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CUPERTINO, Calif. — Alcatraz AI, a global developer of autonomous access control solutions, announces the company has earned three certifications based on standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Now certified for ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018, Alcatraz AI says it continues to meet and exceed industry standards for security and privacy. ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards bodies. It joins experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant standards that support innovation while providing solutions to global challenges, according to the company. Related: Alcatraz AI Adds New Features to Rock Facial Authentication Solution The certifications achieved by Alcatraz AI include: ISO 27001: enables organizations of all sectors and sizes to manage the security of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee data and ...

REDMOND, Wash. — Aiphone, a manufacturer of intercom and security communication products, announces it has partnered with SecurityCEU.com to develop an online course for integrators looking for a comprehensive training that teaches everything needed to know about installing and programming an Aiphone IX system. The Aiphone IX Series Quick Start Guide is a three-hour course that describes the network requirements for an Aiphone IX Series system, how to identify the type of network in an installation environment, how to install the easy to use IX Support Tool and how to complete the initial programming of an Aiphone IX Series system. “The complete guide covers all the essential topics and will have you up and running in no time,” says Connie Moorhead, CEO at The CMOOR Group who owns and operates SecurityCEU.com. “Plus, with the course being online, integrators can take the course at any time, and from anywhere.” Related: Aiphone Integrates IX Series Intercoms With Genetec Secu...

DALLAS — In a letter to its monitoring customers, Brinks Home has announced it will eventually no longer monitor Google Nest Alarm Systems. Brinks Home will officially end professional monitoring on Dec. 31, 2023. Google stopped producing the Nest Secure system in October 2020 but continues to support its users. Current users will be able to continue to use the system with self-monitoring. Nest Secure was unveiled in September 2017 to compete with the likes of ADT, Vivint and DIY providers such as Abode, Scout, SimpliSafe and others. Related: Q2 Report: Google Nest Partnership Helps ADT Achieve Highest-Ever RMR Balance The Nest Secure starter kit consisted of three main components: Nest Guard — central hub with 85db siren, backup battery, LTE/3G backup, arm/disarm capabilities Nest Detect — door/window sensors with built-in technology to track who is home Nest Tag — a tracking device to help users locate keys and other important personal affects Since discontinuing the ...

Mergers and acquisitions is always a hot topic on SSI . In fact, M&A stories made up three of the top 10 stories of 2022 . But what is the state of M&A? Following a record-shattering year in 2021, M&A activity remained elevated by historical standards during the early part of 2022. However, M&A activity has decelerated in recent months, and it remains unclear whether intensifying geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds will continue to dampen transaction momentum going forward. To get a handle on the security and safety solutions sector, SSI recently spoke with Houlihan Lokey’s Michael Morabito to detail key trends, a public markets overview and select deal coverage. Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Morabito serves as managing director in the company’s Industrials Group and leads the firm’s Security & Safety Solutions practice. ...

Between the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain shortages, the security industry (and the whole world at large) has had a rough couple of years. Lingering supply issues aside, 2022 saw the industry return to something closer to normal thanks to the return of in-person events and increased interest in security technologies. If there’s anything to glean from the top stories of the year (as well as the top stories of the month compilations), it’s that SSI readers really enjoy reading about M&A, lawsuits and new products. These three core themes make up the vast majority of 2022’s most-read stories on securitysales.com. The most-read story of 2022 was news of Securitas being ordered to pay $517 million in a Surfside Condo collapse settlement. SSI Columnist Jeff Zwirn wrote about the collapse earlier in the year , taking a look at what could have been done to reduce, if not totally eliminate, the loss of life — integral best practices for every security dealer and central monitorin...

SEOUL, Korea — Suprema, a global provider of access control, biometrics and time and attendance management solutions, has appointed Scott Wilson as its new regional sales manager of the West. Wilson brings over 25 years of experience in the security and investigations sector to this role and will be responsible for growing and building the Suprema brand as the “gold standard in access control and biometrics ,” according to the company. “With Scott joining our team, we are confident that Suprema will continue to confirm its leading position in secure access control and biometric identification,” says Suprema America President Bob McKee. “His decades of experience and solid product knowledge will be key to growing the Suprema brand during this transformative period in the access control industry.” Related: Year-End Security Tech Trend Takeaways Prior to joining Suprema, Wilson brought his wealth of security experience to eyeLock, ADT, Protection 1 Security Solutions, Stanley Con...

AUSTIN, Texas — HID Global announces it has acquired Janam Technologies, a provider of handheld mobile computers and readers. The acquisition is said to increase HID’s presence and relevance as a provider of smart credential issuance and reader solutions. “We welcome Janam to the HID family and look forward to leveraging their mobile reader technology to improve the event experience for millions of spectators around the world,” says Björn Lidefelt, EVP and head of HID. “As digital tickets become more omnipresent, we will continue our commitment to offering best-in-class venue access products for event organizers and venues of all shapes and sizes.” HID says technology in the venue access space continues to rapidly evolve from physical tickets with manual inspection to digital tickets and RFID/NFC readers. This acquisition advances HID’s stature in the event access space, as Janam offers a suite of rugged mobile readers, including handheld devices and pedestal & kiosk products f...

There’s a new wireless communication technology that promises to represent a paradigm shift in the smart home and security markets. No, I am not talking about the new Matter wireless standard, but the new Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum. To be specific, CBRS band is a portion of the cellular spectrum that was previously owned by the U.S. Department of Defense that was approved for commercial use by the FCC in January 2020. The approval determined that non-cellular companies like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile had the ability to use, for private purposes, cellular technology like LTE and 5G. The network provides 5G speeds and predictable latency compared to WiFi, for example. Among the first companies to take advantage of this new alternative is access control manufacturer  LittleBird , which has partnered with  Alef , a technology company that has created the first mobile edge API platform using CBRS cellular technology. The two companies recently signed a mult...

ST LOUIS — Rapid Fire Safety & Security, a multi-regional “Buy & Build” strategy in the fire safety and security industries launched earlier this year by founders Mike McLeod and Colin Harrold in partnership with Concentric Equity Partners (CEP), announces the hiring of industry veteran Brian Modglin as chief operating officer (COO). Modglin brings decades of experience in fire and life-safety and a track record of success building and growing field operations, sales, and system design and installation teams, according to the company. The industry veteran joins Rapid Fire after spending more than 25 years at Interface Systems, a managed services provider offering physical security, network and business intelligence solutions to commercial customers. Modglin began with Interface as a regional branch manager and quickly worked his way to the VP of the Midwest Region, responsible for all branch operations across Illinois  and  Indiana . More recently, he became the EV...

M&A activity continued to stay strong in the security industry after hitting a lull when COVID hit in 2020. SSI covered roughly 130 deals, about the same as last year. Though some big deals went down, there wasn’t as much cash that exchanged hands as last year (at least as far as deals go where transaction details were disclosed). Only three deals surpassed the billion dollar mark compared to seven last year. Interest in the industry from outside of security continued, as private equity firms continued to snap up or invest in security and fire/life-safety firms — or in the case of the third largest deal of 2022, an insurance provider. In September, insurance provider State Farm announced it would make a $1.2 billion equity investment in ADT, resulting in State Farm owning approximately 15% of ADT. ADT and State Farm said they aim to create a comprehensive solution across home and mobile safety to help customers recover from unexpected risks with proactive safety and security. ...

The proliferation of surveillance cameras across the globe is more noticeable than ever. These cameras are loaded with features and video analytics that makes catching crimes easier and more efficient. The rise in security camera adoption has also made it easier to catch outrageous moments that happen in everyday life. SSI ‘s  top surveillance videos of the week mines the these video clips that are uploaded each week to bring you the best of the best. As you might expect, surveillance cameras catch all sorts of wild moments, ranging from brazen crimes and incompetent criminals to animal misadventures and heroic rescues. Over the past couple years, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to cause an increase in crimes caught on camera, both in thefts and assaults. The most popular surveillance videos of year reflect both these themes. The most viewed video of 2022 is of a woman stealing a 12-foot tall skeleton from a home’s front yard. That’s incredibly brazen considering it was in the mi...

CHICAGO — Better Protection, a commercial fire protection provider servicing fire detection, alarm and suppression systems, announces its launch as a new company formed by the combination of Chicago-based Assurant Fire Protection, Complete Fire Pump Service and Xtreme Fire Protection. Combining these three companies establishes Better Protection as a leading fire and life-safety business in the Chicagoland area with a full range of installation, inspection and maintenance capabilities, according to the company. Better Protection says it will leverage the combined scale, resources and technology of the three businesses to grow into the convenient single source of service for our clients. In connection with the announcement, Abry Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, announced it has completed a strategic growth investment in the newly established company. Abry is partnering with management to support the company’s organic growth initiatives, and to execute its targeted acqui...

LAS VEGAS — Sting Alarm announces it has acquired Signal Fire, a fire protection company founded in 2007 and based here. With this strategic acquisition, Sting Alarm says it will have the ability to offer fire protection products and services to its commercial security customers throughout Las Vegas. Similarly, Sting will also be able to offer its electronic security solutions to Signal Fire’s customers. Signal Fire specializes in fire systems, monitoring , inspections and service to maximize the fire safety of its customers’ establishments. The Signal Fire commitment to investing in technology and staff training is unparalleled in the industry and makes for an ideal partnership with Sting’s current security offerings, according to the announcement. Jaime Gomez, president and founder of Signal Fire, will take on the role of vice president at Sting Alarm. Sting Alarm President Jon Perry says that it was Gomez’s commitment to providing world class customer service to its customers tha...

MONTREAL — In a testament to the impact of unifying security systems , Genetec, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, has shared the experience of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). APD has chosen Genetec Security Center, Genetec Citigraf, and Genetec Clearance to enhance public safety in the most populated city in New Mexico. “Investing in the Genetec solutions allowed us to spread the information wealth,” says Mark Torres, commander of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) at the City of Albuquerque. “Using this unified public safety platform, we’ve been able to maximize our RTCC resources to better assist other APD departments, metropolitan partners, and surrounding communities. We’re disseminating real-time information faster, supporting investigations, and tracking crime patterns in our city. All of this helps to enhance public safety for Albuquerque residents, businesses and visitors.” Genetec Security Cen...

Looking back at 2022, it strikes many as a year that flew by super quickly. It’s a stark contrast to 2020, a year that seemingly stood still as if in suspended animation. And for many, 2021 served as a bridge between the two that led to a slow but steady road to recovery. The security industry was among those sectors fortunate enough to hold steady throughout the changing tides of the pandemic. Steve Burdet, manager of solutions management, Axis Communications, sums it up well, “ COVID-19 was a major global disruptor that impacted every industry. However, despite its negative impacts, it allowed the security industry to realize resiliency and the value of technology.” With 2022 about to be in the rearview mirror, take close scrutiny of the types of technologies and services that gained traction among both dealers/integrators and their end-user clients. The latter was drawn to several clear-cut security and operational advantages while the most successful of the former — recognizing ...

AUSTIN, Texas — Salient Systems, a developer of open architecture video management systems, has announced that Granite School District, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., has selected the CompleteView Video Management Platform to deploy in more than 130 schools, administrative offices, and other facilities. Salient Systems points out the open video data platform will help the Salt Lake City area school district manage its security and surveillance operations. “School districts such as Granite not only require a robust platform for surveillance but one that can also accommodate new innovations in school security and operational efficiency technology,” says James Stephens, Western Regional sales manager, Salient Systems. “By leveraging CompleteView’s open platform approach, the district will not be limited to specific camera vendors, analytics providers, or other third-party integrations they might like to implement.” CompleteView VMS Platform Safeguards Students and Sc...

BOCA RATON, Fla. — ADT (NYSE:  ADT ) announces Jamie Haenggi has been appointed to lead ADT Solar, a division of ADT. Haenggi served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of ADT Solar since March and will now lead all functions within the division. Marc Jones, founder of Sunpro, which was acquired by ADT in 2021 and rebranded as ADT Solar, will serve as senior advisor to Haenggi. Jones previously served as executive vice president, ADT Solar. “ADT Solar represents a tremendous growth opportunity for ADT, and Jamie has distinguished herself as a strong leader with sharp business acumen, strong customer focus and outstanding operating skills,” says Jim DeVries, ADT president and CEO. “Jamie’s extensive knowledge of the smart home security industry will help unlock value for our customers seeking safe, smart and sustainable solutions for their homes and families.” Haenggi joined the company in 2016 and has served the company in executive roles within sales, marke...

WAYNE, Pa. — Argosy Private Equity, a lower middle market private equity firm, announces the acquisition of The Gilbertson Group (TGG) by Argosy’s portfolio company, Wittenbach. TGG, a second-generation family-owned, UL-Listed company, has been providing security solutions to financial, education, healthcare, commercial, pharmaceutical, government, retail, and property management customers for over 30 years. TGG specializes in physical and electronic security systems integration, retail delivery solutions and security consulting, working with the financial and commercial sectors of the Mid-Atlantic region, while also supporting customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For over four decades, Wittenbach has delivered cash automation, physical security and electronic security products to regional community and nationally known banks , credit unions and financial institutions. The company says its branch transformation solutions help improve operational efficiencies, increase producti...

TOKYO — i-PRO, a global leader in professional security solutions for surveillance and public safety, has shared its top five predictions for the physical security industry in 2023: 1. AI-based analytics become standard at the edge 2023 will see significant adoption of AI-based analytics in cameras and video management systems (VMS) as more manufacturers provide this feature within their standard camera lines. There are simply too many camera streams for humans to monitor effectively, so AI -based analytics will be a catalyst that enables security departments to do more with less. This evolution will drive a significant shift in stance for physical security by enabling organizations to become more proactive in response to real-time events instead of reacting to past events. In 2023 focus will shift from capturing video to gathering data. The challenge will be in how effectively organizations are able to utilize this data not only for security, but also for cross-departmental operati...