Open Options News

Telaeris, Inc., a handheld solution provider for physical access control systems (PACS), has announced their new system integration with IDEMIA from the Security Essen event. Telaeris’s XPressEntry software is now available on IDEMIA’s ID Screen biometric tablets to offer gateless access control, entry / exit tracking, emergency evacuation mustering, and events and training attendance tracking for both commercial and government markets worldwide. “XPressEntry and ID Screen tab...

Consolidation is a dominant trend in the security marketplace. Large companies typically swallow up smaller companies as a means of expanding both their technology portfolios and their geographic reach. Sometimes a big fish is swallowed up by an even bigger fish.   Despite the pandemic and resulting economic challenges, the security market has continued to be a desirable environment for both big players and startups, which then provide abundant acquisition targets for the larger compa...

Topics that dominated our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable articles in 2021 included the effects of COVID-19, the benefits of mobile access, the upcoming potential of deep learning, and the future of access control cards. Our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2021 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2021 considered the positive and negative effects of COVID-19. The seco...

LENSEC, a pioneer in video management software, announced a partnership with Open Options to provide flexibility and greater efficiency when combining Perspective VMS® and DNA Fusion™ access control software. The integration between PVMS software by LENSEC and DNA Fusion access control from Open Options enables users to control doors by issuing access control commands to locks and devices. From the video management software, users can manage access points from the map module or t...

The idea of touchless systems has gained new levels of prominence during the last year, driven by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Contactless systems have been part of the industry’s toolbox for decades, while technologies like facial and iris recognition are finding new uses every day. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security markets are embracing touchless, contactless systems and why? 

Adoption of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by the European Union in 2016 set a new standard for data privacy. But adherence to GDPR is only one element, among many privacy concerns sweeping the global security community and leaving almost no product category untouched, from access control to video to biometrics. Because privacy concerns are more prevalent than ever, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact on the physical security market?

LENSEC, the provider of IP-based video surveillance management, announces the release of its perspective VMS Version 4.4.1 that will provide users access to integrations with intrusion, access control, and video surveillance companies and the ability to pair critical video data with input sensors from access control and intrusion detection platforms. In consecutive months, LENSEC has released Version 4.4.0 and 4.4.1 to allow customers access to a broad array of new features and integrations wit...

Many of us take critical infrastructure for granted in our everyday lives. We turn on a tap, flip a switch, push a button, and water, light, and heat are all readily available. But it is important to remember that computerised systems manage critical infrastructure facilities, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline is an example of the new types of threats. In addition, any number of physical attacks is also possibilities. We asked this we...

There is a broad appeal to the idea of using a smartphone or wearable device as a credential for physical access control systems. Smartphones already perform a range of tasks that extend beyond making a phone call. Shouldn’t opening the door at a workplace be among them? It’s a simple idea, but there are obstacles for the industry to get there from here. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control solutions? 

Customers who are interested in strengthening and streamlining their security infrastructure will find that access control is typically one of the first upgrades to be considered, and depending on the product chosen, ultimately will determine how effective it proves to be for their business. When questions or concerns arise about access control products or services, there can often be a disconnect or a delay in between the customer and the integrator, as the integrator may be occupied with othe...

In-person training sessions were mostly canceled during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the need for training continued, and in some cases increased, as the security industry sought to adapt to the changing business climate of a global emergency. So how well did we as an industry adjust? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How has security industry training changed in the last year?

For more than 22 years, Open Options, Addison, Texas, has developed access control solutions that connect to leading security technologies to deliver a full-scale solution based on each customer’s unique needs. In 2018, Open Options was acquired by ACRE, which already owned the Vanderbilt and ComNet brands. To find out the latest, we interviewed Chuck O’Leary, President of Open Options. Q: It has been two and a half years since Open Options was acquired by ACRE. Briefly describe tha...

Open Options, a provider of innovative access control solutions, continues to build upon its commitment to innovation with the launch of Fusion X. This new web-based access control software includes all the benefits of the robust DNA Fusion platform but requires no software installation, or dedicated PC required. Fusion X The built-in web server allows programming and maintenance from any Internet-enabled browser and is designed using Flex API v2, based on the flexible Html5 platform. With Fu...

ACRE, a provider of state-of-the-art security systems, announces the acquisition of TDS based in Dublin, Ireland. This purchase will enhance ACRE’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening the product portfolio and geography in the UK and Europe and bringing new cloud-based visitor management and access control products to North America. This is ACRE’s first acquisition since being acquired March 11 by Triton Partners. TDS provides cloud-based workspace solutions that will comple...

Funds advised by Triton (‘Triton’) acquired ACRE, an end-to-end security solutions provider based in Dallas/USA and Dublin/Ireland. Triton will invest alongside the current management team of ACRE. ACRE’s previous majority investor, LLR Partners, who has partnered with the company since 2013, will exit the business. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. ACRE is a pioneer in the delivery of security systems for access control and intrusion detection as well...

ACRE, a global brand providing state-of-the-art security systems, announced the acquisition of Razberi Technologies based in Farmers Branch, Texas. This purchase will enhance ACRE’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening its video and communications business and product portfolio. This is the latest M&A transaction since ACRE completed the acquisitions of two access control businesses - Open Options in December 2018 and RS2 in May 2019; both of which have continued to prosper and...

ACRE, a globally renowned provider of security products and solutions for the access control, intrusion, smart traffic and video surveillance markets, has announced that the ACRE brands – RS2, Vanderbilt and Open Options – will launch ACT ID, a new cloud-based mobile credential application that enables organisations to utilise both iOS and Android smartphones with existing WaveLynx multi-technology readers for secure access to doors in office buildings, government facilities, healthc...

Open Options, a provider of innovative access control solutions, announced the launch of ACT ID, a new cloud-based mobile credential app that enables organisations to utilise smartphones with existing WaveLynx multi-technology readers for secure access to doors in office buildings, government facilities, healthcare institutions, schools, residences and a growing variety of enterprises. Mobile credentials ACT ID is integrated into Open Options’ flagship software, DNA Fusion, providing a u...

A substantial focus of the security industry is on the selection and installation of security systems, and there is no doubt that this is a critical element of the process. However, in order to ensure that security systems such as access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and panic alarms deliver on ‘game day’, an equal if not greater emphasis has to be put on the actions that are taken after the installers have closed the doors on the truck and driven away. This arti...

What many security professionals are yet to realise is how COVID-19 has led to fundamental changes in security policies that will ultimately affect them. The introduction of medical technology, such as thermal scanners, to access control implementations is a new phenomenon. The coronavirus pandemic has propelled a new requirement onto organisations to conduct health checks – specifically, body temperature checks – at the door before an employee, contractor or visitor is given access...

ACRE, a global provider of state-of-the-art security and communication networking systems, announced that it will add two key industry people to the ACRE management roster. Jim Kelly will join ACRE as Chief Revenue Officer starting on March 1, 2020. Jim brings a wealth of experience having had successful positions at Software House, Sensormatic, Tyco International and Johnson Controls. Accelerating growth While at Software House, Jim led the sales and marketing efforts to build the business f...

Two of the most familiar names in the physical security market – Pelco and Panasonic – underwent ownership changes during 2019. Consolidation continued on multiple other fronts. Security service companies, video companies and access control companies were all among the entities involved in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity during the last 12 months. In short, the industry landscape continues to transform in response to a changing market. Here's a look at the Top 10 M&A s...

ACRE companies Vanderbilt, ComNet and Open Options are gearing up toward an exciting Intersec show that will highlight the collective experience and depth of solutions available from the ACRE portfolio. Key features on display will focus on the ACRE brand’s strength in cloud solutions, open platforms, smart integrations and cybersecurity. Core to this message will be the award-winning cloud-based solutions, SPC Connect and ACT365. ACT365 is Vanderbilt's platform for access control and vid...

GSX 2019 got off to a jaunty start Tuesday. The show was humming with activity much of the day, and most exhibitors said they were pleased with the numbers and types of potential customers visiting their booths. There seemed to be less emphasis on product introductions than at the ISC West show in the spring (although there is much that is on the new side), while the trend toward system sales is continuing. Here's a review of Day 1 from the show floor. Dahua continues to educate market ...

Open Options, global provider of access control solutions, has announced the launch of a new Learning Management System (LMS), “ConnectEd” for integrators, installers and system users to easily obtain certification in DNA Fusion. ConnectEd LMS platform The ConnectEd platform will be a new tool for Open Options customers to view course calendars and class status as well as register for upcoming classes. The Open Options training team currently offers classroom learning at their head...

Allegion US, a provider of security products and solutions, and Open Options, a global access control solutions company, integrated the ENGAGE IP Gateway with DNA Fusion software to expand their offering of scalable security solutions. Open Options is a longstanding Allegion software alliance member and is committed to offering the most up-to-date technology available. The integration of the ENGAGE IP Gateway with Open Options’ DNA Fusion access control platform offers users another cost-...

ACRE, renowned global provider of state-of-the-art security systems, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RS2 Technologies in Munster, Indiana. This purchase will enhance ACRE’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening its access control business and product portfolio. Following on from the recent acquisition of Open Options in December of 2018, ACRE continues to build its access control strength and reach in the North American market. ACRE’...

Open Options, global provider of open platform access control solutions, will showcase their DNA Fusion access control platform and its powerful components at ISC West 2019 in Las Vegas. DNA Fusion platform Considered the largest security industry trade show in North America, ISC West hosts over 30,000 security professionals and showcases a wide range of products and solutions from hundreds of industry manufacturers. ISC West attendees are invited to visit Open Options at booth #2103 to experi...

Open Options, global provider of innovative access control solutions, has announced a new incentive program for their certified dealer channel. The program offers two tiers of status, Advantage and Advantage Platinum, which are determined by specific criteria including annual sales, new Open Options sites sold, software maintenance coverage as well as dealer technician training requirements.  Exceeding expectations “We are extremely excited to introduce this program to our dealer c...

Open Options, the provider of innovative access control solutions, recently completes a technology partnership with Schindler, one of the providers of elevators, escalators, and moving walks, allowing users yet another option with their access and elevator control solution. New with DNA Fusion version 7.5.0.33, the Schindler third-party database interface gives users the ability to manage their elevator dispatch control through the user-friendly DNA Fusion platform. All access information is se...