As one of six distinct security-related divisions of a global powerhouse, this year’s Systems Integrator of the Year draws on the history of not one, but two long-standing companies, along with a deep commitment to its employees and customers, and a strong understanding of technology to distinguish itself from the competition.

As evidenced by the steady stream of news about data breaches coming from companies large and small, cyber crime has become a very real problem in the world today.

Today’s security and life safety technologies are heavily influenced by the technology advancements and conveniences end users have come to expect in their daily lives.

Businesses in the security and smart home industries are joining to become stronger.

One of the many beautiful things about fiber optic technology is that most cable types and sizes have been standardized since the late 1980s

Email is a part of our daily lives. Many would argue that it’s impossible to conduct business today without using email. I think that’s especially true in the security industry.

Even though physical security is a highly technical industry, most business owners are not aware of the constant stream of technological updates that can seriously impact their website.

An insurance company (the plaintiff) issued a policy of insurance to the owners (the insured) of the property. A burglary and fire occurred and the plaintiff paid the insured for the damage.

Columnist Roy Pollack challenges professionals to test their knowledge in the latest 5 Minute Tech quiz.

As the second tallest skyscraper in the United States, effectively managing visitor and tenant access and security for Willis Tower’s 15,000 tenants and 250,000 business visitors each year was a huge undertaking.

Dortronics launched a new company website specifically designed to strengthen and clarify company communications and to serve as a platform for providing ongoing product and thought leadership information to the professional security industry.

SiteOwl LLC, a technology company focused on helping security integrators and security system owners digitize their integration workflow, is expanding its existing product offering to the full U.S. integrator market.

In an effort to provide security professionals with the latest news and information through a variety of communication channels, The Monitoring Association (TMA) launched a weekly news brief that can be accessed quickly and easily every Wednesday — just ask your Amazon Alexa!

Strong cyber security is needed at all levels of a security company’s operations, but none more so than in the central station.

Security Equipment Supply (SES), a family-owned wholesaler of low-voltage electronics, produces a series of videos for its YouTube page reviewing new products available for sale at SES.

Genetec ClearID is a self-service physical identity and access management system that standardizes and enforces security policies to help make organizations more efficient, compliant and secure.

While REMO Security Doors has only been around for two and a half years, it’s already making headlines — just last week, the company was covered by FOX News, The New York Post and more for installing metal bullet-resistant security doors in a Jewish all-girls school in Brooklyn in the wake of so many mass shootings. And that’s just the first of more than 50 Jewish schools and synagogues in Brooklyn where REMO has door installation jobs lined up. 

Attendance was strong with 20,000 registrants from more than 125 countries and 550+ exhibitors packing the convention center. Security professionals also engaged in sessions around the world via Global Access LIVE! streaming with participants in more than 15 countries.

Cobalt Robotics announced that it has received its SOC 2 certification — a widely recognized and respected industry standard set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants that proves a company adheres to a comprehensive set of trust services criteria for keeping data safe and secure.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired LifeSafety Power, a U.S. supplier of smart integrated access control power solutions for OEMs, integrators and end-users.

On Friday, August 16, American Defense Systems (Dallas, Texas) acquired Direct Protect Security and Surveillance out of Costa Mesa, Calif. Direct Protect has provided smart home solutions to residents and businesses in over 13 states for close to 10 years.  

The Security Industry Association (SIA), the Latin American Security Association (ALAS) and the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) have formed a coalition to urge the U.S. congress to promptly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the renegotiation of NAFTA. 

Kings III Emergency Communications, an emergency monitoring solutions provider, announced its strategic acquisition of ESRM Communications, a Florida-based competitor. All ESRM operations, services and customer accounts will be absorbed under the Kings III brand. 

Monitronics International Inc. has successfully emerged from Chapter 11 protection and has merged with Ascent Capital Group Inc., marking the completion of the company’s financial recapitalization. 

Allied Universal, a security and facility services company in North America ranked No. 6 on SDM’s Top Systems Integrators Report, today announced the acquisition of Midstate Security, a fully integrated electronic security and monitoring systems company based in Wyoming, Mich., and ranked No. 37 on the Report. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Convergint Technologies announced the acquisition of Virginia-based Life Safety Solutions Integrators (LSSI), an innovative provider of fire alarm, life safety and security solutions with more than four decades of experience in the market.

Interlogix, a provider of commercial and residential security, announced it will close its businesses in the U.S. and Canada after a “thorough portfolio review” of its security business. 

Dahua Technology, a manufacturer of video surveillance products, announced a strategic partnership with Pepper, an IoT platform-as-a-service, to allow the integration of its intelligent solutions into Dahua hardware.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, a global leader in access solutions, announced the integration of its Aperio wireless lock technology with the Pinnacle Advanced access control software and 1700 Intelligent Controller from Sielox LLC; and the PremiSys Access Control system from PDC IDenticard; as well as the integration of its IP-enabled Power over Ethernet (PoE), WiFi locks, and Aperio wireless lock technology with AvericsUnity from Averics Systems Inc.

Genetec Inc. announced that Stratocast, its cloud-based video surveillance-as-a-service (VSaaS), powered by the Microsoft Azure cloud-computing platform, now supports new camera models from Bosch, MOBOTIX and EUKLIS.

The PowerHouse Alliance 11 distributor members are joined by two new vendors, KLH and PowerShades.

Eagle Eye Networks unveiled enhancements to the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS supporting 15 additional third-party mobile and body worn cameras. The Eagle Eye VMS provides simultaneous operations, search, and cloud storage for fixed and mobile cameras. Managing and retrieving body worn camera video has historically been a separate process from the primary video surveillance system. With Eagle Eye this can now be an integrated and cohesive process that requires less training, is more secure, and more reliable.

Allegion, a leading provider of security products and solutions, introduced the Schlage Control mobile-enabled smart locks with Bluetooth mobile credential compatibility for multifamily properties. Kastle Systems and STRATIS, two independent multifamily ecosystem providers, are the first to have completed their integration to this new platform. This improvement was designed to meet the rising demand of today’s mobile economy while enhancing the experience for multifamily community residents, property managers and building service staff through seamless mobile access.