Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO

Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO

Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEOFiretide Inc., a provider of next-generation wireless mesh networking, announced the appointment of Cisco veteran John McCool as president and CEO. McCool comes to Firetide from Cisco, where he was CTO and SVP of Cisco’s Global Enterprise Segment and led the “borderless networks” initiative that accounted for one-third of Cisco’s $46 billion sales in fiscal 2012.

In addition to his deep technical knowledge, McCool brings expertise in leadership and channel sales, acquired during 17 years of successfully developing new networking businesses for Cisco. He joins Firetide just as the company is experiencing an explosive demand for its advanced wireless networking technology that can be used in applications ranging from video surveillance to the emerging, sensor-based networks known as the “Internet of Things.”

Before joining Cisco, McCool led product development teams at SynOptics, NeXT Computer and Advanced Micro Devices. He has been active in creating industry standards, playing a key role in the development of 10/100BASE-T and FDDI technologies, and holds five patents in the field.

“The demand to connect advanced sensors, control equipment and video to the Internet in industrial environments is surging,” said John McCool, CEO of Firetide. “This represents a rare opportunity for any company that can lead in delivering next-generation mesh networks that provide high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity to both fixed and mobile assets. I think Firetide is that company.”

“John understands how to build and scale a global business, and he brings a dynamic blend of management experience and technology depth. We are delighted to have John lead Firetide as we enter this period of expanding market opportunity and business growth,” said Andy Ludwick, a Firetide board member.

McCool will join the Firetide board of directors, which includes:

  • H. DuBose Montgomery, founder of Menlo Ventures;
  • Duane Zitzner, former EVP of the Personal Systems Group at Hewlett Packard;
  • Andy Ludwick, co-founder of SynOptics and former CEO of Bay Networks;
  • Bo Hedfors, former EVP of Motorola and president of its global wireless infrastructure business; and
  • Christopher Smith, director with Coral Group, a venture investment group.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3