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17th Annual Top Systems Integrators Report: The Road is Still Uncertain

For the second year in a row, systems integration revenue fell by 4 percent. Instead of paving their own straight road, integrators are facing sharp curves in adoption of new technology infrastructure and new service models.

Laura Stepanek

July 17, 2012

Security systems integrators had expected to pull ahead in 2011, but instead they experienced a dismal first half of the year and a better-by-comparison but still “just average” second half. Following a 4.4 percent drop in 2010, systems integration revenue among the industry’s largest security companies fell yet again — by 3.6 percent in 2011 — leaving many wondering what it would take to get back up to speed. Integrators face sharp curves in the need to quickly adopt IP as the primary infrastructure for security systems, as well as to create business models that offer security as a service.

ESA Recognizes Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year & Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award Winner

July 11, 2012

On Tuesday night, ESX attendees came together in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville to honor two people whose contributions to the industry have made them stand out.

Special Report: Security & Crime

While no conclusive landmark study proves security prevents crime, maturing technologies and partnerships are proving security is a bona fide crime-fighting tool.

Heather Klotz-Young

June 20, 2012

In Greek mythology, Panacea was a goddess of universal remedy, using a single potion to heal the sick. Today the term is also used figuratively to describe something capable of completely solving a large, complex problem — like crime.

What Do You Use on the Border?

Integrators are depending more on video-based detection solutions for outdoor and perimeter security installations, not because traditional technologies aren’t working — it just gives them more options

Joan Engebretson

June 20, 2012

Security dealer Sonitrol of Indianapolis used to install a lot of photoelectric beams for protecting the perimeter of commercial installations, but today the company relies exclusively on a wireless camera system for perimeter protection. As Sonitrol of Indianapolis Sales Manager, Mike McCalip, explains, the company uses the Videofied camera from St. Paul, Minn.-based RSI Video Technologies, which has its own power source, eliminating the need to trench for wires.

A Little Bit Edgy

Integrators weigh in on the pros and cons of using edge devices for access control installations.

Karyn Hodgson

June 18, 2012

Edge devices can be a boon to dealers and integrators both in sales and installation, particularly in the access control field. Easier wiring makes them cost-effective for doors that previously didn’t use electronic security. Yet, the traditional centralized panel solution is far from dead, and indeed still preferred by some integrators. What does the edge look like today for access control systems, and how can it benefit your business?

Success Stories in Alarm Management

Glen Mowrey

June 18, 2012

The realities of today’s economy continue to force local governments to do more with less, often prompting deep cuts in police and public safety budgets. Having fewer resources magnifies the pressure police departments face to increase efficiencies and reduce the number of unproductive Calls For Service (CFS).

On Board With Partnerships

With the theme of ‘partnering for the future’ as a backdrop, Axis Communications hosted specifying consultants at a four-day summit that showed them how to design stronger IP surveillance solutions through partnerships.

Laura Stepanek

June 18, 2012

Axis Communications recently hosted its fifth annual A&E Technology Summit which, from bow to stern, was a rigorous educational program that intertwined Axis’ development and technology partners. From a “This is Axis”-themed dinner on the first evening of the event, to a group gathering on the fourth evening to watch Super Bowl XLVI, the program was packed with sessions that covered product detail, technology trends, application challenges, business opportunities, and idea sharing.

Monitored Video: The Central Station Perspective On Business Practices

As video monitoring and hosting become more desirable as a business offering, central stations share ideas for the operational details that can make it successful and profitable.

Derek Rice

June 18, 2012

Video monitoring represents a major growth center for central stations, the vast majority of which are currently offering the service in one form or another. As adoption and service offerings continue to grow, monitoring companies are going to have questions. Central stations that currently offer monitored/hosted video services share what has been successful for them in the areas of selecting and training operators, managing bandwidth and storage, and setting pricing, which should be helpful for navigating the waters of video monitoring.

2012 SDM 100 Breaking Through

Laura Stepanek

May 21, 2012

Not only does the SDM 100 now have a new top 3, but signs of the SDM 100 becoming more of a services-focused business model are apparent. Since the SDM 100 began ranking security companies by their recurring monthly revenue (RMR) in 2007, the top three companies have been ADT, Protection 1 and Monitronics (with the exception of Brink’s Home Security/Broadview, which subsequently was acquired by ADT).

2012 SDM 100: The List

May 21, 2012

The 2012 SDM 100 ranks U.S. companies that provide electronic security systems and services to both residential and non-residential customers. This ranking is based on information provided to or, in few cases, estimated by SDM. Ranked companies were asked to submit either an audited or reviewed financial statement, or a copy of their income tax return showing total gross receipts for the stated period. The vast majority of the firms ranked are privately held.