Weston in Space

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Clare Controls, maker of the ClareOne wireless security and home automation system distributed exclusively by Snap One , recently announced its winter update that is said to provide dealers with new system management options and adds 10 new drivers for native integration of more third-party peripherals than previously available. The update provides users with greater system control and enhances security features, according to the announcement. “Our goal is to consistently increase the value of ClareOne for our partners and homeowners with new features and support for third-party device integrations,” says Clint Choate, Snap One’s security market director. “Clare accomplishes this by providing consistent over-the-air updates, improvements, and new integrations to the Clare App, the ClareOne system, and Fusion Pro software.” Among new feature sets: For end users, a redesigned pull-down menu in the ClareOne Panel now provides instant access to control volume, screen ...

TRENTON, N.J. – Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation (A-1663/S-1842) establishing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) following a three-year pilot program managed by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, which expired in 2020. “With hate crimes on the rise, we must do everything that we can to protect vulnerable communities from threats to safety,” the governor states a press release. “This legislation provides funding that will allow nonprofits that are at high risk of being targeted to take measures to protect themselves.” The announcement came days after the Jan. 15 hostage crisis at Congregations Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, though it had been in the works for months. The NSGP provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks and located within designated areas of New Jersey. Eligible nonprofit organizations must utilize funding for the purchase and installation of security equipment on property owned or leased by ...

SSI Summit Stars is a new monthly department that highlights some of the security industry’s most progressive integrators that have attended the SSI Summit. This exclusive, invitation-only event is held annually in conjunction with the  Total Tech Summit , which includes hundreds more integrators from the residential and commercial A/V fields. This month, SSI hears from Watchmen Security Services President and CEO Lucas Ingala. Lucas Ingala LEADERSHIP STATEMENT My goal was to have a company that was different from the rest; to influence the industry, impact people’s lives and be the best. From that, Watchmen Security Services was born. I have worked with large industrial clients to police departments to small businesses to schools to religious organizations to multifamily commercial to homes. I have strived to create a foundation and culture of integrity and excellence that Watchmen was built upon and stands by its daily operations. Because of that, Watchmen is changing the ...

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Jetbuilt, a provider of web-based A/V project software, has added functionality to require projects are scrubbed by an engineer, further enhancing the platform’s sales and project management solution. This optional workflow can be set to occur either before the proposal stage or install stage, where the project will be locked until scrubbed. “It enforces a technical review as part of the workflow, ensuring every item is approved before it goes out the door,” says Peters, Jetbuilt director of business development. When a salesperson migrates a project to engineering stage, a task is automatically created for the engineer assigned to that project. The engineer is notified that the project is ready for review. Related: How A/V Integrators Can Prepare Corporate Clients for Hybrid-First Workplaces The engineer can filter the project by locations and systems, approving, swapping or adding items to the project in order to achieve the designed functionality. ...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — AlarmQuest, based here, announces the purchase of certain assets of Homeguard Burglar and Fire Alarm, for undisclosed terms. Founded in 1978 and based in Gastonia, N.C., Homeguard provides both residential and commercial security and fire protection. Homeguard marks the second acquisition by AlarmQuest in the Gastonia market, further expanding its geographic reach in Western North Carolina. “We have known Sam Barnette and Homeguard for a very long time. He and his family have been leaders in the security industry for over 43 years. Their legacy and brand complement our 2021 acquisition of Gastonia-based Metrolina Alarms , giving AlarmQuest a formidable presence in the Gastonia and surrounding markets,” says AlarmQuest CEO Jay Brown. Brown continues, “We will honor their stellar reputation by strengthening our ability to offer a vast array of security and fire solutions while enhancing our exceptional white glove service to the homes and businesses located there...

For today’s systems integrator (SI), the ability to offer a complete security portfolio can be a key differentiator. While SIs have been able to support video management and access control for years, adding automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) solutions was generally considered more difficult. This is because, traditionally, ALPR sales were a specialized area that required more technical training and because the cost per lane seemed prohibitive to many end users. However, advancements in ALPR mean that these barriers are no longer in place. Improvements in the technology have brought down the cost per lane, making ALPR solutions more attractive for use in everyday applications. And increased system flexibility, as well as reduced installation and deployment requirements, mean that this is a good time for SIs to add ALPR to their list of offerings. The first step to getting started is understanding the basics. What Are Server-Based Systems? When it comes to ALPR, not all syste...

DENVER — RemoteLock announces it has raised a $17.8 million Series B funding round, with $14.8 million having closed in December and an additional $3 million closing in Q1 2022. UnitLeader led the round, joined by current investors Kozo Keikaku Engineering and Iron Gate Capital. RemoteLock’s Cloud-based universal access platform enables customers in multifamily, vacation rental, commercial and other industries to remotely manage and control access to any space from anywhere. Customers can manage access to their properties directly using the company’s software interface or leverage an API to embed access control within their own applications. In conjunction with the financing, Dana Zeff, CEO of UnitLeader, will join RemoteLock’s board of directors, bringing more than 35 years of multifamily market expertise. “RemoteLock’s unique position in the market as both a lock-agnostic access control platform and an access control API gives them the ability to support all levels of multifamil...

DALLAS — The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) will hold its annual golf tournament in Las Vegas at the Desert Pines Golf Club on March 22. The golf tournament, formerly the AIREF Golf Classic, is for leaders in the electronic security and life-safety industry who wish to network with other like-minded professionals who also want to donate to the cause of advancing security talent while attending the ISC West trade show. “The FAST Golf Classic is a prime opportunity for electronic security pros to contribute to the future of our crucial industry and to network with the best in the business,” says Jillian Bateman, chief development officer of the Electronic Security Association ( ESA ). “Also, it’s incredibly fun playing golf with such an outgoing group of people. We’re all friends here.” Since many companies are struggling to find qualified talent nowadays, all proceeds from the event will support workforce development initiatives, designed to encourage people to cons...

SAN JOSE, Calif. — RFI Communications & Security Systems, based here, announces the passing of Brad Wilson, a member of the security industry for more than 40 years who served as the company’s president and COO. He was 61. Wilson, who died on Jan. 16., spent the past 39 years of his career with RFI, recognized as one of the nation’s leading physical and logical security integrators. The company provides integrated security and fire/life-safety solutions to customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies, hospitals and universities, to government sectors and transportation authorities. Wilson began security industry career as a technician and over the years served in numerous capacities from project management, system engineering, sales and operations and ultimately earned his position with RFI as president and COO. In 1996, he earned his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification and continued to stretch himself to stay on top of new technology. Wilson was given the nic...

EXTON, Penn. — Security-Net, a network of security system integrators, announces CGL Technologies will join its membership under the leadership of newly appointed principal, Christopher Wetzel. The addition of CGL Technologies marks the fourth new member company for Security-Net within the past month, bringing its total number of member companies to 19. CGL Technologies is a systems integrator based in Westwood, Mass., recognized for providing integrated security solutions to many large facilities in greater New England, including universities, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies which require state-of-the-art security measures. Wetzel was a longtime member of Security-Net but left the membership organization 18 months ago. He had been active in Security-Net for 15 years and chaired the product committee, Sales-Net committee and been a member of the executive committee. Related: State of Security 2022: Success Amid Scarcity of People, Products “I feel fortunate to be ...

SECURE Perspectives is a monthly column by the  Security Industry Association  (SIA) profiling women in the security industry. This column is part of SIA’s  Women in Security Forum  (WISF), an initiative to support the participation of women in the security field through programs, networking and professional growth events and thought leadership opportunities. For this edition of  SECURE Perspectives , SIA spoke with Kai Kawelo, field sales engineer, video, safety and security at Intel. Kawelo recently spoke at a SIA WISF Wisdom Wednesdays virtual event, sharing insights on switching gears when life calls for a U-turn. SIA: How did you get into the security industry? Kai Kawelo: It was quite unexpected, actually! When I was presented with the opportunity to take on my role, I was interested in doing more with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, and it seemed like the security industry was really leading the way in terms of expanding capabiliti...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Snap One (Nasdaq: SNPO ) announces it has acquired long-time Canadian distribution partner Staub Electronics in a move to enhance the partner experience throughout Canada and expand the company’s North American local branch footprint. According to Snap One CEO John Heyman, the acquisition brings together two companies that have worked together for more than 10 years and share a core commitment to empowering professional integrators by providing exceptional service and a comprehensive product portfolio. “This acquisition will strengthen our capabilities across Canada, introducing a wider range of products, providing faster turnaround times on orders, allowing for same-day order pick-ups, and delivering more product choice than ever before for our Canadian Partners,” says Heyman. “By making Staub part of Snap One, we can bring the Snap One local branch experience to Canada. With this transaction now complete, we are excited to continue pursuing our disciplined M&...

SAN FRANCISCO — Cloudastructure, a provider of Cloud-controlled video surveillance systems, announces it has signed a letter of intent to purchase IoT cybersecurity company Infrastructure Proving Grounds (IPG). The terms of the deal are undisclosed. The acquisition would add an important new layer of cybersecurity to Cloudastructure’s expanding physical and cybersecurity platform and a key offering for enterprise customers as they embrace new IoT technologies, according to the company. Routinely installed IoT devices include: video surveillance, access control, fire and life safety,  utilities, conveyance, HVAC, and building management. IPG’s cybersecurity tool GearBox is a “plug-and-play” tool which inventories devices, performs risk analysis, compliance testing and rogue device detection. This, combined with readily accessible normalized data, is said to alleviate the level of risk introduced by IoT installations. The IPG team will be joining Cloudastructure, including Steve...

CHANTILLY, Va. — Corbett Technology Solutions ( CTSI ), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, announces the acquisition of Systems Electronics, a communications, safety and security systems integrator providing turnkey design, installation, and support across healthcare, education and corporate clients. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Knightdale, N.C., Systems Electronics helps healthcare facilities improve patient care and financial performance through clinical workflow process improvement, nurse call integration, resource tracking, reporting and analytics. The company also delivers fire, security and other systems integration solutions across its customer base. Headquartered in Chantilly, Va., CTSI designs, engineers, installs, maintains, and manages highly engineered fire, security, nurse call, audiovisual, collaboration, and communication systems. CTSI serves thousands of clients across the United States. “While continuing...

KENT, Ohio — Sage Integration announces it has hired two executive-level staff members to accommodate its rapid growth. Cole Schrier is a new senior account executive, while Parker Hendricks joins as an account executive. Schrier will specialize in large entertainment venues, multilocation enterprise organizations, commercial real estate and government. He brings over 12 years of IT and security experience to Sage, having served in account executive and business development positions for Diversified, a leading technology integrator, Siemens, a multinational conglomerate, and Kastle Systems, a national security integrator. Schrier earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology/psychology from Texas A&M University. He is based with Sage in Austin, Texas. “Cole has a deep and varied background that fits our enterprise client base well,” says Jim Geyer, Sage vice president. “He is a solution-oriented professional who understands the security needs of today’s large organizations. We loo...

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — PSA, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announces the launch of its Hang 10 and High Tide programs honoring its most loyal members and owners. Members of the High Tide are highly engaged with PSA and purchase a large quantity of their products through the network. The Hang 10 represent the top 10 purchasers in the PSA Network. “Membership at PSA is exclusive and made up of the most progressive systems integrators in the industry; the Hang 10 and High Tide are the cream of the crop,” says Matt Barnette, CEO of PSA . “PSA looks for integrators who are thought leaders, have strong core values and are forward thinking. Members of this new program exemplify these attributes and we want to celebrate them.” The High Tide and Hang 10 both help carry out PSA’s vision to be the rising tide, according to the organization. Members will enjoy exclusive perks such as media relations, personalized educational offerings, additional engagement, e...

LANGMEIL, Germany — Mobotix announces it has reached an agreement to acquire Vaxtor Group, a leading artificial intelligence (AI)-based video analytics provider specializing in optical character recognition (OCR) and deep learning technologies. Based in Tres Cantos, Spain, Vaxtor has a global customer base across 50 countries, delivering both camera agnostic and at the edge video analytics in various sectors. Its analytics technology, used in combination with cameras, allows the automated capture of letters, numbers or other machine and human readable data and enables such information to be recorded and processed cost-effectively at high-speed and trigger any related processes, according to the company. This is both a facilitator and accelerator for Mobotix’s vertical market strategy as the use of these technologies can be applied in areas such as, government, retail and transportation sectors, but also, for example, in the tracking of containers, vehicles and aircraft the areas o...

INDIANAPOLIS — Stanley Security has released its third annual Industry Trends Report, uncovering key themes that industry leaders expect will shape the security industry in 2022 and beyond. The report — which includes insights from Stanley Security subject-matter experts, other leading security technology innovators and end users — is said to reflect changes in the priorities of organizations as they emerge from the pandemic. In addition, it takes a deeper look at how security technology can be utilized to help support those priorities and redefine business operations. Alongside key trends, the report discusses findings from a recent survey conducted by Stanley Security. The findings detail how organizations are more interested than ever before in implementing security solutions that can help them solve key business challenges. “Security is much more than protecting organizations, assets, and people; it can also offer organizations a competitive advantage,” states Stanley Security ...

Though 2021 didn’t exactly bring the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to new COVID variants, a supply chain shortage and labor woes, there is still hope for 2022. However, there are numerous factors to be aware of this year. As part of  SSI ‘s  2022 Security Industry Forecast , we asked leading experts in the field what they believe the most pressing issue the security industry will face in the new year. Below are their responses. ▶ “The 3G Sunset with AT&T is set for February. We want all dealers to upgrade their 3G devices in the field before the target. Telguard and the AICC have filed a petition with the FCC for an extension until December. Due to the pandemic hindering upgrades in 2020 and supply chain issues in 2021, we believe this request is reasonable and necessary. Also, cybersecurity continues as a major concern for the entire economy as well as the electronic security market.” – George Brody (Telguard) Related: AICC Presses Ahead With Efforts to Po...