My name is Paul Rothman and I am the new editor in chief of Security Dealer & Integrator. For my first column, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give you a little information on my background; however, my first message to you is the most important: Everything you have come to expect from SD&I — from its end-to-end coverage of the channel, to technology insights, to tips on running a better business and so much more — will continue to be prominently featured in these pages with me at the helm. But of course, you can also expect some exciting enhancements!
I started covering the security industry way back in the summer of 2001 as an assistant editor with the now-defunct Access Control & Security Systems magazine. As you might imagine, a few months later — in September 2001 — I became well-acquainted with the central importance of security to our nation.
I have covered this industry since then from the end-user’s perspective — many of the very customers who keep the readers of SD&I flourishing in this business. I served as managing editor of our sister publication, Security Technology Executive, for more than six years. Now, I am tremendously excited to serve the channel market, and I think I have a fairly unique perspective because I already understand what your commercial and industrial customers want and need.
One area that surely unites the dealer/integrator and end-user communities is technology. From your basic mechanical lock all the way through infrared cameras, SD&I will keep you informed of the latest offerings, advances, breakthroughs and trends. This leads me to a new monthly column in SD&I called Tech Trends, where our expert columnist, Ray Coulombe of securityspecifiers.com, will keep you abreast of the latest in cutting-edge technology from the many sectors that serve the security industry. This month’s column takes a fascinating look at the newest options in wireless communications — be sure to check it out on page 20 and look for it every month near the front of the issue.
Also from the technology perspective, SD&I will continue to feature the latest and greatest new products from the vendors that serve the security industry. Look for a Technology Spotlight in every issue that will outline a particular technology, and then feature a range of products from vendors in that space. This issue’s technology spotlight goes hand-in-hand with our cover focus on school security: emergency communications & mass notification. Check out our comprehensive coverage of the technology on page 44, along with a product showcase starting on page 48. In addition, SD&I will provide a vast array of newly released technologies in our New Products section — this month’s section is focused on the technologies that will be on display at the ASIS show, starting Sept. 24. Please use this show product preview (starting on page 82) as a guide as you roam the exhibit hall in Chicago; or, call it a “virtual walk” on the exhibit hall floor if you are unable to attend.
SD&I has already proven its dedication to providing you with the tools for success in different markets, and I will make sure this continues. This month’s focus is K-12 school security, and we are covering this very important market from soup to nuts. Check out page 22, where our huge school security section begins.
I am very excited to have this opportunity to serve you! If you have article ideas or suggestions, please contact me at [email protected]. You can also find me on Linkedin.
