DirectTV, El Segundo, Calif., is the latest cable services provider to enter the security space with its acquisition of LifeShield, Langhorne, Pa. According to DirecTV, LifeShield will continue to run with its existing team, which includes CEO Michael Hagan, in its current headquarters.

Robert Mercer, spokesperson for DirecTV, told SDM, “We’ve been looking at a number of firms but it was important for us not to rush into the home security business unless the right opportunity came along, as it did with Lifeshield. The video home security business is a good strategic bid for us. It’s a profitable business with low market penetration. The important thing for us is that we have the ability to leverage our strong, nationally recognized brand, our national footprint and our sales and marketing expertise that will enable us to take full advantage of the opportunity.

“Lifeshield was the most attractive security firm for us for several reasons,” Mercer continued. “It required a minimal investment. Its products are innovative, they’re easy to use and install. And this is key: we would be able to control and seamlessly integrate the service with our video experience.”

A clear differentiator in DirecTV’s approach to the security space is its choice to acquire an existing security company (and its customer base) rather than start a new business division from the ground up, as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T have done.

LifeShield’s current security offering is centered around wireless home security solutions and monitoring services (provided by Protection 1’s five UL listed monitoring stations). Mercer said the current plan is to continue the partnership with Protection 1 in order to offer reliable, professional monitoring. LifeShield offers interactive home security features with remote access, which other new players in the security industry have often cited as the gateway to the untapped 80 percent of the market.

While Lifeshield does offer traditional installation, customers can also opt for do-it-yourself setup for most systems as they are wireless. Mercer said the DIY option will continue to be available, though the company is looking forward to being able to offer simultaneous in-home installation for its TV and security services. “We have a nationwide network of technicians in the field that make millions of house calls every year,” Mercer commented. “Having a technician in the home that can take care of everything — DirecTV service and home security service — will remove a significant barrier to those folks who may be challenged by a DIY approach.

Lifeshield has a presence in all 50 states and counts around 22,000 subscribers. Mercer estimated DirecTV’s U.S. customer base to be more than 20 million, making it the second-largest paid TV service.

DirecTV said it will roll out security services to new customers beginning in the first quarter of 2014 and offering promotional upgrades and moving packages to existing customers that year as well. It is unlikely the company intends to make significant changes to the existing LifeShield offerings right off the bat, though it may add some functionality to the LifeShield platform. Mercer explained, “Initially, we will continue to offer the LifeShield product under its brand name along with our video service for a period of time. Then, when we fully integrate the business, we’ll market the service — but linked to the DirecTV brand… We’re also looking at a number of unique features to offer our customers that will enhance it and further differentiate it from our competitors.” — By Sabrina Gasulla, Associate Editor

SIAC’s Names 2013 William N. Moody Award Recipient

$198 million- the expected size of the market in 2013 for access control equipment intended for the U.S. Government.

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) honored alarm industry veteran Sharon Elder with the 2013 William N. Moody Award. Elder, vice president of sales for the National Monitoring Center in Aliso Viejo, Calif., received the award on June 18 at the Electronic Security EXPO Icebreaker Luncheon in Nashville.

The William N. Moody Award recognizes alarm industry leaders who take the lead to implement ordinances that incorporate the “best practices” of alarm management, allowing law enforcement better use of their resources to improve public safety.   Elder is known by law enforcement agencies in Southern California as the “go to” person to address alarm issues.

Elder has successfully worked with officials in many southern California communities. She proactively sought out and met with police executives and elected officials in Anaheim, Calif., where officials decided they would stop responding to alarms. Elder met with the leaders and using SIAC guidelines provided them with a better solution for the community.  She then helped them fine tune and work their ordinance through the legislative process.

Newly Formed GHS Interactive Acquires LifeLine

GHS Interactive Security LLC, Sacramento, Calif., acquired LifeLine Security and Automation Inc., Sacramento, Calif., at the end of May 2013 for an undisclosed amount. GHS was formed by Steve Baker specifically for the purpose of acquiring LifeLine. An industry veteran, Baker has had executive roles in companies such as Monitronics, ADT and Westec.

LifeLine, a former Monitronics dealer, was founded in 2005 by Gordon Johnson and John Fox. The residential market security company uses a year-round, door-to-door sales business model operated by a full-time sales staff. 

“This really was a good fit because LifeLine has been able to grow successfully over the past several years focusing on production,” Baker told SDM. “In the dealer world, it can be hard to find those focused on quality and LifeLine has had single-digit attrition in its Monitronics’ days. They bring a high-quality sales engine with all the right metrics and we bring a management team and equity to grow this business and expand into other markets,” Baker said.

As part of the deal, LifeLine will be rebranded as GHS, noted John Bergher, vice president of marketing and customer care at GHS. In addition, LifeLine’s 50-plus employees will remain with GHS. Baker is president and Johnson and Fox will stay on to head up the company’s sales efforts. Also part of the executive team are Craig Weingartner, CFO and Bergher. Each of the named executives are investors in the company.

To go through with the transaction, GHS was formed with the help of an undisclosed amount of equity capital from Topspin Partners LBO, along with a $20 million loan facility from Barclays Private Credit Partners Fund  L.P. Topspin, based in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., is a private equity firm founded by Leo Guthart, former Honeywell Security and Fire Solutions Group executive. Steve Lebowitz was the Topspin partner that led the investment in GHS.

Part of GHS’s plan moving forward is to utilize LifeLine’s sales and installation capabilities while retaining all new accounts (rather than selling them). According to a press release from GHS, “Growth in customer account originations will come from a combination of expansion in existing markets and transplanting the highly systematized and scalable sales model into adjacent geographic markets.”

Barnes Associates Inc. was the consulting firm that advised Baker and Topspin on the transaction. Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp  represented GHS in the transaction, both in the acquisition and financing. MSK’s team was headed by Tony Adler, Lessing Gold, Al Pepper and Daria Boxer.

“Steve Baker has been in the industry a long time and he’s very knowledgeable. GHS will be an excellent vehicle to really grow this into a significant company,” Gold said, adding that beyond assets and customer accounts, the most important part of this acquisition are the individuals involved on all sides.  — By Maggie McFadden Shein, SDM Contributing Writer.

ADS Security Acquires CrimeWatch Security

ADS Security, Nashville, Tenn., acquired the customer accounts of CrimeWatch Security in Chattanooga, Tenn. This purchase increased ADS’ existing footprint in Chattanooga, a market it have served since 1997, and furthers their pursuit of regional expansion.

“ADS continues to expand our market share across the southeast by looking for companies with a tradition of outstanding service to their customers,” said ADS president and chief executive officer, John Cerasuolo. “CrimeWatch Security has built a strong business through superior customer service and we are excited to have the opportunity to further expand our customer base throughout Chattanooga, north Georgia and east Tennessee.”

CrimeWatch customers will now have access to ADS’ customer service, advanced suite of security technologies, CSAA Five Diamond monitoring center and a customer portal with online bill pay.

ADS will service the acquired CrimeWatch customer accounts from its Hixson, Tenn. office located at 5819 Winding Lane.

Security Source Acquires 50-Year Old Company

LP Network Inc., dba Security Source, Wilmington, Mass., completed the acquisition of the assets of Martco Inc., Louisville, Ky.  Security Source identified Martco, a provider of sophisticated video surveillance products and services to quick service restaurants, banks and convenience stores, as a way to enhance is service offering to nationwide retailers.

“When my family and I decided to sell our business, we were delighted to find Security Source — a company that shares our family’s commitment to excellence in customer service,” said Spencer Martin, chief executive officer of Martco and son of founder Nick Martin.

“Security Source has grown dramatically over the past eight years and the addition of Martco will accelerate our growth in the video surveillance industry,” remarked Justin Wormell, president of Security Source. “We anticipate no immediate changes to the structure or operations of Martco.”

Security Source is a provider of lock and hardware, video surveillance, and access control products and services throughout North America to leading retailers, quick service restaurants, and a variety of other commercial clients. Martco, a family-owned business for more than 50 years, is an experienced provider of security and surveillance equipment.

For information, visit www.securitysource.com.

SDI Expands Footprint, Capabilities With Acquisition of i-sys

Gupta

System Development Integration LLC (SDI), Chicago, a systems integrator of mission-critical technologies and infrastructure, acquired i-sys Corp, Charleston, S.C., a systems integrator that delivers integrated security, environmental and fire safety solutions. The acquisition will extend SDI’s service network coverage throughout the United States, while adding further technical expertise in markets with concentrated critical infrastructure protection needs. i-sys brings more than $15 million in revenues and 70 personnel.

“SDI addresses the complex information systems and operational processes that are at the core of today’s advanced safety and security technologies — from smart devices to analytical software,” stated SDI founder and chief executive officer David A. Gupta. “The i-sys team’s deep technical expertise and national service network further position SDI to deliver unbiased strategic advice and operational support for these integrated, multi-layered systems.”

Founded in 2000 by the late Bill Ohlendorf, i-sys provides integrated security management systems, end-to end building automation (lighting, HVAC and energy management), mechanical services, and advanced fire safety systems. i-sys’ portfolio of clients includes major financial institutions, airports, seaports, state/local government, and universities. With offices in Sacramento, Calif.; Charleston, S.C.; and Knoxville, Tenn., the firm’s service network addresses clients with nation-wide assets, including a national bank with more than 1,500 branches across 10 states.

SDI specializes in public safety and homeland security solutions, with deep experience in designing, building and operating state-of-the-art command centers, physical security information management (PSIM) systems, video surveillance systems, and various other technologies. SDI’s client portfolio includes some of the nation’s largest airport systems, water utilities, toll authorities, public school systems, 911 centers and public transit systems. In June 2012, SDI received investment by private equity firms LLR Partners and Monument Capital Group to fund its continued growth through acquisition, as well as expansion of its footprint globally. The company reported $40 million in 2012 revenues and counts 130 employees.

“i-sys and SDI share similar DNA, with our sharp focus on building lasting relationships with customers and ability to deliver highly-integrated technical solutions in high-stress, multi-vendor technology environments,” said president and chief operating officer Brian Diver. “The growing SDI team looks forward to extending our delivery capabilities further into airport and seaport markets, as well as in other mission-critical environments in the private sector and new  geographies.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ESA Awards Youth Scholarships

Cameron Hein of Pinckney, Mich. is the first-place winner of the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) Youth Scholarship Program, receiving a $10,000 scholarship for his outstanding essay and academic achievements at Pinckney Community High School.

This year, with Vivint’s sponsorship of $10,000, ESA awarded $20,000 in scholarships to children of first responders through the Youth Scholarship Program. ESA and participating state chapters have proudly awarded more than $390,000 in scholarships to youth around the nation since 1996.

“The men and women who serve this country each and every day as police officers or firefighters are heroes and national treasures,” said ESA President John Knox. “The work they do in protecting our communities can never be appreciated enough. Awarding this first-place scholarship to a fine student like Cameron Hein is one of the ways we can thank our deserving public safety partners.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be between 15 and 20 years old, a graduating high school senior and have been accepted for admission to an accredited college or university. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who is an active duty, full-time police officer, firefighter or volunteer firefighter.

Carl Hein, Cameron’s father, is a firefighter at the Ann Arbor Fire Department. “I have an immeasurable amount of pride in my dad,” Hein said. “He sacrifices everything on a daily basis, including his life to protect the safety of others. The influence of my dad has inspired me to use my talents and interests to work for the safety of others.”

Cameron holds a class rank of one and will graduate from Pinckney Community High School with a 4.0 GPA. This fall, Cameron will attend Purdue University where he plans on attaining a degree in engineering. He hopes to one day use his knowledge to solve rescue service problems and further enhance the safety of others.

Alarm Capital Alliance Expands With Account Acquisition in 2 States

Alarm Capital Alliance (ACA), Newtown Square, Pa., announced it acquired accounts in the tri-cities area of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, further increasing its presence in the region. Terms of the deal, which was finalized on May 10, were not disclosed. With this acquisition, ACA now has more than 140,000 customers nationwide.

“We are excited about being able to fold in this very traditional portfolio of accounts to our expanding footprint in Tennessee,” said Anastasia Bottos, chief business development officer and executive vice president of acquisitions at ACA. “The seller built a wonderful business over the last 30 years, with a very loyal customer base. We are looking forward to working with their team as they continue to oversee all of the service, sales and installation work.”

In addition to Bottos, the others who assisted with the acquisition were Kelly Bond, senior vice president of sales and marketing, and Drue Thomas, acquisitions manager at ACA. Dennis Riley of Beltway Brokerage represented the seller with the transaction.

ACA stated that it utilizes a unique business model for the acquisition, installation and management of security alarm contracts, and that it dominates a critical industry niche, which includes its independent dealer program. Since inception in 2000, the company has achieved more than 11 consecutive years of growth and is now ranked No. 19 on the SDM 100.

For information, visit www.alarmcapital.com.

Axis VP Named a 2013 WSC Woman of the Year

Sonesson

The Women’s Security Council (WSC) granted Bodil Sonesson, vice president of global sales, Axis Communications, Chelmsford, Mass., its 2013 Woman of the Year Award in the manufacturer category. The annual WSC award honors top female professionals in the physical security industry in a variety of categories.

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from WSC,” said Sonesson. “Research shows that having gender diversity within management teams and executive boards significantly improves the bottom line. Although I think that we still have a long way to go within the industry.”

The WSC Founding Committee along with select WSC members reviewed more than 100 submissions from across the global physical security industry and presented the winners during the WSC Women of the Year Awards Celebration at ISC West. Sonesson was selected due to her leadership within the security industry and within Axis — and the ways in which she has contributed to the business community.

Sonesson has been in sales management positions at Axis since 1996. Today she has worldwide responsibility for sales in an organization with more than 1,400 employees in 42 countries — plus 55,000 partners in 179 countries.

For information about WSC and the awards, visit http://wscouncil.com/.

Bosch Creates New Team Focused on Growth

Bosch Security Systems Inc., Fairport, N.Y., created a new inside sales team to better service its customers with a more proactive and focused approach. The team of 12 associates is dedicated to working closely with customers to help them create high-quality solutions using products from the company’s broad portfolio of systems for communications, video surveillance, access control, and intrusion/fire detection.

“Bosch is introducing new products at a rapid pace, and the inside sales team is helping to make customers aware of the tremendous value these innovative solutions can bring to them and their clients,” said Jim Musshafen, director of sales operations, Bosch Security Systems. “This group is unique among security industry manufacturers and demonstrates how Bosch is continually evolving to lead in the service and support offerings we provide our dealers.”  

Responsible for both inside sales and pre-sales activities, the team, based in Fairport, is assisting Bosch’s field-based sales team with the support of dealers across North America. The group is expected to help increase customer satisfaction and to enhance sales to both small and mid-sized dealers.

For information, visit www.boschsecurity.us.

Bosch Creates New Team Focused on Growth

Bosch Security Systems Inc., Fairport, N.Y., created a new inside sales team to better service its customers with a more proactive and focused approach. The team of 12 associates is dedicated to working closely with customers to help them create high-quality solutions using products from the company’s broad portfolio of systems for communications, video surveillance, access control, and intrusion/fire detection.

“Bosch is introducing new products at a rapid pace, and the inside sales team is helping to make customers aware of the tremendous value these innovative solutions can bring to them and their clients,” said Jim Musshafen, director of sales operations, Bosch Security Systems. “This group is unique among security industry manufacturers and demonstrates how Bosch is continually evolving to lead in the service and support offerings we provide our dealers.” 

Responsible for both inside sales and pre-sales activities, the team, based in Fairport, is assisting Bosch’s field-based sales team with the support of dealers across North America. The group is expected to help increase customer satisfaction and to enhance sales to both small and mid-sized dealers.

For information, visit www.boschsecurity.us.

Tyco to Acquire Exacq Technologies  for $150 Million

Tyco announced that it reached an agreement to acquire Exacq Technologies, a developer of open architecture video management systems for security and surveillance applications for $150 million in cash. 

The acquisition is expected to complement Tyco Security Products’ video technology portfolio while strengthening its presence in the video security market.  This acquisition also furthers Tyco’s disciplined growth strategy, while expanding the company’s technology and product portfolio.

Exacq offers intuitive solutions that scale from small single camera applications to large, integrated systems with thousands of cameras. The business is expected to generate annualized revenues in fiscal 2014 of approximately $75 million.

Following the acquisition, the company intends to integrate Exacq into its Tyco Security Products business unit. Exacq, headquartered in Indianapolis, offers its solutions through a network of distributors, resellers and direct sales representatives.

“The quality of Exacq’s products coupled with ease of use and ease of installation help us address the needs of a very different type of video user than we do with our current portfolio,” said Mike Ryan, president of Tyco Security Products. “Meeting the varied requirements of the diverse video customer base provides us with a unique position in the security industry, and increases Tyco Security Products’ leadership position in the video security business.”

News Briefs

Firestone

Select Security, Lancaster, Pa., added Steve Firestone to its senior management team in the newly created position of executive vice president. As the executive vice president, Firestone is responsible for developing and maximizing sales channels, exploring untapped and underserved markets, and implementing best practices for the multi-state sales force.

Firestone has already been responsible for the launch of a new ERP system, sales force automation platform, and central station operating software.

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Matica System, Milan, Italy, made changes to its group management team. It is the intent of the group to use the specific skills and industry experiences acquired by these three managers to better create and deliver solutions that meet the changing needs of its worldwide customer base. Antonio Santos is the new global sales director for the systems division, and is expected to drive the growth of mid-high volume personalization systems for the centralized issuance of financial, loyalty and ID cards.

Santos	Pegorano	Cimbro

Massimo Pegoraro is the global manager of technical support and engineering systems and has direct oversight to both the production of new solutions that expand the capabilities of Matica® product lines and the technical capacity of its support structure.

            Valerio Cimbro became both the acting global product manager and the global sales engineering manager for systems. Cimbro oversees card personalization systems, plus act as the lead sales engineer for these systems.

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Speco Technologies, Amityville, N.Y., named Zin Thu, director, product management. Thu has more than 10 years of experience in product engineering and has been instrumental in the development and deployment of many new product introductions, including Secure Guard® proprietary software to Speco Technologies, which allow users to manage and monitor multiple DVRs and IP cameras. 

In her new role, Thu is responsible for new product development and existing product portfolio management.

Zin

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PSA Security Network, Westminster, Colo., announced the new director of education is Barbara Shaw. Shaw works closely, not only with PSA Security Network, but also with vendors, integrators, individual consultants and thought leaders from throughout the industry.  Shaw reports directly to PSA chief executive officer Bill Bozeman.

Shaw

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G4S Technology LLC (formerly Adesta), Omaha, Neb. expanded operations and opened a new regional office in Seattle. The Seattle team is focused on providing state-of-the-art electronic and physical security solutions to current and potential clients in the Pacific Northwest area.

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National Training Center (NTC), Las Vegas, hired of industry veteran Doug Moseley as a key instructor for their fire alarm and CCTV courses. Moseley has taught periodically for NTC since 2002. 

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After 15-plus years at Devcon Security Services, Hollywood, Calif., Roy Pollack moved to Comcast/Xfinity Home, Philadelphia, as a director of training and compliance.

“I leave [Devcon] now and head to an opportunity where I can use my nearly 40 years of experience to help a new generation of installers, service techs, and sales people,” Pollack said. “I look forward to serving Comcast in my new role as one of their directors of training and compliance, and continuing to support the industry through both state and national associations.” 

                                                                                           ■ ■ ■

PSA Security Network, Westminster, Colo., hired Mike Rothstein as its new business development/inside sales representative. Rothstein works closely with the entire PSA Security sales team to develop new business opportunities and increase sales to new customers. Rothstein has been in the industry for 20 years.

Rothstein

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SentryNet, Memphis, Tenn., announced Arthur Robbins as a new member of its technical team. Many of its dealers know Robbins from his background in the west Tennessee area working as a service and installation manager. He goes to them with more than 30 years of experience in solving installation, programming and service issues.

■ ■ ■

AMAG Technology, Torrance, Calif., appointed Dennis Gibbs as Great Lakes regional sales manager. In this brand new position, Gibbs supports existing SymmetryTM authorized resellers with sales initiatives, and develop new business in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin.

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Habitec Security, Toledo, Ohio, announced that six members of its management team — Wally Bell, Pat Ehrsam, Tracy Ehrsam, Donald Kraatz, Kelly McFarland and Kathy Vierling — were promoted. Habitec also named Amy Lang as the new marketing manager. 

Wally Bell, former security consultant, is now commercial project manager. Bell joined Habitec Security in October of 2008 and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. As the commercial project manager, he is responsible for overseeing large commercial and industrial security projects.

Pat Ehrsam, former service manager, is now director of operations. Ehrsam has been with Habitec Security for almost 35 years. As director of operations, Ehrsam is responsible for overseeing installations, service and central station.

Tracy Ehrsam, former central station supervisor, is now the central station manager. Ehrsam has been with Habitec Security for more than 25 years. She is responsible for overseeing the monitoring of more than 17,000 customers.

Donald Kraatz, former lead technician, is now the northern Michigan branch manager. Kraatz has been with Habitec Security for almost 10 years. He is responsible for the overall management, which includes sales, service, and installations.

Kelly McFarland, former branch operations manager, is now the Columbus branch manager. McFarland has been with Habitec Security for more than 12 years. McFarland is responsible for the overall management, which includes sales, service, and installations, of the Columbus Branch.

Kathy Vierling, former assistant controller, is now the director of accounting and human resources. Vierling has been with Habitec for more than 33 years and is responsible for employee administration and internal finances.

Habitec Security also announced Amy Smythe Lang joined Habitec Security as the marketing manager.  Previously, she was the Go Red for Women and the marketing director for the American Heart Association’s Cincinnati office and prior to that she was assistant vice president and marketing specialist for National City Bank. 

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Security-Net, Exton, Pa., announced that Advantech Inc., Dover, Del., joined Security-Net as its 20th member. Advantech Inc., provides Security-Net with valuable geographical coverage in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. Security-Net focuses on the integration of end-to-end security solutions including technologies such as access control, video surveillance, emergency mass notification and perimeter detection systems in aerospace, commercial offices, university campuses, airports, government, utilities, hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

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Bosch Security Systems Inc., Munich, Germany, appointed six associates to various positions at its North American headquarters in Fairport, N.Y.

Amy Cronin was named manager of customer service and inside sales. Amy worked in the company’s customer service organization for nearly 10 years.

 Beverly Bassage was named customer service supervisor for Bosch’s security products, including video surveillance, intrusion and fire detection and access control. She brings 14 years of customer service leadership to the team.

 David Proulx was named customer service supervisor for the company’s communications systems, which includes the brands Bosch, Electro-Voice, RTS and Telex. He worked for Bosch for nearly eight years as a pre-sales representative.

 Michael Trainor was named EDI coordinator. He assists customers in the move to electronic data interchange for initiating purchase orders. He has been a Bosch associate for nine years as a customer service team lead.

Justin Johnson was named supervisor of the company’s new inside sales group. He brings nearly eight years of sales and customer service management experience to the team.

Vince Rubert was named technical support supervisor for the company’s intrusion, fire and access control products. He brings more than 10 years of experience in technical service and support to the role.

Cronin	Bassage
Proulx	Trainor
Johnson	Rubert

SmartHome

Comcast Launches New Xfinity Home Control, Adds EcoSaver

Comcast announced the launch of Xfinity Home Control, a new product under the Xfinity Home umbrella of services. The company described in a press release that Xfinity Home Control is for customers who want smart home solutions, but do not choose the professional security monitoring that is offered with other Xfinity Home services, now called Xfinity Home Secure.

“The home control market is growing tremendously, and it’s being driven by innovative technology, affordability and consumer demand,” said Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of New Businesses for Comcast Cable. “With the launch of Xfinity Home Control, we’re adding yet another way customers can remotely manage their homes anywhere and at anytime.”

Xfinity Home Control provides customers with the ability to get real-time text and email alerts when doors and windows open or close; watch live streaming video of their home; and manage home devices such as lights and thermostats remotely or by automated schedules. Comcast is offering a “starter pack” of Xfinity Home Control monitoring equipment at $99.95.

Additionally, Comcast is adding to its Xfinity Home service with the launch of EcoSaver, a new cloud-based solution that can help customers potentially reduce their energy use. The EcoSaver service, paired with the Xfinity Home thermostat, learns the unique heating and cooling patterns of a home.

Companies You Should Know

Genesis CCTV, Orlando, Fla., expanded from being an analog “full system supplier” to offering SDI cameras, intelligent/licensed analytics, POS integration with customizable reports and more.

The team at Genesis CCTV offer ideas and design customized solutions for some of its top integrators. The company’s primary directive is to get to know its customers and assist with product gaps. With aims to add partners to its list, Genesis’ business plan hinges on continued growth and global expansion of its operations.

Referred to by many of its customers as a “strategic partner,” Genesis CCTV claims to give “unparalleled customer support.” Ramon M. Rovira, founder and chief executive officer, explained this claim stating, “We take time to listen and help our customers create new business opportunities. We work very transparently with our dealers letting them know that it’s not always about profitability but about a mutual respect and commitment to our relationship. Our commitment to quality and innovation enables us to provide you with proven solutions that help you minimize field time and maximize profit margins.”

The company recently created the Titan DVRT.  Rovira detailed, “This is a wall mounted DVR-Transmitter with a built-in control panel, virtual keypad and power supply that consistently communicates to a central station and provides periodical health checks, video verification of alarms, remote access and two-way audio (which may be used to remotely speak down to an intruder).”

Rovira continued, “Our Titan DVRT was designed for true video RMR; this all-in-one unit meets the demand for video monitoring, virtual guards and video-alarm verification.  Another huge benefit [is] its strong remote access capabilities. Servicing national accounts with coast-to-coast coverage and immediate service/support is no longer a challenge. We’ve developed tools and apps that make all of the Titan DVRT’s features fully programmable, upgradeable and manageable remotely.”

Intending to let customers know about its beliefs and values, Genesis CCTV has an Ichthys symbol posted on the company’s “About Us” page. Rovira explained, “It also holds Genesis CCTV accountable to a much higher standard.  Our motto and tagline have remained the same since the company’s inception: ‘Vision with Integrity.’” — By Nadia Askar, Editorial Intern.

CORRECTION

 In the table within the 2013 SDM 100, “Top Companies Ranked by Non-Residential Installation Revenue” (SDM, May 2013, p. 62), No. 8-ranked Diebold Security was inadvertently omitted. With Diebold Security’s non-residential revenue of $395,000,000, as reported to SDM, it would have been ranked as No. 1 on that table. SDM regrets the error.