Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO

Firetide Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO

  • May 20, 2013

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

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.