2012 January

Stops, Starts & Bright Spots

As with anything challenging, there are things to be gained. In security in 2012, it’s going to be addressing the ‘bright spots’ or opportunities that present themselves during this slow recovery.

Laura Stepanek

January 17, 2012

Flat is a four-letter word when it comes to the economic performance of the security installation channel in 2011. Despite predictions last year for a meager, yet optimistic 1 percent uptick in 2011, expectations did not materialize and total industry revenue neither grew nor fell — keeping at $43.9 billion. Perhaps because of this, integrators and security dealers are now ultra cautious, offering flat projections for 2012.

Points of Confluence in the Resi Market

In the residential systems market, certain systems are bringing security dealers and electronic systems contractors into the same circle.

Laura Stepanek

January 17, 2012

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.

Mobile Apps Bring Sizzle to Surveillance

End users see significant benefits from using their smartphones and other mobile devices to watch what’s going on at their businesses. Here’s what integrators need to know to meet customer expectations.

Joan Engebretson

January 17, 2012

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.

Extreme Access

Wind, rain, snow, salt, chemicals, even marshmallows — the access control system must be able to withstand them all.

Karyn Hodgson

January 17, 2012

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.

Insider News & Business: January 2012

January 17, 2012

Acquisitions are down among dealer companies, but that's not necessarily bad; Tyco closes Visonic deal; Honeywell partners with luxury homebuilder in the U.S; Harkins takes over Schovich; Industry says goodbye to John W. Mabry Jr.; and more.

Technology Solutions & Skills: January 2012

January 18, 2012

Read about new DVR apps and a white paper describes how printer fits into the market.

Digital Shuffle: January 2012

January 18, 2012

Insider blogs, surveillance apps for mobile gamers and customers on the go, and redesign feedback.

Locks and Doors

Roy Pollack

January 18, 2012

Test your knowledge of locks and doors and see if you have what it takes to achieve the most effective and code-compliant installations.

Beyond Monitoring and Response

Cassie Peterson

January 17, 2012

In the security industry, meeting a client’s security needs is only half the story. For a full-service central monitoring station like Safe Touch Security Systems, located in Jacksonville, Fla., servicing accounts requires more than effective monitoring and response.

The 2G Sunset Has Begun

Shawn Welsh

January 17, 2012

In response to consumer demand for faster speeds and greater bandwidth, national cell carriers in early 2011 revealed their plans to migrate fully from 2G to 3G mobile telecommunications. The implication is that the phasing out of 2G–GSM technologies has begun. This forthcoming “2G Sunset,” during which GSM and GPRS technologies will be rendered obsolete, will have sweeping implications for our industry.

SECURITY EXECUTIVE ROLES: Converging Toward Security Consulting

Dan Dunkel

January 17, 2012

The race is on and innovative chief information officers (CIOs), chief security officers (CSOs), and chief information security officers (CISOs) are on the starting line watching the emerging technologies of social media, mobility, and cloud computing change their jobs, the marketplace, and the integrator channel.

One Case Showcases Two Common Issues

Lessing E. Gold

January 17, 2012

Two issues came to the forefront of a case in New York: the definition of gross negligence and contract interpretation. An insurance company filed suit against an alarm company to recover insurance payments made to the insured following a fire at the insured’s premises, a restaurant. The alarm company filed a motion to dismiss.

Shandon to the Rescue!

Mark McCourt

January 16, 2012

Let’s begin the new year by celebrating the outstanding response and expertise that characterize the security industry. When crime struck close to home, it was not the Los Angeles or USC Police that came to the rescue; it was Shandon Harbour and the outstanding team at SDA Security.