Everon - Experts & Thought Leaders

Alarm.com and Everon, LLC, a pioneering security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, video, fire, and life safety solutions, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver a unified console for Everon customers to manage integrated intrusion protection, access control, remote video monitoring, and business management solutions. The partnership reflects the growing demand for integrated commercial security platforms that can easily connect with existing infrastructure while delivering remote management capabilities. The Alarm.com partnership with Everon will enable a scalable solution that meets the sophisticated requirements of commercial customers across diverse business environments, from small businesses to multi-location enterprises. Range of commercial customers “Working with Everon allows us to bring enterprise-grade mobile security capabilities to a broader range of commercial customers who need reliable, integrated solutions," said Dan Kerzner, President of Platforms Business at Alarm.com. "By combining our proven platform technology with Everon's operational expertise, we're creating a unified system that transforms how businesses manage their protection and monitoring needs." “This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering next-generation technology across every aspect of the commercial security experience,” said Don Young, Chief Executive Officer at Everon. “By collaborating with a global technology pioneer like Alarm.com, we’re ensuring that innovation remains at the heart of what we do—empowering enterprises with a transformative platform that redefines how they manage and engage with their security and life-safety systems.” Comprehensive mobile integration The Everon integration leverages Alarm.com for Business' platform to provide a complete mobile security experience, including panel arm/disarm functionality, real-time activity monitoring, user management, and push notification capabilities. The partnership continues to enhance customer value through intrusion management, employee administration, customer service integration, and advanced notification customizations. Advanced video and monitoring capabilities This integration extends across Alarm.com for Business' commercial offerings, including OpenEye for enterprise video surveillance and advanced analytics capabilities that seamlessly integrate with security events for comprehensive incident management. Future development will incorporate remote video monitoring integration and functionality. Enterprise-grade flexibility The partnership addresses the sophisticated needs of Everon's diverse customer base through a scalable platform that supports everything from basic intrusion monitoring to advanced multi-location management. Alarm.com for Business demonstrates its commitment to flexibility by integrating existing control panels with app-based management—modernizing systems without costly infrastructure replacements. For Everon enterprise customers, the platform unifies oversight and control across every level of the organization. Integrated inspection tools, reporting, and real-time technician tracking will drive operational efficiency, with planned future integrations to deliver complete visibility to the order lifecycle. Planned enhancements to the platform also include future integration with Everon’s monitoring and management software suite and order-to-cash tool, empowering customers with real-time visibility, streamlined operations, and faster revenue cycles for smarter service management and a more seamless billing experience.  

Everon, a major security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, video, fire and life safety solutions, ranked the third-largest security company in the U.S. by SDM Magazine, announced a strategic expansion of its regional structure, adding a new region and appointing seasoned senior leaders to drive operational excellence and elevate the overall customer experience. The growth to four dedicated regions – Central / Gulf, East, North / West, and Pacific – will allow for more focused leadership and collaboration across teams, with the intention of enhancing service and installation delivery and strengthening the overall value of Everon’s partnership with customers as a provider and integrator. Enhanced regional structure “With this enhanced regional structure, we’re empowering our leaders and teams to be closer to our customers, make decisions faster, and deliver the high-quality service Everon is known for,” said Mike McWilliams, President and Chief Operating Officer for Everon. “We’re also proud to welcome proven leaders to advance our mission for service excellence at the highest level. Each of these leaders brings decades of experience and a track record of success that will help us to strengthen partnerships both in and outside of our organization, drive accountability across our entire customer base, and accelerate growth.” List of regional leaders The following industry veterans have been appointed as regional leaders to drive critical success nationwide: Kwame Williams, Sr. Vice President, Central / Gulf Region: Williams has nearly 25 years of experience in the industry, consistently delivering exceptional results as a leader for some of the most trusted providers, including Red Hawk Fire & Security, ADT Commercial, and Everon. He most recently served as Sr. Vice President for Everon’s Central region prior to the expansion to include the Gulf region. Tondria Lopeztello, Sr. Vice President, Pacific Region: Lopeztello brings 32 years of expertise across sales, operations, and National Accounts to the role. For the past seven years, she has led the Los Angeles district – one of Everon’s largest markets – as Vice President/General Manager, consistently earning top honors for service quality and delivery in the area. Jim Hampton, Sr. Vice President, East Region: Hampton brings more than 27 years of industry expertise and a distinguished record of leadership to the role. He most recently served as Vice President/General Manager of Everon’s Alabama, Georgia, and Carolinas offices, repeatedly earning top service rankings in the area. Hampton is also a U.S. Air Force veteran with 30 years of service. Brian Willis, Sr. Vice President, North / West Region: Willis has over 25 years of experience in sales and operations leadership, with a career that includes impactful positions with Red Hawk Fire & Security, ADT Commercial, and Everon. He has successfully built high-performing teams for Everon, most recently serving as Vice President/General Manager for the Northern California area. “This move reinforces Everon’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner in security and life safety solutions,” McWilliams said. “By investing in customer-facing teams, processes, and resources we are poised to deliver faster, more intuitive, and more personalized service – helping customers protect what matters most while setting the standard for excellence in the industry.”

Everon, a globally renowned security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, video, fire and life safety solutions ranked the third-largest security company in the U.S. by SDM Magazine, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the business-to-business (B2B) segments of the multifamily business from ADT LLC, one of the most trusted brands in smart home and small business security. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Comprehensive security and quality service Everon currently provides fire and life safety services to multifamily customers nationwide, making this acquisition Everon currently provides fire and life safety services to multifamily customers nationwide, making this acquisition a strategic extension of the company’s current business and reinforcing its commitment to deliver comprehensive security solutions and quality service to a wide range of commercial customers. The acquisition will deepen Everon’s value as a provider and partner as well as expand its ability to serve the broader B2B multifamily space by offering property owners and managers a tailored solutions portfolio, including access control, video surveillance, and self-guided tour capabilities to integrate with top property management software. Enhance security and improve operational efficiency “This agreement marks a natural progression in the growth of our business and expands our reach in a valuable market with a traditionally low attrition rate,” said Don Young, Chief Executive Officer for Everon. He adds, “The multifamily team brings incredible expertise to deliver a unique solution for property owners and managers that can help increase net operating income, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. The completion of this acquisition will mean we can do even more for multifamily customers with industry-pioneering solutions and excellence in service delivery on a national scale.”

There was high-level energy at GSX 2025, befitting an industry undergoing massive change. Artificial intelligence (AI) was everywhere, but not so much in the booth signage. Rather, AI has made its way beyond marketing claims and solidly into the core of the products themselves. There were hundreds of examples of how AI is changing how security systems operate, all for the better. Clearly on display at GSX 2025 was an industry in the midst of metamorphosis.  Deep integration of AI My conversations with companies across the security ecosystem revealed an industry heavily focused on leveraging advanced technologies like AI and the cloud to address increasingly complex global and localized threats. Several key themes emerged at the Global Security Exchange (GSX), sponsored by ASIS International, held Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. Themes I heard repeated throughout the show floor included deep integration of AI, the ongoing shift toward cloud-based and hybrid architectures, and a sharp focus on modernizing security systems to meet current challenges. AI and intelligent automation transform security The use of GenAI is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support Companies are integrating AI and intelligent technologies to enhance analytics, streamline incident response, and improve internal efficiency. The use of Generative AI (GenAI) is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support. For example, Bosch Video Systems introduced a "second tier" to its video analytics capabilities by combining highly sensitive edge detection with GenAI models in the cloud. For example, in visual gun detection, edge analytics might flag a potential gun (yellow), but the cloud-based GenAI then quickly reviews and confirms the threat (red), helping to filter out false alarms. Bosch is also using GenAI for more open-ended searches, such as a "Where's Waldo" application demonstrated at their booth. GenAI-powered system  Eagle Eye Networks says they are focused on helping integrators "organize the AI chaos” through their cloud-based video platform. Their precision person and vehicle detection capabilities work across multiple cameras. Motorola Solutions introduced Inform, an AI-assisted incident response solution designed to bring clarity to the "noise" and help security teams respond to complex threats. They also offer Avigilon Visual Alerts, an on-prem GenAI-powered system that expands the natural language interface. AI internally to improve processes The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft." The Axon Body Workforce Mini, a small “computer with a lens” for non-police applications, is AI-capable and can perform real-time translations, automated report writing, and summarization, and can even act as a personal assistant by incorporating company policies. All those functions are built into a lightweight body-worn camera designed to safeguard frontline workers in retail and healthcare verticals. The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft." Beyond products, integration company Everon is using AI internally to improve processes, such as handling commoditized tasks, which they expect will result in better customer satisfaction. Everon wants to be known as a premier service provider and will be introducing new services in the video realm. AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades Genetec prefers the term Intelligent Automation (IA), instead of AI, to describe its empathetic interface, which can "know" what additional information a security professional needs when they click on an image, for example. Genetec says the advantages of the cloud include AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades. Their Security Center SaaS has had a fast and successful launch. It enables cloud-based systems with local storage.  Genetec also highlighted the Cloudlink 210, a cloud-managed appliance designed to unify physical security operations that can be simply plugged in without involving IT staff. They call it a “headless appliance.” Cloud migration and the push for hybrid systems Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product The industry continues its strategic march toward the cloud, often through hybrid applications that blend on-prem strength with cloud flexibility. Acre's access control is described as "cloud-first technology," and they continue to focus on cloud solutions, incorporating AI. To help customers transition, they offer the "Bridge," a migration tool that allows systems to communicate throughout the move. At the same time, they are continuing to develop and enhance their core on-prem products – DNA Fusion and AccessIt!. Adding access control to supplement their video product line, Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product. The goal is to provide “access control that is easy;” It works alongside their OnCloud direct-to-cloud VMS as a Service platform. Future of video management The future of video management is increasingly hybrid. Milestone recently completed a three-year process of updating XProtect and building for the future of hybrid applications. At GSX, they showcased how their XProtect Evidence Manager seeks to "democratize evidence management" by collecting video, cell phone data, notes, and other metadata related to a case for easy sharing and prosecution. Also, Milestone’s “app center” enables additional features to enhance XProtect without involving integration.  Milestone is also focusing on "Metadata Ingest," which collects and aggregates data from various manufacturers (including Genetec, Motorola, and Exacq) for use by AI. Strategic modernization and open integration Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernization Outlook" white paper A key theme for the future is the shift toward open systems and strategic modernization, enabling security professionals to better utilize new technology. Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernization Outlook" white paper, arguing that dealers and end-users need to think more strategically when buying technology. They predict that "2026 will be the year of modernization," with tangible results including unified intelligence, flexible deployment, and lower total cost of ownership. The call for open standards and architecture was also strong. What AI needs from open systems Johnson Controls noted that cloud, AI, and open standards are its three big focus areas. Their C-CURE IQ 3.10 is gaining adoption as it unifies access and video. OpenEye is seeking to address the "AI disruption anxiety" in the industry, focusing on what AI needs from open systems. The emphasis is on the value of a Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard and framework to enable AI systems to integrate and share data with external tools and sources. Addressing shifting global and local threats Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights a risen focus on executive protection Companies unveiled solutions targeted at new security concerns, particularly the rising threat of violence, theft, and misinformation. Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights an increased focus on executive protection and cites the rise of misinformation and disinformation as the number two threat. They noted that macro trends around instability and the political and social environment are driving security threats globally. To combat physical threats, Shooter Detection Systems introduced a new outdoor sensor, which is now generally available after a favorable feedback period that included an apprehension in one municipality. The company notes the unique challenge of developing technology for a "non-cooperative" threat like a person with a gun, in contrast to most security technologies that are "cooperative" and depend on user compliance. Implementation of integrated security Flock Safety is expanding its focus beyond license plate readers into solutions for retail, with a new initiative to automate and streamline investigative processes, which are often manual. The company also showcased "drones as automated security guards," which can be deployed within 90 seconds to provide "eyes" on a site and enhance safety. The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system A tour of the City of New Orleans' Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), hosted by Axis Communications, demonstrated a mature implementation of integrated security. The RTCC uses Axis cameras, Genetec VMS, and is tied to a Motorola Solutions Command Center to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, operating independently of the police department. They measure success in terms of valuable hours saved in an investigation or even when an event is happening. The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system. Rapidly changing industry on display The GSX 2025 highlights an industry that is moving toward more intelligent and integrated solutions. The investment in AI is shifting security from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated assistance. Throughout the show floor, the continued embrace of hybrid cloud architectures, coupled with an emphasis on open standards and modernization roadmaps, suggests a security ecosystem built for agility and future growth.  These trends, and the GSX show itself, collectively underscore the industry's commitment to delivering scalable, next-generation solutions for a changing threat landscape.

Ibrahim Kassem, Everon’s new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has been in the security industry since 1998 in various IT leadership roles. Most recently, he was Chief Information Officer for a video monitoring company. With most of his professional experience rooted in commercial security, Kassem has come to understand how customer needs and demands change with the evolving technology landscape. That understanding is a foundation for his new role at Everon, the national provider of commercial security, fire, and life safety solutions formerly known as ADT Commercial. Integrate AI to security operations “In this role, I am responsible for any customer-facing technology at Everon,” says Kassem. “Our primary focus is to provide a platform that will make it easy to do business with us. That platform will involve most of our solutions, including video monitoring which is the near-future focus for us.” As an integrator, Everon’s objective is to identify the best solutions. “We have partners that we leverage to help develop solutions for our customers that directly respond to their needs,” says Kassem. “For example, we partner with video camera providers to integrate AI to take security operations to the next level.” Demand for video monitoring Everon is looking to shift from reacting to events after they take place toward proactive monitoring Like most security operations, Everon is looking to shift from reacting to events after they take place toward proactive monitoring and preventing crimes as they are happening or deterring them from taking place.  The ability to detect objects and behaviors is possible through AI. “Through this detection, we can respond accordingly – that’s why it’s at the forefront of our video monitoring efforts,” says Kassem. Every pursuit at Everon is in response to customer demand, and there is tremendous demand for video monitoring, says Kassem. Customer needs are the main philosophy behind the development and acquisition of technology, which also ensures that Everon is at the forefront of evolving with the security industry. Video-based security solutions “Right now, we’re noticing a trend towards video-based security solutions versus solely intrusion and guarding,” says Kassem. Everon seeks to strike a balance between “build versus buy.” The integrator prefers to buy when there is a proven product that will bring the most value. “We’re an integrator before we are a developer of technology,” says Kassem. “However, we are not shy about complementing a technology that we purchase with technology that we build if we don’t find the proper platform.” Video monitoring solutions and services Everon continues to evolve in step with ongoing trends, including smarter AI and analytics, smarter cameras Everon continues to evolve in step with ongoing trends, including smarter AI and analytics, smarter cameras, faster internet connectivity, and availability of wireless through 4G, LTE, and 5G connections. All of these are critical pieces of the video monitoring roadmap, says Kassem. “We aim to develop our video monitoring solutions and services to provide the best value to enterprises, reduce false alarms, and focus on relevant activities to save time and money,” he adds. “That’s what we’re looking forward to in the next couple of years.” Dependence on physical security Everon provides video monitoring services on a monthly basis, so the approach plays well with their recurring monthly revenue (RMR) model. Video monitoring is in great demand, and Everon is working towards being pioneers in that space, pushing to make it a major part of their future offerings. Everon is working towards being pioneer in that space, pushing to make it a major part of their future offerings “The dependence on physical security has gotten expensive, and many responding agencies no longer dispatch without video verification, which is the biggest technology challenge currently in the commercial security space,” says Kassem. “Video monitoring is the most direct, effective answer to that challenge, replacing costly, around-the-clock guarding services while also providing video verification for first responders and law enforcement agencies.” Portfolio of security solution offerings Everon roots all its pursuits in responding to the customer. Making the difference in Everon’s approach is an eagerness to listen, an awareness of industry trends and changes, and a full portfolio of security solution offerings.  “Our technological roadmap is ambitious, innovative, and looks to the future through our thoughtful investments in this space, including through acquisitions of technology and top talent,” says Kassem. “All our efforts are supported by our teams of experts with decades of experience.”

ISC West 2024 mirrored a vibrant industry on the precipice of accelerated change. Factors such as the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and biometrics are shaping the future of the security marketplace, and they were front-and-center at the industry’s biggest U.S. show in Las Vegas.  Foot traffic was steady and impressive, including more than 29,000 security industry professionals viewing 750 exhibitors. A torrent of eager attendees crowded the lobby on the first day and could not wait for the doors to open. When they were admitted, the wealth of technological innovation and business opportunity did not disappoint. Focus on cloud systems Cloud systems were high-profile at ISC West. Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference. Meanwhile, Genetec officially launched their Security Center SaaS platform, which aims at eliminating points of friction to enable integrators to easily embrace cloud systems from quoting and ordering to provisioning and installing.  Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference Cloud provider Eagle Eye Networks promoted their new “Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing” technology under which both non-Eagle Eye Cloud VMS customers (via Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Camera Sharing) and Eagle Eye customers can opt to share their video feeds for use by 911 operators in case of emergency. If users opt-in, 911 operators can have access to live video as an emergency unfolds. Eagle Eye Networks provides the feature by integrating with RapidSOS call center software. Camera locations are based on geolocation coordinates, and customers can choose if they want to participate and which cameras they want to share. Biometrics in the mainstream Biometrics were well represented at ISC West, including Alcatraz AI, which introduced an outdoor version of their biometric face recognition product. The Rock X works well despite harsh lighting. Alcatraz’s products do not have to be integrated, they communicate just like a card reader using OSDP or Wiegand protocol. “At the show, customers are excited about moving to a frictionless environment and getting rid of existing credentialing,” said Tina D’Agostin, CEO and co-founder of Alcatraz. “We are making access control frictionless, secure and private. The experience can be as passive as possible – people can just walk in.” Multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video SAFR from Real Networks also featured biometric face recognition, emphasizing feature sets, convenience, and price/performance. They offer multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video. A new device is a small mullion mount that is “approaching the price of a card reader, factoring in the need to purchase cards,” said Brad Donaldson, Vice President and General Manager. SAFR focuses on convenience: You don’t have to take out your phone to pass through a door. Enrollment is easy by incorporating existing databases, and costs are lower than competitors, said Donaldson. The system analyses multiple points on the face, turns it into data and then encrypts it, providing a “unique signature for each person.”  Credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet AMAG Technology announced the compatibility of credentials with the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The company is also embracing a new strategic direction under President David Sullivan. They launched a new website in January, are developing dynamic resources and a partner page, and they now integrate with 120 tech partners. AMAG Technology Financial Services now enables their channel partners to offer leasing and financing options to customers. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different,” according to the company. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different" The new Symmetry Control Room, a command-and-control system, is a relaunch of an earlier AMAG product with enhanced features. Suitable for large enterprise customers, the software enables a big video wall to display all the various systems and incorporates all the data into a single “pane of glass.” Operators can “draw a lasso” around cameras they want to display on the video wall and can follow action across multiple camera feeds.  Navigating megatrends A breakfast meeting for integrators, sponsored by Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, was built around the theme “Navigating Megatrends for Sustainable Growth." The megatrends are artificial intelligence, sustainability and cybersecurity. Related to cybersecurity, there are 350 common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) published per week, reflecting the continuing threat to cybersecurity. Physical security has a “data lake” of information from various physical security systems that can be an attractive target for cybersecurity breaches. Data sets can be exploited and/or poisoned. The security industry needs to apply “defense in depth” to the challenges of protecting data. “The threat landscape is always changing, and security technology is an iterative process,” said Antoinette King, i-PRO’s head of cyber convergence, one of the panelists. Natural language systems Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West. Brivo, for example, has an early prototype of its “natural language search capabilities” that can answer questions such as “Who is in the office?” or “Where is Bob and what has he done?” Brivo also promoted its all-in-one door station device that combines a card reader and a camera (for facial authentication) and serves as a video intercom, thus eliminating the need for multiple devices at the door. Brivo is also emphasizing tailgate prevention, facial authentication, and people counting using AI at the edge. Also promoting natural language systems was Verkada, which unveiled a beta version of its AI Search feature that embraces national language capabilities. With AI Search, users will soon be able to use natural language to search for people or items. For example, a search could be “person climbing over a fence” or “person making phone call” or “person wearing football jersey.” Verkada wants to be thoughtful with the rollout and make sure effective guardrails are implemented to prevent abuse and bias. The release should happen in the coming months. Multi-family applications Allegion is promoting the XE360 hardware lock platform in various formats, including cylindrical lock, mortise lock, deadbolt, and exit trim. At the show, Allegion noted an enthusiasm for multi-family applications. “We have been surprised by the people who want to add electronics and to retrofit existing multi-family facilities to compete with newer facilities,” said Henry “Butch” Holland, Allegion’s Regional Director, Channel Sales East Region. Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec Allegion also offers an “indicator” display on its locks, showing at a glance whether a door is locked or unlocked. The “indicator” might also display “occupied” or “vacant.” Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec.  Integrator M&A trends Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts A conversation with Everon at ISC West provided insights into the accelerating trend of mergers and acquisitions among the integrator community. Everon, formerly ADT Commercial, has done six acquisitions of local integrators since they changed their name last year. In targeting companies to acquire, they look for a good company with a good reputation, and they consider how the new company’s competencies complement their own. Some M&A strategy is geographic, as Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts. They also consider density, seeking to add new acquisitions in larger markets where they don’t currently have a big market share. “A lot of investment is coming into security because it is seen by investors as recession-proof,” said Michael Kennedy, VP, Mergers and Acquisitions, for Everon. Kennedy met with 95 businesses last year for possible acquisition, and the company only finalized a handful – reflecting that Everon is selective and careful that corporate cultures are aligned. “With an acquisition, the goal is to keep every customer and every employee,” said Kennedy. Voice of the customer  ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. “We have every kind of problem come to the booth,” commented Heather Torrey, Honeywell’s General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas. “People are passionate, interested and very specific with their questions and comments,” she said. “We are driving a complete system, but we are flexible, helping our customers to meet their needs and not try to fit every foot into the same shoe. Sometimes meeting customer needs involves working with competitors," Torrey commented. “It truly comes back to listening to the customer, not just ‘this is what we have to offer,’” she adds. ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. Edge applications are everywhere at ISC West, and one company is promoting a new approach to expand functionality at the edge. Camera company i-PRO advocates the use of the “Docker” platform for app development, an option they offer on their cameras. Docker “containers” package deep-learning algorithms to make it easier to embed software into edge devices. Anyone can run Docker apps on i-PRO cameras that use the powerful Ambarella chip. A Docker “swarm” can combine multiple edge devices to work together and share resources. For example, the approach can increase computing power at the edge to increase the capabilities of instant analytics. It’s faster and provides better redundancies. A “distributed computing platform” ensures less latency than communicating analytics to a central server.  Unification of capabilities Johnson Controls (JCI) also promotes the trend of combining multiple systems into a single pane of glass. Their “Open Blue” platform, with a security version unveiled at the show, integrates various security systems into one, combining data and monitoring device health.  Basically, the system manages all resources holistically. JCI also notes a trend toward “unification of capabilities,” e.g., combining access control and video. “The scope of security is evolving from a focus on protection to a broader focus on operations,” commented Julie M. Brandt, JCI’s President, Building Solutions North America.