As 2019 begins, it is important for leaders in the security industry to pause and take time to reflect on the last year: How has the industry evolved over the last 12 months in regards to technology, solutions and services? What trends and changes should we expect to see this year?

Bosch has expanded its professional services for integrators with the Boost Onsite Support offering available in North America. Designed to assist with the commissioning of large and complex installations, integrators selecting this service receive in-shop and/or on-site support from a Bosch technical expert as well as access to this specialist via email and phone throughout the duration of the project.

Unless you’ve been living under a connectivity rock for the past two years, you have noticed the explosive growth in the use of fiber optics for a wide variety of communication needs.

ADT Inc., SDM’s 2017 Dealer of the Year, announced that, in addition to being the exclusive provider of security solutions for Tuesday Morning, it has now entered into a chain-wide agreement for an extended service plan that includes maintenance for all security solutions.
 

SDM recently featured Allstate Security Industries (ASI) of Amarillo, Texas, in its cover story, "Is It Time for Drones & Robots?" as a company that was already employing drones in its security offerings. Allstate Security recently built a state-of-the-art monitoring center as well, so SDM decided to talk to Melinda Braden, ASI’s central station manager to ask a few questions about using drones as part of ASI’s security offering.

Alarm.com has launched Alarm.com for Business, a fully integrated, smarter security solution for small-to-medium sized businesses. 

Communications Electronics launched a new subsidiary, Communications Electronics Systems LLC (CES). CES will provide Electronic Security Integration to commercial businesses and government customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and be a division of Communications Electronics Inc.

A+ Technology & Security Solutions Inc., a provider of school security technology integration, added a threat vulnerability & risk assessment (TVRA) and comprehensive safety training division incorporating virtual reality, to continue its mission of helping schools nationwide stay safe and secure. 

What does the repeal of Net Neutrality mean for the security industry, which relies more and more on IP technology? SDM spoke with John Knox, president, Knox Integrated Systems, Knoxville, Tenn. Knox is a past president of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and a current ESA Government Relations Committee member who has represented ESA in Washington about this issue.

In 2017, Legrand employees volunteered more than 2,000 hours of their time, planned 78 events across the country, and contributed more than $550,000 in product and financial donations to a variety of worthy organizations as part of the company’s Better Communities program.