In this October 2014 issue of SDM we look at Unlimited Technology, SDM’s 2014 Systems Integrator of the Year. Also, have a look at the possibilities of smartphones replacing keys in the near future and learn the basics of video transmission and power management.
Unlimited Technology, SDM’s 2014 Systems Integrator of the Year, knows it can handle anything and everything its customers and projects demand, because it is built upon a foundation of strong engineering capabilities and internal processes it has developed over the last year.
No matter how great a video surveillance camera may be, if it has no power source — primary and/or backup — or can’t send images to the head end for viewing and archiving, it is no more useful for security than a painting hanging on the wall. This is why transmission and power solutions are crucial to providing the highest possible level of video security.
The days of carting around a jumble of keys are coming to a close, thanks to new technology for home access controls in the form of keyless, cellphone-enabled locks for residences. Millions of people, all over the world, use the key-and-lock solution for safeguarding their homes every day. But today’s keys have gone electric, thanks to the evolution of smartphone.
Cultural institutions, such as museums and libraries, have a unique set of characteristics that make fire and life safety requirements different from those of other buildings. A life safety system must simultaneously safeguard precious objects and protect patrons — and do so with minimal distractions or disruptions.
For decades smart cards and biometrics have been part of the access credentialing conversation. More recently, the potential of mobile credentials on a phone have entered the discussion. But in an industry that has been historically slow to move off the entrenched platforms of proximity or even mag stripe, these discussions have often revolved around the question, ‘What’s next?’ rather than, ‘What’s happening now?’
Many of us remember playing Hungry, Hungry Hippos as kids. The objective was to gobble up the most white marbles on the board; the hippo with the most marbles won.
How much do you invest in your business each year? Is it a percentage of your growth? What are your priorities when you invest? These are important questions to ask about your company’s investments, because investing in your company is challenge for every single business owner.
In my 37 years working in the industry, I have seen the “race to the bottom” occur with every popular technology that has come into our business. Two examples come quickly to mind: PIR motion detectors and digital communicators.
Last month, Apple announced the rollout of iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch, along with details on the company’s new software and services. What does this mean for those working with technology — both designers/installers and manufacturers/suppliers — in the residential sector?
The police officers and the plaintiff business owner responded to a burglary alarm at the plaintiff’s business. During the incident, the plaintiff business owner was shot by one of the responding officers.
S2 Security, a provider of IP-based integrated physical security systems, announced the expansion of its channel partner programs, which are designed to drive growth and profitability for S2 integrators. The programs will also enable integrators to simplify the sales process, deliver more value to their customers and differentiate their service offerings, according to S2 Security.
Security Partners, a national monitoring company with three central stations across the United States, has partnered with PSA Security Network as part of its Business Solutions Program, which offers a suite of exclusive value-added resources for its owner members.
Tyco SimplexGrinnell received the Internet of Things (IoT) Innovator of the Year Award for 2014 from Axeda Corporation. The award recognizes the company for excellence in leveraging advanced Internet-connected technology to deliver smart eService fire alarm solutions that improve service delivery and provide significant value to customers.
SentryNet is planning SentryCon, its annual dealer conference for 2015 a little early.
January 23, 2014
The success of the 2011 SentryCon cruise (pictured here) and the outcry of their dealers have swayed them to book cabins and meeting space on the Carnival Elation once again.
HID Global® and Chapman University announced a collaboration that gives Chapman University MBA students access to HID Trusted Tag Services™. The program is aimed at challenging the students to identify key market opportunities and develop an action plan to expand the influence of its HID Trusted Tag Services™, beyond the company’s proven Electronic Visitor Verification (EVV) and Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) use cases, within the Internet of Things (IoT) space.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) will host Securing New Ground® (SNGTM), the premier executive conference in the security industry, on Oct. 29-30, 2014, at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City.
Honeywell welcomed The Mercury Group as a Honeywell Authorized Dealer for Commercial Security Systems (CSS). For more than 36 years, the company’s three divisions — security, electrical and voice and data — have provided clean power, structured cabling for voice and data systems, electrical efficiency lighting, security and access control services to customers in Connecticut.
At the opening keynote for CEDIA EXPO 2014, held in Denver, Sony Electronics’ Mike Fasulo, president and COO, challenged the crowd to install innovation.
Strategic partnerships are key to growing a successful business, yet initiating and then maintaining those business relationships takes time and money. SecurityXchange, Eagan, Minn., is an event that helps integrators and solutions providers efficiently and affordably establish partnerships where both parties gain business or strengthen existing relationships while finding new technology solutions.
The 2014 Bold Users Conference was held at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., from August 5-7, 2014. Its theme was “Discover Extraordinary” and centered on the Bold customer experience.
Honeywell appointed of Inder Reddy as president of Honeywell Security Products. Reddy succeeds Scott Harkins, who accepted a new role within Honeywell.
Potter Electric Signal Company LLC of St. Louis, announced it was a participant of the Missouri Children’s Burn Camp, run by Burns Recovered Support Group Inc., which has run the event since its inception in 1997.
Bulldog Security Services Inc. of Dacula, Ga., announced the sale of its accounts to Alarm Capital Alliance (ACA) of Newtown Square, Pa. Jason Grelle, vice president of business development of ACA, said, “This well-run company of over 1,200 customers is a perfect fit for our existing business in the Atlanta area.”
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced that IPVideo Corporation, Bay Shore, N.Y., pledged its support as a Silver-Level Executive Strategic Partner for the remainder of 2014.Available only to ESA associate members, the Executive Strategic Partnership program was established in 2008 to provide funding for ESA programs and initiatives that promote and enhance the industry.
Raytec, Ashington, Northumberland, England, welcomed the arrival of five high-caliber graduates as part of a new Graduate Trainee Program, who will support and foster Raytec’s growth and commitment to lighting innovation for security and safety critical applications.
Smartvue® Corporation announced that it will provide video surveillance solutions for Western Digital (WD)®. The solutions will expand the capabilities of the My Cloud™ EX2 and My Cloud™ EX4 NAS devices and allow them to also work as business-grade video surveillance systems with cloud-enabled features. WD customers will be able to connect video surveillance cameras to each NAS device.
Arecont Vision introduced the new Arecont Vision University, consisting of free, online training courses that cover topics ranging from optics and sensor technology to understanding pixel density. Students will learn what megapixel technology is, how it works, and how to use it to reduce costs and increase profitability. According to the company, the coursework will take professional qualifications “to the next level.”
Security Partners and CheckVideo made an agreement to provide comprehensive managed video sales training programs to authorized security dealers who maintain an affiliation with Security Partners.
Magalign Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif., produced a new product invention, which was designed in response to requests from homeowners and alarm installers for a magnet that greatly improves sliding window and door venting. Capable of functioning with virtually any reed switch, Magalign is a simple, effective, low-profile installation — being only 5/16-inch tall. Magalign can be flushed mounted to 1/8 inch.
Carrollton, Ga.-based Southwire recently unveiled a new line of more than 40 voice-data-video (VDV) tools. The line includes cable cutters, strippers, crimpers and punch down tools, as well as cable tracers and testers. Southwire said its Tools & Equipment product line offers a robust selection of hand tools and a professional array of meters and test equipment, as well as larger contractor equipment serving areas such as cable pulling, hole making, and accessories used in both commercial and residential installations.
Salient Systems Corporation, a provider of IP network video surveillance solutions, announced a new partnership with Mango + Mate. Salient Systems’ CompleteViewTM, an enterprise-level video surveillance platform based on open architecture, is now integrated with Mate Behavior Watch, a provider of video content analysis. CompleteView video management software coupled with the video-optimized PowerProtect hardware platform, scales from entry level to enterprise deployments. This combination provides everything required to manage a multi-server, multi-site video surveillance installation from a single desktop, laptop or mobile device.
As anyone who’s ever started or seriously contemplated starting their own business knows the going can be tough, particularly in the beginning. However, the roots of entrepreneurship run deep in Oliver Keeling’s family — his father teaches on the subject at Iowa State University, and several relatives own and operate their own businesses. U.S. Air Force and Army veteran Keeling said he was fortunate to have this strong support system when he left the large national security company where he’d grown comfortable in his role as a local technician and founded Astra Security LLC in July 2013.