How Cool Are These Cameras?
Way cool. At a press
conference held in March at the American Museum of Natural History, Panasonic
Security Systems' President Frank DeFina unveiled the company's newest camera
technology-the Super Dynamic III (SDIII). Leading the way in Panasonic's new
product initiative of providing the security industry with Intelligent Technology (IT),
SDIII raises the bar in camera performance and functionality.
The technology, according to DeFina, combines a newly designed CCD and powerful digital signal processing (DSP) that deliver a myriad of innovative performance features. SDIII allows cameras to continuously adjust themselves in direct response to a wide range of conditions to deliver exceptional image definition and balance, even in the most challenging security applications.
Simply stated, the cameras think for themselves. "The two new SDIII models-the WV-CS954 Color Dome Camera and the WV-CP480 Series Color Fixed Camera- exhibit a level of intelligence that is truly revolutionary for security applications," DeFina states. With this quantum leap in IT-Information Technology and Intelligent Technology-Panasonic, quite clearly, gets IT.
UTC To Acquire Lenel, Industry Leader in Security Software
United Technologies Corp. just announced plans to acquire Rochester, N.Y.-based
Lenel Systems International, Inc., a leading security systems and software developer. The
purchase is subject to regulatory clearance.
The purchase price is approximately $400 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, and will not have a significant impact on UTC's 2005 revenues or earnings, according to the company.
Lenel is among the leaders in the development and delivery of scalable, integrated security software systems and business solutions. According to a company spokesperson, the privately held company employs approximately 150 people and has customers in 75 countries. It will report as an independent entity to Olivier Robert, president of UTC's fire and security business, Chubb.
"Lenel has a large end user customer base and a strong distribution network of Value-Added Resellers (VARs) to deliver state of the art integrated solutions," Robert states. "This is a highly effective market channel that will continue to serve Lenel well."
Wireless Alarm Systems Company is Acquired
Inovonics Wireless Corporation is being acquired by Roper Industries, Inc. of Duluth,
GA. Inovonics, a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of wireless products for
monitoring and control in security, sub-metering, temperature and other applications,
sought the transaction to gain scale and accelerate growth with new opportunities for
Inovonics Wireless, including the ability to expand its product line offerings and reach
new customers, according to a company spokesperson.
Long Island Security Professionals Speak Out on Legislation
Proposed False Alarm legislation for Suffolk County (Long Island, NY) grabbed the attention of a host of area dealers, alarm company owners, and association members, who rallied at a public hearing to show their concern. Many of them spoke at the public hearing held recently for the proposed ordinance and voiced their discontent over its ramifications.
In its original form, the legislation called for unreasonably high and harsh fines for false alarm owners-$1000 for the fourth false alarm in a 12 month period, as well as being guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, facing possible imprisonment. Industry representatives at the hearing showed great willingness to work with law enforcement to develop false alarm reduction measures. And, in reviewing the fine print of the legislation, Suffolk County lawmakers shelved the ordinance in an attempt to arrive at a better solution. Kudos to all the industry reps that took the time to be present at this important hearing.
Focus on Education
To help enhance the safety and security of staff and students at Elgin High School in
Elgin, TX, ADT Security Services Inc., reports it has donated a digital video surveillance
and recording system to the 950-student public campus.
The Elgin video surveillance system will show how electronic security technologies can assist school administrators in creating positive learning environments. The donated equipment will include 22 high-resolution day/night cameras installed throughout the school and a digital video management system that will provide video-based motion detection, object search and digital video enhancement.
An observation video monitor placed in the front office will display a tour of selected camera views. A second video monitor will allow school administrators to independently assess activities in real time and to investigate incidents as they happen.
Innovation of the Year Award
DVTel, Inc is this year's recipient of the coveted 2005 IIPSEC Security Awards IP
Innovation of the Year honor, garnering top show honors from among 50+ entrants. In
addition, DVTel was one of five finalists in the IP Software (Latitude Network Video
Management System) and IP Applications (Westminster Council) categories, winning the
award for Best IP Application.
Olympic Success for IP-Video
Though the games are well over, officials looking back agree, IP-video played a
significant role in the successful operation of the security system at the 2004 Athens
Olympics. IndigoVision reports its technology provided a digital transmission backbone
that formed the basis of one of the largest IP-video surveillance infrastructure projects.
There were 63 command centers with 1250 operators monitoring 47 venues spread out
over an area of 250 square kilometers. Digital IP-video systems are perfect for large-scale
video surveillance solutions because of their flexibility, accessibility and scalability, says
a company spokesperson. IndigoVision's tried and tested technology, installed by Mer
Industries of Israel, was chosen as the principal component to the system. The result was
a comprehensive and integrated video system with over 700 IndigoVision 8000
transmitter/receiver modules being used to transmit MPEG-4 quality digital video, audio
and control data over the IP-network.
New Office Opens SecurityNet member Operational Security Systems (OSS) Inc. has opened a new office in Casselberry, FL (Orlando area), in order to better serve its customers in the central Florida region. The office, located at 215 Live Oak Boulevard, will coordinate customer service with OSS' headquarters in Atlanta, GA, for customers in Florida and the Caribbean. In addition, OSS serves all or parts of three Southeastern states for SecurityNet, a group of sixteen independent security system integrators chartered in 1993 to provide globally integrated security solutions and services to the corporate marketplace. The Florida office will be managed by Andy Barclay, an industry veteran with more than 11 years of experience in the electronic security field.
Security Symposium
About 60 officials from 28 northeastern colleges and universities attended a College
Security Symposium held recently at the Foxwood's Resort in Connecticut. SecurityNet
member MAC Systems and Adam Thermos, Ph.D., a noted independent college security
consultant, hosted the event. Senior university officers from Brown University,
Worcester State College, Johnson and Wales University, Pace University, and SUNY
Cobleskill participated as featured speakers. Presentation topics included campus
contingency planning and policy, balancing the needs of security and privacy,
formulating budgets for security technology, database security, collegiate security
organizations and detailed project analysis.
"This was a great event that gave college and university officials a chance to learn about the latest security technology and practices," states Tom Heenan, vice president of sales and marketing for MAC Systems. Easin' On Down The Road
The Pelco Mobile Product Showcase (MPS) is rolling toward its second birthday and has clocked more than 200,000 miles. The MPS, a cross-country, traveling mini- Pelco on wheels, is staffed by video security experts and is always on the move, visiting end users, dealers, distributors, integrators, consultants and government entities across the nation. The goal is to increase customer familiarity with Pelco, its products, and commitment to customer service; it's been used for hands-on-sales presentations, product-training sessions, open house events, and trade shows. Growing to a fleet of three last year, Western, Central, and Eastern Regions of the United States are well covered, including Canada. Efforts are also under consideration to launch a European Mobile Product Showcase to accommodate our international customers.
Demand For A Security Division
TOA Electronics, Inc. has created a new Security Products Division within its existing
organization to support its VS-900 security intercom line and a series of new CCTV
security products to be introduced this year. To help support this effort, TOA has hired
Allan Lamberti in the position of National Sales Manager, Security Products.
Global Expansion Begins
In line with its aggressive global expansion strategy, Toshiba Teli Corporation is forming Toshiba Teli America, Inc. It marks the company's first subsidiary in the U.S. and will be headed up by Doug Freck as President and CEO. The new Toshiba Teli America, Inc. facility houses all U.S. based sales, engineering, service and warehousing operations and is located at 33 Hammond, Suite 211, Irvine, CA 92618.
New Prez/CEO
Optex, a global manufacturer of infrared security technologies, promotes Jim Quick to
President and Chief Executive Officer for North American operations. Quick, former
Optex Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been a business development strategist
in technology and manufacturing for over 20 years.
Consolidating All Brands
Into One
OSI Systems, Inc. announces that its Rapiscan, Metorex, Ancore and ARACOR
security businesses are being consolidated into one company which is now called
Rapiscan Systems. It will offer its customer base a broad range of security solutions for
baggage and parcel inspection, cargo and vehicle inspection, hold baggage inspection and
people screening. Rapiscan Systems a fully vertically-integrated company with a broad
product line. The company employs more than 550 security professionals
worldwide.
Spreadin' Out
Due to a sustained growth in sales, Ultra Electronics Card Systems has invested in a
major new production facility for its Magicard ID card printers. Built as a new mezzanine
floor within the Weymouth, United Kingdom factory, the 4,000 sq. feet facility represents
an investment of over $500,000. Peter Macfarlane, chairman of parent company Ultra
Electronics Holdings, opened the new facility, which is now in full operation.
NEWSMAKERS
DVTel Inc. welcomes four new staff members. J. Steven Rice, comes aboard as
Director Strategic Channel Development, Brian Friedman is the new Southern California
Sales Manager; Kirk Hansen, is named Northwest Region Sales Manager, and, Chris
Helin is the new Central Region Sales Manager...Dakota Security Systems, Inc. adds Jim
Ellis, CPP, CSS, CET as Commercial Sales Manager for the state of Iowa. Jim has over
15 years experience in the security industry and holds a Level I Certification in Fire
Alarm Systems through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering
Technologies (NICET)....Joe Hays joins the Fujinon CCTV Product Division as Western
Regional Sales Manager, CCTV Sales. Rob Russin also joins the team as Central
Regional Sales Manager, CCTV Sales....Group 4 Technology names Nicole Deschler
VOC/Dealer Program Manager....David Sullivan is appointed managing director of the
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for HID Corporation Ltd...Infinova
names Rafael Ramirez Sales Manager for the Latin America Northern territory. He has
been in the security/surveillance industry for the last 10...Ron Miller also joins Infinova
as Regional Sales Manager in the United States covering Minnesota, Eastern Wisconsin,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. He brings
12 plus years in the security and life safety industry....Kastle Systems promotes Jim
Mustard to Vice President, Regional Sales for the Philadelphia, Southern and Midwestern
regions.....Integrated Security Systems (ISS) promotes Michael Smith to Director of
Business Development. Smith is a 16-year veteran of the security industry....Network
Video Technologies (NVT) announces that George Wojtan has joined its sales force as
Western Region Datacom and Telecom Sales Manager.....OzVision appoints Scott Grant
to the position of senior account manager of sales.....Matthew Rogers joins USBX, Inc.
as a Managing Director in the Security practice group. Rogers brings 13 years of
international fire and security industry transaction experience to USBX....Rick Spano
joins Vector Security's National Accounts Division. He began his career in the electronic
and security industry over 15 years ago, specializing in commercial system design and
integration, with a specialization in fire alarm systems....The National Crime Prevention
Council (NCPC) announces that Thanasis Molokotos, president and CEO of ASSA
ABLOY, has joined the Board of Directors. The National Crime Prevention Council
(NCPC) is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose primary mission is to
enable people to create safer and more caring communities by addressing the causes of
crime and violence and reducing the opportunities for crime to occur....Supreme Security
Systems appoints industry veteran Philip Spiegler to Installation Manager....Brandon
Young joined COPS Monitoring as the new account manager at its Texas-based central
station in Grapevine, TX. . . Atronic Alarms promotes Nell Mathews to General Manager
to work with management in all departments.
