Archive: February 2009
This Blog's on Fire (And Other Stuff)
Turn the music down
February 28, 2009Tess Nacelewicz
Here's an argument for turning the music down a tad.
TechSec worth the trip
February 27, 2009Daniel Gelinas
So I'm back from TechSec Solutions, and I have to say the action was pretty awesome. This was my first time at TechSec Solutions and I really enjoyed meeting all the presenters and exhibitors. TechSec presented a valuable opportunity for me to meet a portion of the people who comprise this industry upon which I report, as well as a chance for me to learn a little more about what makes security such an important and resilient industry.
My trip to TechSec was not without its challenges. I traveled...
Panasonic hearts Pelco, and vice versa
February 27, 2009Martha Entwistle
I'm working on a round-up of TechSec, day two, but in the meantime check out this announcement that came into my box this week: Panasonic and Pelco have entered into an "interoperability effort."
Next up: cats on roller skates and a Bush/Castro family picnic.
If you don't think the security market has changed significantly in the past five years, you're not paying attention. Whether it's the IP movement or just new business realities coming to bear, old rivals are making new bedfellows all over...
Managed services the talk of TechSec
February 26, 2009Daniel Gelinas
DALLAS--The buzz at TechSec Solutions this year was, of course, all about convergence. It has for five years been the place where people have talked about the merging of IT and physical security, both through culture and technology. However, many panelists in the show's educational sessions also spent plenty of time talking about the advent of the "as-a-service" model (security as a service or SaaS as it has become known, for example), and assured those in attendance that it was the future of the...
Westec secures $20m in new funding
February 26, 2009SSN Staff
DALLAS--Westec Intelligent Surveillance, a provider of remote video monitoring, announced this week that it has secured an additional US $20M in equity funding. The investment was co-led by Argonaut Private Equity and Egis Capital Partners with support from existing investors. According to a release, the funding will be used to support the company's organic growth, as it continues to penetrate the retail, restaurant and hospitality markets.
Additionally, Kelby Hagar, the current president, will...
SNA talks about the business proposition for convergence
February 26, 2009Martha Entwistle
DALLAS, Texas--Executives from 30 of the largest privately owned security companies flew in from around the country on Feb. 23 to spend a day talking and learning about how the convergence of physical and logical security might affect businesses like theirs.
"This is a great opportunity for you," said Paul Cronin, CEO of IT networking organization 1nService. He, along with Cisco physical security head Bill Stuntz, likened the current environment in physical security to the advent of IP telephony,...
LoJack launches SafetyNet, offers security for those prone to wander
February 26, 2009Daniel Gelinas
WESTWOOD, Mass.--A Feb. 10 release from LoJack Corporation announced that the company, best known for helping bust the crook behind the wheel of your stolen car, had taken a step forward in diversification with a move into people tracking with the launch of LoJack SafetyNet. SafetyNet, based on radio-frequency technology, is a solution that tracks and rescues people at risk of wandering, including those with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome and dementia.
According to Paul McMahon, senior...
Protection Bureau's Keith M. Ladd, 1933-2009
February 26, 2009Martha Entwistle
LYNDELL, Pa.--Keith M. Ladd, 74, well known in the industry as founder of The Protection Bureau and co-founder of the Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, died Sunday night. The cause of death was cancer.
"This industry lost a real leader. Keith was gifted, wise, kind, just a wonderful man," said Ira Somerson, an industry consultant and friend of Ladd's. Somerson said he first met Ladd 40 years ago when they were competitors. Somerson said Ladd was his mentor and a mentor to many, many...
Ex-Integral vets purchase Pelco Access, form infinias
February 26, 2009L. Samuel Pfeifle
INDIANAPOLIS--Just a few weeks after Pelco's announcement that it would be divesting itself of the Intelli-M Electronic Access Control product line, the executives in charge of the line have formed a new company, infinias, that will purchase and continue Intelli-M. With backing from venture firms Collina Ventures and Orchard Capital, former Pelco vice president of EAC engineering Wayne Jared will lead the new company as president and CEO, and he will be joined others of his team, based here.
Jared...
American Two-Way, Liberty Medical Response launch funded medical alert program
February 26, 2009Daniel Gelinas
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--American Two-Way announced on Feb. 20 the launch of the first large-scale, funded medical alert dealer program through Liberty Medical Response and American Two-Way. "We are very excited to be part of what we feel will be a big opportunity for dealers," said American Two-Way CEO Christopher Baskin.
Baskin said the program is similar to alarm dealer programs like those offered by ADT and Monitronics, and gives dealers a reliable source to sell their medical alert contracts...