Cover Story
By Scott Goldfine
Vivint has set the residential security world ablaze with exceptionally fast growth and a $2 billion sale price. In an exclusive interview, the company’s maverick CEO Todd Pedersen explains how innovation trumps competition, the value of growing a business one customer at a time and why everyone should have a security system. He also discusses expanding into commercial security, solar energy, wireless Internet and more.
By Alan Pepper
An industry veteran reflects over a career that has spanned 50 years.
By Frank DeFina
Let’s look at some of the critical ways to maximize the value of strategic partnerships and the benefits they need to deliver.
By Rodney Bosch
Now in its sixth year, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) Leadership Summit will return Feb. 18-21 with a full slate of offerings geared toward helping executives from installing companies keep pace with the fast-evolving marketplace and industry trends.
By Scott Goldfine
Here are 36 ideas to help boost school safety.
By Rodney Bosch
In mid-March, the various stakeholders that comprise the National Fire Protection Association Technical Committee on Premises Security will reconvene to continue contentious deliberations over a proposal to issue the latest revision to NFPA 730 as a code rather than a best-practices guide.
By Rob Phillips
Remote connectivity to home alarm systems is allowing dealers to offer new types of services to their entire customer base. Two-way voice functionality between the central station and the client is driving additional revenue.
By Walter Bailey
Publically traded security firms experienced a mostly tumultuous 2012 before staging a strong stock recovery, closing the year well positioned relative to major U.S. indexes. Industry participants remain hopeful the market can hold onto its Q4 gains.
By the Editors of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION
In an industry not known for formalized training programs, Protection 1 is raising the bar with its unique management trainee program. Recruiting from among its ranks as well as college campuses, P1’s immersive regimen prepares participants for management and sales positions in the region of their choice. Learn what’s in it for you to join up or create a similar program for your own company.
By the Editors of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION
Individually, they are successful businesspeople who operate security integration firms throughout the country. But together, in the form of Security-Net, they are a group that can leverage their expertise, buying power and geographic reach to compete with the leading national integrators.
By Aluisio Figueiredo
A slowdown in domestic growth and the globalization of the business world have led many companies and industries to look overseas for new opportunities. While that has not been very common among security integrators, Intelligent Security Systems is breaking the mold. Learn how the company is establishing itself abroad, in particular Latin America, with sage advice on doing the same.
By Keith Jentoft
Wireless alarm systems are built around the battery-powered paradigm to maximize easy install.
By Tim Myers
Advances in wireless intrusion detection technology are transforming the landscape of the residential security market. More robust, easier-to-install products expedite installations while providing lifestyle enhancements for customers. Learn helpful deployment tips and how you can create additional recurring revenue.
By Shane Clary
Those in the fire/life-safety industry should be conversant in the processes both ICC and NFPA use for code and standards development. As the ICC process is open to all for the submittal of changes or additions, those who use its codes should not be shy about submitting proposals if they see a need for a change. Read on to better understand how ICC functions.
By Ken Kirschenbaum
Think your central station will assume liability? Think again.
By Kevin Lehan
Steps you can take to prepare for the 2G sunset.
By Rodney Bosch
New research lays out challenges top managers from installing/monitoring firms face in leading their respective businesses. Exclusive survey results have been shared with SSI to coincide with this month’s ESA Leadership Summit in Orlando, Fla. Find out managements’ sweet — and sour — spots.
By Jeffrey Zwirn
Take our February Security Science quiz!
By Bob Dolph
While radio frequency identification, or RFID, has been around a long time the technology is advancing and migrating into new uses and applications. Learn the different types of technology and how to deploy them in ways that will win over new customers.
By Ron Davis
In his latest column, Ron Davis discusses cash flow and the well-being of your company for the long haul.
By Paul Boucherle
Today’s technology and economics has the security landscape shifting faster than ever before. Being successful means keeping your wet finger in the air at all times to assess which way the opportunity and challenge winds are blowing. You must monitor for key trends, three of which are explored here.
By Rodney Bosch
After introducing IntelligentHome in Southern California, the Carolinas and Upstate New York less than two years ago, Time Warner Cable (TWC) will spend 2013 rolling out the life safety and home automation product suite across the nation. The cable operator’s Mitchell Christopher, vice president of technical operations, joins the conversation to discuss the service offering and his view of the marketplace.