Ben Vestal

Open Options, global provider of access control solutions, has announced the launch of a new Learning Management System (LMS), “ConnectEd” for integrators, installers and system users to easily obtain certification in DNA Fusion. ConnectEd LMS platform The ConnectEd platform will be a new tool for Open Options customers to view course calendars and class status as well as register for upcoming classes. The Open Options training team currently offers classroom learning at their headquarters, on-site training, regional classes, and web-based training through WebEx.   “We are extremely excited to introduce this program to our partners,” said Open Options’ Director of Training and Education Services,  Sherinda  Barrow. "The new ConnectEd portal extends our education efforts and introduces another level of connection and benefits to educate our loyal community.”  Online learning center Our primary objective with this new LMS platform is to offer all our customers the ability to easily access educational courses" As the new online learning center expands, customers of Open Options will have access to a wide variety of learning opportunities through the ConnectEd partner portal including distance learning. Customers can enroll in scheduled classroom instruction, quarterly webinars, regional trainings, and/or live training events. It’s access that connects to high-quality training. “Our primary objective with this new LMS platform is to offer all our customers the ability to easily access educational courses”, says Benjamin Vestal, Vice President, Sales and Business Development at Open Options. “All potential customers of DNA Fusion will be able to access our experts and high-quality educational content irrespective of their location at anytime, anywhere.” 

Allegion US, a provider of security products and solutions, and Open Options, a global access control solutions company, integrated the ENGAGE IP Gateway with DNA Fusion software to expand their offering of scalable security solutions. Open Options is a longstanding Allegion software alliance member and is committed to offering the most up-to-date technology available. The integration of the ENGAGE IP Gateway with Open Options’ DNA Fusion access control platform offers users another cost-effective option in their access control solution. Simplify Installation The ENGAGE Gateway provides the ability to leverage existing IP-based infrastructure for maximum efficiency The ENGAGE Gateway provides the ability to leverage existing IP-based infrastructure for maximum efficiency. Ethernet connectivity provides the ability to connect to the network for real-time access control directly from an in- or out-of-network host to an edge device. To further simplify installation, the Gateway can be powered over ethernet (PoE), removing the need for separate power supplies or wiring. The ENGAGE Gateway performs regular, frequent communication between the Gateway and linked ENGAGE enabled devices. The Gateway is able to send commands such as lock, unlock and lock down from an IP host in real-time. Commands are executed in less than five seconds. As an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the Gateway leverages network security practices, including AES-256 bit and TLS encryption to provide customers with secure, dependable experiences. Real-Time Communication These secure communication protocols, in addition to real-time communication between devices, help to ensure the end user’s facility security is constantly monitored and allows access events to be addressed immediately. This solution also minimizes traditional hardware infrastructure, which provides the end user a smaller security footprint and cost savings. “Open Options is dedicated to providing open platform solutions, which is why we continually work with leading security providers to develop integrations that give end users a choice in their access control products,” said Ben Vestal, vice president of sales and business development at Open Options. “We’re excited to join with Allegion in offering our end users an opportunity to further enhance their security by utilizing real-time connectivity between their electronic lock and access control solution.” Access Control Software DNA Fusion is designed with valuable customer input to ensure it delivers a user-friendly and open access control platform DNA Fusion, Open Options’ award-winning open architecture access control software, seamlessly integrates with security systems like Schlage’s electronic locks, readers and credentials. Developed by experts with years of industry experience, DNA Fusion is designed with valuable customer input to ensure it delivers a user-friendly and open access control platform. Other supporting products—visitor management, photo ID and more—work together to provide a complete security solution. Numerous Allegion products have a deep integration developed by Open Options. The integration between DNA Fusion and the ENGAGE IP Gateway is the result of requests for additional solutions by the end user. Networked Access Control It can leverage an existing IP infrastructure to enable networked access control to doors traditionally ignored. “What’s great about Open Option’s DNA Fusion software is that it offers a full-scale access control solution that can be tailored to fit each customer’s unique security needs,” said Dewey VanVoorhis, electronics product manager at Allegion. “This integration offers end users yet another solution to expand security and convenience to more of their doors.”   

Open Options, global provider of open platform access control solutions, will showcase their DNA Fusion access control platform and its powerful components at ISC West 2019 in Las Vegas. DNA Fusion Platform Considered the largest security industry trade show in North America, ISC West hosts over 30,000 security professionals and showcases a wide range of products and solutions from hundreds of industry manufacturers. ISC West attendees are invited to visit Open Options at booth #2103 to experience the latest features in the DNA Fusion platform, including FlexAPI, Open Options’ application programming interface, OpenDX database exchange software, and DNA Fusion’s Mobile and Web applications. Attendees will also be able to learn more about DNA Fusion’s numerous partnerships and integrated solutions with industry leaders such as Milestone, Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, Traka, and many more. IT-Centric Access Control Solutions  We’re excited that ISC West 2019 will be our platform to announce the latest additions to our extensive partnership portfolio" “Our ability to provide the most IT-centric access control solution on the market is enhanced by unified partnerships and integrations with other leaders in the security industry, and we’re excited that ISC West 2019 will be our platform to announce the latest additions to our extensive partnership portfolio,” said Open Options’ vice president of sales and business development, Ben Vestal. “Each new integration adds robust functionality that enhances the DNA Fusion user experience and provides even more opportunities to supply our customers with a best-of-breed solution.” Product Display Some of Open Options’ products and technology integrations that will be on display at ISC West 2019 include: NSC-200 IP-based door module Von Duprin RU/RM wireless exit device Farpointe Conekt Bluetooth reader eyeLock iris reader New destination control integrations Traka key and asset management integration Vingtor-Stentofon AlphaCom substation ASSA ABLOY Aperio Hub and lock Schlage LE series wireless mortise lock ISONAS Pure IP RC-04 reader-controller

Open Options, global provider of innovative access control solutions, has announced a new incentive program for their certified dealer channel. The program offers two tiers of status, Advantage and Advantage Platinum, which are determined by specific criteria including annual sales, new Open Options sites sold, software maintenance coverage as well as dealer technician training requirements.  Exceeding Expectations “We are extremely excited to introduce this program to our dealer channel,” said Open Options’ vice president of sales and business development, Ben Vestal. “While we have always offered the Advantage program for our premier partners, the new Advantage Platinum status expands the program and introduces another level of recognition and benefits to reward our loyal partners who continuously exceed expectations.”

Open Options makes key appointments to accommodate continued growth in the competitive security market Open Options, the open architecture leader in access control, has promoted key management personnel and has added new team members to accommodate continued growth and success in the competitive security market. “Open Options has changed dramatically over the last 18 years and we have positioned ourselves in the access control market for strong continued growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Steve Fisher. “We’re fortunate to have the top talent in the security industry and we’ve been working to place our team members in the best positions to maximize use of their skills and abilities.” Jonathan Berman Jonathan Berman — who started his career with Open Options in 1999 — has been promoted to President and General Manager. Berman started out in product management and sales support, shortly thereafter moving in to the sales role where he recruited dealers throughout the country. As Open Options and the sales force grew over the years Jonathan took on a sales leadership role serving as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. “The past 16 years with Open Options has afforded me tremendous experience, opportunity and the privilege of working with people who have become like family. One of our greatest strengths is recognizing that people and relationships are key to success, and always treating our partners and customers as we would like to be treated. This culture will continue to thrive at Open Options under my leadership along with our world class software that is driven by market requirements and always remaining open to our customers’ insights into product trends.” Ben Vestal Ben Vestal has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Business Development. He most recently served Open Options as RSM for the Texas Region and has earned the achievement of top sales for six years in a row. Vestal, who just celebrated his 10th anniversary with Open Options, started off as Materials Manager and quickly worked his way up and has proven to be a leader in the organization. Scot Sturges Scot Sturges has been named as Regional Sales Manager for the Texas Region. Sturges has been with Open Options for over seven years and previously served as RSM for the Midwest United States. He has been based out of Open Options headquarters in Texas and is the perfect candidate to take over the top market given his successful track record in the Midwest region. Dan Cosgrove New to Open Options is Dan Cosgrove, who has been named as Regional Sales Manager of the Midwest. Cosgrove has a wealth of sales experience with leading security companies including Brivo Systems, Red Hawk Fire & Security, Alarm Detection Systems, SimplexGrinnell, and ADT Security Services. He has earned an MBA in Strategic Selling and Sales Management from Aurora University, a bachelor’s in marketing from North Central College, and an associate’s in accounting from the College of DuPage. “Almost half of our employees have been here for over ten years and we are grateful that they have committed to spending their careers with our Open Options family. This gives us a rich pool of leadership talent to draw from as we continue to grow and expand,” said Fisher. “We are also thrilled to have fresh ideas and support from our newest team members, as well. We look forward to this exciting time for our company.”