News

Products are the building blocks of the security industry. Historically much of the industry’s sales effort has been focused on highlighting product features and functionality. At the end of the day, however, an end user is less interested in the performance of any individual system component than in the system as a whole. Lately, the industry has embraced a changing sales approach by emphasising systems rather than products. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the...

Qumulex is a new startup with a mission to provide physical security integrators a transition path to embrace the technology of the cloud and a subscription-based business model. Qumulex’s products seek to provide capabilities to embrace the cloud without an integrator having to turn their back completely on the ‘transactional revenue’ of installing new systems. As the transition happens, Qumulex offers a product line that supports any mix of systems from on-premises to the cl...

Video storage is an important – and expensive – aspect of almost any surveillance system. Higher camera counts equate to a need for more storage. New analytics systems make it easier for operators to manage video, but that video must be dependably stored and easy to access if and when it is needed. To keep up to date on the latest developments, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new in video storage solutions?

Johnson Controls is introducing the Ethos line of multi-tech contactless access readers from WaveLynx Technologies. Ethos readers are equipped with a choice of credential technologies, enabling customers to choose migration paths to deploy secure credentials. WaveLynx Ethos multi-tech contactless access readers feature a modern aesthetic and state-of-the-art feature set. All Ethos readers are capable of reading legacy Proximity credentials, MIFARE DESFire® smart card credentials, LEAF enabl...

Johnson Controls has introduced its new commercial-grade (EN Grade 3) security system with built-in PowerG long range wireless, 128-bit encryption technology from Tyco. The DSC PowerSeries Pro 1.0 offers cyber protection features and long-range encrypted wireless communications. It is a commercial intrusion security panel that can handle large commercial installations while eliminating the need for wires on sensors or keypads. "An industry-wide concern is how long it can take to install commerc...

The Security Industry Association (SIA) announces the 2019 keynote and featured speakers for Securing New Ground (SNG), the security industry’s annual executive conference taking place at the Grand Hyatt New York in Manhattan October 29-30. SNG 2019 will feature keynote remarks from Dr. Steven T. Hunt, chief expert for work and technology at SAP; George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls; and Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Signific...

Securing large campus environments can be particularly demanding and requires a range of technology solutions. In effect, a campus may represent a dozen or more individual facilities to be secured, in addition to protecting the overall environment. Seeking more insight into the number and variety of needs of securing a campus, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting large campus environments?

Umbo Computer Vision, an artificial intelligence company that specialises in autonomous video security, announced that it raised an $8 million post-A round, bringing funding to a total of $17.6 million to date. This round was co-led by Translink Capital and Susquehanna International Group. Shin-Kong Capital and Shin-Kong Security, Asia’s security alarm companies, also joined as strategic investors, with continued participation by earlier investors. Cloud-based security management platfor...

The healthcare market is rife with opportunity for security systems integrators. Hospitals have a continuous need for security, to update their systems, to make repairs, says David Alessandrini, Vice President, Pasek Corp., a systems integrator. “It’s cyclical. Funding for large projects might span one to two years, and then they go into a maintenance mode. Departments are changing constantly, and they need us to maintain the equipment to make sure it’s operating to its full po...

Camden Door Controls, global provider of door activation, control and locking products, is pleased to announce the promotion of David Price to the position of Vice President, Communications and Corporate Development. David joined Camden Door Controls as Marketing Manager in 2010 and has been instrumental in the rapid growth of the company since that time. Door solutions expert In his new position, Price will continue to manage all internal and external corporate communications, Camden’s...

When violence or a life-threatening incident occurs, hospitals and other healthcare institutions are often in the crosshairs. Hospitals increasingly face a reality of workplace violence, attacks on patients, and threats to doctors and other support staff. And even if violence happens outside a hospital – such as an active shooter at a public place – the local hospital must be prepared to respond to an influx of injured victims. When conflicts arise inside a hospital, there is an urg...

While unpacking our bags from a trade show, it is interesting to consider the dominant themes and trends we heard and saw at the show. So it is with the recently concluded Global Security Exchange (GSX) show in Chicago, presented by ASIS International. Amid all the product promotion, training sessions, networking and tired feet at the show, what really stood out? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at the GSX 2019 trade show in Chicago?

The high cost of thermal imaging cameras historically made their use more likely in specialised law enforcement and military applications. However, lower pricing of thermal imaging technologies has opened up a new and expanding market for thermal cameras in the mainstream. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new opportunities for thermal cameras in mainstream physical security?

Video analytics are undergoing a fundamental change in the market as machine learning enhances their accuracy while expanding their capabilities. But what are those expanded capabilities and how are they impacting the operation of security and video systems? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new video analytics are having an impact in the market and how?

Johnson Controls has announced the introduction of the CEM Systems DCM 400 four-door intelligent encrypted IP controller. Four-door controller The CEM Systems DCM400 is an intelligent four-door controller which provides a secure and cost effective solution for bi-directional control of up to four doors. It is designed to directly interface with CEM Systems AC2000 access control system (v10.2 and higher) and Wiegand or CEM Systems approved and supplied Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP v2)...

Johnson Controls will exhibit security technologies and platforms that are helping to advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces in order to power the mission of its customers at Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Chicago from Sept. 8 through Sept. 12. In booth #703, Johnson Controls will showcase innovative technologies that work together to construct connected, intelligent facilities in an “Integrated Smart Buildings Command Center.” Attendees will have an inside look i...

Fire and security systems are two elements of the same mission: To keep buildings and their occupants safe. However, the two systems often operate independently and may not be integrated. Should there be more integration and what are the pitfalls? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating security and fire systems?

Patriot One Technologies Inc., developer of the PATSCAN Multi-Sensor Covert Weapon Detection Platform, is pleased to announce the acquisition of XTRACT Technologies Inc. and all its related interests, assets, and intellectual property for consideration of $6,000,000 and the issuance of 9,422,956 Patriot One common to XTRACT's former shareholders. Subject to certain exceptions based on the business of the Company or the performance of the Company's common share price, the Consideration Shares wi...

Johnson Controls has announced  the release of CEM Systems AC2000 v10.2, which offers new features such as an enhanced Time & Attendance application, improved Pass Design, advanced room booking with access control and additional features that increase the performance and scope of the access control system suite. AC2000 v10.2 Time Hub CEM Systems’ AC2000 Time Hub is an enhanced Time & Attendance workstation client and web application CEM Systems’ AC2000 Time Hub is an...

Tyco, the security products division of Johnson Controls, has launched a campaign to encourage more installers to sign up to its partner programs which are designed to help identify new business opportunities and ensure end-users achieve maximum benefit from their investment in an integrated electronic security solution. “Feedback from the marketplace indicates that many small to medium size installers believe that manufacturers’ partner programs are ‘closed shops’ and t...

Johnson Controls introduces the new exacqVision C-Series, taking the guesswork out of sourcing a system for a live video monitoring station. Built to achieve the kind of performance that the video security industry demands and guaranteed to achieve specific decode and display frame rates, the new C-Series monitoring station is the best way to experience exacqVision VMS. Delivering optimal performance Tailor-made to meet the needs of video surveillance market, the C-Series supports 16-32 video...

Gunshot detection today is part of more physical security systems than ever before, and many manufacturers are developing interfaces to the latest gunshot detection technologies. Genetec has integrated ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology into its unified IP security platform, Security Center. Thanks to this integration, police departments and security professionals will be able to receive more actionable information, gain rapid access and detailed location insights when a gunshot situatio...

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?

Johnson Controls has updated its popular Illustra Pro camera family with a new generation of Illustra Pro Mini-Domes featuring Smart Wide Dynamic Range. Offering a choice of 2, 3, 5 and 8 megapixel models and a variety of lens options, the new Pro Mini-Domes are ideal for a wide range of deployments in both medium and large-sized facilities. Smart WDR technology This new Smart Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology built into the new Mini-Domes greatly improves the quality of images captured in v...

Johnson Controls has updated its Tyco Software House C•CURE 9000 security and event management system with new tools to optimise its security operations. Enhancements include metatags, broadened search capabilities and enhancements in video association, along with adding an additional layer of security with Multi-Factor Authentication mobile integration. C•CURE 9000 v2.80 users now have the ability to add two-factor authentication without needing to upgrade readers. With this added la...

Johnson Controls announces Tyco Cloud, a new cloud-based security suite developed to help customers move costly and complex security infrastructure for access control and video surveillance to the cloud. With Tyco Cloud, organisations can reduce costs, improve enterprise security management and scale security operations on demand, providing unlimited possibilities to deliver security services over the internet. Accelerating digital transformation Tyco Cloud empowers this digital transformatio...

Passwords are one of the most familiar elements of information systems, but also one that can be overlooked or underutilised. New alternatives are emerging, and the role of passwords is evolving in the age of the Internet of Things. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of passwords changing in physical security systems?

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the first founding members of its new Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCA) - Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Claroty, and Nozomi Networks. Global Cybersecurity Alliance ISA created the Global Cybersecurity Alliance to advance cybersecurity readiness and awareness in manufacturing and critical infrastructure facilities and processes. The Alliance brings end-user companies, automation and control sys...

Punch Technologies, Inc. and Johnson Controls have finalised an agreement to bring an innovative safety communications platform to market. The platform, which can be integrated into businesses’ existing security systems, provides the opportunity to more easily and effectively communicate with employees, emergency responders and other surrounding businesses in the event of an emergency incident. Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson Controls will be the primary distributor of PunchAler...

Artificial intelligence is on the verge of changing the face of multiple industries – from healthcare to entertainment to finance, from data security to manufacturing to the cars we drive (or that will drive themselves!) In the physical security market, AI has garnered a lot of attention as a buzzword and as a harbinger of things to come. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What security markets are most likely to embrace artificial intelligence (AI)?