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BUSINESS NEWS

Concerned about the potentially devastating effects that bioterrorist attacks or infectious disease outbreaks could wreak, many jurisdictions are launching electronic tracking systems to quickly detect such events. By compiling data from emergency rooms, poison centers, and other sources, disease surveillance can serve as an early warning.

The National Capital Region Disease Surveillance Network is one such system, designed to operate in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Public health officials recently gathered to test the system, using a simulated terrorist attack to observe the response from regional health authorities. The exercise demonstrated that the public health experts were able to identify events and determine their significance by sharing knowledge across jurisdictions.

The network uses the Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE), which was developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in conjunction with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

ESSENCE compiles data containing health indicators, performs an analysis, and provides information to public health officials on statistical anomalies, such as upward trends in rashes, fevers, unexplained deaths, and over-the-counter drug sales.

PARTNERSHIPS AND DEALS

Absolute Software has signed patent licensing agreements for its Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking solutions with Tracklon and Oxygen Security Ltd.

Siemens Business Systems has selected the RF PC Handheld Reader from ACG Identification Technologies for its Jacobi Medical Center project.

ADT Security Services Inc. has been selected by the Coleman Company to provide RFID reader solutions and services for its distribution center headquarters.

DGA Security Systems, Inc. uses Altronix power supplies in its security system installations.

AuthenTec biometric fingerprint sensors are being used in two new Toshiba notebook computers.

BlueCat Networks and Sun Microsystems have announced a joint original equipment manufacturer agreement for networking and security products.

Citadel Security Software Inc. is providing vulnerability-management services to Carreker Corporation.

ComnetiX will provide additional fingerprinting services to Integrated Biometric Technology for its TSA contract.

Mercantile National Bank is using cameras from CoVi Technologies to improve teller security and surveillance quality.

General Monitoring Services is using central station and business management software and services from DICE Corporation.

FaceTime Communications has been chosen by Reuters to provide IM compliance and corporate governance solutions for information security.

Integral Technologies has been selected by NetVersant Solutions as the preferred provider for digital video solutions.

Intellitactics and iDEFENSE have joined forces to integrate security intelligence in the context of security operations for business and government.

Logicube, Inc., has signed a partnership agreement with Access Data to develop new computer forensics solutions.

MDI Security Systems is providing its SAFEnet management solution to the Volvo Group for managing global security operations.

The MultiMediaCard Association has signed a cooperation agreement with the Open Mobile Alliance to enable technical collaboration for designing secure removable media.

NetIQ Corporation and FullArmor Corporation are working together to provide end-to-end automation for managing desktop policies.

PeerConnect, Inc., and Hyperspace Communications, Inc., will collaborate to bring Hyperspace technologies and products to selected North American markets.

Symantec Corporation is providing its fraud management solution to M&T Bank Corporation.

Infocom India will outfit the Jupiter Building with a MESH system from Viscount Systems Inc.

Zebra Card Printer Solutions is providing printers for the universal-digital-identity platform that ITN International Inc. has developed for trade shows and other events.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

ARES Corporation has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to continue development of the Automated Evaluation of Risk of Terrorism software system.

AXCESS International Inc. has announced that its wireless tagging system is being used at JFK International Airport by food service companies to control vehicle access.

Vexira Antivirus from Central Command is protecting the network at Parma City Schools (Ohio).

Cernium, Inc., is providing its ExitSentry to monitor concourse areas at Tulsa International Airport.

ControlGuard software is being used to secure data from theft, misuse, and corruption by El-Al Airlines, Israel’s Ministry of Defense and Security Forces, and First International Bank of Israel.

New Hampshire has installed an advanced security system in its State House that includes video surveillance technology from CoVi Tehnologies, Inc.

Intrusion Inc. has received an order for its network protection system from the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas.

L-3 Communications Security & Detection Systems, Inc., was selected by China’s Forbidden City to supply an x-ray screening system.

L-3 has also received an order from Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, for its advanced technology systems and explosive-detection systems.

ENSCO, Inc., has been awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Contract for its MicroSearch Human Presence Detection System.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics has supplied the Deer Park Police Department (Ohio) with its digital video system. Phase One Industries sold and installed the system.

ObjectVideo has been awarded two contracts from the Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency for development of software for automated scene understanding.

SAFLINK Corporation is providing smart-card middleware for the Department of Defense’s Common Access Card program.

SecureUSA has completed a design and installation perimeter security project for GSA.

TransCore has been chosen to design and integrate a vehicle tracking system for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluations and Research has selected solutions from Tumbleweed for managing electronic regulatory communications with pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.

Oahu Civil Defense has chosen World Communication Center for satellite communications services.

MARKETING AGREEMENTS

AMAG Technology has launched a new rewards program with incentives to help its resellers expand their businesses.

Baracoda Inc. has entered into an agreement with EMJ Data Systems to distribute its products in North America.

ESS has formed a partnership with SAIC to sell and distribute its Automated Exercise Assessment System.

EGC International Corporation will distribute software products from Guardian Technologies in Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and southern France.

IPLocks has entered into a reseller agreement with Decillion-Solutions Group in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lenel Systems International, Inc., and Anixter have completed a value-added distributor agreement under which Anixter will sell Lenel’s Video Defender line in the United States and Canada.

Monitronics has become the exclusive provider of security alarm systems available through CompUSA.

Panasonic Security Systems is realigning its sales force. Among the new organizations representing the company are PBM Solutions, Dempsey Electronics, and Security Equipment Associates.

TOA Electronics has appointed five new sales representative firms for its new CCTV and IP Intercom security products. They are C + V Representatives; D.H. Marketing, LLC; NFS Communications; RG Sales Associates; and Shamrock Electronics Sales.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Avaya Inc. has received a Digital Convergence Well-Connected Award from Network Computing magazine for its Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephony solutions.

Axis Communications has received a Frost & Sullivan 2005 Excellence in Technology Award for the AXIS 231D and AXIS 232D Network Dome Cameras.

Initial Security was recognized as an outstanding supplier by SBC Communications Inc.

The WiBox Wireless Device Server from Lantronix was named a Mid-Market Product of the Year by VARBusiness magazine.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies launched the first two exams in its new Video Security System Technician certification program. The program was developed in partnership with the Security Industry Association with additional support from the National System Contractors Association, PSA Security Network, Pelco, Bosch, and Tyco Life Safety Products.

ObjectVideo has been named one of the Red Herring 100 Private Companies of North America for the second consecutive year.

Dotfuscator obfuscation software from PreEmptive Solutions Inc. was the winner of the Best Security Tool category in the 2005 asp.netPRO Readers’ Choice Awards.

PSA Security Network presented Vendor Appreciation Awards to CSC/Southwest Wire, Dedicated Micros, Network Video Technologies, Pelco, Altronix, CBC America Corporation, DITEK, Integral Technologies, International Fiber Systems, Securitron, Tamron, Aiphone, Comprehensive ID Products Inc., Sanyo, TransTech Systems, and Ultra Electronics.

SCM Microsystems, Inc., has received the Technology Leadership Award for 2004 from Frost & Sullivan for innovations in digital pay-TV equipment.

Products from Tenable Network Security, Inc., were selected as a finalist for Network Computing Magazine’s Well-Connected Awards in the Threat Vulnerability category.

Tyco Fire & Security reported that its Sensormatic Agile 2 Reader has been tested by EPCglobal Inc. and proven to be interoperable with a variety of Class 0 and Class 1 RFID tags.

Von Duprin achieved federal Safety Through Accountability and Recognition (STAR) status from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AMAG Technology hosted a Security Symposium in March with presentations by its business partners for consultants from around the country.

The Biotech Source has launched a Web site for the biotech industry atwww.TheBiotechSource.com.

DORMA has acquired Carolina Door Controls, Inc., strengthening its position in automatic door products and services.

Elemental Security, Inc., is a new company that offers security compliance management products.

Fargo Electronics, Inc., has launched a free security assessment tool on its Web site. It can be found atwww.fargo.com/assessment.

GEUTEBRÜCK has established a subsidiary, GEUTEBRÜCK-Eurasia, in Turkey to strengthen its position in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

International SOS sponsored the FORTUNE Global Forum in Beijing, which focused on business potential in Asia.

KlinkCheck is a new company devoted exclusively to providing background checks.

Magal Security Systems, Ltd., is merging its two U.S. subsidiaries into one entity. Senstar-Stellar Inc. and Perimeter Products, Inc., will merge to become Magal-Senstar, Inc.

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is offering Certified Ethical Hacker certification over the Internet.

Nextel Communications Inc. is partnering with CTIA–The Wireless Association, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Syniverse Technologies and other wireless providers to deliver free Amber Alerts to wireless subscribers across the country.

OMNIKEY was a platinum sponsor of the Electronic Passport Forum in Berlin.

Optelecom, Inc., has changed its corporate name to Optelecom-NKF, Inc., to align its name with its two strong brands.

Optex Inc. is spinning off a company focused on the automatic door industry, Optex Technologies Inc.

Savi Technology, Inc., and Hutchison Port Holdings have jointly formed a company, Savi Networks LLC, to build and operate an RFID-based network to track and manage containerized ocean cargo.

The Staten Group has acquired the Core Loss Prevention business unit of Security Source, Inc. The newly formed entity will be LP Network, Inc., doing business as Security Source.

Tamron USA, Inc., is offering a new e-newsletter for industrial optics customers.

TrainingConsortium is offering free registration for trainers, consultants, speakers, organizations, vendors, and associations on its database atwww.trainingconsortium.com.

Tumbleweed Communications Corporation has launched the Tumbleweed Federal Team to provide secure Internet communication solutions for the federal market.

Virginia Commonwealth University will offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness.

ASIS NEWS

ASIS Awarded SAFETY Act Designation

In April, ASIS International received a Support Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective Technology (SAFETY) Act of 2002 Designation Award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The designation gives liability protection to the ASIS guidelines-development program.

“We’re very proud to have achieved this designation for our guidelines program, both because it recognizes ASIS as a leader in the security industry and because it provides an added level of protection to those organizations using the guidelines to safeguard their businesses, staffs, and customers against acts of terrorism,” said ASIS Executive Director Michael J. Stack. “We look forward to better serving the security industry in the future by achieving similar SAFETY Act approval for our certification programs.”

ASIS began issuing guidelines on a series of security topics in 2001 to help the private sector secure its business and critical infrastructure, whether from natural disaster, accidents or planned actions, such as terrorist attacks and vandalism. The guidelines address specific concerns and issues of the security industry. They serve the needs of security professionals by increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security practices and solutions and enhancing the professionalism of the industry.

The SAFETY Act was created to encourage the development and deployment of antiterrorism technologies and services that will enhance the protection of the United States. It ensures that the threat of liability does not deter manufacturers of antiterrorism technologies or providers of services from providing help that could significantly reduce the risks or effects of terrorist events.

To be granted SAFETY Act protections, companies or organizations must apply to DHS and successfully demonstrate compliance with the act’s specific criteria. DHS then undertakes a comprehensive evaluation.

With respect to the guidelines program, the Designation Award limits the liability of ASIS, and any company that uses its guidelines, to the amount of insurance it is required to carry, and if the insurance program of ASIS does not cover damages awarded against it, ASIS will be responsible for a set amount only. (The damages might arise, for example, if a lawsuit were filed after a terrorism attack occurred and loss of life or property resulted despite the use of the ASIS guidelines.)

Proceedings would be within the jurisdiction of federal court. The award also grants a prohibition on liability for noneconomic damages, so that ASIS is only liable for that percentage of noneconomic damages proportionate to its responsibility for the harm.

The award also grants the Society complete protection from punitive damages and prejudgment interest, as well as a reduction of plaintiffs’ recovery by amounts that plaintiffs receive from collateral sources, such as insurance benefits or other government benefits.

E-newsletters Extending Reach

Security Management Weekly, the e-newsletter published by ASIS, has garnered more than 37,300 subscribers since its introduction and launch in January, while Security Management Daily now goes out to more than 20,000 ASIS International members every Monday through Friday.

Security Management Weekly summarizes 15 important security news stories of the week, culling from thousands of publications and grouping them into three categories: corporate security, homeland security, and cyber security. The informational newsletter is published every Friday afternoon and is distributed free of charge to all ASIS members with e-mail addresses, and to nonmember industry professionals and the general business public who register for Security Management Weekly on the Security Management Web site.

Security Management Daily features 10 security news stories in three categories: Corporate Security, Homeland Security, and Cyber Security.