Florida’s Broward County Goes Live with ASAP

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Broward County in Florida became the 147th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 12th ECC in the state of Florida to implement TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Broward County went live the week of August 12, 2024 with the following alarm companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, ADT, Affiliated Monitoring, Alert 360, Brinks Home Security Protection, Doyle, Dynamark, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Protection One/Everon, Quick Response, Security Central, Securitas (Stanley Division), Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint.

Learn more about ASAP HERE

View the agency’s press release HERE

 

Verkada Opens its Command Platform to Third-party Cameras

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Verkada, a cloud-based physical security solutions company, announced a new way for organizations to transition to the cloud with its Command Connector, which allows third-party cameras to connect to Verkada’s Command platform.

It also announced a range of new additions to its platform, including badge integration with Apple Wallet and a next-generation door reader.

“As we continue to expand our footprint we want to provide customers with a seamless transition to our cloud platform,” said Brandon Davito, Senior Vice President of Product and Operations at Verkada. “The new products and features we’re introducing today – including Command Connector, our next-generation reader, and Apple Wallet integration – underscore our commitment to innovating on behalf of our now 25,000 customers globally.”

Command Connector

Command Connector is a new hardware device that provides an on-ramp for third-party cameras to Verkada’s cloud-based Command platform. For customers with large legacy systems, Command Connector offers a migration plan as they transition to Verkada’s Command platform. Command Connector delivers the same easy-to-use Verkada Command interface as well as basic People and Vehicle Analytics, remote management, and powerful enterprise user administration. Learn more here.

Next Generation Door Reader

Verkada’s new AD34 door reader builds on Verkada’s commitment to providing secure and convenient access control systems, with improved scan performance, OSDP v2 security, and Intent Unlock, a powerful new Bluetooth unlock experience. Learn more here.

Badging with Apple Wallet

Verkada’s Access Control solution now integrates with Apple Wallet, enabling users to quickly unlock doors with their iPhone or Apple Watch. In addition to state-of-the-art encryption standards, Apple Wallet integration for employee badges gives organization administrators streamlined management of mobile credentials at scale and powerful control over badging behavior, including requiring a second factor for authentication such as FaceID. Learn more here.

Verkada customers can access new software features and functionalities on August 15, 2024. Hardware availability varies by device.

TMA Launches Ambassador Program – Member Volunteers Sought

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TMA is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative created by the Membership Committee – introducing the Member Ambassador Program!

The Member Ambassador Program is designed to foster a welcoming and engaging environment for new TMA members. By participating in this program, volunteer ambassadors will play a crucial role in helping new members integrate into the association, maximize their membership benefits, and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Each ambassador is asked to commit to welcoming up to two new members, more if desired. The commitment includes:

  • Making a welcome and a follow up call;
  • Inviting new members to attend in-person meetings;
  • Sharing your personal TMA experiences; and,
  • Engaging in face-to-face interactions during an upcoming meeting.

Our goal is to match new members with those of similar categories; ambassadors are particularly needed from monitoring member companies.

By implementing the Member Ambassador Program, TMA aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment to help new members thrive and fully benefit from membership. Our goal is to increase both member engagement and first year member retention.

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Illeny Maaza, TMA Director of Membership and Programs at membership@tma.us.

 

Johnson Controls CEO George R. Oliver Announces Retirement

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Johnson Controls CEO George R. Oliver has announced he is stepping down as he plans to retire after guiding the company in several strategic decisions that will define its course into the future.

Oliver’s decision was announced during an optimistic Q3 2024 earnings call, where the company disclosed that Oliver informed the company’s Board of Directors of his intentions.

“Following recent significant milestones in our portfolio transformation and as we move into the next phase of growth, I believe that now is the right time to begin the process of identifying the next leader of the new Johnson Controls,” said Oliver during the call. “I am confident in our position as Johnson Controls enters its next chapter, and I remain committed to supporting the full team as we work to ensure Johnson Controls realizes its full potential.”

The Board, alongside a nationally recognized search firm, will begin its search for the company’s next CEO, evaluating both internal and external candidates for the role. To facilitate a smooth management transition, Oliver will continue to serve the company as chairman and CEO until his position is succeeded, after which he will remain involved as Board chairman.

“On behalf of the Board, I thank George for his unwavering passion, leadership and commitment to Johnson Controls over the last seven years and since our merger with Tyco,” said Jürgen Tinggren, Lead Independent Director at Johnson Controls. “As chairman and CEO, George has successfully led Johnson Controls through a period of significant evolution, with a clear vision to optimize the company to deliver greater value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”

In July, Oliver helmed a significant portfolio simplification effort by selling off Johnson Controls’ Residential and Light Commercial (RL&C) HVAC business to the Bosch Group, a decision that aligned with the company’s new direction as a “pure-play provider” of commercial building solutions.

During the 12-month transaction finalization period, Johnson Controls will undergo significant restructuring in favor of the streamlined business model.

“Johnson Controls is already benefiting from our transformation, which enables the unparalleled value proposition we provide to customers, and exposure to rapidly accelerating demand in the data center market and other key macro-economic tailwinds. We believe Johnson Controls is well-positioned for its next phase of growth to deliver enhanced, long-term value to shareholders,” Oliver said in the official press release regarding the transaction.

This move was one in a long line of strategic sales by the company to offload non-core businesses, largely from its portfolio of heating and ventilation assets. It could be far from the last, though. According to three anonymous sources in an exclusive with Reuters, its ADT alarms business is likely next, though Johnson Controls refused to comment on the rumor.

Whatever the company’s future plans might be, Oliver is certain he’s leaving its mission in good hands.

“It has been a true honor to serve as CEO of Johnson Controls,” said Oliver. “I am proud of the remarkable success we have achieved in recent years to position our company as a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. I am confident that Johnson Controls is solidly positioned for its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting the team to ensure the company achieves its full potential.”

Axis Communications establishes Axis Experience Center

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Axis Communications has launched the Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Phoenix, AZ, promoting regional access to new technology. The expressed goal of the facility is to cultivate stronger connections with partners and customers in the area, encouraging a community of partnership and innovation for local communities and beyond. The facility features training rooms, conference rooms and demo rooms to support continued collaboration and evolution.

The AEC also features:

  • Real-time analytics such as people counting, hardhat detection, coughing detection and more.
  • A retail-centered space where retail analytics are displayed in a fun environment.
  • A theater-style demo area.

Bill Wendlandt, Business Area Director, U.S. West at Axis Communications, says, “Localized, on-site support makes a real difference for our partners and customers, who look to us to provide them with the tools and expertise they need to improve their security, safety, and business intelligence capabilities. We at Axis are both honored and excited to grow our relationship with the flourishing Phoenix business community, and we look forward to working directly with our many partners and customers in the area to provide them with the innovative solutions they need to thrive in today’s evolving business environment.”


Written and published by Security magazine staff, August 5, 2024.

Altronix Announces Strategic Partnership with LiftMaster

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Altronix, provider of power and data transmission for the professional security industry, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with LiftMaster, a leading brand of professionally installed access solutions including smart video intercoms, smart door controllers and gate operators. This collaboration combines Altronix’s advanced power distribution with LiftMaster’s CAP2D Smart Access Controllers, resulting in new pre-configured kits designed to support up to 16 door systems from a single enclosure.

LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D) is a cloud-based credentialed access control product that controls up to two doors, gates, elevators or commercial door operators. Customers can easily expand to any number of access points through the myQ Community web portal.

“We are excited to partner with LiftMaster to deliver a seamless door control solution that allows for more flexibility for our mutual customers,” said Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas. “This new access and power integration highlights our focus on delivering solutions that exceed industry standards.”

These scalable Trove solutions are now available and consist of pre-configured kits that support 4, 8, or 16 door systems. These can also be designed a la carte – by choosing an Altronix Trove enclosure/backplane, power distribution, and the LMBK2 mounting bracket to support CAP2D controllers. Kit models include battery leads, mounting hardware, power on/off rocker switch(es), and tamper switch.

New Altronix Models Include:
TML400K1(D) – 4-Door Kit
T2LMK7F8N(D) – 8-Door Kit
T3LMK77F16N(D) – 16-Door Kit
(CAP2D boards sold separately)

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Altronix, delivering a seamless and easy-to-install solution for our LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D), said Rebecca Peterson, Director of Product, Access Control Solutions “The Trove-series SKUs, custom-built for LiftMaster, will enable our installers to unlock new possibilities for both retrofit and new installations, thereby expanding our award-winning myQ Community access control experience to an even broader customer base.”

By combining the strengths of both companies, these kits provide enhanced power, improve installation efficiency while providing a single point of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of multi-door applications.

The Altronix and LiftMaster partnership exemplifies the companies’ dedication to advancing access control technology, ensuring that security integrators have the tools they need to deliver comprehensive and reliable solutions to their end users.

City of Tacoma, WA, Seeks to Reduce False Alarms

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The city of Tacoma, Washington, Department of Tax and License reached out to TMA and SIAC in an effort to raise awareness of their efforts to reduce false alarms in their jurisdiction. If your company monitors accounts in Tacoma, here are their goals:

  1. Overall reduction of multiple false alarm calls generated from one location
  2. Specifically, reduce false alarm calls from video/sensor triggered alarms on properties with high volume of traffic – vehicles and people (i.e. car lots)
  3. Improve response/communication between alarm companies and the city

For more information, please contact:

Jasmin Flores
Business Systems Analyst
City of Tacoma | Finance Department | Tax & License
747 Market Street, Room 212, Tacoma, WA 98402
Email: JFlores1@cityoftacoma.org

Orange County, NC ECC Goes Live with ASAP

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The Orange County Emergency Services, Public Safety Communications Division became the 146th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 14th ECC in the State of North Carolina to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

“The ASAP program provides our ECC with most accurate and timely alarm notifications possible while reducing the workload of our Public Safety Telecommunicators.  The implementation of ASAP provides significant benefits to our Department, our partner public safety agencies, and the community we serve,” stated Christopher H. Ward, division chief – Public Safety Communications for Orange County Emergency Services.

Orange County went live on July 22, 2024 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Alert360, Securitas, Holmes Security, Brinks Home Security, Dynamark Monitoring, United Central Control, Protection One, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Johnson Controls (Tyco), Vivint, CPI Security, Wegmans Security, Affiliated Monitoring, ADT and Security Central with Alert360 being brought online soon.

Learn more about ASAP at https://tma.us/programs/asap/

 

Industry Pioneer Ted Simon Passes

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Alarm industry leader and pioneer Ted Simon passed away peacefully, on Tues., July 23rd  surrounded by family.

Ted was born in Brownsville Brooklyn, on March 28, 1936. He graduated from Printers Vocational high school in Brooklyn and went on to join the Navy in the 1950’s where he served as a Plank Owner on the USS DuPont.

His engineering journey began at the City College of New York. Of note, Ted became the first person in his family to graduate from college. His head was always turning and spinning with ideas. For those who knew him, Ted’s ideas would become reality. In the 1970’s, he took a risk and established a company that would become Fire Burglary Instruments, Inc. [FBII]. He became a master in the alarm industry and an inspiration to many young engineers. His patented ideas and products were widely used in homes and companies. He eventually joined with Honeywell to develop and redevelop intricate systems to secure homes and lives.

Ted’s sense of humor was also infamous. He always had a joke to tell, but never revealed where he heard them.

Ted is survived by his wife Arlene and his two daughters, Michelle and Jamie. He was predeceased by his son Scott, who was also an innovator and creator of the company 2Gig. He is also survived by his seven (7) grandchildren.

TMA Details Plan for ASAP’s Next-Generation, Cloud-Based Solution at APCO 2024

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TMA will introduce its plans for the next-generation, cloud-based solution for its ASAP service at the APCO International 90th Annual Conference and Exposition 2024 (APCO 2024). Visit TMA in Booth 1453 on the exhibit floor, which is open August 5-6, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The leading digital alarm dispatch service, ASAP, provides a low-cost, standards-based, non-proprietary solution to Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) and delivers a faster, more informed, and intelligent emergency response. It is currently deployed in ECCs in 23 states and the District of Columbia, covering a population exceeding 54.5 million. The 30 ASAP-enabled monitoring centers serve 80% of all monitored customers in the U.S. Since 2011, ASAP has been reducing the time to dispatch by an average of two minutes (after call-answer time) for improved outcomes and saving lives and property. All major computer-aided dispatch (CAD) vendors support ASAP.

“ASAP offers significant benefits to monitoring companies and 9-1-1 emergency communications centers by streamlining alarm notification processing,” said Mel Maier, CEO and Executive Director of APCO International. “Automating alarm workflows through ASAP significantly reduces response times and manual intervention, ultimately enhancing public safety response.”

Also, promoting ASAP at APCO 2024 will be our longtime implementation partner, CommSys, Inc. (Booth 1832), and our new partner, Mission Critical Partners (MCP) (Booth 2013).

TMA announced in June that it had signed a new agreement with MCP for the management of the lifesaving ASAP Service. The managed service provider will also assist in the design and development of the next-generation alarm signaling message broker for the ASAP service that will deliver expanded capabilities, integration options, and an ongoing roadmap for the platform.

Another key partner also attending and exhibiting at APCO is TMA’s long-standing implementation partner CommSys, Inc. CommSys served as the original architect of ASAP and its protocol, pioneering its implementation process. CommSys has provided assistance and guidance to interested PSAPS, software automation providers, and alarm dealers with professional services and software tools to connect to ASAP Services. CommSys will continue in this integral role under the leadership of MCP.

Robert Turner, President and Founder of CommSys, stated, “CommSys applauds TMA’s win-win approach to the nationwide acceleration of the ASAP Service. With a deep commitment to ASAP’s impact on public safety, CommSys stands ready to continue what we do best, which is ASAP implementation. Be assured, we are already scaling to meet anticipated ASAP implementation demand.”

“It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, the same can often be said for technology evolutions,” said Darrin Reilly, MCP’s president and chief executive officer. “ASAP is the result of a collaborative effort between the alarm and public-safety sectors, and we’re thrilled to be part of this effort going forward to increase the service’s penetration and to develop new and exciting capabilities.”

Learn more about the ASAP Service at https://tma.us/programs/asap/ or visit TMA in Booth 1453 at APCO 2024.