Immix® Partners with Techevolution to Provide UL 827A Compliance

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Immix® announced a partnership with Techevolution, a technology hosting solutions and managed IT services provider, that will allow Immix central station and security operations center (SOC) customers to monitor and manage sites and facilities that fall under the 827A standard for security and life safety applications. Techevolution is the only data center that does not also provide central station or SOC services that holds the 827A designation.

UL 827A permits existing UL-listed centers, hosted by Techevolution to earn the additional UL 827A listing. This addition provides the guidance for a UL 827A-listed central station to offer alternative methods related to the structure, location, and implementation of their software and/or hardware, including new options on the hosting placement and the location of their servers, software, central station receivers, and telephone systems.

“In an industry with requirements as stringent as that of the security and life safety industry, Immix is very pleased to be able to offer our customers a choice in how they deploy their infrastructure and operations,” said Immix CEO Chris Brown. “Our UL partner stations can now choose to partner with a data center in North America that is 827A compliant; thus, eliminating the need to possibly have to partner with a competitor center or spend a great deal of expense and resources to stand up their own environment.”

Under 827-A, monitoring centers using Immix can choose to adopt a central station host structure through Techevolution to include hosting automation systems, telephone systems, and even receivers in a remote location. An essential benefit is that a hosting service can relieve some of the burden from the central station, alleviating the need for IT staff experts or incurred costs of routine hardware and software licensing and upgrades. Outsourcing allows the central station to focus its resources on service delivery to its customers.

In addition, this Immix – Techevolution partnership fills an essential gap for central stations that eclipse the UL-mandated monitoring equivalent weight (MEW) factor. Central stations with a certain alarm activity factor that are mandated to maintain fully redundant operations can now choose to partner with a UL 827A-listed hosting provider.

NAPCO Announces New New England Rep & Nationwide Application Sales Support

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NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., is pleased to introduce Mark Miller as the new Regional Sales Manager for New England, and Paul Hoey, former RSM, as new systems applications support provider for the Country.   Miller, well-known in New England, comes to NAPCO with a successful track record and long-tenure in the region at a well-known area distributor, and prior to that held roles at two large dealers in MA and CA, respectively.  Paul Hoey, a NAPCO industry icon will provide system configuration support and virtual technical help assistance for the growing number of NAPCO Systems Dealer nationally.

Reporting to Dave Sheffey, SRVP of Northern Sales for NAPCO, both will be complementary assets for the important region, comprising ME, MA, CT, VT, RI & NH. Sheffey said, “We are happy to welcome Mark aboard, and congratulate Paul in his new role. With their expertise and applications know-how, NAPCO has a new powerhouse base in New England from which we will all undoubtedly draw & benefit.”

New England Dealers, feel free to reach out to New NAPCO NE RSM, Mark Miller, for product introductions, training and assistance directly at mmiller@napcosecurity.com or cell 631-495-9485; or nationwide dealers can contact Paul Hoey for systems design/configuration help at 631-793-3672 or phoey@napcosecurity.com.   To visit Mark in person, and see NAPCO’s latest and greatest systems, connected services or cellular solutions, see NAPCO at Booth 12031, ISC West Las Vegas March 23-25, 2022.

 

DICE Increases its Global Footprint with 6 International Data Centers

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Avi Lupo, co-president of DICE Corporation, announced that the company has increased its global footprint by adding six data centers outside the United States and Canada that are actively used to serve its growing interactive video and alarm monitoring clients overseas plus allow DICE to process web page applications locally and closest to its growing alarm dealer base in North America.

The six data centers are supporting markets in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and expanded footprints in North America.

Over the next few years, the company is expected to increase to 15 data centers in regions close to its expanding client base.

DICE has two UL 827A active data centers in North America for geographical redundancy and in different geographical zones to meet UL & ULC standards. For additional redundancy, the data centers are powered by two different power companies, in addition to two generators at each center.  As active data centers, DICE runs load-balanced signals at both sites in the US. Multiple ISP feeds from various carriers.

“Having the additional data centers allows us to provide not only cloud services for those who do not want receivers on their site, but also backup and disaster recovery services, all on a global basis.  DICE has been expanding in the past few months its carrier contracts outside the USA, which allows us to do full-service hosting in other areas.” said DICE Corporation President and CEO Cliff Dice. “This gives our clients a worry-free, cost savings, and future-proof solution.”

Dice also recently deployed a fully working global network that allows each of its UL/ULC and global data centers to receive same IP packet data at all centers allowing active/active diversification without typical legacy BGP failover that most alarm centers use.  This gives DICE an advantage going forward in switching clients between centers automatically and even load balance processing recourses across all data centers.

For more information on DICE Corporation, visit www.dicecorp.com

Axis Communications announces the winners of the Oceania Partner Awards 2021

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Axis Communications announced the winners of its Oceania Partner Awards 2021. These awards are dedicated to celebrating and rewarding Axis’ multiple partners across the Oceania region, for their outstanding contributions to improving security and optimizing business performance over the past year.

Axis’ partners continue to provide trusted network and audio solutions for their customers to achieve success, and maintain their position as a global market leader in security offerings. This year’s winners have proven to be leaders in innovation, selected based on their ongoing commitment to delivering superior product solutions.

“Through working collaboratively with our partners, we have been able to embrace cutting edge technology and advancements to drive results for our end customers. Our partners have been critical to developing solutions to navigate our customers’ new needs and challenges in this changing technology landscape,” says Wai King Wong, Axis Regional Director for Oceania.

“Axis recognizes the strength in collaboration with our partnership work acting as the driving force behind the company’s success during these uncertain times in the security industry.”

Awards this year were broken down by region, with top performing partners and distributors recognized. Awards were also given out for specific industry deployments, including retail, government and banking. The full list of award winners is as follows:

Top Partner Winners by Industry

  • Retail partner Australia: PMT Security
  • Retail partner New Zealand: RISC
  • Retail partner multi-site deployments Australia: JD Security
  • Retail partner multi-site deployments New Zealand: Focus Digital
  • Government partner Australia: Optic Security
  • Government partner New Zealand: Optic Security
  • Critical Infrastructure partner Australia: Royal Eagle Security Services
  • Smart Cities partner: Jettech Networks
  • Banking partner Australia: ARA Security
  • Banking partner New Zealand: Securitek
  • Transportation partner Australia: SICE

Top Partner Winners by Region

  • NSW and ACT partner: Securitas
  • QLD and NT partner: Chubb Security
  • VIC and TAS partner: Convergint
  • WA partner: SEME Solutions
  • New Zealand partner: Advanced Security Group
  • Oceania region partner: ARA Security

Special Award Winners

  • Axis Academy Award: Link Enterprise Solutions
  • E2E champion partner: JD Security
  • Audio champion partner Australia: Link Enterprise Solutions
  • Audio champion partner New Zealand: Advanced Security Group

Top Distributor Winners

  • Audio distributor Australia: Ingram Micro
  • Audio distributor New Zealand: Channel Ten
  • E2E distributor Australia: Anixter
  • E2E distributor New Zealand: Sektor
  • Top distributor Australia: Hills Limited
  • Top distributor New Zealand: Channel 10

Johnson Controls Acquires FogHorn, AI, IoT Software Developer

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Johnson Controls has completed the acquisition of FogHorn, a developer of Edge AI software for the industrial and commercial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

“Value is increasingly being created by applying intelligence at the edge-device level to create real-time, secure, actionable insights,” said Johnson Controls Chief Technology Officer Vijay Sankaran. “By pervasively integrating Foghorn’s world class Edge AI throughout our OpenBlue solution portfolio, we are accelerating the pace towards our vision of smart, autonomous buildings that continuously learn, adapt and automatically respond to the needs of the environment and people.”

As the number of sensors and amount of data in buildings continues to grow, the value of processing data and applying intelligence at the edge, without having to send data to the cloud, becomes increasingly pronounced.

Sastry Malladi, who served as chief technology officer at Foghorn, will join Johnson Controls, reporting to Sankaran as vice president, OpenBlue artificial intelligence.

“We are thrilled to bring the Foghorn team and edge AI capabilities to Johnson Controls and OpenBlue,” Malladi said. “By combining our respective strengths, Johnson Controls can make an even bigger impact on continuing to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges of decarbonization, sustainability and energy efficiency, indoor air quality and smart, secure buildings.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FogHorn’s technical team will be integrated into the OpenBlue Solutions organization. FogHorn’s headquarters in Sunnyvale, California will function as an ‘AI Hub’ for Johnson Controls.

Security Industry Grieves the Death of Per Mar Security’s Michael L. Duffy

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Michael “Mike” Duffy, 71, of Davenport, died peacefully and surrounded by family on January 21, 2022.  Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, he died of pneumonia following COVID.

He joined Per Mar Security and Research Corp, the company founded by his parents, John and Eleanor (Duax) Duffy.  After success at an entry level job (cleaning dog kennels), Mike was promoted during high school and college to work as both a dispatcher and a scheduler.  These early work experiences influenced one of Mike’s core values: Treat people from all walks of life with equal respect.  Mike was an avid couponer and yet a generous tipper. Mike had a quick wit and an incredible (Irish) sense of humor that was known to many but most loved by his family.

In the early years, Mike held various positions at Per Mar including Dispatch Supervisor, Alarm Manager, Vice President of Operations, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President and CEO. During his term of leadership, the company completed more than 80 acquisitions of life safety companies, eventually becoming the largest family-owned full-service security provider in the Midwest while also operating one of the largest fire alarm sales and service companies in the country, Midwest Alarm Services.  Mike was a licensed Private Detective in seven states and held the level of U.S. Government Secret Clearance, in addition to being involved in many boards and committees within the industry.  Mike also was a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, and the Top Gun Forum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Mike may be directed to the Scott County Catholic Schools Foundation or the Women’s Choice Center.

Ford and ADT to Form Joint Venture to Fortify Vehicle Security

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Ford (NYSE: F) and ADT Inc. (NYSE: ADT) will invest in a new joint venture called Canopy that combines ADT’s professional
security monitoring and Ford’s AI-driven video camera technology to help customers strengthen security of new and existing vehicles across automotive brands.

“The combination of our technologies and our deep security experience creates a new category
of protection for work and personal vehicles,” said Elliot Cohen, ADT chief business
development officer. “Vehicles represent the second-most-valuable asset for consumers, and
helping to protect them extends ADT’s safe, smart, and sustainable solutions far beyond the
home.”

Canopy plans to launch industry-first, multi-sensor security systems with available professional
monitoring early next year. The first products to be manufactured and sold will be available in
the U.S. and the U.K. for the industry’s highest-volume commercial and retail pickups and vans
– including the Ford F-150, F-150 Lightning, Transit vans and E-Transit – and will be easily
installable by customers to protect expensive work and recreational equipment.

“Thieves have been even more active during the pandemic and know business owners store
valuable equipment in vehicles, often hauling more than $50,000 of gear. Canopy is here for
those who’ve had enough of thefts that threaten their livelihoods,” said Franck Louis-Victor, vice
president, Ford New Business Platform. “Key to Ford’s software-led transformation are new
ideas such as Canopy and collaborating with other innovators such as ADT, which brings to
vehicle security their leadership protecting families, homes, and businesses.”

The FBI estimates [1] that stolen work equipment cost more than $7.4 billion in 2020 in the U.S.,
and theft of valuable work equipment is believed to be underestimated in stolen vehicle reports.
Small business owners face even greater opportunity costs with the deferral or loss of jobs while
replacing stolen items.

Canopy also plans to begin integrating camera security solutions in Ford vehicles next year for
seamless protection inside and outside vehicles. Canopy will seek factory-vehicle integrations
with other automakers over time.

  • Canopy’s first smart vehicle security system accessory offering will make use of acoustic
    sensors for vans, onboard cameras, radar, LTE, and GPS. The initial product will have a
    camera that can be mounted in either a van’s cargo area or on a pickup facing the bed. The
    platform will use AI technology to identify and report credible threats while reducing false alarm
    signals.
  • Customers will be connected to the system via the Canopy app to livestream video from
    the vehicle, get notified of suspicious activity, or review past events.
  • The system will trigger a smartphone alert of any indicators of potential criminal activity,
    such as breaking glass, metal cutting, or suspicious motion or sound near the vehicle.
  • Customers can warn potential thieves they are being monitored by speaking through the
    smartphone app, enabled by a two-way audio feature that will be available by next year.
  • The system’s AI is designed to distinguish true threats from benign acts – such as a cat
    jumping into a pickup bed or construction sounds near a vehicle – before alerting the
    owner or ADT monitoring agents of potential theft.
  • The system will alert ADT monitoring professionals if it detects a person loitering around
    or breaching the vehicle [2].

ADT monitoring agents can then contact customers, fleet managers, or police to take additional
measures to help prevent theft. Credible threats will trigger additional responses, including
audible alerts and programmable voice recordings and two-way audio in future updates.
The first-of-its-kind Canopy products will be sold through vehicle dealerships, major retailers,
and online. Ford Pro will be an important launch partner delivering these solutions to
commercial and government customers of all sizes, helping drive business forward and
accelerate productivity at a global scale.

“Commercial customers around the world are laser focused on protecting investments from
costly replacements that can impact their bottom lines,” said Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro.
“Canopy will help Ford Pro deliver another service to fleets helping to improve total cost of
ownership by staying productive and avoiding downtime associated with stolen tools and
damaged vehicles – including the majority with mixed fleets since Canopy technology will be
available across brands.”

The Canopy team has been developing and testing its first technologies for two years as part of
Ford’s New Business Platform innovation incubation group. They will now be headquartered in
Detroit and London and led by Interim CEO Christian Moran.

Canopy also will seek relationships with other automotive, insurance, and technology
companies to expand offerings, explore insurance benefits for use of the technology, and cocreate new innovations.
Ford and ADT’s investment in Canopy is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory
approvals, and initial funding is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022. The partners
expect to invest approximately $100 million during the next three years.

For more information, visit www.canopy.security

Footnotes:

1 U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Report.
2 Requires subscription to ADT professional monitoring tier

Vector Security Announces New VP of Information Technology

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Vector Security® recently announced that Bryan P. Finney has joined the company as Vice President of Information Technology effective immediately. Finney also becomes a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Finney is responsible for the technological direction of the company. This includes strategic oversight and management of Vector Security’s network and software infrastructure, daily user support, and technology acquisition and application.

Additionally, he is tasked with ensuring effective and secure operation of all computer systems and IT-related activities, and establishing the company’s systems and software strategy, playing an integral role in Vector Security’s strategic direction, development and growth.

This position will report directly to Pam Petrow, President and CEO of Vector Security. Finney will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the rest of the executive leadership team.

“Bryan is a team-oriented leader skilled in leading complex enterprise initiatives that drive results,” Petrow said. “We welcome Bryan and look forward to his contributions as we continue to evolve and grow the company from a technology perspective.”

DMP Releases Dual-Path Alarm Communicator, Now Approved for Use on FirstNet®

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Looking for a simple and affordable way to upgrade customers’ 3G communicators to LTE? Here’s how you can do exactly that — plus give them the advantages of the FirstNet communications platform for all of their alarm communication. Today DMP releases its DualCom Universal Alarm Communicator that’s approved for use on FirstNet.

FirstNet is built through a public-private partnership between AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It’s the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform that’s dedicated to and purpose-built specifically for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community.

Alarm companies have already been able to use the FirstNet network to transmit alarm signals using DMP’s XR Series™ and XT Series™ control panels. Now, they’ve got even more options with FirstNet using DMP’s dual path alarm communicator.

Not only does the DualCom make it easy to upgrade old systems to LTE, but as phone lines drop out, this solution gives a way to connect to older panels with dialer communicators only. Alarm companies can also give their customers the smart home features they want with automated actions, cameras and video doorbell all from the Virtual Keypad™ app. And don’t forget, with DMP, network communication is free.

But that’s not all — the DualCom provides commercial fire communication with easy installations. It’s engineered with dual tip and ring terminals, working elegantly with existing FACPs. For fire and all security alarm communication, FirstNet delivers 21st Century communication tools to help when moments matter most.

What are the key benefits of using FirstNet?

Using FirstNet for the transmission of public safety related alarms gives the advantage of Band 14 – the nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet. Other benefits include:

According to the Federal Communications Commission, the location of the 700 MHz Band gives it excellent propagation characteristics. This allows the 700 MHz signals to penetrate buildings and walls more easily and to cover larger geographic areas with less infrastructure (relative to frequencies in higher bands).

Is FirstNet Limited to Certain Types of User Accounts?
FirstNet can be used by premises alarm units at government facilities, as well as businesses and homes to communicate alarm information through the network. Typical signals would be burglar alarm, fire alarm, medical alarm signals and other related signals.

Who Is Eligible?

The transmission of public safety related alarms via FirstNet Ready® alarm panels qualifies for FirstNet extended primary service. To offer such panels with FirstNet service, an alarm company must first qualify for, and obtain, a Certificate of Verification from The Monitoring Association (TMA) and enter into a FirstNet Agreement with AT&T. TMA certification ensures that the alarm panels transmit public safety-related alarms to a Central Monitoring Station that verifies the authenticity of the alarm before notifying a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for relay to a public safety agency.

Learn More
For more on FirstNet, check out FirstNet.com. For more information on becoming a certified FirstNet user, visit TMA.US/FirstNet or contact John McDonald at 703-660-4917 or firstnetprogram@tma.us.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority.  All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

(Released: January 11, 2022)

Alula Launches BAT-Fire Universal 5G-ready Fire Communicator

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Alula introduced BAT-Fire, an innovative universal 5G-ready fire communicator for system integrators requiring an all-purpose, full-featured device. BAT-Fire builds on Alula’s long history of developing award-winning products and services.

BAT-Fire offers easy configuration and support of all fire alarm control panels using dial-capture to report Contact ID signals, or flexible inputs for interfacing with dialer-less FACPs. Simply connect the communicator via its dual Tip & Ring Dial Capture, configure the panel and the system is ready to go. The new communicator provides sole path cellular (LTE-M) and IP or dual path communications.

“Previously, you may have needed one communicator for cellular communications and another for ethernet,” said Dave Mayne, Alula’s senior vice president, product and marketing. “Both are always available on BAT-Fire, and you can turn the cellular radio on or off if desired, something other communicators can’t do.”

BAT-Fire’s four programmable inputs or outputs allow monitoring of auxiliary building systems, such as the HVAC and sprinkler flow control, for increased RMR opportunities. There’s no need to redo battery calculations, as the new communicator is powered off the panel, using less current and eliminating the need for a different power supply or a bigger or secondary battery.

BAT-Fire features remote troubleshooting and diagnostics. It also comes with Alula’s industry best Five-Year Warranty, so you can feel confident that your investment is well protected.

“We took our time designing BAT-Fire to meet the needs of a proven, mature and established market,” Mayne said. “BAT-Fire offers features that help reduce the total cost of ownership and reduce the complexity of fire communicator  installations. Plus, with 5G capability, it eliminates typical hassles associated with cellular sunsets.”

The BAT-Fire is now available through security and electrical distributors that carry Alula products.

(Released: December 7, 2021)