Everon - Experts & Thought Leaders

Everon, a pioneering security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, fire and life safety solutions in the U.S., announced the launch of Mavn BI™ business intelligence, Sightline™ advanced video solutions, and Onepoint™ account management portal as part of a series of differentiating offerings. The launch notably delivers on Everon’s investment made through this year’s acquisition of DIGIOP, a groundbreaking software development company specialising in video and business intelligence solutions, and reaffirms the integrator’s mission to chart a path to growth through technology and innovation. Investment in DIGIOP "The launch of Mavn BI, Onepoint, and Sightline signifies a crucial next step in the evolution of our business and builds on the incredible momentum we’ve created after stepping out as Everon just over a year ago," said Dan Bresingham, Chief Executive Officer, Everon. "These offerings harness the full power of our investment in DIGIOP and are key differentiators that will allow us to enhance the commercial customer service experience on several fronts." Everon’s premier suite of offerings Mavn BI offers retail, enterprise-level clients the ability to work and access data and analytics Mavn BI offers commercial, enterprise-level customers the ability to manage and access robust  data and analytics. Mavn BI leverages data from a variety of sources – including point of sale, video analytics, alarm data, licence plate recognition, and more – to empower businesses with actionable knowledge to help improve operational efficiency, mitigate risks, protect people and assets, and help reduce loss.  Sightline is centred on Everon’s premier suite of video offerings, combining the power of a video-driven security approach with Everon’s best-in-class monitoring services for a compelling suite of future-forward solutions. Everon’s cloud-based software Onepoint, Everon’s cloud-based software portal, acts as a single point of access for commercial customers, linking their critical business insights from Mavn BI and Sightline video solutions in an all-in-one destination. Onepoint acts as a growth platform to accommodate future security and life safety solution integrations to enhance the overall user experience going forward, all through a single pane of glass. "We’re offering a single point of entry where customers can gain invaluable insight into their business through differentiating analytics, and leverage the mounting power of video to bolster the safety and security of their facilities. These are customer-centric technologies that create the best-in-class user experience we’re always striving for at Everon," said Mike Compton, Chief Technology Officer, Everon.

The Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR), an organisation established to promote the value of verification and validation of alarm events during the emergency response process, recently announced a new Vice President.  The new PPVAR Vice President for Alarm Industry role will be filled by Ms. Tammy Cozby, VP of Commercial Monitoring at Everon. With over three decades of experience, Tammy has dedicated herself to central station management within the security sector. Actively engaged in industry associations, Ms. Cozby brings her experience to PPVAR to continue to improve the alarm response process. She remarked, “I feel very honorued for this opportunity.” Current PPVAR Board The current PPVAR Board term is led by President Mark McCall, Director of Global Operations for IMMIX The current PPVAR Board term is led by President Mark McCall, Director of Global Operations for IMMIX. The PPVAR board is structured to alternate the role of President between the alarm industry and public safety each term. The current President, Mark McCall, is from the alarm industry and will maintain his role until the end of his term in 2025. At that time, the current Vice President for Public Safety, Frank Fernandez, Chief of Police/ Director of Public Safety (Ret.) will step into the role as President. The complete board includes:  Mark McCall - President Frank Fernandez - Vice President of Public Safety Tammy Cozby – Vice President Alarm Industry Joey Rao-Russell - Treasurer Kristy Johnson - Secretary David Holl - Immediate Past-President Rob Baxter John Chiaramonte Bob Finney Scott Harkins Andy King Tom Nakatani Steve Walker Jeanne Palmer-Wulforst - Executive Director PPVAR’s mission  PPVAR’s board is unique in that it represents a balanced team of professionals from the public safety, electronic security, alarm monitoring industries and consultants to these fields. Each one has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their industry and is dedicated to improving public safety. Each of the individuals enjoys excellent relationships across public and private sectors, and each brings a unique perspective on the issues related to the alarm response process. Their collective expertise and diverse insights ensure PPVAR’s mission to encourage the exploration and adoption of proven alarm verification technologies.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Innovation Awards, recognising excellence and innovation within the electronic security and life safety industry. These prestigious awards highlight next-generation products and services that present significant growth opportunities for integrator companies. A comprehensive set of criteria An independent panel of judges selected the winners based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including ingenuity, applicability, response to market needs, and more. The 2024 ESX Innovation Awards Judging Panel, led by Preston Atkins, Systems Engineer at Certified Alarm Co. of AL Inc., also included Richard Tampier, VP of Everon Solutions, Jamie Byrd, VP of Business Development at Security Central, and Gregory R. Breyer, Director of Fire Business Development at Zeus Fire & Security. ESX extends its gratitude to these judges for their dedication and expertise in recognising forward-thinking ideas within the security industry. Efficiency and profitability "The ESX Innovation Award winners showcase the industry's pioneering-edge advancements,” explains ESX Chairman, George De Marco. “These innovative products and services are driving efficiency and profitability. Congratulations to this year's outstanding innovators for shaping the future of security and life safety technology." 2024 ESX Innovation Award Winners ESX congratulates the visionary companies behind these breakthrough technologies. Winners are listed in alphabetical order by category: Access Control/ ID Systems Readers / Keypads AC-2DM by Aiphone Fire/ Life Safety Detection Appliances – Smoke / Heat / Gas Detection Services FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke/CO) UL Jeweller by Ajax Systems Cellular / Radio Communications Super Dual ™ StarLink Fire Max2 Supervised Dual SIM/ Dual Path Communicator by NAPCO Security Technologies Inc. Installation/ Service Tools Tools / Testers Camerashine Surveillance Cleaning Kit– Clean Any Camera Safely from the Ground by Camerashine Systems Design / LifeCycle Maintenance – Commercial System Surveyor 2.0 by System Surveyor Intrusion Systems Outdoor Detection MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller by Ajax Systems Monitoring (Central Station) Alarm Monitoring for End User Patented Becklar Engage Platform– an AI-Powered Platform that Makes a Difference in the Moments that Matter by Becklar Smart Home IT / Networking Araknis 920-Series Switch by Snap One Home Automation / Home Control Systems Control4 Halo Touch Remote by Snap One Specialty Products & Services Power Supplies & Batteries CP1500PFCRM2U PFC Sinewave Short-Depth UPS System by CyperPower Systems Video Surveillance Managed Video Advanced Interactive Video Monitoring and Remote Guarding Solution – Eyeforce by Becklar Video Analytics Alarm.com: AI Deterrence (AID) by Alarm.com Video Management Software Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing/ Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Sharing Complete by Eagle Eye Networks Megapixel / HD Cameras First Alert VX3 HD Outdoor Camera by Resideo IP Cameras TurretCam (8 Mp/2.8mm) by Ajax Systems The ESX Innovation Awards continue to spotlight the innovative efforts of companies that are shaping the future of the security and life safety industry. The awards ceremony will take place during the ESX 2024 Expo, where attendees can explore these innovative products and services. TechVision challenge TechVision Challenge is an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers The TechVision Challenge is a Shark Tank Style Competition held at ESX where judges recognise outstanding products and services that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward. The TechVision Challenge is an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers to come up with innovative end-user offerings and tools that help dealers, integrators, and monitoring professionals become more efficient and profitable. Judging criteria The selection of the winner is based on specific judging criteria that include: Features & Functions Aesthetic & Design Qualities Groundbreaking or Innovative Improving End User Experience Overall WOW Factor Improves Efficiency Increases Company Value Regulatory Compliance It is up to each contestant to prepare their presentations for the competition and the TechVision Challenge judging criteria will be used to determine what product or service will be named Best of Show for ESX 2024. Interactive judging panel In 2024, 9 participants from the Innovation Awards judging process were invited to compete in the TechVision Challenge and an interactive judging panel of a minimum of 3 judges watched the presentations. The judges then have up to 12 minutes for each presentation to judge each product. In 2024, they had incredible products in the competition for “Best of Show”, but the ultimate winner was Ajax Systems for the FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke/CO) UL Jeweller with runner-up Eagle Eye Networks for their Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing/ Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Sharing Complete.

ISC West 2024 mirrored a vibrant industry on the precipice of accelerated change. Factors such as the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and biometrics are shaping the future of the security marketplace, and they were front-and-centre at the industry’s biggest U.S. show in Las Vegas.  Foot traffic was steady and impressive, including more than 29,000 security industry professionals viewing 750 exhibitors. A torrent of eager attendees crowded the lobby on the first day and could not wait for the doors to open. When they were admitted, the wealth of technological innovation and business opportunity did not disappoint. Focus on cloud systems Cloud systems were high-profile at ISC West. Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference. Meanwhile, Genetec officially launched their Security Centre SaaS platform, which aims at eliminating points of friction to enable integrators to easily embrace cloud systems from quoting and ordering to provisioning and installing.  Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference Cloud provider Eagle Eye Networks promoted their new “Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing” technology under which both non-Eagle Eye Cloud VMS customers (via Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Camera Sharing) and Eagle Eye customers can opt to share their video feeds for use by 911 operators in case of emergency. If users opt-in, 911 operators can have access to live video as an emergency unfolds. Eagle Eye Networks provides the feature by integrating with RapidSOS call centre software. Camera locations are based on geolocation coordinates, and customers can choose if they want to participate and which cameras they want to share. Biometrics in the mainstream Biometrics were well represented at ISC West, including Alcatraz AI, which introduced an outdoor version of their biometric face recognition product. The Rock X works well despite harsh lighting. Alcatraz’s products do not have to be integrated, they communicate just like a card reader using OSDP or Wiegand protocol. “At the show, customers are excited about moving to a frictionless environment and getting rid of existing credentialing,” said Tina D’Agostin, CEO and co-founder of Alcatraz. “We are making access control frictionless, secure and private. The experience can be as passive as possible – people can just walk in.” Multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video SAFR from Real Networks also featured biometric face recognition, emphasising feature sets, convenience, and price/performance. They offer multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video. A new device is a small mullion mount that is “approaching the price of a card reader, factoring in the need to purchase cards,” said Brad Donaldson, Vice President and General Manager. SAFR focuses on convenience: You don’t have to take out your phone to pass through a door. Enrolment is easy by incorporating existing databases, and costs are lower than competitors, said Donaldson. The system analyses multiple points on the face, turns it into data and then encrypts it, providing a “unique signature for each person.”  Credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet AMAG Technology announced the compatibility of credentials with the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The company is also embracing a new strategic direction under President David Sullivan. They launched a new website in January, are developing dynamic resources and a partner page, and they now integrate with 120 tech partners. AMAG Technology Financial Services now enables their channel partners to offer leasing and financing options to customers. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different,” according to the company. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different" The new Symmetry Control Room, a command-and-control system, is a relaunch of an earlier AMAG product with enhanced features. Suitable for large enterprise customers, the software enables a big video wall to display all the various systems and incorporates all the data into a single “pane of glass.” Operators can “draw a lasso” around cameras they want to display on the video wall and can follow action across multiple camera feeds.  Navigating megatrends A breakfast meeting for integrators, sponsored by Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, was built around the theme “Navigating Megatrends for Sustainable Growth." The megatrends are artificial intelligence, sustainability and cybersecurity. Related to cybersecurity, there are 350 common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) published per week, reflecting the continuing threat to cybersecurity. Physical security has a “data lake” of information from various physical security systems that can be an attractive target for cybersecurity breaches. Data sets can be exploited and/or poisoned. The security industry needs to apply “defence in depth” to the challenges of protecting data. “The threat landscape is always changing, and security technology is an iterative process,” said Antoinette King, i-PRO’s head of cyber convergence, one of the panellists. Natural language systems Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West. Brivo, for example, has an early prototype of its “natural language search capabilities” that can answer questions such as “Who is in the office?” or “Where is Bob and what has he done?” Brivo also promoted its all-in-one door station device that combines a card reader and a camera (for facial authentication) and serves as a video intercom, thus eliminating the need for multiple devices at the door. Brivo is also emphasising tailgate prevention, facial authentication, and people counting using AI at the edge. Also promoting natural language systems was Verkada, which unveiled a beta version of its AI Search feature that embraces national language capabilities. With AI Search, users will soon be able to use natural language to search for people or items. For example, a search could be “person climbing over a fence” or “person making phone call” or “person wearing football jersey.” Verkada wants to be thoughtful with the rollout and make sure effective guardrails are implemented to prevent abuse and bias. The release should happen in the coming months. Multi-family applications Allegion is promoting the XE360 hardware lock platform in various formats, including cylindrical lock, mortise lock, deadbolt and exit trim. At the show, Allegion noted an enthusiasm for multi-family applications. “We have been surprised by the people who want to add electronics and to retrofit existing multi-family facilities to compete with newer facilities,” said Henry “Butch” Holland, Allegion’s Regional Director, Channel Sales East Region. Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec Allegion also offers an “indicator” display on its locks, showing at a glance whether a door is locked or unlocked. The “indicator” might also display “occupied” or “vacant.” Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec.  Integrator M&A trends Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts A conversation with Everon at ISC West provided insights into the accelerating trend of mergers and acquisitions among the integrator community. Everon, formerly ADT Commercial, has done six acquisitions of local integrators since they changed their name last year. In targeting companies to acquire, they look for a good company with a good reputation, and they consider how the new company’s competencies complement their own. Some M&A strategy is geographic, as Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts. They also consider density, seeking to add new acquisitions in larger markets where they don’t currently have a big market share. “A lot of investment is coming into security because it is seen by investors as recession-proof,” said Michael Kennedy, VP, Mergers and Acquisitions, for Everon. Kennedy met with 95 businesses last year for possible acquisition, and the company only finalised a handful – reflecting that Everon is selective and careful that corporate cultures are aligned. “With an acquisition, the goal is to keep every customer and every employee,” said Kennedy. Voice of the customer  ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. “We have every kind of problem come to the booth,” commented Heather Torrey, Honeywell’s General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas. “People are passionate, interested and very specific with their questions and comments,” she said. “We are driving a complete system, but we are flexible, helping our customers to meet their needs and not try to fit every foot into the same shoe. Sometimes meeting customer needs involves working with competitors," Torrey commented. “It truly comes back to listening to the customer, not just ‘this is what we have to offer,’” she adds. ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. Edge applications are everywhere at ISC West, and one company is promoting a new approach to expand functionality at the edge. Camera company i-PRO advocates the use of the “Docker” platform for app development, an option they offer on their cameras. Docker “containers” package deep-learning algorithms to make it easier to embed software into edge devices. Anyone can run Docker apps on i-PRO cameras that use the powerful Ambarella chip. A Docker “swarm” can combine multiple edge devices to work together and share resources. For example, the approach can increase computing power at the edge to increase the capabilities of instant analytics. It’s faster and provides better redundancies. A “distributed computing platform” ensures less latency than communicating analytics to a central server.  Unification of capabilities Johnson Controls (JCI) also promotes the trend of combining multiple systems into a single pane of glass. Their “Open Blue” platform, with a security version unveiled at the show, integrates various security systems into one, combining data and monitoring device health.  Basically, the system manages all resources holistically. JCI also notes a trend toward “unification of capabilities,” e.g., combining access control and video. “The scope of security is evolving from a focus on protection to a broader focus on operations,” commented Julie M. Brandt, JCI’s President, Building Solutions North America.