For a market characterized as stable, code-driven and conservative, 2015 seemed to be a turning point for many in the fire detection business, marking the true end of the downturn and the return to growth.

Fire alarm technology doesn’t move very fast, and there are very good reasons for this. Because fire is about saving lives, codes and standards dictate what is allowable, and it takes time to make sure each new development is absolutely safe. 

Integrators and manufacturers who execute security projects in sporting venues now have an award for the work they do — the Golden Eagle Award. The award, sponsored by SDM, is from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).

When security dealers need technology or business training, it’s a good idea to check out what equipment distributors have to offer.

The security industry looks to the SDM 100 — a report of 100 of the top security companies ranked by their recurring monthly revenue (RMR) — as a wellspring of industry trends and operational best practices.

For a market characterized as stable, code-driven and conservative, 2015 seemed to be a turning point for many in the fire detection business, marking the true end of the downturn and the return to growth.

When most people talk about high-quality video, the conversation likely starts with — and quite possibly ends with — resolution.

Whether consisting of products, services or a combination of both, we’ve come to expect bundles. Cable providers offer bundles of any combination of TV, Internet and phone services, complete with the equipment to make everything work. 

There are two major articles in this issue of SDM that stand out for the positive news they offer the industry and, perhaps more importantly, for conveying the idea that fire alarm technology is indeed starting to change — and that is welcome news.

Can you smell that? We’re baking up fresh new ideas to help dealers gear up for those sweaty months of hitting the pavement and canvassing for sales.

For coax cable connections to analog cameras, our industry long ago standardized on the BNC style of connector. The BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) was patented in 1951; consequently, it has been heavily used in analog CCTV, other video and 10BASE2 coax-connected Ethernet networks for decades. These connectors were and are manufactured by a wide variety of companies.

Columnist Roy Pollack challenges professionals to test their knowledge in the latest 5 Minute Tech quiz.

What do you do when you have an underperforming sales rep?

A case recently came before the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma involving a PERS system. The estate of decedent filed a claim against the manufacturer of the PERS system and the company that leased and monitored the system in the District Court of Grady County, Okla.

Giant Gray Inc., a company that develops multi-sensor, artificial cognitive neurolinguistics software designed for businesses and government agencies across complex, large physical environments, is bringing its new products to market under the Giant Gray brand.

Essence, a provider of IoT, cloud-based connected living solutions, partnered with GetSafe LLC, a home security company, to bring the WeR@Home Smart Living solution to U.S. consumers.

Sielox LLC partnered with three new organizations to serve as manufacturers’ representatives in their respective territories for the company’s full line of solutions, including its Pinnacle access control software suite and Sielox CLASS (Crisis Lockdown Alert Status System). 

Middle Atlantic Products recently attained GreenCircle Certification (GreenCircle Certified LLC) for Waste Diversion from Landfill for its manufacturing facility in Fairfield, N.J. 

AMAG Technology hosted its annual Eagle Award reception at ISC West in Las Vegas on April 7 where it awarded its top-performing resellers with Eagle Awards. 

CSR Professional Services, known for its Breach Reporting service that allows dealers and integrators to outsource that feature while collecting monthly RMR, expanded to include a more proactive solution called the CSR Readiness Suite in January. 

Prism and Axis Communications’ latest partnership brings an all-in-one IoT-managed video and analytics solution to retail customers. Retailers will now have access to the Prism suite of software directly through the new AXIS M30 line of cameras.

Arecont Vision expanded its Technology Partner Program to pre-test integration with complementary security and IT industry products under the new Infrastructure Partner category

Genetec Inc. announced plans to support the Allegion Schlage AD-Series of hardwired and wireless locks. 

Exacq Technologies, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, announced an integration with the Sensormatic Synergy electronic article surveillance (EAS) detection system from Tyco Retail Solutions.

Milestone Systems released Device Pack 8.5 for partners and customers using Milestone XProtect video solutions. 

Power management company Eaton launched its PredictPulse service, a next-generation remote monitoring and management system that collects and analyzes data from connected power infrastructure devices to help reduce the risk of downtime.

RGB Spectrum, a leading designer and manufacturer of video and decision support solutions for industrial, medical, government, and military applications, kicked off its 2016 road show in Mexico City on March 17.  

The Access Expander’s Open Application Programming Interface (API) from Connect ONE by Connected Technologies LLC allows dealers to integrate their Connect ONE systems with third-party facilities management software, opening the door of opportunity to customers and markets such as multi-tenant, multi-purpose rooms, gated communities or rental properties.

COPsync Inc. announced a joint technology development agreement with LIFEWatch USA, a provider of Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).

Toshiba Surveillance and IP Video Products, a business unit of Toshiba America Information Systems, launched a new NVR recording platform empowered with Surveillix Web Services (SWS) that records locally while leveraging the benefits of cloud-based services to provide their reseller partners with increased profitability and provide end users with cutting-edge solutions that streamline operations and add value across their entire organization, the company described.

Siklu, a manufacturer of gigabit throughput wireless products, and Dotworkz, a manufacturer of protective camera housings for extreme environments, have joined the Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program. 

STOPware Inc. announced several new technology integrations for its PassagePoint Visitor Management Software.

Over the past 130 or so years there have been tremendous technological advancements. Just look at them all — from the telephone, light bulb, radio and television to the cell phone, flat screen display and streaming media — and they keep on coming.

Convergint Technologies, a provider of service-based systems integration, acquired Total Recall, a video-centric security technology provider specializing in surveillance solutions, including command and control centers, wireless connectivity, and video network design and management. 

Bold Technologies, a provider of alarm monitoring and PSIM software, has received the UL 827 listing for their Manitou Cloud Services Data Center. This certification was granted after the final UL inspection of the facilities in late April 2016.

Safran announced it has reached an agreement to sell Morpho Detection LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Safran, and other detection-related activities to Smiths Group plc for an enterprise value of $710 million.

DICE Corp., Bay City, Mich., held its 2016 User Group Conference in Detroit at the Greektown Casino hotel April 25-28, drawing the largest turnout to date.

Low Voltage Contractors (LVC) will be recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon on May 5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

The IQ Certification Board recently elected Ron Petrarca, operations director of Huntington, N.Y.-based Electronix Systems Central Station Alarms Inc. as the newest member to join the board. He will serve a two-year term.

Baseball season here, and with it comes the announcement of TRI-ED’s 2016 Stadium Tour training program and schedule. TRI-ED and its supplier partners welcome customers to take part in a free day of training and product demos, an expo and a night of networking at the ballgame. 

ONVIF, the global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, announced that its newest access control specification has been adopted by the global standards group International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as its new standard for electronic access control systems, positioning the ONVIF specification as the global access control standard in countries, projects and industries all over the world. 
 

With resolutions of 1.2 MP to 5 MP, the Sarix Professional range of surveillance cameras deliver high-resolution images while providing video coverage of larger areas with a single camera. 

Arteco released Arteco Event Analytics, an intelligence-based platform designed to improve, simplify and enhance event management by applying an additional layer of intelligent monitoring to video surveillance and business intelligence applications.

CAST Perimeter Series lighting systems are moisture and dust resistant and can operate in environments of -40 deg. F to 131 deg. F.

Galaxy Control Systems released two new mobile apps designed to provide users with greater control capabilities for common functions related to facilities and people. 

Symmetry GUEST is a Web-based visitor management system that speeds the flow of visitors, while improving customer service.

The exacqVision LC-Series Una recorder includes exacqVision VMS software, server and integrated PoE+ camera ports. 

Inovonics’ EN7290 EchoStream receiver/interface for Honeywell Commercial VISTA panels is designed to add Inovonics commercial wireless endpoints and panic buttons to the Honeywell VISTA-128 and VISTA-250 series control panels. 

Para Systems Inc. released three new Minuteman Remote Power Managers. 

Camden Door Controls offers stainless steel versions of its 42-in. tall and 48-in. tall switch mounting posts (bollards).

The 2GIG NVR enables installers to easily connect cameras and provides power to the cameras to record video directly over the network with no monthly fees. 

Qognify’s VisionHub is a Web-based VMS providing extended video surveillance and security management.

The HSVR (High Security Virtual Receiver)software system for security dispatch centers is used to receive encrypted alarm signals from CINCH AES Encrypted security systems. 

Speco Technologies’ Flexible Intensifier Technology HD cameras are designed to fit virtually any lighting application: color in low light with Intensifier technology, monochrome without IR LEDs in low light, and monochrome with adaptive IRs in almost complete darkness. 

Resolution Products’ Universal Translator offering can listen to almost any input signal, and communicate using a wide range of wireless protocols. 

The ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified nexTouch is a simple access control solution that provides stand-alone security to a variety of commercial facilities. 

STI’s metal protective cabinets protect equipment from hazardous parts and provide a degree of protection to enclosed equipment against ingress of falling dirt.

Genetec Inc.’s turnkey network security appliance, the SV-32 v2 is available to certified members of the Genetec Channel Partner Program and end users around the world.

Vingtor-Stentofon’s TCIV is an IP and SIP video station designed to withstand treacherous, noisy and demanding environments.

Middle Atlantic Products’ DisplayStation Series monitor walls are an economical, entry-level surveillance and monitoring wall system for facilities that don’t need a massive video wall. 

Ideal for healthcare applications, the HES K200 cabinet lock brings access control to cabinets and drawers via a convenient, single credential solution.

PULSE Enterprise not only delivers HD quality audio with active noise and echo cancellation, it also works as an interoperable solution within an organization’s current technology architecture, such as access control, video surveillance, guard radios, digital signage and messaging solutions.