Choice of Words

In my business we get to use words to explain and herald new products, technology and solutions. In this business, our writing follows the AP Stylebook. It's supposed to help journalists use the right words.

I have a few choice words that I don't allow as the editor in chief. For instance, I never allow utilize. We substitute use. I don't like the word personnel. We use staff.

A new word has entered what I call, Ralph's style. The word, convergence.

Convergence was part of the security industry a few years back. I'm sure you remember all the hype. It's one of those words we have to let go of. Convergence has happened, and if you still waiting for convergence, you missed the boat.

I bring this up because during the tradeshow travels on Tuesday, one of the exhibitors began the conversation with, "when the industry converges with IT …."

We've converged.

Here are a few things I found interesting on Tuesday.

Protection 1 has earned a coveted Cisco Cloud and Managed Services Express Partner certification. This award recognizes companies that have attained expertise in the preparation, planning and designing and implementing phases for selling and supporting cloud or managed services based on Cisco platforms. Oh yeah, they are the only monitoring company that has earned this honor.

Sielox has introduced its Sielox Class Crisis Lockdown Alert Status System. This is a great solution in the K-12 education vertical. Getting a handle on crisis situations in our schools and universities is important to students, parents, educators and law enforcement.

The product is accessible from anywhere, anytime on your iPad, Android, smartphone, desktop and more.

Now that Tyco IS and ADT are two separate companies, I had the opportunity to meet with Mark VanDover, president of Tyco IS about the new strategy for Tyco IS.

Tyco IS is targeting small- to medium-sized businesses as new clients. Tyco is known for its focus on commercial accounts, but now are looking at the other end of the market.

"Small business is now a stable market," VanDover said. "Entering this market is a good value proposition."

Five market areas have been targeted for a test drive of the new Tyco IS. They include two areas in Southern California, Chicago, South Florida and Dallas. The criteria for this trial run involves current areas of growth and opportunity, and the skill set of Tyco leadership in these areas.

I think it will be very interesting to watch Tyco IS grow and mature its new business model, which is expected to be fully implemented in 2015. VanDover said the company is always looking for the right opportunity to grow, and they will. Watch them.

It's been a great tradeshow. The traffic near the convention center is horrible, but inside the building is business as usual. Good hard work by hard working people.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.