The Security Universe at Your Fingertips
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Like many managers of small businesses, Kevin Mykle gets awakened in the middle of night from time to time by a call from his central station to let him know that an alarm has come in from his company — Surrey, British Columbia-based Stampede Tack & Western Wear.

Traditionally, security dealers and electronic systems contractors (ESCs) have operated in different circles, and there hasn’t been much cross-selling of systems that are germane to each industry.

Designing an access control system often starts with the reader technology. But in some environments, that is the least of your concerns. Harsh environments can mean anything from extreme temperature (hot or cold), to dusty, dirty, gaseous, chemical and beyond. And while cards and readers may work just fine in those conditions, that is anything but a given. There are far more things to consider in the design of systems for these special circumstances.

Vivint Inc., Provo, Utah, is not a security company. Well it is, but it isn’t. On the one hand, it sells security systems and is the No. 4 security company on the SDM 100, so some people call it a security company. On the other hand, it also offers a full line of home automation services, leading others to call it a home automation company. Confused?

Join SDM from now through Earth Day on April 22, 2012 as we work to highlight "green" efforts from around the industry in a special "green" April print edition of SDM and in a special "green" website launching March 1st.

A series of acquisitions, new branch openings and increase in staffing that ASG, Beltsville, Md., describes as “explosive growth” can be further characterized as an extraordinarily controlled and calculated explosion. In the past year, not only did ASG acquire two companies, grow its RMR base by 16 percent, set a “300 strong” sales force goal and open two new branches; the company managed that growth with a level head, putting its customers first and always keeping the big picture in mind.

From new products to new trends, the 2011 First Alert Professional Dealer Convention held in Scottsdale, Ariz., contained plenty of “new,” apt for its theme of “Exploring New Dimensions.” Some 800 alarm dealers, integrators, central station companies, distributors, vendors and speakers from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America attended the event.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) appointed John Stroia, vice president of corporate development for Diebold Inc., to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) board of directors. Stroia currently serves as the Secretary on SIA’s board of directors.

A belated note on the passing of Tim Gallagher, long-time security equipment salesman, on April 10, 2011 in Las Vegas.

Whether or not you have ever attended a virtual event, we've put together a list of reasons why you cannot afford miss iSecurity 2012.

Down at the co-located ESI Forum and ESA Leadership Summit events being held at the Omni Mandalay at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, we had our own “flash mob” experience at the Wednesday morning session.

I'm in the middle of attending the ESI Forum and ESA Leadership Summit events co-located at the Omni Mandalay at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. On Tuesday I had the privilege of moderating the general luncheon session, titled, "The ESA Home Integrator -- A New Vision for the Residential Market."

Two U.S. cities announced new non-response policies for unverified alarms in 2011. The Detroit Police Department enacted its policy in August and the San Jose, Calif. PD, followed by announcing a very similar plan a few days before Christmas. As law enforcement budgets are cut across the country and many look to reduce false alarm dispatches to boost efficiency, California and Michigan alarm companies are not the only ones watching these policies.

Just envision the business opportunities in the house of the future. You won’t find traditional furniture styles or old-fashioned appliances. Everything is ultra-modern, a blending of lifestyle and technology.

As the newly installed president of CSAA, I am grateful for all of the exceptional work of our past presidents, boards and committees. However, I also am mindful of the magnitude of issues facing our association and our industry.

Monitoring center employees are a security provider’s most valuable resource for protecting clients’ enterprises, assets, people and customers. That’s why it’s so important for providers to ensure employees are committed to their jobs and motivated to deliver exemplary customer service.