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INDUSTRY EVENTS
ESX 2024: AI, Cloud & Integrations
This year’s Electronic Security Expo (ESX) was held June 3-6 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. The event was host to education sessions, networking events and an exposition featuring more than 100 exhibitors.
IMAGE COURTESY OF SDM EDITORS
In SDM’s video recap, industry experts from Bosch, Brivo, DMP, M2M, Napco, Snap One, System Surveyor and Telguard all highlight what excited them about ESX — and the industry at large. Primarily, they express enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud, and integrations with more partners. As for the expo, everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see each other face-to-face.
Among event goings-on:
- June 3: ESA members gathered for meetings and executive leadership workshops.
- June 4: Ryan Leak, a best-selling author, executive coach and motivational speaker, provided the opening keynote address. The day also included The Innovation Awards and the SIAC Awards Reception.
- June 5: Kirk MacDowell, president of MacGuard Security Advisors, received the 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year award.
- June 6: The day was host to more member meetings, executive leadership workshops and educational opportunities.
— Chris Crumley, Associate Editor, SDM //
HID Global’s 2024 State of Physical Access Trend Report reveals that while physical ID badges remain extremely popular, there is an inevitable shift toward newer identification technologies. For example, 39 percent of companies now actively use mobile identities (up from 32 percent in the 2022 report) and the same number also use biometric technology, whether that’s fingerprint, facial or iris recognition for access control (up from 30 percent in the previous report).
// Source: HID Global
39%
Milestone Reunifies With Arcules in Move to Lead AI-Powered VSaaS Market
Milestone Systems will merge with Arcules, a cloud-based video surveillance solutions provider.
Based in Irvine, Calif., Arcules was spun out from Copenhagen-based Milestone in 2017. The decision to reunify the companies was driven by a shared vision to deliver intelligent, data-driven video technology that empowers customers to make better decisions and optimize their operations, according to an announcement.
The merger is said to bring together Milestone and Arcules’ best-in-class capabilities within video management software (VMS), video analytics and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), providing a complete video technology offering.
The VSaas market is forecast to experience exponential growth within the following years. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new possibilities that were not possible even a year ago. By adding Arcules to Milestone’s product line, the company is optimally positioned to lead the video technology software industry, according to the announcement.
The merger is said to represent a transformative leap, combining robust video management with the agility and scalability of the cloud and promise of leverage AI. Combining forces is a bold step toward pioneering advancements in the rapidly growing VSaaS market, the announcement stated.
With the rise of AI, the combined companies have the potential to derive insights from video data and support decision intelligence. According to the company, the merger will offer unparalleled ability to exploit the rapidly changing AI landscape from on-prem to cloud and both Milestone and Arcules are advanced in working with video analytics. The combination of these strengths will provide significant market advantages.
“Milestone and Arcules have a strong existing partnership and a common DNA,” stated Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems. “By uniting and working as one, we can provide a world-class offering that suits many different needs and gives customers greater freedom of choice. As one company, we will shape the future of open-platform video technology.”
Arcules CEO Andreas Pettersson said, “We are excited to rejoin Milestone, a global leader and trusted partner. This merger will accelerate our growth and innovation, delivering greater value to our customers and partners. Together, we are committed to realizing our vision of empowering people, businesses, and societies through intelligent video solutions.”
The merger is scheduled to be finalized by the end of the year. //
ISC2’s 2024 Cloud Security Report
Securing multi-cloud environments remains a complex task, with data protection and privacy highlighted as the primary concern by 55 percent of survey participants in ISC2’s 2024 Cloud Security Report. This represents a slight increase from 52 percent observed in 2023, signaling a growing awareness and concern for safeguarding information across disparate cloud platforms. Addressing these challenges starts with enhancing professional skills through targeted education and certifications. It’s crucial for companies to develop integrated security strategies that focus on data protection and the seamless interplay of cloud services.
// Source: ISC2
Security LeadHER 2024 Draws Over 400 Attendees in Phoenix
ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) hosted a sold-out Security LeadHER conference in Phoenix, bringing together more than 400 security professionals from seven countries.
The second annual Security LeadHER, held June 24-25, featured presentations by industry-leading subject matter experts, educational sessions and networking opportunities. The 2024 agenda included a diverse range of presentations and discussions addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the security industry.
Maureen Carlo of Arcules, left, and Noel Kangas of Bosch Security and Safety Systems in attendance at Security LeadHER 2024 in Phoenix. Organized by ASIS Int’l and SIA, the annual conference aims to bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIS/SIA
Session topics included the power of authenticity in leadership, addressing and overcoming imposter syndrome, managing the multigenerational workplace, fostering male allyship in the security industry, negotiation tactics and more. Among the featured presenters: Henna Pryor, a two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, workplace performance expert, author and executive coach at Pryority Group; Debby Stone, CEO and executive coach at Novateur Partners; and, Amanda McPherson, confidence coach and speaker.
The event also featured multiple networking breaks, a networking lunch and an evening reception at The Duce, providing ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders.
“Following the tremendous success of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to see Security LeadHER 2024 sell out with over 400 attendees from seven countries,” said Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “This partnership between ASIS and SIA has proven to be a catalytic force to develop and promote the success of women in the security industry and will have a positive impact for years to come.”
Alice DiSanto, vice president of global marketing at Rajant Corp. and chair of SIA’s Women in Security Forum, described the event as “nothing short of spectacular.”
“Our expert speakers addressed the most pressing personal and professional issues facing women in security and shared actionable tools and tactics for leadership development, collaboration and risk taking to cultivate a bolder presence,” DiSanto added. “This conference is unlike any other in our industry, and the 2024 event fostered connectedness, enriched lives and grew engagement among the ‘LeadHERs’ in security. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”
As part of this year’s conference, a community of “leadhers” contributed to the Greater Phoenix Area by supporting Dress for Success Phoenix and the Bra Recyclers by accepting donations on-site during Security LeadHER 2024. //
Motorola Solutions Acquires Crisis Management Software Platform Noggin
Motorola Solutions has acquired Noggin, a global provider of cloud-based business continuity planning, operational resilience and critical event management (CEM) software. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with a global footprint of customers.
Noggin’s software helps enterprises and critical infrastructure anticipate, prepare for and efficiently respond to incidents. The company’s integrated platform offers flexible workflows and checklists, built-in maps and situational awareness dashboards to help streamline incident management and strengthen business resilience, according to an announcement.
With a single interface, Noggin’s software is said to enable response teams to communicate directly, follow unified procedures and view the same operating picture during everyday incidents or emergencies.
“Our technology investments to connect those in need with those who can help are more critical than ever,” said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. “Noggin enables the operational resilience and incident management capabilities that are essential as industries globally continue to see threats scale in number and complexity.”
Noggin complements Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of emergency coordination solutions by adding business continuity planning, operational resilience and CEM software that helps make enterprise security more accessible and actionable. The acquisition of Noggin further strengthens Motorola Solutions’ ability to connect public safety agencies and enterprises, enabling the collaboration that’s critical for a more proactive approach to safety and security, the announcement stated.
“Together with Motorola Solutions, we will continue to help enterprises quickly respond and manage all types of adverse events and disruptions,” said James Boddam-Whetham, CEO, Noggin. “We are thrilled about this new step in our journey that will allow us to offer our solutions to an expanded customer base.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. //
Pavion Increases New England Footprint With Signet Acquisition
Pavion Corp., a Chantilly, Va.-based provider of integrated solutions for fire, safety, security and critical communications, has acquired Signet of Norwell, Mass.
In an announcement, Pavion said the strategic acquisition expands its leadership in healthcare critical communications and enhances its security and A/V systems capabilities in New England.
Established in 1974 by founder Charlie Caron, Signet experienced consistent growth under the direction of CEO Brad Caron who joined the business in 1987. Brad charted the company’s course for accelerated growth, beginning with the establishment of an engineering group to enable complex systems integration work in critical communications, network infrastructure, security and A/V systems.
Signet serves more than 80 percent of acute care hospitals in its New England market. Now celebrating its 50th year, and under the day-to-day leadership of Andrew Pelletier, the business is poised for continued growth in industry verticals aligned with Pavion’s growth strategy, according to the announcement.
“We are very pleased to welcome Signet employees and customers to the Pavion team,” said Pavion CEO Joe Oliveri. “Signet is a great company with great people and their focus in critical communications, security and A/V significantly enhances our capabilities to deliver integration and support services for customers in the Northeast.”
Signet is the 21st acquisition for Pavion since partnering with Wind Point Partners in 2020.
“As we approached our 50-year anniversary milestone, I wanted to ensure Signet would maintain the energy and tenacity for continued innovation and growth that my team deserves,” stated Signet CEO Brad Caron. “Joining forces with Pavion ensures the future for the employees and customers of Signet for the next 50 years. I am very excited for the future of Signet as part of the Pavion family.”
Pavion ranked No. 4 on SDM’s 2024 Top Systems Integrators (TSI) Report. //
LOUD Security Acquires Vytis Security to Enhance Commercial Services
LOUD Security Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., has acquired Vytis Security Systems, a commercial security firm from Atlanta. The strategic move aims to enhance LOUD’s commercial security services.
Mike Sandes, left, and John Loud. Sandes will join LOUD Security as vice president of commercial services.
IMAGE COURTESY OF LOUD SECURITY
Mike Sandes, Vytis’ CEO, will join LOUD Security as vice president of commercial services. He has over 30 years of leadership in the security industry, including 18 as president of commercial sales at Ackerman Security. Sandes left Ackerman in 2021 after the Norcross, Ga.,-based company sold its assets to ADT. In 2022, Sandes established Vytis Security, a company with a focus on providing custom technology solutions to businesses throughout metro Atlanta.
John Loud, president of LOUD Security, emphasized the acquisition’s role in expanding their service capabilities.
“We are thrilled to have Mike join the team at LOUD Security,” Loud said. “He is an industry veteran that is well known for having a keen sense for tackling the unique and changing landscape of today’s commercial security challenges.”
Vytis provides video surveillance, access control, fire systems and monitored security for clients with all levels of security needs, from small to large and multi-location businesses.
“Bringing our clients to LOUD was an easy choice,” Sandes commented. “The company and its president share a similar vision for offering real business security solutions that align with today’s changing technologies and outstanding customer service. I couldn’t be more proud and excited to be a part of the team at LOUD.”
The integration will allow the combined entity to serve over 11,000 customers.
“If ever there was a right time for understanding, growing and providing for the commercial side of electronic security and video solutions, its right now,” Loud added. “And with Mike Sandes at the commercial helm, we are poised to continue to be the leading commercial security provider in our market.” //
Cobalt Service Partners Acquires Digi Security Systems
Cobalt Service Partners, a commercial access solutions platform, has acquired Digi Security Systems, a commercial security integrator based in Tulsa, Okla.
Digi Security was founded in 2003 by Joshua Herron who serves as president. At the time of Digi’s founding, Herron was a software developer at RAE Corp., a Pryor, Okla.-based commercial refrigeration and HVAC manufacturing company. Herron began assisting local organizations with installation and maintenance of their security systems and soon thereafter, Digi was established as a standalone business within RAE.
More than 20 years later, Digi has over 100 employees across its offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Dallas, and has served more than 1,000 customers. While Digi supports customers across a variety of commercial end markets, it has particularly operated within educational organizations such as public school districts and universities.
Under Cobalt’s ownership, Herron and the rest of the Digi executive team (Vice President Tyler Nichols, Chief People Officer Brooke Lade and Vice President of Operations Kaitlyn Verity) will continue in their current roles. Further, to supplement the team and accelerate growth of the business, Cobalt plans to appoint a CEO for Digi in the near-term, according to the announcement.
“The Cobalt team is phenomenal,” Herron stated. “Over 100 companies sought our partnership, but Cobalt stood out as a team fully dedicated to the same thing we are — people. We couldn’t be more excited about this next era in Digi’s history.”
Cobalt is backed by Alpine Investors. Digi Security marks Cobalt’s seventh acquisition since launching in December 2023, including four companies in April.
“I couldn’t ask for a better company than Cobalt to partner with Digi,” said Eric Swank, CEO of RAE Corp. “Cobalt’s culture and performance were a perfect fit for us, and the combination will lead to even greater performance for Digi’s people and partners.”
Infinity Capital Partners served as Digi’s sole financial advisor and McAfee & Taft served as Digi’s legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Cobalt. //
Pye-Barker Acquires Cox Fire Protection in Florida
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired one of the Southeast’s top fire protection companies, Cox Fire Protection. With three locations in Florida, Cox Fire Protection has synergies with Pye-Barker’s nearby branches, enhancing the company’s ability to provide long-term service and maintenance to commercial customers, according to an announcement.
Matt Hammon, president of Pye-Barker’s sprinkler division, and Rod DiBona, COO of the sprinkler division, meet with Tera and Scott Cox in Florida.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PYE-BARKER
Founded in 1984 by Ron and Linda Cox and led today by their son Scott Cox, Cox Fire Protection works from its branches in Tampa, Ocala and Jacksonville to provide end-to-end installation, service and inspection for fire sprinkler, fire suppression and fire alarm systems. The company also protects businesses through 24-hour monitoring and fire extinguisher service.
“I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of other family-built businesses who have chosen to join Pye-Barker,” said Scott Cox, president at Cox Fire. “Through Cox Fire’s four decades of service, we’ve grown to become a leading fire protection company in our area and work on some of Florida’s most iconic buildings and projects. I’m excited to see how Pye-Barker’s support will fuel us to even bigger projects in the future.”
The Cox Fire team will continue to serve customers in the Southeast.
“Pye-Barker’s growth is inspired by teams like Cox Fire — one that has been successful in its market, embodies an entrepreneurial spirit, has a fantastic culture and is ready to continue to grow with our support,” stated Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor. “The entire team here will now be part of our industry’s biggest family business, Pye-Barker, where we honor the legacies of those who came before us and invite our team members to define their own legacies.”
Pye-Barker, with more than 200 locations nationwide, ranked No. 8 on the 2024 SDM 100. //
TMA Operator Training Online Course for AVS-01 Standard Now Live
The Monitoring Association (TMA) has launched its AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard online training, an interactive three-module course.
Developed primarily for monitoring center operators and delivered online, the free course is designed to:
- Provide a comprehensive introduction to the AVS-01 standard.
- Illustrate the standard’s measurable alarm level classifications.
- Demonstrate the call handling process.
- Explain the importance of public safety and law enforcement engagement.
IMAGE COURTESY OF SKINTONE STUDIO FROM FREERANGE STOCK
“The AVS-01 Standard directly addresses the alarm industry’s goal to provide greater situational awareness to public safety, ECC telecommunicators, and law enforcement,” stated TMA President Steve Butkovich. “As monitoring centers and ECCs move to adopt and integrate the AVS-01 Standard into their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), it is now critical to establish a strong understanding of the contents and benefits of the AVS-01 Standard. This training provides the required core knowledge for all stakeholders.”
“TMA is committed to advancing the professionalism and effectiveness of monitoring centers across the country through education,” said TMA CEO Celia Besore. “This new course is an exciting and important addition to our portfolio of training courses. It provides operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate and streamline the alarm classification process into their pre-existing call handling process.”
David Charney, chief customer officer, Stealth Monitoring in Dallas, said, “I was really impressed by how the training not only showed the operator how to classify an existing alarm, but also how to escalate and de-escalate alarms as more information becomes available.”
By adopting the AVS-01 Standard, monitoring centers can significantly enhance their alarm response processes, improve public safety outcomes, and contribute to industry-wide standardization and efficiency, according to TMA. //
Axis Communications Upgrades Experience Center at Boston-Area Headquarters
Axis Communications celebrated the grand re-opening of its Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Chelmsford, Mass. The upgraded Boston-area AEC has been renovated to include additional meeting spaces, an expanded lab, a demo room and design studio, allowing Axis to better support customers and partners throughout Northern New England.
Home to Axis’ Americas headquarters, the Chelmsford AEC serves a variety of local industries including retail, education, transportation, biopharma and more, providing on-the-ground support for organizations using Axis products and solutions. The 12,478-square-foot state-of-the-art experience center is located outside of Boston, the most populous city in New England and a thriving technology and innovation hub.
IMAGE COURTESY OF AXIS COMMUNICATIONS
“As a longstanding member of the Northern New England business community, Axis is proud to bring the newest technological innovations and enhanced support to the Boston area and beyond,” said Aaron Kahn, business area director, Northeast at Axis Communications. “With over a dozen experience centers located across the United States, Axis’ AECs are vital to our success. We look forward to welcoming local partners and customers to the newly renovated facility.”
Each Axis AEC offers a dedicated, in-person meeting space for customers and partners alike to visit, and to demo and experience Axis solutions in simulated, real-life environments. AECs are designed to accommodate different stakeholder interests and allow them a unique, hands-on opportunity to test Axis’ suite of advanced technologies and capabilities that span security use cases and beyond.
The Chelmsford AEC is equipped with notable features to aid in conducting comprehensive technology demonstrations and business-related events, including:
- A design studio, golf simulator, large video wall and image usability lab.
- Axis’ entire catalog of products and services is represented at the facility, with wearables and in-car solutions prominently displayed.
- Five high-tech meeting rooms available for Axis partners and customers to host meetings, trainings, or conferences.
Axis representatives, along with customers, partners and local community members, celebrated the grand re-opening of the Chelmsford AEC on June 12. Festivities included a formal ribbon cutting, facility tours that demonstrate camera, audio, intercom and analytic technologies, and live entertainment from a caricature artist and a magician. //
