Weston in Space

ADDISON, Texas — Open Options announces the launch of Fusion X, a web-based access control software solution that is said to include all the benefits of the company’s flagship DNA Fusion platform but requires no software installation or dedicated PC. The built-in web server allows programming and maintenance from any Internet-enabled browser and is designed using Flex API v2, based on the flexible Html5 platform. With Fusion X, customers can benefit from a thin client solution that eliminates the need for running full versions of DNA Fusion on multiple PCs throughout the location, according to the announcement. “Customers are increasingly looking for solutions that increase workplace productivity and value,” says Chuck O’Leary, president, Open Options .  “With Fusion X, security and IT leaders do not need to resolve issues at the end user desktop location. Rather, they can maintain the system remotely using any device that can access a web browser. This seamless and streamlined proce

The inability to attend industry events during the pandemic has been unfortunate, but one of the positive things to come of it has been the pivot many organizations have done to continue to bring value to the marketplace through virtual versions. Moreover, this shift has allowed broader audiences access to the presentations and information than ever before, and for much less cost. Such is the case for the PSA-TEC event beginning tomorrow, a five-day hybrid conference with live onsite sessions (most being streamed), a handful of onsite-only presentations and lots of on-demand content. This is another great opportunity for those who maybe have never participated in this marquee convention to check it out. Similarly, the Security Industry Association ( SIA ) produced the first day of its GovSummit 2021 on April 28, which in a particularly unique structure will have its second- and third-day agendas deployed on June 9 and Sept. 21. Although I have not been able to travel in recent year

One of the topics most frequently found in these monthly top story compilations is M&A. A deal or two typically makes it in each month, but alas, we are without one in April. That’s not to say there was a lack of acquisitions. In fact, there was a handful — just nothing that tipped the scales like last month’s mammoth Allied Universal – G4S deal that saw the exchange of $5.28 billion and merger of hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide. However, we are not without the presence of another monthly mainstay — ADT. In fact, Big Blue makes not one, but two appearances on this month’s list. The most popular story of the two was the latest development in the peeping technician saga. In April 2020, ADT fired an employee that was accused of adding his personal email address to customers’ accounts during service visits, which gave him varying levels of access to their systems through the company’s mobile app, including the video streams of security cameras. The tech pleaded guilt

PORTLAND, Ore. — In response to continued concern for potential health risks associated with COVID-19, Milestone Systems announces its withdrawal from ISC West 2021. Milestone’s United States office, located here, remains closed with employees conducting all business remotely, following the coronavirus pandemic prevention guidelines set forth by the Oregon governor. “We have been monitoring this situation very closely for over a year now,” states Tim Palmquist, vice president for the Americas at Milestone Systems. “Unfortunately, the continued heightened risk of COVID-19 means that we will return to in-person events only when it is safe to do so. We are prioritizing people over the benefits of our participation in ISC West 2021. We believe that not having a formal presence at the show is the best decision for the benefit of all our stakeholders, at this time.” Originally scheduled to be held March 23-26, the event’s producer, Reed Exhibitions, announced last November ISC West wou

In this week’s Top Su rveillance Videos… A wedding is supposed to be one of the greatest moments of a married couple’s lives. Of course, one of the perks of a wedding is receiving gifts. However, you can probably imagine how finding out some of your gifts have been stolen could sour the whole experience. A handful of unlucky couples in the South suffered this exact fate and it was all caught on camera. Multiple videos show a woman walk into a reception and wander over to the gift table. She then grabs cards filled with money. At another wedding, she even steals $300 from the bride’s purse. Police say she is a suspect in more than a dozen thefts across three different states. Also this week… Surveillance video from a New York City IHOP shows a hostess turning away actor Adam Sandler and his daughter. The hostess, who posted the video on her Tik Tok account, says she told Sandler, not recognizing him, that the restaurant had a 30 minute wait. People have been giving her a hard time

A key aspect of My Alarm Center ’s Chapter 11 restructuring to play out in the coming weeks will be the handing over of the company’s equity to first-lien lenders. Holders of second-lien debt, as well as current equity holders and unsecured creditors, will receive no recovery, according to a bankruptcy disclosure filing. In a declaration statement, My Alarm Center CEO Amy Kothari specified numerous factors that adversely effected the company’s revenues, including the COVID-19 pandemic , leaving it no recourse but to file for bankruptcy. You can read more about the factors she cites in my initial report here . But up ahead, noted alarm industry attorney Ken Kirschenbaum provides some clarity on why some creditors are protected under the plan and why others aren’t. In her declaration filing, Kothari cites first-lien debt totaling $197.5 million that is administered by Seaport Loan Products and Acquiom Agency Services. A prepackaged plan calls for these first-lien lenders to provide a

Originally there was to be a different topic covered this month. But after recently viewing how a number of shop drawings were produced the subject is now shop drawings, and what should be the minimum requirements for any set — from the smallest system to a large complex system. Since the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 , National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, there has been a chapter on documentation. This is Chapter 7. Prior to the 2013 edition, the requirement for documentation was located within the chapter on Fundamentals. The Technical Committee on Fundamentals still has oversight for Chapter 7, as documentation is viewed as being a fundamental requirement for all systems. Shop drawings should not be confused with the engineering drawings. These drawings would be completed and in most cases sealed by a professional engineer. The professional engineer in most cases will either be an electrical engineer or fire protection engineer. In the engineering drawings, the location of the detec

MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls announces the introduction of eight devices to its Tyco Illustra Flex camera series. With enhanced image processing, improved low-light capability and secure boot protection against cyber-attacks, the new NDAA-compliant Illustra Flex Gen3 cameras are designed to provide high performance, cost-effective solutions for virtually any video surveillance application, according to the company. The Illustra Flex Gen3 is capable of connecting into the Johnson Controls OpenBlue platform , a suite of connected solutions for sustainability, new healthy occupant experiences, and safety and security solutions. With a small footprint, the Illustra Flex Gen3 cameras provide a choice of bullet, indoor mini-dome, outdoor mini-dome and compact camera formats. The new 3MP models will supersede existing Gen2 3-MP Illustra Flex cameras. The 8MP (4K) models, which feature a built-in suite of intelligent video analytics for enhanced situational awareness and faster response,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Clare Controls, maker of the ClareOne wireless security and smart home automation system and an exclusive brand of SnapAV , announces the appointment of Ken Cromwell as channel sales manager for security. “Ken brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, high-level leadership and proven experience in both the manufacturing and dealer side of the security industry,” says Clint Choate, senior director – security market for SnapAV. “Working with Ken as the channel sales manager for SnapAV’s exclusive brand Clare enables us to go above and beyond to serve our partners.” Cromwell has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Before joining Clare Controls , he served as the channel sales manager for Interlogix, where he worked on the sales task force for 15 years. Related: Clare Controls Integrates Control4 Systems, Smart Garage Doors and Thermostats Prior to Interlogix, Cromwell’s diverse background included serving as owner of I-QUE Technologies; operations m

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Napco Security Technologies (Nasdaq:  NSSC ) has introduced a new Marketing Tools Portal for security dealers and systems integrators that will enable them to market security services, upgrades and new systems more easily. The portal offers free customizable mailers/statement stuffers that installing security contractors can download and printout. Free printed copies can also be requested. The new offering includes customizable, ready-made HTML emails, as well as a library of high-resolution and web-ready downloadable photos (by division and product brand). A large selection of free customizable marketing tools, categorized by targeted vertical market and/or product type, are available to make it easy for security professionals to reach out to their customers or takeover prospects, according to an announcement. For example, to explain the importance of upgrading their alarm system to StarLink Cellular, -Connect or -Fire vs. legacy sunsetting radios or retiring POT

Over the past several years, SSI has shared a series of infographics to help security and smart home dealers close more smart lock sales, as well as upsell additional smart home devices. Each infographic contains an important data point that can provide information about purchasing drivers — information that dealers can use to increase their chances of bringing home a sale. This latest infographic shows the purchase of smart lock sales by gender. It is based on a random sample of 235 smart lock purchases from TraQline, a company enlisted by leading residential lock manufacturer Kwikset to track purchasing habits and patterns. In the survey, respondents were asked who made the primary purchasing decision. What does this infographic (seen below) ultimately tell us? A number of things. One thing is that half of all purchase decisions are made by men only. If you add in the number of decisions made by both parties, it’s close to 70%. This means that men are either wholly or at least p

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — ASSA ABLOY Group brands Corbin Russwin and Sargent announce the release of their new bored lock that is certified to surpass ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 requirements, making it well-suited for use in some of the most challenging environments. Marketed as the Corbin Russwin CLX3300 Series and Sargent 10X Line , the lock offers superior vandalism resistance as evidenced when it successfully maintained egress in the face of more than 3,100 in-lb. locked lever torque – 2.6 times ANSI/BHMA requirements, according to the company. The lock chassis design supports all cylinder formats — from fixed to interchangeable core. ASSA ABLOY says it is particularly suited to retrofit projects because it is not only easier and faster to install than other standard bored locks, but also incorporates fewer parts, which translates to less maintenance. “We are excited to offer our customers a bored lock that surpasses expectations for strength and durability in so many ways,” says Lori Brown,

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cecil Hogan, founder and president of Security Consultants, based here, passed away on April 24. He was 73. Hogan served as president of the Electronic Security Association ( ESA ) from 2002-2004. He served 13 years on the ESA Executive Committee and in 2004 he was awarded the association’s most prestigious award, the ESA Morris F. Weinstock Award, which recognized his lifetime of service to the electronic security and life-safety industry. During his ESA presidency, Hogan — with the help of then-Security Industry Association ( SIA ) President Allen Fritz and then-Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) President Mel Mahler — worked to re-establish a relationship between the three associations. Related: Security Industry Mourns the Loss of Bob Harris Because of these efforts, CSAA (now The Monitoring Association, TMA ) ESA and SIA enjoy an affiliation that is beneficial not only to all three organizations, but the industry at large, according to an ESA annou

ASHBURN, Va. — Calipsa announces the compatibility of its deep-learning false alarm reduction platform with the Milestone Systems XProtect Corporate VMS, designed for use by organizations such as airports and train terminals. XProtect Corporate’s enterprise users deploy large numbers of cameras and will benefit from Calipsa’s 90% false alarm reduction rate, according to the announcement. When the XProtect Corporate VMS receives an alarm from a connected camera, it sends video to a Calipsa Cloud-based server where algorithms screen for human or vehicle movement. Calipsa’s software are said to filter out false alarms in a process that takes about a second to complete before forwarding genuine alarms to XProtect Corporate customers for human verification. Deploying the company’s false alarm reduction software to XProtect is quick and easy with no hardware required, according to the announcement. Related: How Industry Efforts Toppled Georgia False Alarm Law Brian Baker, chief r

Given the recent events of what is characterized as potentially the greatest breach in U.S. history with SolarWinds , cybersecurity is a topic everyone should revisit. Maintaining best practices as it relates to cybersecurity is essential for individuals, businesses and especially, the electronic security industry and central stations. Many consumers and even business owners tend to be confused on what is truly necessary to protect themselves against threats and proper management of their internal and external networks. Cybersecurity is a priority that requires laser focus of competent professionals. Focusing on your own network security is one element. Making sure and confirming what outside vendors and networks you and your company connect into or that connect into you is equally important. Requesting certifications and details on what your outside vendors and clients have in place for security and protection is an acceptable business practice. It is essential and must be taken se

PITTSBURGH — Vector Security Networks has introduced TruIT, a bundled solution that combines secure networking equipment, broadband Internet, professional installation and managed services. TruIT is billed as a one-source IT solution that eliminates guesswork by combining the best available technology and services that deliver results: Secure networking that offers strong WiFi and Internet speeds along with 24/7 support and remote device management Bundled services and hardware, including multiple equipment options, with predictable monthly pricing Cellular back-up, security add-ons, and regulatory compliance services Scalability for changing business needs. Related: Vector Security Outfits Luxury Apartments in Cleveland With Smart Home Gear Delivered “as a service,” TruIT provides a dedicated team of Vector Security Networks experts to manage a customer’s day-to-day IT operations so their internal resources can focus on other aspects of their business. “Since IT teams s

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. —  BCDVideo , a provider of IP video storage solutions, announces that it has partnered with Wasabi, a Cloud storage company for video surveillance. The partnership is said to expand the ability for both manufacturers to offer their customers a complete package: BCDVideo’s purpose-built, on-premises storage options and Wasabi’s competitive hot Cloud storage solutions. “Hot Cloud storage” is a universal, one-size-fits-all Cloud object storage environment that is said to be significantly faster than traditional frequent-access storage services. It also satisfies nearly all storage performance requirements. Together, these two companies deliver a hybrid Cloud solution that takes advantage of existing infrastructure, as well as next-generation Cloud storage technology, to secure high volumes of video efficiently and affordably, according to an announcement. Related: Why Integrators Have a Real Opportunity to Embrace VSaaS in 2021 “We are thrilled about the opp

EARTH CITY, Mo. — Interface Security Systems, a managed service provider, announces a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based anti-loitering system designed to prevent intrusions before they happen. The system features an AI-based object detection system that can detect people or vehicles and trigger pre-recorded, scenario-specific voice messages to deter loitering. Designed to tackle after-hours perimeter control challenges such as vagrancy, intrusion and vandalism, the anti-loitering system can be customized by loss prevention teams to play different warning and notification messages depending on location and dwell time. The messages played can be calibrated to first inform or educate the person before issuing a warning. Up to four custom messages can be stored and updated based on the requirements of the enterprise. Related: New $60M Funding Round Has Interface Security Systems in Growth Mode “This system addresses the unique challenges of deterring individuals from loiter

NEW YORK CITY — Jeff Kessler, a managing director and senior security analyst at Imperial Capital, has announced his retirement from the organization after leading its security industry analysis for the past 13 years. After a 38-year run in the business, serving as a senior security industry analyst for Lehman Brothers with the balance spent at Imperial Capital, Kessler has continually provided reasoned industry/company analysis to both the industry and the investment community, filling a void in the security industry for much of the time, according to an announcement. “Jeff contributed to the success of the firm’s security franchise and we are grateful for his work as a Senior Security Industry Analyst,” says Tim Sullivan, president of Imperial Capital. In 2020, Kessler became the first financial analyst to be named to the SSI Industry Hall of Fame . “After 13 years, it’s been a fantastic overall experience with memories that are among the best of my life,” Kessler states, reflec

BOCA RATON, Fla. — According to recent court filings in the southern district of Florida, ADT has filed a willful trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Amazon’s Ring brand of security products and services. The court proceedings come as a result of ADT noticing Ring’s use of the company’s recognizable blue octagon mark, which is protected under numerous federal trademark registrations. In March 2021, ADT‘s complaint asserts, Ring adopted a blue octagon mark that is virtually indistinguishable from ADT’s blue octagon mark. ADT says its blue octagon is iconic in the security market, as the company uses the design for lawn signs and stickers at the homes and businesses of ADT’s more than 6.5 million customers across the United States. Related: Ring Refunds ‘Protect’ Pre-orders Due to ADT Lawsuit Following an attempt to imitate ADT’s lawn signs, Ring went further and allegedly assimilated ADT’s blue octagon design into its  Ring Alarm Outdoor Siren , accor

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Secure Home Holdings — which operates five affiliates including nationwide security provider My Alarm Center — filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware on Sunday. In a statement, the company said all of its senior lenders and other key stakeholders have agreed to support a prepackaged plan of reorganization to eliminate approximately $235 million of legacy debt obligations. The company’s other security brands are Alarm Monitoring Service of Atlanta, Fort Worth, Texas-based Hawk Security Services, Los Angeles-based ACS Security and DIY wireless system provider LivSecure. Together the brands staff around 475 employees, including call center personnel, security guards, monitoring and central station dispatch staff, service technicians, sales representatives and administrative staff. My Alarm Center formerly operated as Alarm Capital Alliance (ACA). The businesses reported 2020 revenues derived from monitoring contracts totaled approximately $88 million, while

UNIONTOWN, Ohio — Securitas Electronic Security (SES) has established a new sales channel dedicated to local, mid-size and small businesses in select markets. The company’s new Core Commercial sales channel leverages the teams and talent that joined SES through the recent FE Moran Security Solutions and iVerify acquisitions. The expansion into local markets is another step in SES’ commitment to providing best-in-class technology, solutions and services to businesses of all sizes, according to an announcement. The SES Core Commercial sales team will be led by Joe Jordan serving as senior vice president. Jordan joined SES through the FE Moran Security acquisition in December 2020, where he successfully led the company’s commercial sales approach as chief strategy officer. Jordan’s expertise in this channel will be invaluable in establishing the processes and teams to best serve this market, the announcement states. Joining Jordan to lead the local sales teams are industry veterans

TEANECK, N.J. —  Hanwha Techwin announces the immediate availability of a new range of public view monitors (PVMs) designed to help retailers deter crime. The new Wisenet PVMs offer a complete built-in SSL-connected 2-megapixel camera, eliminating the need for system integrators to install and connect a separate supporting camera, the company says. With a choice of 10-, 27- and 32-inch monitors, the three new PVMs are well-suited for store entrances, shopping aisles, cash registers and self-service checkouts. “Public view monitors can serve as a strong deterrent to illicit behavior,” says Ray Cooke, senior vice president, products, solutions and integration, Hanwha Techwin America. “Our new line of PVMs has been designed for ease of installation so they can be quickly deployed across a large number of stores.” Related: How Hybrid Security Solutions Can Help Retailers’ Bottom Line Aside from deterring crime, the new PVMs can also display other information such as customized o