Traditional and Logical Security Converge

When the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits opens in Orlando on Sept. 19, there will be some exciting additions for security practitioners to note.

• By Raymond T O’Hara
• Jul 01, 2011

One of these is a new partnership with (ISC)2, the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals. The second is the introduction of an educational track for security systems integrators. These additions will provide new and diversified opportunities to all facets of the ASIS event and bring new manufacturers, service providers and expertise to the exhibit floor.

(ISC)2, administrators of the CISSP, will collocate its first global conference with ASIS at the Orange County Convention Center from Sept. 19-21. The annual event will bring together world-renowned information security thought-leaders for discussions on a wide range of information security issues. The (ISC)2 Security Congress program offers educational tracks that include cloud security, governance regulation and compliance, application security, mobile security and social media, and the Swiss army knife—tools, tips and techniques for the well-rounded infosecurity professional.

The roles of information security and traditional security professionals within the global business marketplace are rapidly evolving—and converging. By collocating these annual events, the groups’ combined memberships of more than 100,000 professionals will gain access to core knowledge and best practices across the full spectrum of information and traditional security. One of the most valuable opportunities that can be derived from this relationship is the opportunity to connect with one’s security counterparts and to build a solid practitioner network.

In addition to the expanded programming for information security professionals, ASIS will introduce a new educational track for security systems integrators. The track is endorsed by PSA Security Network, the world’s largest electronic security cooperative representing security system integrators. Nine sector-specific sessions will be presented—each providing unique insights from security end users into the security requirements and demands within a vertical industry sector.

“This educational track presents a powerful learning forum for systems integrators,” said Bill Bozeman, president and CEO of PSA Security. “The opportunity to open a dialogue between the customer and the service providers is absolutely invaluable.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to prepare for professional certification in the days preceding the Orlando seminar. ASIS certification reviews will be offered Sept. 16-17 for the Certified Protection Professional, Professional Certified Investigator and Physical Security Professional examinations. On Sept. 17-18, a series of (ISC)2 credential clinics are scheduled (CISSP, CSSLP, CAP and SSCP), as well as an official two-day review seminar for both CSSLP and CISSP.

Over the course of four days, ASIS 2011 attendees will have the opportunity to select from more than 180 educational sessions across 22 tracks. Sessions, developed and delivered by security management practitioners and subject-matter experts, will cover a full range of timely security topics and critical issues, as well as core security management best practices and strategies.

Featured keynote speakers include former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sept. 20 at 8 a.m., and former Mexican President Vicente Fox, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. Entrepreneur and visionary Burt Rutan will address attendees at the closing luncheon.

Outside of the classrooms and general sessions, ASIS 2011 also will offer a robust showcase of the latest security products and services. The challenge for many will be in navigating the more than 700 exhibits across 230,000 square feet to find the best solutions. Attendees can preview exhibitor information and make appointments with manufacturers or service providers ahead of their arrival. Attendees also are encouraged to download the ASIS 2011 mobile application. This will put the latest information on the education sessions and the show floor right in the palms of their hands while attending the event.

Attendees will find information on some of the newest and most innovative product technologies and service offerings featured in the ASIS Accolades competition, which identifies “Security’s Best” prior to the opening of the seminar. The competition, launched in 2008, is open to all ASIS exhibitors and recognizes products and services that demonstrate advancements in technology or that extend a new level of service. View product information online pre- and post-show. Onsite, be sure to visit the Accolades Showcase in the Exhibit Hall.

One of the most popular sessions at ASIS each year is “What’s New on the Show Floor?” Offered during the afternoon on the first day of the show, this session explores where some of the new and innovative physical and information security products can be found on the expansive exhibit floor. Security industry veterans Ronald Lander and Howard Belfor will lead this informative session.

“IP accessible appliances will be the focus on the show floor this year,” Belfor said. “Devices doing security-related jobs, whether surveillance, detection or some other reporting activity, will be accessible by the interested client via a network connection. In many instances, these products will be woven into remote management software options, allowing users to outsource the management and use of the security devices.”

In the past three decades, the Internet has been one of the greatest influences on the product designs of Honeywell and Pelco by Schneider Electric, which have been among those with a presence at ASIS for a long time. This network has pervaded product and service offerings across the industry—including intrusion, fire, access control, video, and other building management and automation systems—and has extended new levels of efficiency, quality and productivity to users.

“Our customers are constantly looking for ways to run their operations better and more efficiently, and they want to know how security can play a role in that,” said David Gottlieb, vice president of marketing, Honeywell. At ASIS 2011, visitors to the Honeywell booth will see a focus on solutions aimed at simplifying the process of connecting building security to building automation.

According to Herve Fages, senior vice president, global product marketing for the Schneider Electric Buildings Business, the video security industry is constantly looking for the best image quality, while end users want to know “How can we take advantage of megapixel imaging and IP video without bringing the network to its knees?” and “How can we record HD video without ballooning our storage budget?” Schneider Electric will feature a growing range of Pelco IP megapixel cameras, end-to-end HD IP video management systems and viewing solutions in its ASIS booth.

For the latest information on exhibitors, education and networking events, visit www.asis2011.org.

This article originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Security Today.