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The Making of a Network
Laptop and ‘ping' new tools of the tradeThe Latest from SIW
Mace to launch dealer program, acquire central station New study looks at EAS, business intelligence use at retailers Basics of establishing an employee ID badging system The security week that was: 1/02/09 The top 40 security stories of 2008 Homemade bombs force evacuations in Aspen, Colo.
By Deborah L. O'Mara
Editor-in-Chief
Just like that, many in the traditional burglar alarm business wake up and know something is different. They realize they are not just selling sensors, detectors, controls and devices. After they pinch themselves reality sets in. They aren't in the burglar alarm business anymore, but have migrated into the information technology (IT) space.
It may not be exactly how it happened for American Security Systems Inc. in Long Island City , N.Y. , but it's pretty close to what the real deal is in the industry today. Those companies that continue to focus on hardware only will find themselves left behind, missing a sizeable portion of the growing network and IP-based business.
American Security Systems, a 25+ year old alarm installation and monitoring firm, didn't want that to happen and as such it has been positioning itself for the future. It spent many years as a fire alarm company and access control provider and runs and maintains a UL Certified® and New York City Fire Department approved central station, monitoring for fire, burglary, hold-up, medical emergency and environmental conditions 24/7.
One of the most notable projects propelling them into the networking space is a highly recognizable one—the remodeling and retrofit of the historic landmark New York Times Building in Times Square, Manhattan . The building had been the headquarters of the nationally-known newspaper since 1913, but the company recently moved to a different location in the city.
Africa Israel Investments Ltd., known as AFIUSA, an international holding and investment company that specializes in real-estate development, bought the property located at 229 West 43rd Street and is refurbishing it to a luxury high rise office space as part of a $175 million renovation. American Security won the Request for Proposal and the contract for the comprehensive building security system. Their ability to build a dedicated security network—from scratch—was in large part a determining factor in being awarded the bid.
Dedicated network makes sense
Slated for completion this year, the leading edge project is designed as an enterprise class solution with the latest technology, including integration of access control, Internet protocol (IP) cameras with video analytics, Web-based visitor management and IP intercoms over a dedicated local area security network.
“This is a true deployment of seamless integration over a dedicated security network,” said Larry Dolin, president and chief executive officer of American Security Systems. “As our company continues to cultivate its networking capabilities we can effectively bridge the gap between our clients' security department and IT staff.” Dolin said American Security was chosen over five competing firms, based on their ability to value-engineer the project. The contract is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and one of the largest American Security has performed of late.
