Top Stories


Always Thinking of the Integrator

Sit down for a conversation with Brian Wiser, the president of sales in North America at Bosch Security Systems, and concern for the integrator will surface pretty quickly.

Mapping the Way Forward

Mapping the Way Forward

Any security investment starts with a realization that you have people and things to protect.

Security on Board

Security on Board

Until recently, the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) video security system was limited by the capacities of its servers.



Profiling an Integrator

Based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, VTI Security has been a trusted provider of security designs, installation and support for more than 35 years.

Where Do I Find Leads?

Throughout my 25 years in this industry, which have included 12 as an integrator and 13 as a consultant, the number one question of all time has been: where do I find leads?

Dedicated Service

Mid State Fire & Systems, a fire and life safety system installer and service provider in Ocala, Fla., is dedicated to providing quality service to customers at a competitive price.

Projecting a Strong Image

At first glance, you’d think that sales representatives carry the heaviest burden for security dealers.

Researching Security

Researching Security

Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, Mich., is a national research university serving students from across the United States and 100 additional countries.

To Verify or Not to Verify

On Mar. 1, Akron, Ohio’s police department became only the 30th across the United States to employ what is known as a verified response policy, which means that before police respond to an alarm, it must be verified that there is, indeed, a crime being committed.

Securing the Open Campus

Securing the Open Campus

Located in the heart of Albany, N.Y.’s capital city, The College of Saint Rose offers 4,500 students a rigorous educational experience that extends their learning beyond the campus to the vibrant urban environment in which they live.

School Teacher Expelled

You have to wonder what is happening on school campuses these days. Why some students act the way they do; why some turn to violence.

Smarter Storage - Benefits drive expansion of IP video systems in Bergen County, N.J.

Smarter Storage

The advantages of video surveillance are well known, but at times, the full value is realized only after a system is installed.

The Layered Approach

The Layered Approach

With one recent study projecting the mass notification market to be worth more than $6.4 billion by 2018, it is obvious that more and more institutions are turning toward a layered approach to deliver emergency alerts.

From Cockpit to Classroom

From Cockpit to Classroom

It is only natural that we respond to horrific situations with a renewed emphasis on security.

Connecting the District

Sycamore School District in Illinois is comprised of seven schools ranging from elementary to secondary schools.

Back to School

Back to School

When some children drop out of school, that is all of the formal education they may ever receive.

A Creole Cut Above

For a couple of years now, I’ve traveled to several locations to interview and write the cover story for our Dealer Strategies. It is always an honor to be able to sit with the CEO or designated spokesperson, and learn about that company’s business model.

The Heat of the Moment

The Heat of the Moment

In the security world, it’s often what you don’t see that can hurt you the most.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.