SOMEHOW, A YEAR HAS PASSED since the mysterious coronavirus spread to the United States and changed everything as we know it. At first, it seemed like the pause in business would only last a couple weeks. But soon, weeks turned into months, and now here we are, a year later, completely changed as an industry.

UNIFIED SECURITY SYSTEMS have been around for several years now. More than just integration, these systems incorporate two or more systems into a single pane of glass — usually from a single manufacturer, giving security integrators and their customers the proverbial “one throat to choke.” While their advantages are often seen at the enterprise level, today’s unified systems can be deployed at almost any size facility; are less complex and less expensive than in the past; incorporate more integrations and technologies than ever before; and are increasingly attractive to customers.

New fire alarm control panel technologies such as wireless and smart technology benefit fire protection companies as well as security integrators and alarm dealers.

SnapAV Pro Stores released its first quarter 2021 enhanced schedule for its local Pro Store webinar training series, “Commercial Installation Now!”, hosted by Allnet, CPD, MRI and Volutone.

The new Touchless Solutions eBook from dormakaba, a provider in access and security solutions, addresses the five most critical points where hygiene is important.

Electronic security factory rep firm LRG announced a new information resource for installers and distributors.

An assisted living community consisting of several buildings, one of which was used as a residential personal facility for the elderly, experienced a tragic fire. The sprinkler system was protected by a fire protection monitoring service, which had merged with the defendant.

Many of the modes used in the security industry to connect and support business growth, such as tradeshows and exhibitions, have been closed to enforce social distancing.

You may notice that this issue of SDM looks a little different. Beginning with this February 2021 issue, we will be employing a new digital platform that is much more reader- and technology-friendly.

It has been a long and arduous year since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on January 31, 2020, issued its declaration of a public health emergency related to COVID-19. As the virus pillaged its way around the world, it caused commercial establishments within many segments to quickly shut their doors.