2021 May

SDM Magazine

May's cover story features “SDM 100: Staying Strong” We also explore "Video Storage Evolution". And "Managed Access Opportunities".

Check back throughout the month for new content!

SDM EXCLUSIVE

The 2021 SDM 100: Strong in the Face of Adversity

COVID-19 was the backdrop to the story of the SDM 100 companies in 2020. Despite the uncertainty and challenges it presented, however, the top security dealers held their own, and some even thrived, finding new paths and opportunities.

Karyn Hodgson

May 7, 2021

If there is one word that could describe 2020, both in life and for the top 100 security dealers, it is unpredictable. Following several years of growth — and a very strong 2019 — SDM 100 companies found themselves on slippery ground beginning in March 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Security Software

Business Operations Software Proves Its Value Amid Pandemic

Business operations software is more versatile than ever, simplifying and enhancing site surveys, sales quotes, billing, management reporting and more.

Joan Engebretson

May 10, 2021

USING THE RIGHT BUSINESS OPERATIONS SOFTWARE can yield big benefits for security dealers. SDM talked to six security dealers and integrators about this. Here’s what they told us.

ACCESS CONTROL

Opportunity Awaits With Managed Access Control

For those who have yet to dip their toes in the waters of managed access control, now is the time.

Courtney Wolfe

April 29, 2021

For integrators willing to shake things up, opportunity awaits in managed access control.

Security & the Law

What Is Illegal Search & Seizure in Dog Shooting Case

BURGLAR ALARM

Lessing E. Gold

May 3, 2021

Was an officer justified in shooting two service dogs during a burglar alarm incident?

5-Minute Tech Quiz

What Do You Know About Access Control?

ACCESS CONTROL

Roy Pollack

May 3, 2021

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

Security NetWorkings

Working With Composite Cables for Ethernet & PoE

SECURITY INSTALLATIONS

Dave Engebretson

May 3, 2021

AS IP USAGE CONTINUES TO GROW in our industry, a new type of cable is being made available for installation use.

Integration Spotlight

Catch the Wave: Cloud Video Surveillance Solutions

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

Kelsey Kerling

May 3, 2021

EXPANDING REVENUE STREAMS and increasing profitability are never ending battles for security integrators. Adapting your offerings to capitalize on emerging technologies that serve critical needs — without falling for flash-in-the-pan trends that quickly fade — is one of the surest ways to boost your bottom line and ensure business survival for the long haul.

Marketing Madmen

7 Marketing Methods to Elevate Your Company

Security Marketing

Alex Chavez

David Morgan

May 3, 2021

Are you looking to increase your rankings as a top security dealer or integrator in the next SDM 100?

Editor's Angle: The Definition of Success

Karyn Hodgson

May 7, 2021

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? Each May SDM features the SDM 100 (link to story) — a ranking of the top 100 security dealer companies measured by their RMR the previous year.