Larry Anderson's Security Beat
In the wake of Canon’s acquisition of Axis Communications, the company faces a communication challenge in the market – to reiterate the camera manufacturer’s commitment to open systems- acknowledges Fredrik Nilsson, General Manager, North America of the Swedish IP camera vendor. “We say nothing will change, and we will show it in our action as well as say it,” he comments. “There have been companies that have claimed openness, but then don&rsquo...
Given the current trend toward consolidation, the industry has seen more camera manufacturers and software suppliers aligning under the same owner. Bucking the trend is software company Genetec. “Staying independent will help us innovate,” says Georges Karam, who recently joined Genetec as chief commercial officer. “What’s important for the customer is the end-to-end solution, and our integrators can provide that.” Genetec positions itself at the centre of a...
A more than 20-year shared history between Canon and Axis Communications has been an underreported aspect of the recent announcement by the world’s largest camera company of plans to acquire the Swedish IP video camera company. The fact is, Canon and Axis have worked together for years, dating back to the time when Axis was focused on making printer servers (rather than IP cameras). In those days, Axis often worked with Canon to supply printer servers, which were bundled with Canon printe...
Surprise – shock, even – was the initial reaction of most in the industry to the announcement earlier this week of Canon’s intent to acquire Axis. Maybe it was the (apparent) suddenness of the move, or its scale ($2.8 billion!) that caught us off guard. Maybe it’s the continuing ripples the move is likely to cause through the industry that has us still talking about it. It’s clearly the biggest story in our market in years. But after you think about it a couple of...
Have we entered the age of the security company "open marriage?" I used that phrase just a few days ago in relation to the Panasonic-Video Insight acquisition. Now the phrase springs immediately back to mind related to the truly shocking news today about Canon buying Axis, which last year bought video management system supplier Milestone.Is it possible for a video management company and a camera company to be owned by the same company and yet remain "open?"That was the premise when Canon bought...
Is Axis Communications getting ready to expand its business beyond IP video cameras and even access control? A recent comment by Axis founder Martin Gren appears to suggest as much. In a Q&A sponsored by Memoori Research, Gren was asked about “adjacent markets that will merge with IP video” as they relate to the Internet of Things (IoT). Here is his answer: “If you’re talking about IoT, you’re talking about all types of intelligent sensors. Our DNA (at Axis) is...
Given a readily available supply of investment money to the security industry, might we see even more mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity in the coming year? Such appeared to be one message as the Security Industry Association (SIA) Investment Trends Committee presented an update on security-related capital markets, M&A and investment information. In the “middle market loan market,” where all but the top several security industry companies might look for money, there are...
The sale of Siemens’ Security Products to Vanderbilt is expected to close by the end of March, and already the owner-to-be is making good progress to form a new stand-alone company. Notably, the pending transaction is not a sale of company shares but rather a sale of assets, in this case product lines in the access control, CCTV and intrusion categories. In effect, a company is being created to manage those assets, and Vanderbilt has been working for the last several months to create the...
Education is always a hot vertical market, so Panasonic’s acquisition of Video Insight is not a surprise considering the video management system (VMS) supplier’s popularity among school professionals. Panasonic cameras have been installed in a lot of schools, too, and the Japanese conglomerate has several other product categories that also play in the school market, such as interactive white boards, audio systems, etc. The surprising aspect of the acquisition, announced this week, i...
“The quality couldn’t be clearer – something the police hope will help capture the criminal you are about to see.” The local news report then shows an image from the surveillance camera video of an ATM robbery in Arlington, Texas. The video depicts a black Kia automobile rolling up to a Wells Fargo ATM, and the 21-year-old female driver makes a withdrawal. The video then shows a robber sneaking around the ATM and surprising the victim. He’s holding a cell phone in...
I speculated earlier about an anticipated spike in demand for body worn cameras in response to the highly publicised shooting incident in Ferguson, Mo., last August. An analysis of a database of procurement activity and spending plans from more than 80,000 government entities in the United States confirms the continuing impact the shooting is having on the demand for body worn cameras. Reflecting what might be called the “Ferguson effect,” government data firm Onvia reports there we...
A lawsuit filed by the parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012 highlights how the best-thought-out security plans can fall apart because of details and/or last-minute changes. Before the tragedy unfolded, Sandy Hook Elementary had established protocols in place to cope in the event of an active shooter incident. However, some of the protocols broke down on the day of the shooting, and it’s possible that additional young lives were lost as a result. A lawsuit f...
ObjectVideo shook the industry a few years ago by launching a series of lawsuits against the industry’s big players, claiming infringement of ObjectVideo’s patents on the basic technologies of video analytics. Some of the targeted companies fought back, but in the end most opted to make the issue go away by signing a licensing agreement with ObjectVideo. The latest twist in the story is major video supplier Avigilon’s acquisition of those patents – and of the 19 related...
Klass Software’s acquisition of incident management software company PPM 2000 is the first step in an evolution to build a broad, unified software solution to manage multiple aspects of the security function. In buying PPM, Klass sought to obtain “a very good platform business and grow it with the existing team,” says Will Anderson, CEO of Klass Software (and now CEO of PPM). He sees expansion and enhancement of PPM as a “long-term project,” maybe 10 years. Klass S...
The recent terrorist acts in Paris defy any understanding or explanation. The events represent a level of mayhem that defies easy answers, emblematic of a global security threat that demands a unified, worldwide response way beyond what is achievable by any combination of technology gadgets. Simply put, the problem is not our industry’s to solve. It’s bigger than we are. Still, such events haunt the people in our market – dedicated as we are to protecting people, facilities and...
Global positioning systems (GPS) have a role to play to combat shoplifting, especially in the fight against the growing trend of large-scale organised retail crime (ORC). Todd Morris, founder and CEO of BrickHouse Security, recently explained to me how GPS fits into the fight against retail crime. A variety of GPS devices – from small “micro” sensors to plug-in devices for cars to wired devices – can all be tracked using the same cloud-based service, which manages the de...
It has been interesting to read all the Review and Forecast articles we published over the last month. The holiday season was a perfect time to reflect on the previous year, and it is interesting to read about all the companies, their visions for 2015 and their accomplishments. It reminds me how lucky I am to be a part of an industry dedicated to protecting assets, people and facilities. The opportunity to report on a constantly changing business climate and a wealth of interesting technology is...
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has a lot of resources to protect. A network of video cameras view MARTA’s 38 stations, three rail yards, five bus garages and other infrastructure located within 30 or so different law enforcement agencies in and around Atlanta. The large number of existing fixed cameras will be augmented with about 1,000 additional cameras for a total of 2,200 or 2,300 cameras in the system in coming years. Cameras are connected using an Omnicast v...
When is an acquisition not really an acquisition but rather the “sale of shares by one corporate conglomerate to another?” Such is the core question in the aftermath of Samsung’s sale of its interest in Samsung Techwin to fellow Korean conglomerate Hanwha Holdings. Samsung announced sale in late November of its 32.4 percentage ownership in the video surveillance company (as part of a larger sale of its defence and chemical affiliates). The 32.4 percent of stock represents the...
Video walls are growing in popularity in security applications, providing everyone in a control room access to the same current information at the same time. They are a perfect way to display the “big picture” – literally. Video walls are often used in situations where several people are working together to create a coordinated effort, whether related to security, emergency response, process control or other discipline. In the security sector, video walls are commonly used in...
January 5, 2015 is the deadline to suggest changes to the National Fire Protection Association’s (a US trade association) two documents that serve the security marketplace. Anyone can provide public input into the standards through the NFPA website. NFPA 731: Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems provides guidance on how to install, test and maintain electronic premise security systems and their components. Its specific requirements are written so that...
Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern in the realm of home automation and security systems. Joe Albaugh brought a unique perspective to the subject in July when he became Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Vivint, the second largest residential security and home automation provider in the United States. Albaugh’s approach to the cybersecurity aspects of home automation is based on his 20 years of experience including past positions as chief information security officer for three large, critical...
The shooting in Ferguson, Missouri has highlighted the value of body-worn cameras for police officers. However, the largest manufacturer of body-worn cameras is also actively promoting their use by others outside law enforcement, including security officers, human resource (HR) professionals and even CEOs. Body-worn camera manufacturer VIEVU, Seattle, Wash., sees a growing market among “prosumers” (i.e., professional consumers). A “prosumer” might be anyone who needs to...
Sometimes companies want to buy their physical security software separate from the servers it runs on. Other times, companies prefer to buy an “appliance” – a purpose-built machine that is perfectly matched with the software it is running. The latter category is especially popular among small- and medium-sized business customers. For example, preconfigured video management appliances contribute an element of simplicity. That’s why you see video software companies –...
Iris recognition has been used as a biometric for access control applications for many years, but we have heard a lot more lately about fingerprint scans. However, iris recognition has many advantages over fingerprints and other biometrics, and the technology has come a long way. Mark Clifton, vice president of the Products and Services Division of SRI International, calls the iris a “protected” biometric, typically not injured and unlikely to be contaminated as fingers or hands mig...
Demand for covert cameras in the home has doubled in the last two years, according to one camera supplier. These additional “hidden” cameras are also increasingly being networked into home security systems, and installation of the newest covert IP cameras is do-it-yourself easy. Covert cameras appeal to consumers who don’t want the industrial look of video cameras disrupting their décor. They are also the latest variation on “nanny-cams” that keep watch...
Especially for younger individuals, sharing on social media is almost an automatic reflex. Bystanders at any event are likely to constantly be tweeting and/or posting real-time words, pictures and video using their smart phones. Accessing a culmination of that data can provide real-time intelligence of what’s happening on the ground at any event or location before emergency responders or police even get on the scene. There are multiple ways security can benefit from an affordable so...
There’s a new international company in the security market this week with the acquisition of Siemens’ Security Products business in Europe by Vanderbilt Industries, a new U.S. company that rebranded the Schlage Security Management Systems (SMS) product line after acquiring it from Ingersoll Rand in August 2012. The European arm of the new global player will be called Vanderbilt International, based out of Germany and led by Managing Director Joseph Grillo, who many remember from his...
In a layered approach to security, the outermost layer increasingly might refer to an area outside a fence line. The sooner a facility is alerted to a possible threat, the better, and when a threat reaches inside a facility’s fence, it may be too late to mitigate it. Security directors need situational awareness that extends outside the facility and provides the ability to intercept intruders before they become a threat. Zones of interest, or buffer zones, outside a facility’s fence...
Spread of the Ebola virus beyond Western Africa has heightened concerns among healthcare professionals and the general public. In practical terms, healthcare facilities – including their security departments – are preparing to deal with whatever happens next as concerns about the disease continue. Even areas that are not a “hot zone” for Ebola virus exposure may face additional challenges, given uncertainty about the spread of the disease and a possible influx into hospit...
ISC West 2025 news
IDIS Americas is expanding its footprint in the U.S. ahead of ISC West (April 2025, Las Vegas), reinforcing its market position with a growing team, an expanded technology portfolio, and a robust pipe...
ISC West, hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), unveiled its 2025 Keynote Series. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of experts in cybersecurity, retail secu...
ISC West and its premier sponsor, the Security Industry Association (SIA), are excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated ISC West Concert, set to take place on April 2, 2025, at 5 p.m....
ISC West, hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), unveiled its 2025 Keynote Series. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of experts in cybersecurity, retai...
ISC West 2025 opens registration with its premier sponsor, the Security Industry Association (SIA). Taking place March 31–April 4 (SIA Education@ISC: March 31–April 3|Exhibit Hall: April 2...
Trade Show Executive (TSE) has named ISC West as The Greatest Trade Show of 2023 at the 2024 TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit. This prestigious awards program recognises trade shows ac...
Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, announced the developm...
Alfred International, a pioneer in smart lock solutions, is unveiling the new Interconnect Kit, an industry-first solution that enables any Alfred smart deadbolt to function as a code-compliant interc...
Gunnebo Entrance Control will be exhibiting its latest entrance control technologies at ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas, offering smart solutions designed to enhance safety, streamline entrance control, an...
LifeSafety Power’s B150 Intelligent Step-Down Converter provides economical remote power management, monitoring and control of enterprise power solutions. The B150 dual-voltage conversion modu...
IDIS Americas has confirmed the appointment of Darron Parker as Vice President of Sales, Northeast US & Canada, one of a series of recent appointments as the company continues to enlarge its team...
IDIS Americas is expanding its footprint in the U.S. ahead of ISC West (April 2025, Las Vegas), reinforcing its market position with a growing team, an expanded technology portfolio, and a robust pipe...
ISC West, hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), unveiled its 2025 Keynote Series. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of experts in cybersecurity, retail secu...
ISC West and its premier sponsor, the Security Industry Association (SIA), are excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated ISC West Concert, set to take place on April 2, 2025, at 5 p.m....
ISC West, hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), unveiled its 2025 Keynote Series. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of experts in cybersecurity, retai...
ISC West 2025 opens registration with its premier sponsor, the Security Industry Association (SIA). Taking place March 31–April 4 (SIA Education@ISC: March 31–April 3|Exhibit Hall: April 2...
Trade Show Executive (TSE) has named ISC West as The Greatest Trade Show of 2023 at the 2024 TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit. This prestigious awards program recognises trade shows ac...
Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, announced the developm...
Alfred International, a pioneer in smart lock solutions, is unveiling the new Interconnect Kit, an industry-first solution that enables any Alfred smart deadbolt to function as a code-compliant interc...
Gunnebo Entrance Control will be exhibiting its latest entrance control technologies at ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas, offering smart solutions designed to enhance safety, streamline entrance control, an...
LifeSafety Power’s B150 Intelligent Step-Down Converter provides economical remote power management, monitoring and control of enterprise power solutions. The B150 dual-voltage conversion modu...
IDIS Americas has confirmed the appointment of Darron Parker as Vice President of Sales, Northeast US & Canada, one of a series of recent appointments as the company continues to enlarge its team...
IDIS Americas is expanding its footprint in the U.S. ahead of ISC West (April 2025, Las Vegas), reinforcing its market position with a growing team, an expanded technology portfolio, and a robust pipe...
The Security Event 2025 news
Comelit-PAC is ready to make an impact at The Security Event 2025, with an opportunity for visitors to connect and explore the latest portfolio of security and fire safety systems. On stand 5/F60, th...
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