Round The Clock

Last week’s ASIS tradeshow wrapped up well, although the consensus seemed to be that attendance was down. From my experience, it also felt like fewer companies were introducing truly new products. Sure, we saw a lot of new versions of software and products being touted, but new innovations -- which have to be risky in a time like this -- were hard to come by.

Let’s take a look back at a few more noteworthy news items that came out of the show.

Brivo was a company that both announced a new product (sort of) and played up some interesting new partnerships and projects. The SaaS provider announced its new AppStack, a catalog of complementary security management resources that is available with the hosted ACS WebService. ACS WebService customers can now access resources, applications and integrated products, including software from Brivo, Axis, HID, Dedicated Micros, SAMSUNG/GVI Security and others. The free services range from video integration and ID badging to workforce management and parking reservation allocation.

Another interesting company I visited during ASIS was Steelbox, whose products aim to address the problem of moving and storing vast amounts of video data across IP networks. The Media Appliance supports up to 512 cameras and claims to have the smallest footprint in the industry. It’s being used for a range of projects, including campus security. I think it’s fascinating that Steelbox’s product integrates with SRI International’s Aware software to provide instant, portable broadband wireless networks for public safety, video surveillance, incident management and peer-to-peer communication.

In case you’re wondering where SRI fits into the security mix, they’re an independent research and technology development organization. They do R&D for government agencies, business and foundations and have recently started to move into the education space.

Paul Callahan, the manager of business operations at SRI, explained that the wireless networks are ideal for schools to integrate with the local police department. In an emergency, officers could easily access the school’s surveillance cameras, access control system and more. Imagine if that had been possible at Columbine High School in 1999.

As most of you probably already know, ASIS 2010 will be held in Dallas, home to Security Products magazine. In all honestly, it will be nice to attend a tradeshow on our own turf (and without dolling out a fortune in cab fare!). Here’s hoping attendance has bounced back by next October.

See you all next year in Texas!

About the Author

Megan Weadock is a communications specialist at Monitronics.

Featured

  • 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

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.