eNews 02-05-09 - SDM -- New Directions for Security Systems & Integration

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A Powerful New Development in PoE

By Jeffrey Steele

It wasn't too many years ago that security dealers and systems integrators were first introduced to the term Power over Ethernet, or PoE, and the standard IEEE802.3af.

Now, just as they are starting to get acclimated to the new concept of providing power along with data in one line, the high technology world's ever-continuing quest for additional power is helping usher in a new standard in PoE, IEEE802.3at.

SDM recently spoke with Michael Pula, technical marketing manager with Tinley Park, Ill.-based Panduit.

The benefits of PoE largely flow from the fact that both power and data travel over the same copper lines, Pula explained. Those benefits extend not only to VoIP phones, but other devices traditionally requiring disparate wires for power and data. PoE can power cameras, alarm keypads, access control readers and fire alarm products, among others, Pula said.

PoE provides another key advantage that is ever more important as businesses adopt greener strategies. In sharp contrast to traditional powering that is always "on," PoE only provides power when a device is connected, helping conserve power. "Devices such as wireless access points that do not need to be on all the time can be remotely controlled and turned off during non-business hours," Pula explained.

The new standard, 802.3at, won't be ratified until the IEEE meets in the first quarter of 2009 and approves the new standard by a majority vote, Pula said. Because it provides for almost twice as much power, lifting today's standard of 15.4 watts to about 25 watts, it is designed to support higher power devices, he explained.

Continue reading here.

Fiber Optic Technician One-day Training and Certification - Feb. 13 in Chicago

Learn all aspects of connecting CCTV and network devices to fiber optic links. This class blends an online tutorial with a one-day, hands-on certification lab. Fiber Optic Association certification testing included. Only $695 per person. Group discounts available. Register at www.slaytonsolutionsltd.com or call (708) 212-5150 for more info.

Electronic Security Networking Technician Two-day Training and Certification - March 26-27 in Chicago

Approved and complete training in all aspects of IP networking for security integration technicians. Learn how to address, program, connect, and troubleshoot IP-enabled security cameras, intercoms, access control, and other devices. Course and instructors approved by the Electronic Technicians Association. Price includes ETA testing and certification fee. Only $695 per person. Group discounts available. Register at www.slaytonsolutionsltd.com or call (708) 212-5150 for more info.

2009 AIREF Golf Classic Now Open to Players and Sponsors

The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) announced details regarding the sixth annual AIREF Golf Classic, which will be held during ISC West in Las Vegas, March 31, 2009. The event is located at the Revere Golf Club/Lexington Golf Course in Henderson, Nev., and the day's events will include breakfast, lunch, 19th-hole cocktails and an AIREF reception on the Las Vegas strip.

For player and sponsor information, visit www.AIREF.org or call Ryan Makovsky at 310-821-7309.

More information can also be found by viewing the fact sheet located at www.airef.org/golf/golf2009/airef2009fact.pdf.

NEWS

Upgrade To Light Rail Aids Emergency Units; New Radio System Puts All On Same Channel

A $2 million upgrade of Newark's Light Rail radio system has addressed communication gaps discovered during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, local and state transportation officials said yesterday. NJ Transit, which runs the light rail, used Homeland Security funds to upgrade the system, which allows fire, police and emergency medical services to communicate on a common radio channel.
Read about the new system.

Security Door A Fatal Trap For Two In Fire; Woman, Man Die In South Fulton

A 77-year-old woman and a 61-year-old man died Wednesday morning when a locked security door trapped them inside a burning house, Fulton County fire officials said. Another man identified as the woman's grandson escaped with a baby from the split-level house in the 2100 block of Sandgate Circle in south Fulton County, then tried unsuccessfully to get back into the house to help, Fulton chief fire Marshal Keith Padgett said.
Find out what caused this.

Council Denies Using CCTVTo Target Smokers

Dundee City Council has denied suggestions that it intends to use the city's CCTV cameras to clamp down on smokers. Many city-centre pub customers now gather for a puff in doorways creating clouds of smoke through which other customers have to walk. Under the terms of the legislation they are still in enclosed areas and breaking the law.
What caused these claims?

ON SDM's WEB SITE

A Dealer's Perspective on
the State of the Industry
Wayne Boggs has been around the security industry long enough to recognize buying trends and economic cycles. His father founded the business in 1947, and Richmond Alarm is now in its second generation of ownership, operated by Wayne and his brother Jimmy Boggs. The company sells and installs a wide range of electronic security systems, and operates what it says is the largest central station in Virginia. His perspective on the state of the industry is typical of what many security dealers are experiencing this quarter.
Gain some perspective.

Is 'Intellectual Security' in Your Vocabulary?
There are a lot of definitions for the word "evolution," but one constant element in all of them is "change." Change, in a word, is the mantra for the next generation of security integrators because the nature of security has changed. The message to the physical security integrator community is that their traditional role is evolving from product installation to system integration, and this process will require an entirely new understanding of what the word "security" actually means to your customers.
Expand your security vocab.

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