TMA Annual Meeting Featured Session: How to Use Video Enhancements to Expand Your Capabilities to Satisfy Customer Demands and Increase Recurring Revenue
Following is an interview with Mike King, Manager, Hosted Video, Axis Communications, Inc., who will be joined in this session by Robert Forsythe, President of US Monitoring and Jacob Hengel, Chief Technology Officer of YourSix.
What can TMA Annual Meeting participants expect from your session?
We really want to provide participants with first hand insight from the field sharing what we are seeing for customer demands regarding video as well as create an open dialogue with the audience for them to share their feedback and experience.
I’ve asked for Robert Forsythe, President of US Monitoring and Jacob Hengel, Chief Technology Officer of YourSix to join the panel to share the success and benefits they’ve seen when utilizing a hosted video platform. They will not only share how they’ve been able to increase RMR and improve their value by offering this solution but will also share how they are meeting customer’s needs through video advancements, for example reducing false alarms, health monitoring and video verification.
You’re the Manager of Hosted Video for Axis Communications. How would you describe yourself/your work?
I am approaching 30 years in the security industry and have worked in all facets of it. Axis’ Hosted Video program gives me an opportunity to manage an innovative offering and help support Axis’ vision of contributing to a smarter, safer world. My goal is to ensure our partners are equipped with the knowledge, tools and support for our solutions, to help their businesses be successful. With so much on the horizon with hosted video, I enjoy being involved in the evolution as this cutting-edge technology takes off.
Tell TMA members how you came to be interested in your present work.
When first coming to Axis Communications, I joined as a Regional Sales Manager, responsible for supporting sales of our network video products. Prior to joining Axis, I held a National sales position working with hosted video solutions where I developed an early understanding that this was where the future of our industry was headed. When the opportunity at Axis opened to Manage our Hosted Video program, I saw it as a chance to help put this understanding into action and help drive a quality and business efficient solution to the market.
What is something you have found really interesting or surprising in your work in the alarm industry in your career?
Seeing the evolution of ideas becoming mainstream continues to be mind-blowing. For example, advancements have led to developments such as pet immune motion sensors, cameras that can see color at night or low light scenes, automatic alerts being sent to a mobile phone when an alarm is triggered or being able to send video files to store somewhere off-site. At one time, not that long ago, these were visions people had and it has now become reality. We are fortunate to have a lot of smart people in our industry and technology continues to advance making many ideas possible helping contribute to the greater cause of improved safety in the world and for loved ones.
Tell us something about yourself that drives or influences the way you do business.
I consider myself very passionate about what I do in and out of work. Personally, I very much enjoy spending time with my children, although this has become more challenging as they are now scattered across the country. I also try and find the time to unwind by throwing a line in the water or playing a round of golf. Professionally, it’s been rewarding working for such an innovative company such as Axis. The company culture is always open, and I am constantly learning to work smarter in everything I do. Being able to work within such a positive atmosphere helps makes the journey much more enjoyable.
What do you hope TMA members will take away from your presentation? Why will it be a “can’t miss” panel?
As I mentioned in the previous question, my hope is that the audience will find first hand insight valuable in understanding the benefits of offering a cloud-based hosted platform as part of their offering and ways it can help increase RMR with technology that is needed, not just wanted.
Aside from RMR, alarm monitoring companies and video service providers can offer more efficient alarm handling and reduce costs on installation & maintenance. Through video advancements, you can offer customers expanded capabilities such as analytics, health monitoring, system maintenance and updates with cybersecurity.
Don’t miss Mike’s presentation in Palm Beach! Register for the TMA Annual Meeting by August 31 for best rates. View the complete program and register today.