ISC West Really Rocks

There are no words to adequately describe the opening of ISC West 2013. I hope the excitement and activity on Day One are an indication that the security market is bouncing back. I am certain the success is the work of the talented tradeshow coordinators and the excellent reputation built up by this event in past years.

ISC West 2013 has been awesome.

From what I understand and have heard, floor space is more than ever before, there are more exhibitors, and more new exhibitors that ever before. New products mean that people are thinking and putting ideas to good use.

I'm excited about our opportunity to report on the SIA Showcase winners. Winners of this prestigious product contest will be published in our May issue of Security Products.

What I have seen on the show floor is a wide range of new offerings, updated and retooled products from last year. There is energy in the air at the Sands Convention Center.

There are a couple of things of particular interest. One, announced this morning, is that Axis Communications has agreed to a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology. Two students were very well prepared to address how they are working with the camera manufacturer; and to me, this means, a new focus on engineering security products in the future.

I also enjoyed a private tour of the Dotworkz products. The company hosted an event after hours where they displayed their cameras housings. If you attended, you were able to see how company officials have divided their product lineup among regions in the country. For instance, a housing used in the arid region of Arizona is not the same housing that would be called for in snowy Denver. That housing used in Arizona comes complete with a couple of air cooling systems that might not be needed somewhere else.

I'm looking forward to today's events on the show floor. And, anxious to share more with you tomorrow.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

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