIGH | LOW | |
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007: |
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Fourth Quarter | $0.08 | $0.03 | |
Third Quarter | $0.09 | $0.07 | |
Second Quarter | $0.10 | $0.08 | |
First Quarter | $0.11 | $0.08 | |
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006: |
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Fourth Quarter | $0.10 | $0.10 | |
Third Quarter | $0.08 | $0.08 | |
Second Quarter | $0.10 | $0.09 | |
First Quarter | $0.16 | $0.14 | |
|
|
| |
(1) | Our common stock has been traded under the symbol "VYST.OB" on the OTC Bulletin Board since September 1998. |
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(2) | Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions. |
Shareholders of Record
As of December 31, 2007, there were approximately 372 holders of record of our common stock, not including holders who hold their shares in street name.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to keep future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Our future payment of dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, expansion plans, financial condition and other relevant factors. Our retained earnings deficit currently limits our ability to pay dividends.
Information Relating to Outstanding Shares
As of December 31, 2007, there were 99,908,565 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and 7,171,725 shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding. We have not reserved any shares for issuance upon exercise of common stock purchase warrants, and no shares are issuable upon exercise of options to purchase shares of our common stock.
Of the issued and outstanding shares, approximately 5,000,000 shares of our common stock (3,000,000 of which are owned by our officers, directors and principal stockholders) have been held for in excess of one year and are available for public resale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
Unless covered by an effective registration statement, the resale of our shares of common stock owned by officers, directors and affiliates is subject to the volume limitations of Rule 144. In general, Rule 144 permits our shareholders who have beneficially-owned restricted shares of common stock for at least six months to sell without registration, within a three-month period, a number of shares not exceeding one percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock. Furthermore, if such shares are held for at six months by a person not affiliated with us (in general, a person who is not one of our executive officers, directors or principal shareholders during the three month period prior to resale), such restricted shares can be sold without any volume limitation.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the year, we issued the following unregistered securities:
We issued an aggregate of 7,165,573 shares of our common stock at purchase prices ranging from $0.05 to $0.06 per share to accredited investors during 2007, as follows:
| Number of shares sold at .05 |
01/02/07 | 330,000 |
02/05/07 | 100,000 |
03/26/07 | 500,000 |
04/05/07 | 120,000 |
04/05/07 | 300,000 |
04/05/07 | 416,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
04/05/07 | 300,000 |
04/05/07 | 150,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
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04/05/07 | 200,000 |
04/05/07 | 200,000 |
04/05/07 | 200,000 |
04/05/07 | 400,000 |
04/05/07 | 600,000 |
04/05/07 | 200,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
04/05/07 | 30,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
04/05/07 | 310,000 |
04/05/07 | 100,000 |
06/18/07 | 5,000 |
06/18/07 | 1,000 |
07/11/07 | 1,071,430 |
07/11/07 | 714,286 |
08/28/07 | 142,857 |
|
|
Total additional |
|
shares issued | 6,890,573 |
|
|
Stock sold during 2007 |
|
but shares not issued | Sold at .06 |
| 83,330 |
| 116,670 |
| 50,000 |
| 25,000 |
| 275,000 |
All of such shares were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company has not issued shares to consultants and employees for services in 2007.
Issuer Purchase of Securities
None.
Item 6. Management Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
The following analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and other information presented elsewhere in this annual report.
Overview
Our product lines are related to visual surveillance, intrusion detection and physical security. Our principal products include:
·
ViewScan Concealed Weapons Detection System a walk-through concealed weapons detector which uses passive magnetic sensing technology and location algorithms to suggest the location of certain kinds of threat
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objects or other undesirable objects such as cell phones or digital cameras. The control unit combines the magnetic and video information in a manner that allows it to be stored and displayed for easy recognition and auditory warning. The network architecture allows for remote monitoring, networking and integration of biometrics and access control devices.
o
Biometric analysis such as fingerprint verification or facial recognition can be and have been incorporated into ViewScan. The control unit can be programmed to automatically search against most wanted or outstanding warrant databases. Access control methods such as magnetic door locks can and have been incorporated
o
Central monitoring or video command centers which have and can be combined with the ViewScan product.
o
Passport and drivers license verification for positive identification in correctional facilities, large government and commercial office buildings have been and are currently being combined with the ViewScan portal.
·
ViewMaxx Digitial Video products a high-resolution, digital video recording and real-time monitoring system.
·
Visual First Responder a lightweight, wireless camera system housed in a tough, waterproof flashlight body. The camera systems sends real-time images back to a video monitor at a command post located outside the exclusion zone or contaminated area. The Visual First Responder is able to transmit high quality video in the most difficult environments. It uses a triple-diversity antenna system that minimizes signal distortion in difficult environments. A multitude of these systems have been deployed by the Department of Defense in combat areas. This product is being replaced by the new Multi-mission Mobile Video product release in the fall of 2007 and which is currently being field-tested.
Management believes that heightened attention to personal threats, potential large scale destruction and theft of property in the United States along with spending by the United States government on Homeland Security will continue to drive growth in the market for security products.
During 2004 we increased our product lines to include our Visual First Responder and during 2005 we had engineering design changes made to the sensor boards for the ViewScan product to allow lower costs and to accommodate the price points required by competitive pressures. Also, in 2005 we redesigned the Visual First Responder and ViewScan products.
During 2005 we continued to establish new partnerships, add active resellers and dealers and we hired four sales representatives to build a United States domestic network for the sale and distribution of our products within the 48 states. These developments have led to increased sales while at the same time decreasing the cost of products. We intend to develop these sales and distribution channels to a level that will result in increased revenues and continued profitability. We have completed sales in the correctional facility market, some Homeland Security departments and some sports venues.
During 2006 we previewed our Biometric ViewScan III which includes positive identification and biometric verification capabilities, expanded our dealers and resellers in the Mid-West and Southwest region of the United States, introduced two new products. The ViewScan III includes a fingerprint identification and verification system, state-issued identification scanning device for drivers licenses and passports, and a visitor badge printing system. The new products introduced in 2006 include a product offering marketed as the LAW, which is a handheld metal detector designed to improve police officer safety. We do not manufacture the LAW product but use it as an adjunct to the ViewScan and sell it separately. The wireless network detection system is currently a military product and we are intending to deploy it exclusively in the correctional facilities market. Response to and interest in this technology has been from high security situations.
We have also continued to explore international markets in the Mid-East and Thailand and have to establish some international relationships such as distributors and dealers. We are continuing to develop the integration of nuclear sensor technology into our ViewScan products to sense enriched low and high grade nuclear material. This technology will allow our products to detect enriched nuclear material that may be used to build nuclear based explosive devices or for creating radiological disasters, such as dirty bombs. In addition, this technology will be used in network environments where smoke detectors or motion sensing including intelligent video systems have been deployed.
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For the next twelve months our primary challenge will be to continue to develop our sales and distribution network into additional regions and markets in the United States and abroad. We have been and plan to continue to increase sales by offering demonstrations of our products in specific geographical areas to potential customers or at region specific trade shows, such as sheriffs conventions, court administrators meetings, civil support team, state police shows and dealer shows. When a demonstration results in a sale of one of our products, then we attempt to expand that market by contacting other potential customers in the area, such as, correctional facilities, courthouses and other municipal buildings. After several sales in a particular geographic area management will decide whether it is appropriate to open a sales and service office.
In the short term, management plans to raise funding through sales of our common stock for fulfillment (manufacturing, packaging and shipment), which will set the stage for future orders becoming self funding. Then the next phase of our business plan will be to raise additional funds through common stock offerings to provide working capital to finance several acquisitions and the integration of new technologies and businesses.
We have identified a company for acquisitions that manufactures security products and we are negotiating its acquisition. The company also sells internationally, is profitable and can benefit from our net tax asset of $8,235,583. We are in the initial stages of negotiations for these acquisitions and we have not entered into a definite agreement with either company.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussions are based on the consolidated financial statements of View Systems and its subsidiaries. These charts and discussions summarize our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, and notes thereto, included with this report at Part II, Item 7, below.
SUMMARY COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS | |||
| Year ended December 31, | ||
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Revenues, net | $ 1,256,534 | $ 1,250,188 | $ 1,172,163 |
Cost of sales | 574,971 | 751,578 | 629,319 |
Gross profit (loss) | 681,563 | 498,610 | 542,844 |
Total operating expenses | 1,675,604 | 1,608,321 | 3,005,094 |
Loss from operations | (994,041) | (1,109,711) | (2,462,250) |
Total other income (expense) | (81,045) | (30,741) | (11,684) |
Net income (loss) | (1,075,086) | (1,140,452) | (2,473,934) |
Net income (loss) per share | $ (0.01) | $ (0.01) | $ (0.03) |
Revenue is considered earned when the product is shipped to the customer. The concealed weapons system and the digital video system each require installation and training. Training is a revenue source separate and apart from the sale of the product. In those cases revenue is recognized at the completion of the installation and training.
Our marketing efforts have increased sales of our SecureScan and Visual First Responder and resulted in increased revenues for 2007 compared to 2006. Management anticipates that increases in revenues will continue as we develop our sales and marketing channels and establish local sales and service offices in geographic areas where we have already completed sales. The increased net revenues for 2007 resulted in an increased gross profit for 2007 compared to 2006.
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The following chart provides a breakdown of our sales in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
| Dec. 31, 2007 | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 |
Totals per financial statements | 1,256,535 | 1,250,188 |
|
Secure Scan | 910,485 | 840,713 | 708,695 |
ViewMaxx | 15,635 | 32,802 | 53,057 |
Visual First Responder | 224,997 | 332,646 | 362,340 |
Service, installation, training, etc | 105,417 | 44,027 | 48,071 |
| 1,256,534 | 1,250,188 | 1,172,163 |
Our backlog at December 31, 2006, was $640,000. The delay between the time of the purchase order and shipping of the product results in a delay of recognition of the revenue from the sale. This delay in recognition of revenues will continue as part of our results of operations.
Cost of sales include costs of products sold and shipping costs and were approximately 46% of net revenues for 2006, an increase from 60% in 2005. The decrease from year to year was primarily the result of decreased costs and due to engineering changes and an increase of volume of units shipped. Management anticipates that the relative margins of each product line will increase even more with an increase of number of units shipped. The quantities per average sale have been increasing steadily.
For 2007 total operating expense stayed relatively the same as compared to 2006. Net cash used in operating activities was down more than $100,000. Additionally, some one time costs were incurred by the initial expense of expanding into the Middle East.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have incurred losses for the past two fiscal years and had a net loss of $1,075,086 at December 31, 2007. Although our six month totals showed a greater than break even income, we had insufficient funds to deliver our backlog in the last half of 2007. Our revenues from product sales have been increasing but are not sufficient to cover our operating expenses. Our auditors have expressed substantial doubt that we can continue as a going concern.
Historically, we have relied on revenues, debt financing and sales of our common stock to satisfy our cash requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2007 we received cash from revenues of $1,256,534, proceeds of $379,622 from sales of our common stock and relied on debt financing of $255,000.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, we received cash from revenues of $1,250,188, proceeds from debt financing of $526,425 (less principal payments on notes payable of $10,797), $312,800 from sales of our common stock (less costs of issuance of common stock of $23,526) and $49,175 from stockholder advances. For the year ended December 31, 2005 we received cash from revenues of $1,172,163, proceeds of $312,534 from sales of our common stock and relied on advances of $64,000 from Gunther Than, our CEO. We also continue to rely on the issuance of our common stock to pay for services and to convert debt when cash is unavailable.
For the year ended December 31, 2007 we issued 984,573 shares for investments. For the year ended December 31, 2005 we issued 2,907,000 shares, valued at $294,540, to officers and employees for services, and we issued 7,199,000 shares, valued at $1,562,376 to independent contractors and consultants for services. Management anticipates that we will continue to issue shares for services in the short term.
Management believes we will need to take the necessary steps to increase our authorized common stock during 2008. The Company intends to hold a special meeting of shareholders during the second quarter of 2008 to consider, among, other things, an increase in the authorized common stock of the Company to 250,000,000 shares.
Management intends to finance our 2007 operations primarily with the revenue from product sales and any cash short falls will be addressed through equity financing, if available. Management expects revenues will continue to increase but not to the point of profitability in the short term. We will need to continue to raise additional capital, both internally and externally, to cover cash shortfalls and to compete in our markets. At our current revenue levels management believes we will require an additional $500,000 during the next 12 months to satisfy our cash
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requirements of approximately $100,000 per month. These operating costs include cost of sales, general and administrative expenses, salaries and benefits and professional fees related to contracting engineers. We have insufficient financing commitments in place to meet our expected cash requirements for 2008 and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain financing on favorable terms. If we cannot obtain financing to fund our operations in 2008, then we may be required to reduce our expenses and scale back our operations.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company leases office and warehouse space in Baltimore, MD under a three-year non-cancelable operating lease, expiring October 2008. Base rent is $2,872 per month with an annual rent escalator of 3%. At December 31, 2006, future minimum payments for operating leases related to our office and manufacturing facilities were $28,000 through October 31, 2008.
Our total current liabilities increased to $1,507,504 at December 31, 2007 compared to $1,338,691 at December 31, 2006. Our total current liabilities at December 31, 2007 included accounts payable of $505,168, accrued expenses of $80,878, accrued interest of $171,078, accrued royalties of $150,000, loans from shareholder of $299,298 and notes payable of $958,996.
Our notes payable consists of the following:
·
A note in the principal amount of $110,000 payable to the former shareholder of Xyros Technology, Inc. The note is due on demand with interest at 10% per annum. As of December 31, 2004, we are in default on the note which was due in 1999. We negotiated to repay the loan as cash flows permit and this debt remains outstanding. We are in doubt about the intentions, will or ability of the note holder to attempt collection of this debt. At this time, the entity is no longer in existence and we have been unable to locate the principals of that company.
·
We issued notes in the aggregate amount of $343,093 pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, dated December 23, 2005, with three accredited investors; Starr Consulting, Inc., Active Stealth, LLC, and KCS Referral Service LLC (the Subscribers). We agreed to sale and the Subscribers agreed to purchase convertible promissory notes and warrants. However, on January 6, 2006, the Subscribers consented to the removal of the warrants from the subscription agreement, with the understanding that the warrants would be reinstated after we increased our authorized common stock and the shares underlying the warrants would be registered at a later date. The Subscribers did not receive any other additional consideration for the removal of the warrants. The Subscribers agreed to purchase up to an aggregate of $500,000 of 8% promissory notes convertible into shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.10. The notes were originally to be due and payable by December 31, 2006. The Subscribers agreed to purchase the promissory notes over a 5 month period in $100,000 per month installments; however, the investment threshold was never achieved, so the conversion option of the notes was terminated and the loans became due on demand with interest at 8% per annum. As of the date of this report the investors have demanded repayment of these loans. The company is taking steps to negotiate these defaults.
·
An unsecured loan from a stockholder in the aggregate amount of $39,203, which is being paid in monthly installments of $2,512, which includes interest at 10%.
·
An unsecured loan from a stockholder in the principal amount of $100,000 which was due in full on November 1, 2007 with interest at 7%. The note is convertible into shares of common stock at the option of lender at the rate of $0.075 per share of common stock. If converted in full this amounts to 1,333,333 shares.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Under SEC regulations, we are required to disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. An
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off-balance sheet arrangement means a transaction, agreement or contractual arrangement to which any entity that is not consolidated with us is a party, under which we have:
·
Any obligation under certain guarantee contracts;·
·
Any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets;
·
Any obligation under a contract that would be accounted for as a derivative instrument, except that it is both indexed to our stock and classified in stockholder's equity in our statement of financial position; and
·
Any obligation arising out of a material variable interest held by us in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
As of the date of this Report, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates of particular significance in our financial statements include annual tests for impairment of our licenses. These estimates could likely be materially different if events beyond our control, such as changes in government regulations that affect the usefulness of our licenses or the introduction of new technologies that compete directly with our licensed technologies affect the value of our licenses.
We first determine the value of the license using a projected cash-flow analysis to determine the present value of cash flows. The test is done using assumptions as to various scenarios of increases and decreases in the revenue stream and applying a discount rate of 6%. If the value achieved under these various methods is less than the carrying value of the assets then it is considered that an impairment has occurred and the assets carrying value is adjusted to reflect the impairment.
Management also makes estimates on the useful life of our licenses based on the following criteria:
·
·
Whether other assets or group of assets are related to the useful life of the licenses,
·
Whether any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions will limit the use of the assets,
·
We evaluate the cost of maintaining the license,
·
We consider the possible effects of obsolescence, and
·
Whether there is maintenance or any other costs associated with the license.
Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below because they could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and could negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock. Also, you should be aware that the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not yet know of, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also impair our business operations and financial results. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our Common Stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
In assessing these risks you should also refer to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, including our financial statements and the related notes.
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We have experienced historical losses and a substantial accumulated deficit. If we are unable to reverse this trend, we will likely be forced to cease operations.
We have incurred losses for the past two fiscal years and had a net loss of $1,075,086 at December 31, 2007. In addition, at December 31, 2007 View Systems, Inc. had a retained earnings deficit of $20,590,883. Our operating results for future periods will include significant expenses, including new product development expenses, potential marketing costs, professional fees and administrative expenses, and will be subject to numerous uncertainties. As a result, we are unable to predict whether we will achieve profitability in the future, or at all.
We have a working capital deficit and significant capital requirements. Since we will continue to incur losses until we are able to generate sufficient revenues to offset our expenses, investors may be unable to sell our shares at a profit or at all.
The Company has a net loss of $1,075,086 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and net cash used in operations of $666,223 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Because the Company has not yet achieved or acquired sufficient operating capital and given these financial results along with the Company's expected cash requirements in 2006, additional capital investment will be necessary to develop and sustain the Company's operations.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has raised doubt over our continued existence as a going concern.
We have incurred substantial operating and net losses, as well as negative operating cash flow and do not have financing commitments in place to meet expected cash requirements for the next twelve months.
Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $1,075,086 and our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $1,140,452. Our retained deficit was $20,590,883 at December 31, 2007. We are unable to fund our day-to-day operations through revenues alone and management believes we will incur operating losses for the near future while we expand our sales channels. While we have expanded our product line and expect to establish new sales channels, we may be unable to increase revenues to the point that we attain and are able to maintain profitability. As a result we rely on private financing to cover cash shortfalls.
As a result, we continue to have significant working capital and stockholders' deficits including a substantial accumulated deficit at December 31, 2007. In recognition of such, our independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph in its report on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 that expressed substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
We need additional external capital and if we are unable to raise sufficient capital to fund our plans, we may be forced to delay or cease operations.
Based on our current growth plan we believe we may require approximately $1,200,000 in additional financing within the next twelve months to develop our sales channels. Our success will depend upon our ability to access equity capital markets and borrow on terms that are financially advantageous to us. However, we may not be able to obtain additional funds on acceptable terms. If we fail to obtain funds on acceptable terms, then we might be forced to delay or abandon some or all of our business plans or may not have sufficient working capital to develop products, finance acquisitions, or pursue business opportunities. If we borrow funds, then we could be forced to use a large portion of our cash reserves, if any, to repay principal and interest on those loans. If we issue our securities for capital, then the interests of investors and stockholders will be diluted.
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We are currently dependent on the efforts of resellers for our continued growth and must expand our sales channels to increase our revenues and further develop our business plans.
We are in the process of developing and expanding our sales channels, but we expect overall sales to remain down as we develop these sales channels. We are actively recruiting additional resellers and dealers and have hired in-house sales personnel for regional and national sales. We must continue to find other methods of distribution to increase our sales. If we are unsuccessful in developing sales channels we may have to abandon our business plan.
We may not be able to compete successfully in our market because we have a small market share and compete with large national and international companies.
We estimate that we have less than a 1% market share of the surveillance and weapons detection market. We compete with many companies that have greater brand name recognition and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, and managerial resources. The position of these competitors in the market may prevent us from capturing more market share. We intend to remain competitive by increasing our existing business through marketing efforts, selectively acquiring complementary technologies or businesses and services, increasing our efficiency, and reducing costs.
We must successfully introduce new or enhanced products and manage the costs associated with producing several product lines to be successful.
Our future success depends on our ability to continue to improve our existing products and to develop new products using the latest technology that can satisfy customer needs. For example, our short term success will depend on the continued acceptance of the Visual First Responder and the ViewScan portal product line. We cannot be certain that we will be successful at producing multiple product lines and we may find that the cost of production of multiple product lines inhibits our ability to maintain or improve our gross profit margins. In addition, the failure of our products to gain or maintain market acceptance or our failure to successfully manage our cost of production could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our directors and officers are able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval.
Currently, our directors and executive officers collectively hold approximately 6% of the voting power of our common and 100% of the preferred stock entitled to vote on any matter brought to a vote of the stockholders. Specifically, Gunther Than, our CEO, holds approximately 3 % of the total voting power of our common stock and 100% of the voting power of our preferred stock as of the date of this report. Pursuant to Nevada law and our bylaws, the holders of a majority of our voting stock may authorize or take corporate action with only a notice provided to our stockholders. A stockholder vote may not be made available to our minority stockholders, and in any event, a stockholder vote would be controlled by the majority stockholders.
Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act would lead to loss of investor confidence in our reported financial information.
Pursuant to proposals related to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, we will be required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, then our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop significantly.
In order to achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Act within the prescribed period, we will need to engage in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which will be both costly and challenging. In this regard, management will need to dedicate internal resources, engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan.
During the course of our testing we may identify deficiencies which we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. In addition,
21
if we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud.
There is no significant active trading market for our shares, and if an active trading market does not develop, purchasers of our shares may be unable to sell them publicly.
There is no significant active trading market for our shares and we do not know if an active trading market will develop. An active market will not develop unless broker-dealers develop interest in trading our shares, and we may be unable to generate interest in our shares among broker-dealers until we generate meaningful revenues and profits from operations. Until that time occurs, if it does at all, purchasers of our shares may be unable to sell them publicly. In the absence of an active trading market:
·
Investors may have difficulty buying and selling our shares or obtaining market quotations;
·
Market visibility for our common stock may be limited; and
·
A lack of visibility for our common stock may depress the market price for our shares.
The success of our business depends upon the continuing contribution of our key personnel, including Mr. Gunther Than, our chief executive officer, whose knowledge of our business would be difficult to replace in the event we lose his services.
Our operations are dependent on the efforts and relationships of Gunther Than and the senior management of our organization. We will likely be dependent on the senior management of our organization for the foreseeable future. If any of these individuals becomes unable to continue in their role, our business or prospects could be adversely affected. For example, the loss of Mr. Than could damage customer relations and could restrict our ability to raise additional working capital if and when needed. There can be no assurance that Mr. Than will continue in his present capacity for any particular period of time.
Our common stock is considered to be "penny stock."
Our common stock is considered to be a "penny stock" because it meets one or more of the definitions in Rules 15g-2 through 15g-6 promulgated under Section 15(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include but are not limited to, the following: (i) the stock trades at a price less than $5.00 per share; (ii) it is not traded on a "recognized" national exchange; (iii) it is not quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or even if quoted, has a price less than $5.00 per share; or (iv) is issued by a company with net tangible assets less than $2.0 million, if in business more than a continuous three years, or with average revenues of less than $6.0 million for the past three years. The principal result or effect of being designated a "penny stock" is that securities broker-dealers cannot recommend the stock but must trade it on an unsolicited basis.