Archive: August 2018

AURORA, Ill.—50 years ago, Bob Bonifas got started in the security industry with a Dictograph Security Systems franchise here, with the name Alarm Detection Systems.Prior to joining the security industry, Bonifas managed a grocery business and got his first taste of security when putting in a security system at a tavern across the street from the store.“We started out in Aurora. Having been in the grocery business, I was a businessman and new a lot of the business people. So, I focused...

AUSTIN, Texas and LOS ANGELES—Eagle Eye Networks, a global provider of cloud-based video surveillance solutions, and Arecont Vision Costar, an IP-based megapixel camera and video surveillance solutions company, recently announced a partnership for supporting next generation Arecont Vision MegaIP cameras on the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS.“Many of Arecont Vision's customers have long been demanding a secure and robust commercial cloud solution for their VMS,” Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye...

LAS VEGAS—IP NetConnect, a remote network monitoring and connectivity platform based here, has announced that the IP NetConnect platform is now integrated with Micro Key's central station automation software."As the President of Micro Key, a key responsibility for me is to partner with companies and products focused on efficiency, profitability and relevancy to our customers and the industry," Victoria Ferro, president of Micro Key, said in the announcement. "IP NetConnect hits the Micro Key...

Kat Tallman was recently promoted to the role of COPS Monitoring's VP of software development, based in the New Jersey headquarters. Tallman has worked with the company for 18 years, initially starting as an operator. In August, Security Systems News talked with Tallman about her new role and asked her five questions.Are you married?I am married to my husband Jeffrey. We've been together for 12 years. We've actually known each other since the second grade and he's actually the one that referred me...

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the keynote speakers for its annual executive conference, Securing New Ground (SNG), where more than 250 senior-level industry leaders and financial partners will gather at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, Oct. 25-26. Jerome Pickett, senior vice president and chief security officer at the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Valerie Thomas, executive information security consultant for Securicon, will give remarks...

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Convergint Technologies, a global systems integration company based here, this week announced the acquisition of Altel, a commercial integrator with 28 years experience developing electronic security solutions for customers across many vertical markets.Ken Lochiatto, CEO of Convergint Technologies told Security Systems News that he is excited to bring all 54 employees from Altel into the Convergint family, and to expand the company's presence in Canada.“Altel is a company...

If there is one thing all sales people can agree upon, it's that most companies have a poor CRM process. Fortunately, most of these challenges can be corrected by the sales managers, so I've decided to offer the six best practices that I've seen help companies fully utilize a CRM system.1.    Don't expect a CRM system to solve your sales problems. Many sales managers dream of the day their company decides to purchase a CRM system. With the vision of their sales people never missing a task, having...

Leadership is a big topic around the Security Systems News office right now. We have our Leadership Talks series. Through this series, we get the chance to talk with notable professionals throughout the industry about their distinct leadership approaches and styles. This series inspired our currently News Poll, which you can find by clicking here. We'd like to hear from all of our readers about the styles of leadership you respond best to, as well as what best suits your company. Feel free to weigh...

Five manufacturers of security technologies have teamed up to provide safety and security at the 72nd Annual Little League Baseball World Series (LLBWS) for the players, coaches and fans. For the first time, BriefCam and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS Company are joining Axis Communications, Lenel and Milestone Systems to provide video surveillance systems, access control and network connectivity for the 10-day tournament. These five technology providers have come together to develop a comprehensive security...

Yale Locks & Hardware announced that smart locks from its Assure Lock line can now be connected to Comcast's Xfinity Home service, its home security and home automation solution, when purchased with a Yale Zigbee Network Module. “We're delighted to partner with Xfinity Home and have our Assure Lock line play a critical role securing front doors across the country,” Jason Williams, president, ASSA ABLOY U.S. Residential Group, which includes Yale Residential, said in the announcement....