Security Sales & Integration

November 2012

SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.

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TECH TALK TOOL TIP Strong security has always relied on good system supervision. It has become even more critical with systems now extended over IP connectivity and networks. Thus, this month I have selected network monitoring tools and services from Seattle-based Vunetrix (vunetrix.com). As the manufacturer states, "Your network should be transparent, not invisible." What exactly is happening in your network? Networks can capture, store and manage vast amounts of data, yet information on network performance has always been too little, too late. From a single Web-based portal, Vunetrix lets you monitor network bandwidth, usage, performance and availability to avoid bottlenecks, optimize effi ciency, pinpoint faults and make fact-based resource planning decisions. Vunetrix allows you to proactively manage any IP device on your network for both real-time and historical reporting. Courtesy Vunetrix obligations may be a future problem for customers. While cloud critics agreed that the technology appears to be working fi ne, care in implementation and long-term planning cautions are cited. Cloud storage standards would help abate this concern. One suggested successful cloud marketing strategy is to allow customers to have monthly storage commitments the fi rst year rather than long-term contracts. T e customer's concerns are eased as they can cancel at any time. While this may sound risky for the reseller, statistically up to 99% of customers stay with the existing cloud service. Ironically, it appears that weaknesses in video management services are still based on not following classic "best practices, " such as simply changing default security passwords. Can you believe that "1234" is still being used? When will we learn, people? Regular auditing of video management security for your customers is still highly encouraged. HIGH-TECH SURVEILLANCE SHAPES UP Many of the exhibitors at high profi le shows such as ASIS 2012 provide products for large commercial and government installations. One big challenge is to have a minimal amount of security equipment to protect a large area such as coastal and facility perimeters. When investigating or off ering solutions to this market sector, you may encounter terms such as geo- ASIS: AN ASSOCIATION WORTH ASSOCIATING WITH ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) International is one of the industry's preeminent organizations. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests. These efforts include the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits as well as specifi c security topics. ASIS administers three internationally accredited certifi cation programs: Certifi ed Protection Professional (CPP); Professional Certifi ed Investigator (PCI); and Physical Security Professional (PSP). The ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines is the promulgating body that develops security management standards and guidelines. The ASIS conferences now partner with the (ISC)² and International Information Systems Security Certifi cation Consortium Inc. organizations. In addition, ASIS also partners with SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION on the publication's annual Commercial End-User Study (see September issue). For more information on ASIS, its events or programs, visit asisonline.org. ONLINE CAN BE VIRTUALLY AS GOOD Returning to the time and monetary challenges of attending events, some- times there is another alternative besides having me be your "feet on the street. T anks to today's amazing communi- " cations technology, even if you cannot personally visit tradeshows such as ASIS 2012 you can easily benefi t from an on- line virtual tour of the exhibit hall fl oor. All you need is a map and list of exhibi- tors, which is available for the ASIS event at www.asis2012.org/exhibits. Not only does the map allow viewing booth loca- tions but also in many cases provides a link to those suppliers' Web sites. Also be sure to check out some of the top prod- ucts selected by ASIS' Accolades program (accolades.eventarchives.com). Why the map reference? If you want spatial proceduralized response control (G-SPRC). To fi nd out more about this topic, take a look at systems like ActiveSentry from JETprotect (jet- protect.com) or the Hawkeye Eff ect from Optex (www.optexamerica.com). to fi nd companies that are new and in- novative, one of my best tips is to visit the smaller booths at the back and sides of show fl oors. A word of caution is in or- der, however. While you may fi nd some exciting new entrants in the security industry, they may just be getting started and not have products that are truly proven or easily available. But do keep an eye on them as many do become big hits and have often been selected by me as top product picks. I am proud to say that I have often picked up-and-coming manufacturers that have eventually received national trade awards. T ere's a good reason folks often say they heard about a hot new technology or product fi rst in this col- umn or elsewhere via SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION. NOVEMBER 2012 / SECURITYSALES.COM / 25

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