Daniel Gundry

Fire and security systems are two elements of the same mission: To keep buildings and their occupants safe. However, the two systems often operate independently and may not be integrated. Should there be more integration and what are the pitfalls? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating security and fire systems?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?

The ability to treat patients in a secure environment is a base requirement of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Whether facilities are large or small, security challenges abound, including perimeter security, access control of sensitive areas, video surveillance, and even a long list of cyber-risks. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of hospitals and the healthcare industry?

A basic tenet of sales is ABC – always be closing. But it's a principle that most professional salespeople would say oversimplifies the process. Especially in a sophisticated, high-tech market such as physical security, the required sales skills are much more involved and nuanced. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What unique characteristics are required of salespeople in the arena of physical security systems?

The year ahead holds endless promise for the physical security industry, and much of that future will be determined by which technologies the industry embraces. The menu of possibilities is long – from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things to the cloud and much more – and each technology trend has the potential to transform the market in its own way. We tapped into the collective expertise of our Expert Panel Roundtable to answer this question: What technology trend will have the biggest impact on the security market in 2019?

The new year 2019 is brimming with possibilities for the physical security industry, but will those possibilities prove to be good news or bad news for our market? Inevitably, it will be a combination of good and bad, but how much good and how bad? We wanted to check the temperature of the industry as it relates to expectations for the new year, so we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How optimistic is your outlook for the physical security industry in 2019? Why?

In many regards, 2018 was a turbulent year for the physical security marketplace, driven by evolving technologies and changing customer needs, among other factors. Year-end is a great time to reflect, so we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What caused the most disruption in the physical security marketplace in 2018? 

By definition, an edge device is an entry point to a network. In the physical security industry, edge devices are the cameras, sensors, access controllers, readers and other equipment that provide information to the IP networks that drive today’s systems. In the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing refers to an increasing role of edge devices to process data where it is created instead of sending it across a network to a data center or the cloud. In our market, edge computing takes the form of smarter video cameras and other devices that store and/or process data locally. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new “on the edge” of security and video surveillance systems? 

Where does the time go? Before you know it, here we are at mid-year reflecting on an eventful first half of 2018 in the physical security market. It’s also a good time for our Expert Panel Roundtable to pause and look ahead at what we might expect in the second half of the year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What technology development will have the greatest impact in the second half of 2018?

Video cameras are everywhere, and hundreds more are installed every day. Our society appears to be reaching a point of perpetual surveillance. It certainly feels as if we are always being watched even though it is not yet the case. But as cameras are becoming more common than ever, we are also entering a new era of privacy concerns and sensitivities, as evidenced by GDPR and other such initiatives. We presented this quandary to this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Surveillance cameras can go anywhere, right? Where is it “not OK?”

One of the common characteristics of trade shows is booths with walls and walls of new products. Sometimes exhibitors seem intent on displaying everything in their portfolio, even though the displays appear cluttered and may not be welcoming. In an age of system sales, in particular, the emphasis on products can seem off kilter. Discussions with exhibitors at this year’s GSX show reveal a new awareness of the need for less cluttered booths, but the equipment walls persist. Here’s a review of Day 2 from the show floor.  Allegion embraces more open booth design At GSX 2019, Allegion is among the exhibitors embracing a new, more open booth design that encourages engagement with customers and puts less emphasis on product displays. Discussions at the Allegion booth have centered around the value proposition and lower complexity of network-connected access control systems. The approach has been gaining a higher profile at Allegion since the company acquired Isonas, whose system configuration involves a reader-controller connected to the network via power-over-Ethernet cable. “Customers are also asking about Bluetooth technology and mobile applications,” said Jonathan Mooney, Allegion sales leader. Allegion is looking to deploy the Isonas software in other products in their portfolio; it will be offered in the range of Schlage wireless locks by the middle of 2020.The benefit of the cloud and network is to remove a lot of complexity and unnecessary costs for access control" “The benefit of the cloud and network is to remove a lot of complexity and unnecessary costs for access control,” said Mooney. Bosch offers complete security solution Bosch is introducing 55 new products at GSX 2019, but when it comes down to it, the company’s overarching message is not about individual products but about how they can be combined into a larger system. “At the end of the day, the message from Bosch is ‘how do I create a complete security solution?’” said Paul Garms, Bosch Director, Regional Marketing Security. “That’s what we are trying to demonstrate: How do all these things integrate?” Most of interest to attendees are actual demonstrations, which are a unique aspect of the trade show experience. “It’s nice at a show where we can really demonstrate what we are talking about when we say ‘integrated solution,’” said Garms. “And people can say, ‘oh yeah, if I trip this video analytic, the speaker will warn me I am approaching a restricted area.’ Or, when the manager signs in on the intrusion panel, now the associate can access a door he wasn’t able to before. It’s that integration and the complete solution that resonates. People are also interested in new products. At a show, they like to see them in operation.” At the Bosch booth, there is a big wall that illustrates some integration possibilities. An array of cameras was among the 55 new products introduced by Bosch, which also emphasized systems. Machine learning and advanced video analytics One implementation featured on the wall is Bosch’s Camera Trainer machine learning system. The system can “train” a camera to recognize a car in a parking lot, for example. Among the new Bosch products is the Autodome 7000i, the next generation of a best-selling camera, now with H.265 encoding and analytics such as line crossing. There is also an outdoor panoramic camera that is adjustable to 180-degree or 360-degree views. The new, less expensive 3000i series cameras provide an affordable option with edge analytics and Bosch’s data security protection included. Integration from Honeywell as well as 'the big picture' At Honeywell Security Group, Senior Product Manager G. Eric Green said the show seems to be much better attended than last year, “and we have had a lot of interest in our products.” Even end-user attendees typical of the GSX show are interested in the details of technology, as well as “the bigger picture,” commented Green. “Some of our booth visitors want to get into the weeds,” he said. “They say they want this piece of hardware. But they also also interested in the big picture. How things are interacting is very important.”Honeywell announced the 30 Series IP cameras, which can be used as part of video systems that comply with National Defense Authorization Act Section 889" “Most customers have installed products from other vendors that they expect us to work with. So integration is always at the top of the list. Can you work with these guys? Do you have an API? Do you support this piece of equipment? We always hear that a lot,” said Green. “There are customers who want best-in-breed products, but they’re not necessarily concerned about that coming from one manufacturer,” he said. “Other customers want ‘one throat to choke.’ When something goes wrong, they don’t want any finger-pointing.” Web-based security console and frictionless access control Honeywell is showing a beta version of its Pro-Watch 5.0 product, which is coming out in Q1 next year. It is an integrated security console that provides a map view of access control, video management, intrusion and other third party systems. The web-based platform offers access to each element, all controlled by permissions. “We are also building in an incident workflow engine that allows an operator to see exactly what steps he should take when something occurs as defined by the supervisor or a security director,” said Green. “It can literally walk you through, and it is completely freeform. Whatever you want it to say, it will say. This works in conjunction with access control, video, and all the things we talk to.” The Honeywell booth was a busy place on day two of GSX 2019 Another new Honeywell product is the OmniAssure Touch reader, a “frictionless” device that can read a credential off a smart phone in a user’s pocket. The user merely touches the reader, and it scans the area for a nearby mobile device that is authorized, and you can walk through the door. Honeywell also announced the 30 Series IP cameras, which are encrypted and can be used as part of video systems that comply with National Defense Authorization Act Section 889. They are made in Taiwan. Arcules' cloud security solution “There are fewer people here at GSX 2019, but we have seen a lot of really big companies looking for a cloud service,” said Andreas Pettersson, CEO of cloud video company Arcules. At previous shows, questions about the cloud often seemed out of curiosity. Now, potential customers are more decisive: They say “we want to move to the cloud.” Pettersson theorized that concerns about a possible weakening economy may prompt some companies to avoid the large capital expenditure of procuring a new on-premise system and instead opt for the minimal investment needed for a cloud system. Monthly operating expenses of a cloud system are also predictable and more easily managed, said Pettersson.At previous shows, questions about the cloud often seemed out of curiosity. Now, potential customers are more decisive Arcules is proactive on the subject of cybersecurity and has a two-page handout that summarizes the cybersecurity advantages of their system. They are eager to talk about cybersecurity as it relates to cloud systems, said Pettersson. He said that, in his experience, on-premise systems tend to have more cybersecurity issues,  whether because ports are left open or a firewall is implemented incorrectly. Users may also seek to bypass the firewall — a dangerous practice that is not an option with cloud systems. Security patches may not have been implemented; in a cloud system, such updates are pushed out automatically. The recurring monthly revenue (RMR) aspect of cloud systems are a windfall to integrators who embrace the cloud. “One integrator said he went on vacation for the first time in years because he had the extra money coming in,” said Pettersson. Control room integration from Vistacom "We're still fairly new to GSX, as our first show was 5 years ago, but what we have noticed is that the show continues to attract valuable attendees and drive critical conversations around what companies like ours must bring to the table in order to be successful in this space," said Dan Gundry, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vistacom. "We've had so many chances to learn from and share with potential customers and partners, and as a result, we continue to forge great relationships.” Vistacom is highlighting its control room integration and the value enterprise organizations can gain from implementing one in their facility. The company works alongside end-user customers and security integrators to build a command center space, taking into account video wall display technology, operator consoles and furniture, audio and lighting considerations, as well as temperature and more, in an effort to optimize these centers. Stay tuned for the full GSX 2019 show review.

Vistacom, global provider of audiovisual and communications solutions, has announced that it has promoted Dan Gundry to serve as Director of Sales and Marketing. Gundry will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing teams with developing new business opportunities in existing and emerging markets, as well as collaborating closely with key clientele to deliver innovative solutions. Interactive Video And Unified Communications Vistacom’s sustained growth, fueled by the demand for interactive audio, video, control room, and unified communications solutions, propelled the need for more cohesive strategies across the sales and marketing segments of the organization. Gundry will align these functions and play a key role in reaffirming Vistacom’s trusted position with client and vendor partners. Since Dan joined Vistacom, he has excelled in every role he has held of increasing responsibility" “I am honored to have the opportunity to further align our sales and marketing efforts at such a pivotal stage in Vistacom’s business,” Gundry said. “I look forward to working with our sales teams to focus on immediate revenue growth goals while ensuring the company remains a leader in the technology integration markets in the long-term.” Integrated Solutions Expert Gundry has worked for Vistacom for more than 15 years and most recently held the role of Director of National Control Room Sales. His strong background in mission-critical environments, integrated solutions, and command center operations enables him to help clients improve responsiveness and communications. Furthermore, his background in both construction management and technology provides a unique perspective and has helped Vistacom’s high-profile and mission-critical clients implement programs that enhance risk management and build proactive communications. “Since Dan joined Vistacom, he has excelled in every role he has held of increasing responsibility,” said Angela Nolan, COO, Vistacom. “As a well-known and highly respected expert in the technology industry, his strong leadership skills and in-depth background in technology, sales, and marketing makes him the ideal person to streamline these efforts across the company.”

Vistacom Inc., a provider of audiovisual and communications solutions, announced the availability of the enhanced version of its Vistacom SecureView video wall solution. Vistacom SecureView 2.0 is an intelligent visual solution that enables organizations to view data from multiple services and solutions in a single operational picture. Vistacom SecureView 2.0 Today’s mission-critical environments require efficiency and intuitiveness to maintain an effective and intelligent security posture. In a modern Security Operations Center, overview video walls play a critical role in helping leaders and control room operators gather data, identify potential risks, and engage in intelligent, proactive response. Vistacom’s SecureView 2.0 provides operators with a single-pane-of-glass view of operations across their infrastructure Vistacom’s SecureView 2.0 provides operators with a single-pane-of-glass view of operations across their infrastructure. Multiple data feeds are combined into a single system while creating a more simplified workflow through an intuitive user interface. The newest version of the innovative solution also incorporates a simplified touch panel to enable operators to change layouts and sources based on evolving security or operational requirements. Advanced displays are comprised of 1.7mm near-seamless bezels with less depth for a streamlined installation. Vistacom SecureView was developed to be sold and installed by local security integrators with the full weight of a remote team of Vistacom specialists to preconfigure the video wall system and provide support during installation and the life cycle. Video Wall Solution The solution can be configured with four, six or eight 55-inch commercial, 24/7-rated, ultra-thin LED displays that can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted. The video wall solution is pre-configured and tested by Vistacom’s technical experts prior to shipping and includes a two-year warranty.   “Vistacom SecureView 2.0 delivers a highly affordable solution that still delivers the advanced features that intelligent command centers require,” said Dan Gundry, Director of National Control Room Sales, Vistacom. “This updated technology offering allows us to help our customers and partners build the next generation of security operations centers, which require new levels of intelligence to quicken response and ensure rapid decision-making.”

VuTeur, an innovator in emergency management and business intelligence platforms, announced a new strategic partnership with Vistacom, Inc., a provider of integrated control room solutions. The companies will collaborate on the delivery of unified, intelligent communications platforms designed to help organizations respond more efficiently to an emergency. Vistacom, Inc., will bring VuTeur's emergency management and asset protection software into its robust solutions portfolio to offer more options for customers looking to integrate advanced communications tools within their organization. Incident Management Vistacom, Inc., incorporates technologies together that assimilate independent and critical data across video walls, control rooms, war rooms, training rooms and other command center locales. The addition of VuTeur's software platform will help provide the situational awareness necessary for improved response time, reliability and decision-making in mission-critical applications. The two companies will work together to deliver more options to Vistacom's current customer base within the security, utility, transportation, healthcare, government, entertainment, and other markets. The VuTeur platform is ideally suited for use in control rooms to assess and manage emerging incidents and is designed to provide the location and status on all individuals inside a building. It uses real-time location system (RTLS) technology embedded within modern mobile and smart devices to power two-way communication between individuals during an incident or event. VuTeur uses existing Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate directly with mobile users within a facility, allowing a user's location to be visualized on a map of the facility and reported to operators and responders. Unified Communications And Emergency Response Solution “Our goal is to provide customers with solutions that help unify communications across platforms to deliver comprehensive security coverage when and where it's needed most,” said Dan Gundry, National Control Room Sales Manager, Vistacom, Inc. “Incorporating VuTeur's incident management and asset protection technology into our product offering allows us to offer customers a more robust emergency response solution for a variety of applications.” “With Vistacom, we gain a strong partner in the control room and unified communications industry that will provide more incident response options to a growing market,” said Jana Rankin, CEO, VuTeur. “As we continue to expand VuTeur’s capabilities and integrate our technology, partners like Vistacom that share our passion for helping customers enhance safety measures are critical to our continued success.”