If you are headed to the London Olympics, better keep a close eye on your phone.

At ISC West I had the privilege to serve for the first time as a judge for SIA’s New Product Showcase Awards. What a fascinating experience! Not only was I able to watch each company in my judging category present their working products and describe them in detail, I also was able to learn from the other judges — consultants, architects, systems integrators — about what they considered to be the key elements of each product, and what would make them choose one over another.

By becoming a new follower this week, you’ll have a chance to win a $50 iTunes gift card.

Bob Bonifas, CEO of Alarm Detection Systems, Aurora, Ill. (No. 23 on the SDM 100) is in the news today - but not for anything to do with security.

One of the security industry's own, David Gonzalez, director of business development at Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution, is being credited as a hero who was primarily responsible for restraining a pilot who behaved in an enraged manner during a jetBlue flight yesterday morning. Gonzalez told SDM that the real hero is the co-pilot, who landed the plane safely in Amarillo, Texas.

According to industry sources, Morgan Hertel is joining Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Syracuse, N.Y., to oversee the start up of its west coast operation. 

The ever-changing risk landscape requires security in places that transcend traditional geographies. Because of the requirement for enhanced security in these areas, organizations that operate in disperse and geographically challenging environments, such as oil refineries, parking lots, chemical facilities and transportation, require technologies that can help secure vast spaces.

The Electric Guard Dog, Columbia, S.C., is a pioneer in renewable energy for the security industry. The company's founder, Bill Mullis, developed and patented the flagship product that utilizes solar power more than 20 years ago.

How do you make an impression during a convention attended by thousands of people? Do something different. Do something personal. Do something fun while still doing business. Why not play golf at the 9th annual Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) golf tournament on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Revere Golf Club in Las Vegas.