Software that Stands Up in the War Zone
The Marine Corps is putting ObjectVideo’s intelligent video software, VEW, to work in Iraq. It is used to create a virtual perimeter around forward-operating bases to immediately detect and identify threats to Marines in secure areas of Fallujah.
The software had already proven itself after being used in the successful deployment of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Critical Area Protection System (CAPS). CAPS is an expandable situational awareness solution for expeditionary force protection in battlefield environments.
VEW is installed in cameras that are mounted on telescopic poles atop trailers. When a potential threat is detected or the perimeter is breached, an alert is sent instantly to a display monitored by a soldier in the II MEF command center in the camp. Soldiers can quickly and easily set up a virtual perimeter, even amid the chaos of a war zone.
“ObjectVideo’s mission is to secure against threats here at home or abroad, but we’re especially proud to be supporting the United States Marines as they fight insurgents in Iraq,” states Raul Fernandez, president, Chairman and CEO.
New Prez Named
Phillip Wright steps into the role of president for American Video Electronics, Inc. (AVEI), manufacturer of patented digital video recorders. He brings 25 years of alarm industry experience which includes National Sales Manager at FBI, Inc, VP Sales Ultrak, co-founder and VP of TVX, Inc. Founder and Pres of Alarm Verification Products, Inc. and VP Sales and Marketing for Biometrics 2000. In other news, AVEI has been a granted a patent for its removable storage and systems hard drives contained in its LX series digital video recorders. The patented hot swapable storage drives help to eliminate downtime due to drive failure, and also allow for the removal and safe keeping of the storage drives. Hot swap means that hard drives can be removed and replaced without powering down the system.
Contracts Awarded
- IPIX Corporation, supplier of 360-degree, immersive imaging technologies for visual intelligence applications, has secured a $2.4 million research contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to research and build the world’s highest resolution video camera. The camera will be used for aerial surveillance missions, with applications including border patrol, battle surveillance and forensic intelligence.
- The Viscom division of Diversified Security Solutions has been awarded a $1.5 million contract with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The company has been selected to provide and install video surveillance systems on 80 light rail vehicles and provide maintenance for three years. Viscom will provide the Santa Clara VTA with Mobile Digital Video Recorders (MDVRs) and Enterprise Management Suite software from March Networks.
The City of Long Beach, California, has awarded a $3 million contract to ARINC Incorporated for a new state-of-the-art security system and enhanced security operations center at historic Long Beach Airport. ARINC will install its new airport security management solution—the AIM System for Airports—in the security operations center of Long Beach Airport.
A PAL For Life
When he was growing up in Philadelphia, PA, Matthew Kushner, president and CEO of Integral Technologies, was part of the Police Athletic League (PAL). Knowing from experience the good that PAL Clubs do for young people, it’s no surprise that Integral Technologies recently donated 29 Rawlings baseball gloves to the PAL Club of Indianapolis for its summer youth baseball program. The Club, first established in 1940, now involves at-risk youth in educational, cultural, and fitness activities that will deter crime, increase self-esteem and promote a positive relationship with police. Kudos to Matt Kushner and Integral Technologies for their generosity in giving back to the community.
An IP Software Surveillance Solution
Security software developer Milestone Systems has joined with ACTi Corp., a leader in MPEG-4 ASP compliant IP surveillance products, to integrate its IP video products into Milestone’s security software.The IP cameras and video servers, accompanied by Milestone’s software, provide complete IP surveillance systems for the growing IP security market, including higher-level security management, increased functionality, scalability, flexibility, and greater cost efficiencies.
Compliance Achieved
The Access Control System 300 from GVI Security Solutions has achieved compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number 12 (HSPD-12), a mandated directive issued by President George W. Bush in 2004, to establish a common identification standard for all Federal Government employees and contractors. According to the directive, “secure and reliable forms of identification” means identification that is based on sound criteria for verifying an individual employee’s identity; is strongly resistant to identity fraud, tampering, counterfeiting, and terrorist exploitation; uses electronic methods of rapid authentication; and is issued only by providers whose reliability has been established by an official accreditation process. The GVI system also meets specified intent of Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201).
Raffle Winner Takes Home the Prize
SDi, supplier of professional test and service apparatus for fire detection systems, awarded its NFPA raffle winner Rod Getz, president of GETZ Fire Equipment Co., a Solo 850 system for testing detectors, along with a full case of Solo Detector Tester aerosols. The prize, which is a universal system for removing, replacing and testing of smoke detectors up to 23ft, includes a Smoke Dispenser, Telescopic Poles, a detector Removal Tool and a tough Carrying Bag. Getz reports he’s already put the system to work to save both time and money.
NEWSMAKERS
Panasonic System Solutions Company (PSSA) promotes Keith Ridings to National Sales Manager responsible for U.S. sales of video surveillance products. In his new role, Keith will manage the company’s national sales team from its headquarters in Secaucus, NJ.…Dedicated Micros Inc. hires Mark Mabee as Integration Sales Manager, Access Control. Based out of the Torrance, CA, office, his focus will be on the company’s OEM partnerships with access control manufacturers and integrators.…Frank Murray joins Gamewell as mid-Atlantic regional sales manager, responsible for sales in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Ohio and Western New York.…Transportation and security industry veteran Gary Resnick joins Vidient Systems, Inc. as vice president, security channel development. Resnick was a principal at Glover/Resnick and Associates, Inc., an internationally recognized security and communications design firm known for managing a wide range of high-profile security projects in the United States, the Far East and the Pacific Basin… Integral Technologies appoints Mike Compton to the position of National Accounts Sales Manager. He’s previously served the company as Sales Manager, and Field Sales Manager.…Jim Lee is promoted to president of JLM Wholesale. Jim has 20 years experience in the industry and will be responsible for all aspects of JLM Wholesale’s business.…Kaba Access Control names Charles Hayes Business Development and OEM Manager for North America and Roger Bergstrom to the position of Product Trainer. They will be based in the company’s headquarters in Winston-Salem, NC.…Magal-Senstar, Inc. (MSI), welcomes Rob Welton to the position of Director, Homeland Security and Gerald Graham to the position of Sales Manager. Their efforts will be directly focused on developing new business in Government and Homeland Security markets.…Sonitrol Corporation announces several staff additions. Onboard are Andreas “Andy” Wittgren as Regional Sales Manager. Based in Long Beach, CA, he will focus on hiring, training and managing the sales team covering the Long Beach and San Bernadino territories. Byron Dowdell comes aboard as Regional Sales Manager. Working out of Memphis, TN, he will focus on hiring, training and managing the sales team covering Memphis, Nashville and surrounding areas. Marla Beaudo joins that company as National Accounts Support Center Manager. She’ll be based in Westlake, TX, and oversee the day to day management of the National Accounts Support Center—the organization that support Sonitrol’s National Account customers. Sonitrol also welcomes Richard Wynn as Regional Sales Manager. Based in Boston, MA, he will focus on hiring, training and managing the sales team covering Boston and Central Massachusetts.…Vector Security’s National Account Division expands its management staff with the appointment of Rich Brostrom. He’ll work out of Vector’s Newport Beach, CA office. He joins the Vector team after spending eight years at Sensormatic/ADT, specializing in the retail sector, where he designed and deployed large scale video surveillance and EAS systems.…HID Corporation appoints Larissa Kaiser to regional sales manager. Kaiser will be based in Bad Vilbel, Germany with sales responsibilities for Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.…IPIX names Jairo Rojas vice president and managing director of international operations. Rojas joined IPIX as an international sales director in February 2005. He will now manage international sales to spur company growth, specifically targeting European, Asian, Middle East and Latin American markets.…PPM 2000 Inc. promotes Brian McIlravey, CPP, to Vice-President, Consulting & Training. McIlravey is Board Certified in Security Management, and currently serves as ASIS’ International’s Assistant Regional Vice-President for Central Canada.…Stuart R. Benton, Vice-President Finance for MAC Systems, is named the recipient of The Boston Junior Chamber of Commerce (Boston Jaycees) “Ten Outstanding Young Leader” Awards. This award recognizes ten young individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 for their community service, professional accomplishments and personal development.…Kyle Holloway joins Midwest Wholesale Hardware as Western Region outside Sales Associate. She will direct sales for the company’s Western territory.
Still Taking a Bite Out of Crime
McGruff the Crime Dog, the trench coat-wearing icon who has taught millions of Americans how to “Take a Bite Out of Crime,” celebrates his 25th birthday– (that’s 175 in dog years!). McGruff was created in 1980, at no charge, by Saatchi & Saatchi Agency ad man Jack Keil. The Crime Dog was modeled after famous gumshoes such as television’s Colombo for the National Citizens’ Crime Prevention Campaign to teach straightforward messages about safety and crime prevention. He’s taught millions of people that the police can’t do it alone, starting with basic crime prevention messages about watching out for your neighbor and “stranger danger” for children. At 175 years old, the poor pooch is not even close to retirement. The National Crime Prevention Council reports, “With new problems and threats arising, McGruff will remain at the forefront, urging all Americans to help ‘Take a Bite Out of Crime.’” For more information on crime prevention issues, visit www.ncpc.org.
Efforts Awarded
Defender Security recently won SBC Yellow Pages’ prestigious Spirit of Success Award. The company specializes in in-home services such as security systems and satellite dishes. SBC Yellow Pages selected Defender Security and just four other customers out of 800,000 across its regions to receive the Spirit of Success Award this year. Defender Security started in 1998 with about five employees in a single Indianapolis office. The company now has 11 offices across Indiana with about 150 people on staff.
A Significant Equity Commitment
National Guardian Security Services, Inc., providers of electronic security services to multi-location businesses, announces the closing of a $10 million equity commitment from LLR Partners Inc. This expansion capital will allow National Guardian to execute its growth plans, make selected acquisitions, and accelerate the rollout of new services.
National Guardian offers installation, maintenance, and monitoring services for a range of security needs, including burglar and fire alarms, access control, closed circuit television, and remote video systems. George Flagg, President of National Guardian, comments, “We are excited to team up with LLR as National Guardian continues its growth plans. Their expertise and business network will be invaluable to our success.”
Protecting Children
Technology now exists that allows for a positive ID on missing children, no matter how much time has gone by. Panasonic’s Children’s Identification and Location Database (CHILD) Project is a secure, nationwide network and registry that enables law enforcement and social service agencies to positively identify missing children and adults using iris recognition systems from Panasonic Security Systems.
CHILD Project uses Panasonic’s BM-ET330 Iris Readers to capture detailed images of the iris in each of a child’s eyes. The images are stored in the CHILD Project’s national database or on a card that can be kept with the child’s family or guardian. To verify identity, an individual simply ‘looks into’ a Panasonic Iris Reader and the system compares the iris pattern image with iris images stored in the system. The National Sheriff’s Association has endorsed CHILD Project and over 1,100 sheriffs across the nation are participating. The CHILD Project team is helping secure funding for the system from state and federal agencies and private foundations.
Bill Bozeman, CPP, president and CEO of PSA Security Network was one of a 15 person group invited to participate in the Security Technology Investment Mission held in Israel this spring. “Many of the intelligent video and perimeter products our installers use come from PSA vendor companies who have research & development operations in Israel such as DVTel, OzVision, NICE and Magal,” Bozeman says. The exclusive and high-level format was structured to facilitate deal-making and networking opportunities. Bozeman and other senior level executives met with the CEOs of Israel’s leading and innovative security technology companies to initiate and develop partnerships. Also in attendance was security industry attorney Les Gold of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge.
The State of the Unions
- IndigoVision is partnering with Wavesight, outdoor radio technology provider, to create Wavesec, a suite of outdoor wireless radio/video surveillance systems. The systems, which are available in single and multi-channel formats, provide high quality video solutions for system integrator partners and offer the benefits of rapid deployment, scalability and secure data transmission.
- In other partnership news, Integral Technologies recently partnered with SST & Intercon Security, a FirstService Security company and security systems integrator in North America. Together, they offer integrated security solutions to businesses of all sizes.
- East Coast security provider, Matrix Security Systems, and North Carolina based SafeGuard Security have completed their recent consolidation. Under the transaction, the owners of Matrix Security Systems, LLC traded their LLC membership interests for stock in Lotus Security Services, Inc., d/b/a SafeGuard Security. While the company will conduct business as Matrix Security Systems, the SafeGuard Security name will continue to be used in the Carolinas.
- ObjectVideo and IPIX announce an partnership to bring 360-degree intelligent video surveillance solutions to market. The combined technologies simultaneously identify potential threats in all directions and can pan, tilt and zoom in on objects of interest. In other developments,
ObjectVideo and Texas Instruments Incorporated are implementing ObjectVideo OnBoard, a product line that includes ObjectVideo’s intelligent video application software optimized for operation on TI’s DSP-based digital media processor.
Setting A New Standard
Vicon Industries Inc. has upgraded its SurveyorVFT Dome Cameras to the latest National Transportation Communications ITS Protocol (NTCIP). Vicon has been dedicated to the ITS industry and the development of NTCIP software for its SurveyorVFT Dome Cameras and is setting the new standard by implementing NTCIP directly into the dome as a flash download. The company continues to implement newer versions of NTCIP as they are published.
NBFAA Relocates
The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has moved its headquarters to Irving, TX from Silver Spring, MD. The Association had been evaluating locations based on a number of key criteria and considered possible sites in several states, including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau reports. “From DFW International Airport, we can travel anywhere in the continental United States within four hours or less. The region’s Central Time Zone provides added flexibility in supporting and servicing our members and the savings on facility costs alone will translate into better programs and enhanced deliverables for our membership.”
