Take Control of Securing and Locating Portable Assets

While turning 30 is a landmark for most people,that number holds similar significance for manufacturers whose products are selected for SSI’s 2007 Top 30 Technology Innovations.Whether you’re an alarm dealer or high-end integrator,this year’s list, generated by security technology connoisseurs Bob Dolph and Steve Payne,has something perfect for your business.

At one time or another you have undoubtedly uttered to someone (or yourself )
something to the effect of, “Why don’t they invent something that can …? Boy, I
could make a fortune with that!” The good news is SSI’s 2007 Top 30 Technology
Innovations listings may just include your brilliant idea (and many you never imagined). The bad news: You likely had nothing to do with it. The best news, though, is that you can still profit by adding it to your customer offerings.

Scores of noteworthy products appeared in Security Sales & Integration’s “Essential Equipment” department, at your local wholesale distributor and at the major trade shows throughout 2007.Unfortunately, most security dealers and systems integrators are too busy keeping up with day-to-day operations to find the time and wherewithal to evaluate
most of them in a meaningful way. What to do, what to do?

SSI to the rescue! Anchored by Bob Dolph of “Tech Talk” fame and “The Convergence Channel” columnist Steve Payne, our technology wizards have once again seen the demos, reviewed the specifications, referenced the literature and put the products through their paces. The intrepid duo has painstakingly pared a seemingly endless parade of well-designed devices down to a mere 30 (15 picks apiece).

How do they do it? Dolph explains: “I look for an interesting mix of new features and applications from both tried-and-true and up-and-coming providers. The product must have some real value for the technician, installer, dealer and integrator. Many times, it
just comes down to my instincts from having so many years of experience in the trade.”

Payne agrees, saying the best products make integrators’ and end users’ lives easier. “Certainly a ‘wow factor’ is important to make a product stand out above the rest, but it also needs to be balanced with practicality,” he says. “A top product should have a very visible and rapid return on investment, and possibly allow some sort of recurring revenue stream for the integrator.”

If variety is the spice of life, then this year’s Top 30 Technology Innovations is a red hot chili pepper. The honor roll is topped by video surveillance, with 11 (more than a third) of the selections. Access control checks in with six picks, intrusion is represented by five, wireless by three, communications and screening by two apiece, and one installation
aid rounds out the group.

According to Payne, the product mix reflects today’s pulse: “The leading trend continues to be convergence, not necessarily just between analog and digital, but you also have a convergence of disciplines in integration companies and manufacturers. Video manufacturers are delving into access control, access control manufacturers are getting into single sign-on network security, etc. The industry players are becoming more diverse.”

Among other developments, Dolph points out the steady growth in products with IP connectivity: “This is especially evident in the commercial sector as CIOs and IT experts learn to adjust their networks to accommodate and integrate security products. Major paradigm shifts are also being seen with the FCC deadline pushing from analog technology to digital GSM wireless technologies, and continued movement to the interactive Web 2.0 environment.”

Presented in alphabetical order under each writer, the following products offer tremendous opportunities for dealers/integrators to simplify their installations/service calls, boost profitability and/or deliver superior solutions to their customers. Also, some are just flatout cool! Congratulations to the members of 2007’s Top 30 Technology Innovations rankings!

Wireless System Protects Construction Jobsite, Mobile Assets
DEWALT of Hamstead, Md., offers a unique line of security products designed for the construction jobsite.These security products are built to offer the end user jobsite
durability, quick set-up time and rapid wireless communications. An example is the MOBILELOCK®, a GPS locator with anti-theft alarm. It’s an innovative, wireless system designed to monitor valuable mobile assets wherever they are located.
MOBILELOCK provides a flexible, portable solution for jobsite security and 24/7 asset management.

Complete Article: Click Here