Confessions of an editor

April 7, 2010
Have we been blindsided?
If you are a proponent of change in the industry, well, then wait one second--because in that span of time you'll see more changes. Everything is morphing, and it's all because of the proliferation of the Internet and networking and cellular technology-the changing communication landscape. There isn't one business that hasn't felt challenged or squeezed or in turmoil or confusion and it's safe to say this is one of the most profound for anyone that's occurred since, well, maybe the industrial revolution?

I say all this because you've probably been reading about the demise of POTS lines, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or plain old telephone service as we like to refer to it. And I gotta admit, I believe wholeheartedly that most of you have been aware of this coming fundamental wind of change for quite some time, but maybe haven't done anything to prepare for it. We've been reporting on it and on the work of Lou Fiore, who chairs the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and is the principal of L.T. Fiore Inc., Sparta, N.J. The AICC committee is handling a recent firestorm of publicity not only on the demise of POTS but also, the work the group is doing on VOIP Notification Legislation. AICC's membership is comprised of representatives from the Electronic Security Association, the Central Station Alarm Association, Security Industry Association and several national companies (find AICC at www.csaaul.org). These organizations submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission in response to AT&T's recent filing concerning the transition from the circuit-switched network to broadband and IP-based communications.

According to Geoff Kohl, editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Securityinfowatch.com, as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress directed the FCC to create a national broadband plan by March 17, 2010 that seeks to ensure all Americans have access to broadband capability. As part of their plan development, the commission, in December, sought comments on the transition from a circuit-switched network to an all-IP network. The FCC is trying to determine whether or not new policy should be considered and what relevant questions should be raised on how best to monitor and plan for such a transition. AT&T filed a comment late last year with the FCC stating that, "due to technological advances, changes in consumer preference and market forces, the question is when, not if, POTS service and the PSTN over which it is provided will become obsolete."

And there you have it. It's time to step up your game and get with the manufacturers who are willing to help with white papers and information on alternative technologies, such as the superb piece published recently by DMP called "Cellular Solution to Central Station Signaling."

This issue has our forward-thinking content. There's the story on How to Sell IP Video starting on page 26, and the State of the Dealer Market, in which Michael Barnes of Barnes Associates has provided talking points on account acquisition exclusive to SD&I, see page 36. And of course, don't miss our vertical market feature on page 42, where we are serving up opportunities in casinos and hotels. Take a look at the table of contents and see what you want to read; I'm sure there's plenty more to pique your interest.