Assessing Annual ASIS Assemblage
The annual ASIS tradeshow has long been considered one of the security industry’s most important events. Discover some of the interesting developments to come out of this year’s event in Philadelphia.
Yours truly (right) keeping current on the SALTO access control product line with a demonstration of the latest by Senior Vice President Commercial Sales Michael Mahon at the ASIS 2012 show in Philadelphia. The product was one of SSI’s Top 30 Technology Innovations for 2011.
Online Can Be Virtually as Good
Returning to the time and monetary challenges of attending events, sometimes there is another alternative besides having me be your “feet on the street.”
Thanks to today’s amazing communications technology, even if you cannot personally visit tradeshows such as ASIS 2012 you can easily benefit from an online virtual tour of the exhibit hall floor. All you need is a map and list of exhibitors, which is available for the ASIS event at www.asis2012.org/exhibits. Not only does the map allow viewing booth locations but also in many cases provides a link to those suppliers’ Web sites. Also be sure to check out some of the top products selected by ASIS’ Accolades program (accolades.eventarchives.com).
Why the map reference? If you want to find companies that are new and innovative, one of my best tips is to visit the smaller booths at the back and sides of show floors. A word of caution is in order, however. While you may find some exciting new entrants in the security industry, they may just be getting started and not have products that are truly proven or easily available. But do keep an eye on them as many do become big hits and have often been selected by me as top product picks.
I am proud to say that I have often picked up-and-coming manufacturers that have eventually received national trade awards. There’s a good reason folks often say they heard about a hot new technology or product first in this column or elsewhere via SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION.
ASIS: An Association Worth Associating With
ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) International is one of the industry’s preeminent organizations. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests. These efforts include the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits as well as specific security topics.
ASIS administers three internationally accredited certification programs: Certified Protection Professional (CPP); Professional Certified Investigator (PCI); and Physical Security Professional (PSP). The ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines is the promulgating body that develops security management standards and guidelines.
The ASIS conferences now partner with the (ISC)² and International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium Inc. organizations. In addition, ASIS also partners with SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION on the publication’s annual Commercial End-User Study (see September issue). For more information on ASIS, its events or programs, visit asisonline.org.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
Strong security has always relied on good system supervision. It has become even more critical with systems now extended over IP connectivity and networks. Thus, this month I have selected network monitoring tools and services from Seattle-based Vunetrix (vunetrix.com).
As the manufacturer states, “Your network should be transparent, not invisible.” What exactly is happening in your network? Networks can capture, store and manage vast amounts of data, yet information on network performance has always been too little, too late. From a single Web-based portal, Vunetrix lets you monitor network bandwidth, usage, performance and availability to avoid bottlenecks, optimize efficiency, pinpoint faults and make fact-based resource planning decisions.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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