In the April 2015 edition of SDM we look at alarm systems as a part of our State of the Market series. Also, get a look at cutting-edge biometrics products to be showcased as ISC West and learn the 7 keys to helping customers get the most out of their mobile surveillance features.
Both the residential and commercial markets saw growth this year, due in large part to economic recovery, huge growth in interactive services/integration and increasing user awareness on the home side.
Security systems integrators are operating in an environment of quickly changing expectations and demands. Three successful integrators describe the trends and how they are changing to meet the needs of the market.
As a business person in a position of authority, you should always strive to operate as leader. You may never know the positive impact you may make on someone who is silently watching.
How can security integrators help their clients see the value of a unified, open architecture security system to their organizations? Security consultants and their fellow integrators show them how.
An interesting decision came out of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California that involved a liquidated damage clause. The plaintiff purchased an annual subscription to a suite of software services called the “Adobe Creative Cloud” (referred to hereafter as the Creative Cloud) for $49.00 per month from the defendant, a multi-national software maker.
The mouse and rat action around our properties continues. Two years ago it was the summertime invasion of the Chicago rats into the backyard of the bunker in Bucktown. This problem was eventually subdued with the installation of a Maginot line of steel sheets and cement on the fences facing the alley. There is a price to be paid for living in a neighborhood that is chock-full of wonderful restaurants; the presence of tossed foodstuffs is heaven for the Chicago Rattus norvegicus.
Just because we don’t keep better track of apprehensions, doesn’t mean crime-solving through security technology has slowed. Just ask mainstream media.
I’ve come across a wide variety of characters and business owners since I (Alex) opened a marketing agency at the age of 20 in Las Vegas. But it is the travel industry that taught me the valuable lesson of never letting a hot lead go cold.
This client’s goal was not just producing net-zero energy or achieving a zero carbon footprint, but rather designing a home that created more energy than it consumed, allowing excess energy to be sold back to the grid. The client also required completely automatic lighting control, HVAC control and energy utilization that balanced comfort with efficiency.
There’s no doubt the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the market is rising dramatically. The opportunities presented by this oncoming wave of demand for smart home technology is a topic Duane Paulson, senior vice president at Nortek Security & Control (formerly Linear LLC) discussed in a recent interview.
I-View Now has integrated devices by FLIR Systems Inc., into the I-View Now platform. FLIR’s expanding line of recorders and thermal and visible cameras will be compatible for use with I-View Now’s video verification services.
Samsung Techwin has begun a partnership with AMID Strategies that will enhance their ability to support the technology needs of architects, engineers (A&Es) and security consultants.
ISONAS Inc. has partnered with Milestone Systems to deliver an integrated video and access control solution to customers. This unique solution provides a seamless integration of the Milestone XProtect Smart Client and the ISONAS Crystal Matrix software, allowing customers to keep their current Milestone video management software interface on the front end while adding access control to the back end, eliminating the need to re-train users on a new system.
HDOnTap, a specialist provider of live webcam streaming services, hardware and customized off-grid power, wireless network and remote live cam solutions for wildlife viewing, were referred to the board of Skidaway Island, a state park near Savannah, Ga., by the Georgia DNR.
Tri-Ed is expanding its services through a new partnership with Fluidmesh Networks and by offering Axis Communications products in all of its U.S. locations.
infinias will be offering Intelli-M Access Certification Training, which is required to sell infinias Intelli-M Access Professional and Corporate software. It is designed to train integrators to understand infinias eIDC32 hardware configuration, rules engine functionality and calendar integration.
Milestone Systems released its bi-monthly Device Pack 7.8 for the XProtect portfolio of products. The most significant feature in this upgrade is support for a new type of hybrid cameras combining a PTZ and a 360-deg. camera.
HID Global’s iCLASS and 125kHz ProxCard users can now integrate the Zwipe Access biometric card, eliminating the need to add biometric readers to an existing HID Global iClass or Prox-based system.
3xLOGIC Inc., Westminster, Colo., announced that it acquired the access control product lines of infinias Inc. The acquisition closed on February 27, 2015. All related personnel and other moves were completed by March 2, 2015.
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has created a new website, GetIntoSecurity.com, to position the security industry as a progressive and interesting place to work. The key features include valuable industry facts and information, a career spotlight section that gives visitors a snapshot of the types of positions available within the industry, special pages designed to speak to students, those looking for new beginnings, returning veterans and those looking for second careers.
At Samsung Techwin America’s recent STEP Partner conference held last month in Cancun, Mexico, SDM received an exclusive preview of what the company will be introducing at ISC West and beyond.
System Sensor’s Aspirating Smoke Detection Application Guide is available for download. It covers detailed application guidelines, codes/standards, and installation/maintenance, as well as common troubleshooting methods.
Global Surveillance Systems Inc. (GSS), national distributors of full IP/analog video surveillance and low-voltage security equipment, became the newest national distributor supporting the WavestoreUSA product line.
Nedap Identification Systems developed a dedicated partner program for the Long-Range Identification, Wireless Vehicle Detection and Smart City Access product lines. The Certified Partner Program allows partners to get recognized as committed Nedap partners. Moreover, they obtain access to benefits related to this program, such as sales tools, marketing resources, combined marketing opportunities and access to technical information and trainings related to products.
CEDIA has partnered with Powerhouse Alliance to offer a series of networking training workshops at Volutone. Partnering with Volutone will provide another outlet for home technology professionals to experience face-to-face education with instructor support. The courses available are part of the pathway to prepare for CEDIA’s Residential Networking Specialist certification exam.
As its 65th birthday approaches, Guardian Protection Services, Warrendale, Pa., has refused to “act its age” and rest on its historic laurels. In 1950, Guardian Alarm Systems of Pittsburgh Inc., the former identity of Guardian Protection Services, was solely focused on the installation of security systems for jewelry stores. The name and the breadth of services offered both changed in 1975, when current CEO, Russell Cersosimo, bought the business and created Guardian Protection Services.
CSAA Int’l, Vienna, Va., announced that the Alarm Industry Communications Committee has launched an industry-wide survey on the issue of dropped signals involving Digital Alarm Communications Transmitters.
The Illinois Electronic Security Association (IESA) wants security industry professionals to be aware that the Illinois alarm industry is facing its most significant threat ever — even more so than in 2011 — because Senate Bill 1495 has advanced to the Local Government Committee in the Illinois Senate, chaired by the bill’s sponsor, Thomas Cullerton, who is a cousin of Senate President John Cullerton.
NorthStar Alarm Services LLC, Orem, Utah, increased its credit facility to $80 million, doubling its facility since the company’s recapitalization 20 months ago, with Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and The Beekman Group.
AvantGuard Monitoring Centers, Ogden, Utah, announced its sister company, Freeus LLC, acquired substantially all of the personal emergency response systems (PERS) assets of Securus Inc.
The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), Frisco, Texas, announced that it will be working with Stateside Associates, Arlington, Va., on a program that will monitor local governments nationwide for ordinances or policy discussions that could impact the electronic security industry. SIAC Director Ron Walters will work with Stateside Associates to report potential issues to ESA State Chapters for items of interest identified in their respective states.
STANLEY Security, Naperville, Ill., a global security company specializing in advanced integrated security solutions for higher education campuses, announced the significant growth of its partnership with D. Stafford & Associates, Rehoboth Beach, Del., and the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals (NACCOP), Baltimore. STANLEY signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with D. Stafford & Associates and NACCOP, which it said will further establish STANLEY as a leading developer of content, resources, and educational opportunities for colleges and universities.
Fresno, Calif-based Kimberlite Corporation, a provider of verified electronic security for homes, schools and businesses, announced that its Fresno-based central station assisted law enforcement in 1,081 apprehensions in 2014, breaking its own national record of 1,035 apprehension assists in 2012.
Cook Security Group successfully completed a third party SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which it said demonstrated the company’s dedication to comply with today’s heightened information security regulations.
While the record cold temperatures might have been the reason for many East Coast SedonaOffice users to attend the 13th annual SedonaOffice Users Conference in sunny California, there were plenty of other reasons, including featured speakers, educational sessions and networking.
The ADT Corp., Boca Raton, Fla., announced the expansion of its health product portfolio with the introduction of its wearable On-The-Go Emergency Response System.
In January, more than 400 industry members assembled in Phoenix for AiN Group’s Annual Live & Learn Conference. AiN — the Authorized Integrators Network — is the managing partner of GE Home Technologies (GEHT), with more than 275 dealers and 300 locations throughout the United States.
Orangeburg, N.Y. car dealership Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru is the largest Subaru dealership on the East Coast. At any given time, the dealership has 400 to 500 cars on its lot. Over the last 16 years, Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru has experienced exponential growth.
As smart home technology plays a larger role in real estate, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Madison, N.J., released a survey uncovering what smart features home buyers are looking for when purchasing a home and how those features impact a home’s sale.
Guardian Protection Services, Warrendale, Pa., announced that Complete Home Security and Services of Fresno, Calif., joined its authorized dealer program. Complete Home markets to the California Central Valley and will expand its coverage via the opening of a second office in Visalia, located 40 miles south of Fresno, within the next 30 days.
Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., welcomed Apex Investigation & Security Inc., Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, as a Honeywell authorized security dealer. For more than 37 years, the company has provided quality security systems and services to commercial, industrial, retail and residential customers in northwestern Ontario, Honeywell described of its new dealer.
At the Samsung Techwin STEP Partner conference, held March 8-11 in Cancun, Mexico, Samsung declared 2015 to be “The Year of the Partner.” On the surface that may seem like just one company’s take on things; but really, the description could aptly be applied to just about every aspect of systems integration today.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 500 member companies who shape the future of the industry. So when they moved to a new location in Silver Spring, Md. — a significantly more urban landscape than its previous offices — SIA looked to fortify physical security at its headquarters.
