Video, Not Just for Surveillance
The folks at Micro Key are making good use of a new camera, but it isn’t for surveillance. New president, Victoria Ferro, introduced Micro Key webcasts — video announcements made from the Micro Key headquarters — that customers can view live. The first webcast was Ferro’s own promotion to president of the company last year. The latest announcement the company made live was the promotion of long-time employee Luis Ortega to chief technology officer.
“Video is driving the world as the main medium of disseminating information Video releases make is easy to communicate not only information or facts, but also personalizes the message,” said Ferro.
The video announcements are reserved for important company news and high-level staff announcements, but positive customer feedback might lead to expanding into video blogging, and video product review, Ferro said.
App Controls Thermostats, Lighting & Security
Bosch Security Systems Inc. launched the Remote Security Control app for the newest member of the G Series Control Panel family. Using the app, customers can control GV4 panels designed for integrated intrusion, access control and fire alarm monitoring with an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. The app allows system arming and disarming as well as controlling any connected outputs — including thermostats, lights, garage doors, and more, enabling energy-efficiency optimization and monitoring. The free app is available to download from the iTunes App Store.
Dealer Redesigns Website in 60 Days
SW24’s new website features 12 monitors on its homepage. The new site was built around the company’s 2012 “Deny Dangerous” advertising theme.
“We cut our teeth as a security company by installing over 22,000 cameras in the New York City area over the past 10 years — so it’s appropriate that our website’s home page is filled with TV monitors,” said Jay Stuck, SW24’s vice president of sales and chief marketing officer. Stuck explained that he has seen other companies struggle with trying to do too much on their websites by involving too many stakeholders in the redesign process. “It’s great to involve the right people and try to achieve a consensus on the website’s design and content in your organization, but speed to market is key when you are talking about the Internet. It’s not unusual for some companies to make the redesign of their websites a 12-month process — we did ours in 60 days — totally redone from top to bottom.”
OpenEye updated its MDVR HD app for iPad to include a new search function. The app now allows users to view live video, control PTZ cameras, search, and activate/deactivate alarm relays using a simple interface. The free MDVR application is also available for smartphones and available on Apple’s iTunes® App Store, The Android Marketplace, and BlackBerry App World.
