ComNet Europe Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

The PSA Network (PSA), the world's largest consortium of professional systems integrators, will host its annual convention October 14–17 in Marco Island, Florida, at the JW Marriott Beach Resort. The event is exclusive to PSA's network of security integration members and owners. Attendees will travel from across the country to attend top-tier education sessions, network with peers and participate in planned excursions in paradise. PSA Convention 2024 “Our team has worked hard to ensure PSA Convention 2024 is an exceptional event,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of PSA. “From the educational lineup to the networking opportunities, PSA members will be impressed. We cannot wait to see the impactful conversations and collaborations that will emerge.”  Data-driven insights Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce will assign attendees with data-driven insights to cut via the noise Josh Linkner will headline PSA Convention with his keynote address on how small, everyday innovations can drive oversized results. In this inspiring, timely and high-impact keynote, Linkner will show attendees how to de-risk the creative process, build the capacity to unlock breakthrough transformations and gain the creative confidence to take responsible risks. Likewise, economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce will empower attendees with data-driven insights to cut through the noise. The presentation will connect the microeconomic dynamics of the security markets with the core economic phenomena that PSA integrators deal with every day. Key technology partners Another excellent dynamic of PSA Convention is the opportunity for integrators to make personal connections with key technology partners. Sponsors of this year's event include: Aiphone Ai-RGUS AirSight Altronix AMAG Technoogy Arxys ASSA ABLOY BCD Bosch Security and Safety Systems ComNet by acre security Digital Watchdog Hanwha Vision HID IML Security Solutions LenelS2 Pelco SECLOCK Snellings Walters Velasea VICON Windy City Wire Zenitel Zitko If they are a PSA member interested in attending PSA Convention 2024, visit the PSA Convention website. Registration includes a three-night hotel stay if they register before September 23. 

The PSA Network, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announced the PSA Partner Program (P3) members for 2024.  The P3 program is a performance-based initiative designed for technology partners. It assesses and categorizes partners according to a set of criteria that mirror their achievements and impact within the network. 2024 strategic P3 partnerships Partners meeting the minimum annual sales threshold undergo evaluation on a weighted scale. The cumulative scores attained by partners collectively determine their position within the program, which consists of two tiers: "Elite" and "Platinum." These strategic partnerships empower PSA integrators to elevate their offerings to end-users and stay ahead in the market. Strategic partnerships empower PSA integrators to elevate their offerings to end-users "As we continue to advance our mission of elevating the security industry, we are thrilled to announce our 2024 strategic P3 partnerships with the pioneering technology manufacturers,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “By joining forces with esteemed industry pioneers, we ensure unparalleled technology solutions for our membership and their customers.”  P3 2024 Elite and Platinum partners P3 2024 Elite partners include acre security, Altronix, AMAG Technology, ASSA ABLOY, ComNet by acre security,  Eagle Eye Networks, Hanwha Vision, HID, Johnson Controls, LenelS2, Milestone Systems, OpenEye, Windy City Wire, and  Zenitel. P3 2024 Platinum partners include 3MillID, Aiphone, Allegion, Alvarado, BCD, Bosch Security and Safety Systems, Digital Watchdog, Identiv, LifeSafety Power, March Networks and Salient Systems.  Opportunities for the PSA Network “The P3 partnerships signify PSA’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the security industry, harnessing the latest advancements to provide unmatched solutions,” said Brittany Board, director of technology partners for the PSA Network. “We are excited to announce the P3 top-tier security technology partners, as these alliances enable PSA to deliver incredible value to our members." The 2024 P3’s includes 25 partners, presenting a wealth of opportunities for the PSA Network. Through P3, PSA can develop a broader range of offerings for owners and members, including exclusive training and extensive certification opportunities.

ComNet Products from ACRE, a Danbury, Connecticut, USA-based manufacturer of fiber optic transmission and networking equipment is introducing a new cost-effective all-Gigabit hardened switch that can act as an unmanaged switch or aggregation point for the network. Features of the new switch The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and is typically used in perimeter surveillance. Cost-effective switch Our customers have the benefit such as products in stock, being fully supported by the ComNet design center" “Focusing on our ComNet product line, we’ve been busy adding many interesting special products to fill out the line,” said Skip Haight, VP of Marketing for ComNet products. “The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is very cost-effective, yet offers many features not commonly offered on media converters or unmanaged switches. Plus, our customers have the benefit of all the values such as products in-stock, being fully supported by the ComNet design center and covered by the ComNet Lifetime Warranty,” added Haight. Transmission equipment ComNet, an ACRE product line, offers an extensive line of fiber optic, copper, and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation System, Utility, and Industrial markets.

Well attended and generating levels of excitement not seen since before the pandemic, ISC West may provide just the shot of adrenaline we need to drive industry success through the uncertain economic times ahead. Buzzwords like artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud were still prevalent at the conference and exhibition in Las Vegas, but the hype of yesteryear seemed more subdued. Rather than breakthroughs to be celebrated, AI and cloud were discussed more as ways systems can realize even greater potential. Rampant cybersecurity attacks Rather than hype, discussions seemed much more practical and down-to-earth, encompassing shifting customer needs and how to address pain points. There was more discussion of the shift of security from a cost center to a profit center, where industry technologies can contribute to an enterprise’s bottom line. More companies seemed to be vigorously addressing the challenges of cybersecurity More companies seemed to be vigorously addressing the challenges of cybersecurity, although perpetually an obstacle. The industry seems more devoted than ever to protecting physical security systems in an age of rampant cybersecurity attacks. But more than in years past, it was the ISC West event itself that generated the most buzz. The crowded aisles of the exhibition seemed both reminiscent of the pre-covid past and prescient of the industry’s even brighter future. From booth to booth and attendee to attendee, the enthusiasm was both conspicuous and contagious. Everybody was thinking: ‘Wow! What a show!’ Pushing Technology to the Edge “The practice of physical security is about more than understanding threats, and end users are thinking now about the bigger picture of security and how networks work in the broader context of the business,” said Andrew Elvish, Vice President, Marketing at Genetec. Problems of latency and miscommunication are elements pushing technology to the network edge, he says. For example, in an access control scenario, decision-making should be as close to the door as possible to avoid network congestion, delays, or failure. Andrew Elvish, Vice President, Marketing at Genetec, displays Axis network door controller ‘powered by Genetec’ Elements pushing technology Reflecting the philosophy is a new collaboration introduced at the show called ‘Axis Powered by Genetec,’ an enterprise-level access control offering that combines Genetec Synergis software with A1210 and A1610 network door controllers by Axis Communications. Elvish says lines are blurring when it comes to edge versus cloud technologies. Rather than choosing ‘either-or,’ a blending of approaches is optimum, always ensuring that “Decision-making is close to the point of actuation,” he says. On-Premise versus cloud systems Elvish also points to changing assumptions about the industry roles of on-premise versus cloud systems Elvish also points to changing assumptions about the industry roles of on-premise versus cloud systems. Historically, the assumption was that on-premise systems are most appropriate for enterprise customers, while the cloud is the best approach for small- to medium businesses (SMBs). Depending on the end customer’s needs, a system can be either or both at the same time.  Rather than debate cloud versus edge, customers should consider the outcomes they seek, and how technologies can be merged to provide those outcomes. “They should consider a solution where they do both, with the gradation of controls provided at their fingertips,” says Elvish. Combining Security into One Platform Unifying security and related functions on a single platform was a widely evident trend at ISC West. An example is Verkada which now offers a unified platform that includes video, access control, and intrusion detection, as well as other functions such as air quality sensors, visitor management, and a door intercom. David Tsang, Product Director of Verkada, predicts demand to combine technologies into a single platform will grow in the industry. Furthermore, as data is collected in the single system, enterprises will find new ways to ‘connect the dots’ to provide better business intelligence. Air quality sensors Verkada’s cloud-based system enables fast deployment of the single platform “Our approach to building products is based around the idea that every company has different needs, and they want technologies to integrate seamlessly and operate off the same platform,” says Tsang. In addition to seamless integration, each product must also be able to stand on its own. Tsang manages Verkada’s various product categories, including access control, air quality sensors, intercoms, etc. Verkada’s cloud-based system enables fast deployment of the single platform, and the company works with dealers to ensure delivery of a 'better partner experience.' What Happens After a Binge of Acquisitions? Acre Security unveiled a new corporate ‘identity’ and a big booth highlighting the technology brands the company has acquired over the last several years. Brands such as Feenics, ACTMobile, Comnet, Razberi, and others reflect Acre’s acquisition of these companies but are now being promoted as technology choices under the ‘one Acre’ approach.  Don Joos, CEO of Acre Security, looked ahead to the future of the company at ISC West Visitor management product categories Change is in the air, and the booth’s unified visual design signifies the new direction for the company, says Don Joos, Acre’s CEO. Various technologies can be delivered via the cloud, through an on-premise installation, or using a hybrid approach Acre is highlighting ACTMobile’s mustering capability, useful in the K-12 market In tying technologies together, the ACTMobile product will play a key role in two major verticals -- command-and-control and K-12 schools. Acre is highlighting ACTMobile’s mustering capability, useful in the K-12 market, which was adapted from a technology used in the cruise industry. The Acre approach is to embrace the variety of opportunities available in the access control, intrusion, and visitor management product categories within a broad definition of ‘security’ that embraces both core capabilities and ‘adjacencies,’ says Joos. Acre seeks to enable customers to protect people, facilities, and critical assets. They manage customers’ security data and provide the insights they need. Ensuring a Cohesive Security System A challenge in the industry is combining various single products into a cohesive whole. “There are many products that do one thing well, but it’s harder to build a cohesive security platform,” says Ryan Schonfeld, Founder and CEO of Hivewatch. Hivewatch is a software platform that performs the functions previously associated with a ‘PSIM,’ which is a physical security information management system. The term PSIM has earned a questionable reputation in the industry, plagued by added costs and the perpetual challenges of integrating with ever-changing software platforms. Information management system Hivewatch seeks to bypass other software systems and to integrate as closely as possible with devices Hivewatch seeks to bypass other software systems and to integrate as closely as possible with devices on the edge, thus avoiding the impact of software system changes. They integrate with data in a ‘different way’ that eliminates the need to conform to other software systems.  In today’s climate, the term ‘security’ could be seen as limiting when it comes to the various functions our industry’s systems can perform in the broader enterprise, says Schonfeld. Traditional enterprise reporting structures that have physical security reporting to the facilities or real estate department are limiting the broader role security can play in the enterprise. Positioning physical security Changing norms are positioning physical security to report to the CIO or CISO, thus reflecting physical security’s role in collecting and analyzing data. Higher visibility within the enterprise can help security expand its influence and impact. “Security is too limiting, and it can keep us from getting a seat at the table,” says Schonfeld. “We need to shift from being a cost center to generating revenue and/or driving business — and data is the key. Rather than leading by fear, we need to show the value security can drive.”

Enclosures containing electronics, communications or cabling infrastructure offer a simple attack point for cyber breaches and an opportunity for a physical attack on the hardware. Yet, many of these assets are housed within enclosures that provide minimal security features to offer a deterrent to any would-be attacker. This has always just been a pet hate. Walking down the high street of a town anywhere in the United Kingdom, you can often see open street communication cabinets. You can actually look directly inside at the equipment. And if I was a bad guy, I could quite easily just put my foot into their enclosure and quite quickly take out their infrastructure. Charged service for enclosures This seems crazy when a US$ 2 magnetic contact on a door can quickly tell you whether your enclosure is open or shut, and can be vital in keeping your network alive. Moreover, the operators of these systems, whether it is telecoms or internet providers, are providing a charged service to their customers, so they should really be protecting their enclosures. Why has that security level not been so readily taken into the outside world, into the unprotected environment? More sobering, if you contrast this security approach to the approach taken in the data center world, an environment that already has multiple stringent security protocols in place, you get a very different picture. For instance, security devices can capture snapshots of anyone who opens a cabinet door in a data room, so it is recorded who has opened that door. While that is just one simple example, it begs the question. Why has that security level not been so readily taken into the outside world, into the unprotected environment? In my mind, a lot of it boils down simply to education. Network connection, easy point of cyber attacks Our preconceived idea about cyber security is some big corporation being knocked out or held to ransom by, again in our mind, someone sitting at a laptop, probably with their hood up over their head, typing away in the darkness, attacking us through the internet. But how the would-be criminal is going to come at us is just like in sport. They attack at the weakest point. Networks can be deployed in the outside world in many ways, such as cameras monitoring the highways. That means those locations will have a network connection. And that can be a point of attack in a non-secure outside world. Enclosures can be broken into by attackers Many people think, ‘That is okay because I’m going to take that ethernet device that my cameras are connected to and I’m going to put it inside an enclosure.’ However, what people do not realize is that the only thing that the enclosure is doing is protecting the ethernet device from Mother Nature. Because, without proper security, those enclosures can be broken into pretty easily. Many of them are just a single key that is not in any way coded to the device. Twofold cyber security People need to realize that cyber security is twofold. It can be carried out by hacking the network or physically breaking Therein lays the problem. People need to realize that cyber security is twofold. It can be carried out by hacking the network or physically breaking into the weakest physical point. And so, a simple boot through the open door of an enclosure can vandalise the devices inside and take down a small or large part of a network. And by definition, this meets the criteria for a cyber-attack. So, how do we go about tackling this problem? Well, security is a reaction marketplace. And for enclosures, there’s not, at present, a plethora of solutions out there for to counter these types of attacks. It can be challenging to find what you’re looking for through a quick Google search compared to searching for more traditional security protection measures. Deploying smart sensors and detectors But, under Vanderbilt and ComNet, we are currently taking our knowledge and experience from system installation and compiling it together. We’re bringing different products from different parts of our business to make a true solution. For instance, we have sensors for enclosures that detect anything from gas or smoke to open doors, detectors that will tell you if someone is trying to smash open your enclosure with a sledgehammer, or that someone is trying to lift your enclosure off of its mount. More importantly, as is not really a one-size-fits-all solution, we have developed a menu structure available that allows customers to pick and choose the ones that will best fit their own requirements.