Alarm.com launches “Gopher Info” AI assistant for tech

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Alarm.com announced the launch of Gopher Info, an AI-powered assistant for technicians and service providers.

According to the company, the tool “leverages large language models to improve service provider efficiency and operations – from training and sales to installation and support.”

Gopher Info contextualizes, processes, and summarizes information from Alarm.com installation guides, product summaries, specification sheets, troubleshooting best practices and training materials.

Gopher Info is accessible through the Alarm.com Partner Portal and Alarm.com’s mobile app for service providers, MobileTech. It is currently in limited release and will be available more widely later in the summer.

“Innovation is in our DNA and we are always looking for ways to use new technology that enhances service provider efficiency,” said Jason DaCosta, senior vice-president of customer operations, Alarm.com, in a statement. “This is a significant advancement for the security industry and sets a higher standard for support usability.”

Service providers can use Gopher Info to answer questions such as:

• Can you explain to me how Smart Arming and Arming Schedules work?
• How do I install a Smart Gateway?
• Do I need a power module to install a VDB750 with mechanical chimes?
• How many Video Analytics rules can my customers create on their video doorbells?

DHS announces additional $374.9 million in funding to boost State, Local Cybersecurity

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The Department of Homeland Security has announced the availability of $374.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). State and local governments face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats to their critical infrastructure and public safety. Now in its second year, the SLCGP is a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program specifically for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments nationwide to help them strengthen their cyber resilience. Established by the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, and part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SLCGP provides $1 billion in funding over four years to support SLT governments as they develop capabilities to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats. This year’s funding allotment represents a significant increase from the $185 million allotted in FY22, demonstrating the Administration and Congress’s commitment to help improve the cybersecurity of communities across the nation.

“In today’s threat environment, any locality is vulnerable to a devastating cyber attack targeted at a hospital, school, water, or other system,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure that every community, regardless of size, funding, or resources, can meet these threats and keep their residents and their critical infrastructure safe and secure. These cybersecurity grants will help state, local, and territorial governments do just that, and I strongly urge communities nationwide to submit an application.”

SLCGP is jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use the funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel, and improving the daily services that citizens rely on.

“State and local governments are facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats to their critical infrastructure and public safety,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “As the Nation’s Cyber Defense Agency, CISA is pleased to make available yet another tool that will help strengthen cyber defenses for communities across the nation and bolster our collective cybersecurity.”

“Building resilience requires more than mitigating against natural hazards,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As our threat landscape continues to evolve, the funding provided through the state, local, and territorial cybersecurity grant program will increase capability to help communities better prepare and reduce cyber risks.”

State and local governments have until October 6 to apply for this FY23 grant opportunity. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit CISA’s webpage: cisa.gov/cybergrants.

CPI Security Partners With Lumos to Offer Fiber Internet in the Southeast

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CPI Security announced a partnership with high-speed fiber internet provider Lumos to offer homeowners in the Southeast with Wi-Fi that will better support their customized smart home security systems.

Lumos is the leading all-fiber optic internet and total home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to the announcement. Based in Charlotte, N.C., CPI Security is the largest privately held security and home automation company in the Southeast.

Video surveillance is becoming more integral to home security, with more than 70 percent of homeowners adding video devices to their home security systems, the announcement states. Integrating multiple video streams and Wi-Fi-enabled smart security devices increases the demands put on home Wi-Fi networks. Lumos’ fiber optic Internet connection allows families to use home security systems, while having an abundance of remaining bandwidth to work from home, stream movies, upload large files, play video games and more.

“Our goal is to give our customers the best possible experience, and that’s why we are partnering with the best Fiber Optic Internet provider,” CPI Security CEO and Founder Ken Gill said. “Lumos’ high-speed internet services, combined with our cellular technology, will help our security systems perform more efficiently, and we can introduce Lumos customers to the best in smart home security.”

Lumos is building an all-fiber optic infrastructure that delivers up to 385 times faster upload speeds and 30 times faster download speeds than a cable connection, the announcement states. Additionally, fiber is more resilient against disruptions from heat, bad weather and power outages.

“Homes with Lumos’ fiber service, particularly a gigabit connection, will have more than enough bandwidth to support CPI’s cameras, locks, and monitors, while also allowing residents to seamlessly work from home, stream online classes in high definition, take advantage of advancements in telemedicine and more,” states Lumos CEO Brian Stading.

PPVAR announces newly appointed Board of Director for the 2023-2024 term

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PPVAR is happy to announce that Mark McCall of Immix is the new PPVAR President. Mr. McCall takes over the position from David Holl, Director of Public Safety for Lower Allen Township, PA who will now be on the board as immediate past-president.

Mr. McCall commented on his new role at PPVAR “I have long believed that PPVAR is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the security industry and Public Safety and push forward topics that were important to both. They certainly have proven that over the past few years, as evidenced, in part, by pushing for and working with TMA in the creation of the AVS-01 Standard. I am honored to be a part of PPVAR and look forward to working with our members to advance our mission.”

Kristy Johnson of ADT has been voted in as the new PPVAR Secretary. Ms. Johnson remarked, “The electronic security industry plays a vital role in protecting life and property. However, it is just one piece of a larger picture, heavily reliant on collaboration with law enforcement and public safety partners. When I joined the industry in 2012, I discovered a significant issue concerning false alarms leading to unnecessary police dispatches. This realization motivated me to work passionately on bridging the gaps within our industry and in my various roles throughout my time in the industry, I’ve remained dedicated to correct this discrepancy. My mission is to enhance the sector by focusing on solutions that make the best use of our combined resources and form true partnerships with public safety. My commitment to prioritized and verified alarm responses drives my enthusiasm to assume a more formal role within PPVAR (Priority Partners Verified Alarm Response) and actively contribute to these ongoing efforts.”

PPVAR ‘s Board of Directors is comprised of experts in Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Emergency Communications, the Electronic Security and Monitoring Industries, and consultants to these fields. We collaborate with all members involved in the alarm response process to maximize the effectiveness of all resources required to protect life and property.

The New DICE Opens ULC-Compliant Data Center for Canada

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The New DICE UL data center at its headquarters is now ULC compliant for Canada, meaning any central station that has dealers in Canada and the United States can now be hosted in the DICE center and operate in both countries simultaneously.

Even central stations that are not using Matrix Interactive, or any other DICE product, can take advantage of the ULC compliance, the company announcement says.

DICE’S Bay City data center is already UL Compliant. Previously, UL did not have a hosting standard in the U.S. They based and built the UL 827A standard on DICE’s data center.

As Canadian companies began hosting at the DICE data centers, they began pushing to use the UL standard that was built in the U.S. However, ULC chose to develop their own standard.

“Even though they based the new standard on our data centers, we had to make a lot of changes, which took about two years,” says Cliff Dice, president, CEO, & founder of The New DICE, in the company announcement.

“We spent quite a bit of time and money, but what helped is the fact that our sister company, IPtelX, is a registered Canadian carrier and ISP provider,” he says. “In fact, we are not only an infrastructure and security company, but also the backbone for most of the smart home systems in Canada as well.”

How DICE Data Center Became ULC-Compliant

To develop the Canadian standard, ULC looked at every detail of the DICE data center, including how the building is built, how the fire suppression systems work, redundancy, backups, failovers, power and infrastructure networks, telecom, receiver management, software management, and the disaster plans and procedures that are in place.

“Now those central stations that do not want to make the investment of building their own data center, can now use the DICE data center,” says Dice in the company announcement.

Join NAPCO in Congratulating Dave Sheffey on His Well-Deserved Retirement

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After 31+ years with Napco Security Technologies, as Western VP, and later, SRVP of Sales, for all the Napco RSMs across North America, Dave Sheffey will be retiring, having handed over the reigns and team to VP, Michael Venoit, earlier this year.  Dave has long been a key part of Napco Security Sales Management, an accomplished leader, industry icon and driver of Napco security sales and distribution channels.

Anyone who knows Dave, as most in the industry do, recognize the amiable, modest, super-intelligent guy who is comfortable speaking to virtually everyone, and always knows how to get things done and with whom. Never one to shrink away from a challenge, Dave is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in all aspects of technology, applications, and product (as well as science, astronomy, and fine art, too).  Dave’s extensive security experience and industry knowledge have served him, his accounts, and NAPCO well. But two of Dave’s idiomatic phrases, sum up much of what may be his work philosophy, “I have a curiosity”, and on the flip- side, “Don’t poke a sleeping bear.” For those of us who know Dave, the neat part is, he seemingly always knows which to apply and when.

After decades of traveling across this great country and Canada, representing Napco, attending countless tradeshows and events, and visiting and supporting security professionals and distributors all along the way; for his well-deserved retirement, Dave is literally going to sail off (well, motor off) into the sunset of the Great Lakes on his boat, at least for a little while. Bon Voyage, Dave. You deserve the best- Enjoy retirement with your lovely wife, Beth and the cats. Stephen Spinelli, SVP, Sales, NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc, added, “On behalf of all of us at NAPCO, it’s been our pleasure to work with you.”

Axis Communications Opens New Experience Center in Cincinnati

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Axis Communications is celebrating its newest Axis Experience Center (AEC), located in Cincinnati. The new facility marks the company’s 16th experience center in the Americas and the second AEC location in its Mid-Atlantic Business Area.

The new location demonstrates Axis’ continued commitment to providing local customers, partners and business leaders with on-the-ground resources and support to test advanced security technologies in a simulated environment, according to an announcement.

The 6,924-square-foot Cincinnati AEC is located on the 11th floor of the Scripps Center in the heart of Cincinnati’s riverfront business district. The facility features panoramic views of downtown and overlooks the Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium, home to the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Notable design elements of the space include a scoreboard video wall, security operations center (SOC), a 2N/Axis intercom wall and dedicated training room. Most importantly, the space will allow customers and partners to demo the latest solutions, including new use cases for analytics, multi-sensors, audio and Axis’ newest video surveillance advancements.

The company’s expanded presence in the region will allow it to provide greater support to an array of local clients across industries, including retail, sports, entertainment and government, the announcement states.

“Ohio is home to six major cities and offers a robust and diverse economy — so it’s no wonder many Axis customers, integrators, and partners, and we’re thrilled to be growing our presence in the Cincinnati area,” said Paul Winsker, business area director, Mid-Atlantic at Axis Communications. “With security technology advancing at a rapid rate, our expanded presence in the Queen City gives us the opportunity to meet more end users and provide them with the opportunity to test the latest Axis innovations. We look forward to working with new and existing partners to solve their business challenges and help them achieve their goals.”

Axis and local dignitaries and partners will celebrate the grand opening with a three-day event and a formal ribbon cutting on Aug. 3. Guests will be able to participate in a partner showcase with Axis ecosystem partners Genetec, Milestone, BriefCam, YourSix and Wasabi. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Mid-Atlantic Axis Experience Vehicle (AEV), a mobile technology center, which will be parked across the street at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Fourth Maryland ECC Goes Live with TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

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The Queen Anne’s County MD Emergency Services is the 131st Emergency Communications Center (ECCs) in the United States to implement The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). Launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, TMA’s ASAP service is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of calls for service from alarm monitoring centers to Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs).

Queen Anne’s County ECC is the 4th ECC in the state of Maryland to implement ASAP. The Center went live the week of July 17, 2023 with: Vector Security, Rapid Response Monitoring, Johnson Controls, Securitas (Stanley Div), Securitas, CPI, Security Central, Brinks Home Security, United Central Control, Protection One, National Monitoring Center, Vivint, Affiliated Monitoring, Guardian Protection and ADT.

Learn more about TMA’s ASAP at www.tma.us/asap/.

TMA Past President Sevinor Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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TMA Past President and longtime volunteer leader Ralph Sevinor, Wayne Alarms, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from TMA Associate Member Resideo. Resideo is hosting its #CONNECT22 at the JW Marriott Beach Resort in Marco Island, FL.

Look for updates as additional details are available!

TMA Mourns the Passing of Daniel Demers

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Shared by Patrice De Luca, Consultant

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of friend and business mentor Daniel Demers. He passed away Nov. 10th after an 18-month battle with sarcoma, an aggressive and relentless form of cancer. As always, he faced this final challenge with dignity and determination.

Daniel entered the electronic security industry in 1993 as Director of Finance for Protectron, a division of Videotron. He was promoted to President and CEO in 1997. During his 22 years at the helm of Protectron through four successive majority financial owners (Videotron, Wellspring Capital, Reliance Income Trust, Alinda), Daniel has grown a $10 million annual regional business into a $160 million Canadian national player with 400,000 subscribers to its monitoring services. In 2014, he led the sale of Protectron to ADT for $500 million USD. Throughout this journey, Daniel has consistently secured seamless financing to support the company’s growth and development. He also ensured that the investor-owners understood that high quality products and services were the foundation for sustainable growth.

A few years after the sale to ADT, Daniel also led the creation of GardaWorld Security System from 2017 to 2020.

Over the years, Daniel established himself as one of the leading figures in the North American security systems and monitoring industry, leading Protectron to the 15th position on this list and within a few months of the number one position in Canada before the sale to ADT. A self-taught entrepreneur, he has built a solid and fast growing organization. He has created a “Work Hard Play Hard” culture and a strong sense of belonging by always insisting on total integrity. He also built an extensive business network in Canada and the United States, which allowed the organization to share best practices with many of North America’s best-run companies.

Daniel will be missed as a father by his daughter and son, both in their twenties, as a spouse and as a brother. He will be missed by many as an influential business leader and mentor, and as a true and genuine friend to those who were fortunate enough to be closer to him.