Industry News October 2008
BUSINESS NEWS
Retail losses have declined, continuing a six-year downward trend, according to an annual survey conducted by the University of Florida through a grant from ADT Security Services. Losses from shoplifting, employee theft, administrative error, and vendor fraud amounted to $34.3 billion in 2007 compared to $40.5 billion in 2006. Researchers attribute the improvement to increased training and use of technologies, including video systems, transaction analysis software, and other antitheft solutions.
On the other hand, organized retail crime (ORC) remains a major problem. ORC involves groups of people who systematically steal large quantities of goods from stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and shipments in transit. The FBI reports that ORC accounts for as much as $30 billion per year in retail losses.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) 2008 Organized Retail Crime Report found that more companies (85 percent of those surveyed) were victims of ORC within the last 12 months. However, fewer retailers who had previously been victims of ORC reported increased activity this year.
Retailers and law enforcement are stepping up efforts to stop ORC, largely through information sharing. The NRF and the FBI launched the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network in 2007 to track patterned crimes and criminals through a secure national database. According to the NRF report, top management is increasingly cognizant of the problem.
In addition, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-IN), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security has introduced the E-Fencing Enforcement Act of 2008 (H.R. 6713), hailed by the retail industry as a critical step in the fight against ORC, because, if passed, the legislation will make it more difficult for thieves to sell their stolen goods on the Internet.
PARTNERSHIPS
Apollo Security, Inc., is providing security services for the Anheuser Busch brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The contract was awarded by Security Forces Inc., an owner/member of TransNational Security Group LLC.
Apollo is also overseeing security for Liz Claiborne, Inc., at facilities in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
ARINC Managed Services, LLC, is providing onsite warranty service and maintenance for Samsung Electronics displays at a major airport.
ATEME SA and Barco have formed a partnership to deliver H.264-based video security solutions.
ProBuild Holdings, Inc., has chosen MySafeWorkplace from Business Controls, Inc., for its anonymous reporting solution.
Tizor Systems has joined the CATechnology Partner Program. The two companies will integrate their products to provide comprehensive data security and regulatory compliance.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has selected the WAVES Mass Notification System from Cooper Notification for outdoor emergency alerts.
Clear has formed a partnership with Delta Air Lines to operate fast lanes in Delta terminals at three airports. New enrollment centers will be available in select Delta Crown Room Clubs so customers can join Clear’s Fast Pass program for quicker passenger screening.
GlobalOptions Group has announced that its James Lee Witt Associates division has developed an emergency management program that is being implemented at Pulaski Technical College in Arkansas.
MetaPass, Inc., and Avatier Corporation have developed a partnership to deliver a complete identity and access management solution for customers worldwide.
A research team at Queen Mary, University of London, is gathering information on situational awareness using a surveillance system that was installed by Smart CCTV using IQinVision megapixel cameras managed by Milestone Systems XProtect IP video software.
CallSource has selected the Interaction Analytics solution from NICE Systems to enhance effectiveness and improve customer service.
North American Video will design, supply, and install a video surveillance and security system at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Ohio Security Systems Inc. will provide security guard services for a Plaza Properties high-rise in Columbus, Ohio.
Optelecom-NKF, Inc., has been awarded a contract from Electricité de France to provide surveillance solutions.
SCM Microsystems, GmbH, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sony Corporation to develop and supply FeliCa contactless card readers for international markets. FeliCa is Sony’s RFID contactless payment technology.
Guardian Technologies International, Inc., has signed a teaming agreement with Splinternet Holdings, Inc., to pursue business opportunities through cross marketing of the two companies’ products for terrorism defense.
Strix Systems has announced that its communications systems are being deployed for emergency response vehicles and public safety personnel at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Silicon-Star Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd. and Beijing Aerospace Changfeng Co., Ltd., partnered in the design and integration of the deployment.
Trusteer Rapport software is protecting consumers from fraud and ID theft for ING DIRECT.
Verified Person Inc. has partnered with Taleo Business Edition to provide applicant tracking and background screening services.
Voltage Security and Websense, Inc., have introduced an integrated security solution for data protection.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Advanced Detection Technology will equip the U.S. Army at Camp Ariifjan in Kuwait with its under-vehicle surveillance systems.
ARINC Incorporated has been listed on the Data Communications Master Agreement of the Western States Contracting Alliance so that government agencies in 14 western states can purchase its products more easily.
Axis Communications has provided network cameras to the city of Longmont, Colorado, for citywide monitoring and surveillance.
BridgeWave Communications is providing its wireless links to the city of Southlake, Texas, for its crime prevention video network.
Egress Software Technologies, Ltd., will implement an encryption solution for the City and Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust that will meet U.K. Department of Health requirements.
FreeLinc has been awarded a Seaport-e prime contract by the U.S. Navy.
Gemalto is supplying electronic Alien Resident Certificate cards to the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a secure information access analysis and dissemination contract to Intelligent Software Solutions.
Intelligent Video was selected to provide its video content analysis solution as part of a surveillance system for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The project’s team is led by Mass Electric Construction Company and Siemens Building Technology.
The Virginia Department of Corrections has awarded a contract to iSECUREtrac Corp. for electronic monitoring systems and services at its Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.
Rontal Applications Ltd. announced that the Israel Airports Authority will expand the coverage of the company’s SimGuard 300 planning and simulation system at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Sagem Sécurité has been selected by the U.K. Home Office to supply the biometric management system for visa applicants and the biometric management subsystem for the Biometric Residents Permit project.
The Wireless Perimeter Surveillance and Scene Monitoring Rapid Deployment Kit from SightLogix, Inc., was selected for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program.
Smiths Detection has won follow-on contracts from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration for additional aTiX systems.
Sperian Protection Americas was awarded a Federal Supply Schedule Contract by the U.S. General Services Administration for personal protective equipment.
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Cyber Security has been selected to participate in a five-year research initiative on information sharing by the U.S. Department of Defense. Other partners in the project are the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Dallas.
MARKETING MOVES
AAID Security Solutions has partnered with Merlin 360 as Master Distributor for Merlin’s ultrasonic RTLS tags, readers, and software in North and South America.
Entrust, Inc., and Acxiom Corporation have signed an agreement for joint sales and marketing of an integrated consumer verification and authentication solution.
EVT has become a full member of the ObjectVideo OV Ready Application Partner Network and adopted the protocol that standardizes video analytics, rule alert, and configuration communications.
All-State Fire & Security has joined the Honeywell Authorized Dealer for Commercial Security Systems program.
Milestone Systems has strengthened its relationship with Anixter to bring IP video solutions to Latin America.
Nedap N.V. Security Management and Cegelec Anlagen- und Automatisierungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG have become business partners. Cegelec will offer Nedap products to its clients.
On-Net Surveillance Systems Inc. has appointed SplonCo Inc. as manufacturer’s representative for Northern Illinois.
Tri-Ed Distribution has been selected by Clinton Electronics as its exclusive North American distributor.
Triware Networld Systems announced an agreement with Core Security Technologies that allows Triware to add Core’s enterprise security assessment product to its IT network security offerings.
Viscount Systems Inc. has signed a distribution agreement with Pacific Mechanical Controls, which will have distribution rights to Viscount products for China, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong.
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Accurate Background Inc. has earned Taleo 7.5 certification for its Web-based solution.
The Professional Series Dual Tech Detector with Anti-Mask from Bosch Security Systems, Inc., won the Intruder Alarm Product of the Year Award at the IFSEC Security Industry Awards.
The Center for Companies that Care has named Convergint Technologies to its Honor Roll for the past four years. Convergint held its annual Social Responsibility Day in June, when more than 650 colleagues across North America volunteered a day’s work to help their local communities.
Cymtec Systems has earned The Tolly Group’s Up to Spec certification for its Cymtec Sentry.
Cypress Communications was honored by VARBusiness magazine as one of North America’s top technology integrators in the VARBusiness 500.
The ICx Technologies research and development lab was named one of the 21 most innovative firms in southern Oregon by Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Imperva announced that its SecureSphere 60 received the Network Application Product of the Year Techworld Award.
Lenel Systems International was named the Total Solution Partner of the Year by Axis Communications.
Optelecom-NKF, Inc., received an “A” rating on an independent customer performance survey conducted by ICMA International.
PSA Security Network honored vendors CSC, Network Video Technologies, and TransTech Systemswith its Superstar award. Altronix Corporation, Dedicated Micros, deView Electronics, Middle Atlantic Products, and Pelco earned the Star award, while Aiphone Corporation, Bosch Security Systems, HID Global, Security Lock Distributors, Stentofon, and Winsted Corporation were honored as Rising Stars.
Sagem Morpho Inc. received the Best Biometric Identification Technology award for its MorphoFace Investigate system at the 2008 Global Border Security Conference and Expo.
Secure Computing Corporation announced that its Secure Web antimalware engine ranked first in independent testing of 28 solutions by AV Test Labs.
Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma has endorsed the services of SecureWorks, allowing the company to promote its IT security services to member banks.
Security Engineered Machinery has earned ISO 14001:2004 registration for its environmental management system from the International Organization for Standardization.
TriZetto Group Inc. has maintained the Verizon Business Security Management Program Cybertrust Enterprise Certification for the sixth consecutive year.
Veracode has won the award for Information Security Project of the Year in The Banker Technology Awards for its work with Barclay’s.
Verizon Business has been recognized by BSI Management Systems as a leading provider of business continuity management services.
Lenel has granted factory certification for an interface between its OnGuard security platform and the Security Knowledge Manager from videoNEXT.
Wick Hill has been appointed Value Added Distributor of the Year by Watch-Guard Technologies.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Center for Domestic Preparedness marked its tenth anniversary with a celebration.
Chubb Security has announced plans to double the size of its Shared Services Centre in Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
CMP Information, the organizer of IFSEC has acquired a 50 percent stake in Securex, resulting in the formation of IFSEC South Africa incorporating Securex.
Datamars has unveiled a new Web site that reflects its enhanced corporate identity.
Day & Zimmermann has acquired the Dallas branch of Admiral Security Services.
GE Security has opened a Fire Detection Research Center in Bradenton, Florida.
The ADEMCO Alarm Security Museum opened at Honeywell Security’s Melville, New York, location.
IEI has launched a new Web site that makes product location easier.
The American Association of School Administrators and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies are kicking off a strategic alliance by inviting AASA members to complete the Risk Mitigation Assessment on school safety and security.
Pelco is the top sponsor of the World Game Protection Conference.
Perimeter eSecurity has acquired Edgeos, Inc.
Promisec has launched a blog atwww.promisec.typepad.com.
Securitas has acquired FM Seguridad to enter the security services market in Chile.
STV has formed a new subsidiary, STV Security Solutions Group, Inc.
TCP, Inc., has relocated its West Coast distribution center and warehouse to Stockton, California.
ASIS NEWS
Lander Receives Bordes Council Member Award
Ronald Lander, CPP, vice chair of the ASIS International Information Technology Security Council, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Roy N. Bordes Council Member Award of Excellence. This annual award recognizes a Society member who has exhibited selfless devotion at the volunteer level, emphasizing significant contributions at the council level over an extended period of time.
Lander is an author and a frequent speaker at ASIS educational programs. He is owner of Ultrasafe Security Specialists in Norco, California. His security expertise has been sought out by high-profile real-estate owners, celebrities, and others in various sectors, including grocery and department stores, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, the hotel and restaurant industry, and law firms throughout the United States. Lander joined ASIS in 1994 after retiring from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Data Systems Bureau.
“The mid-90s was when the Internet revolution started and Ron became active as an author and speaker for ASIS and law enforcement organizations,” wrote James Keith Flannigan, chair of the council, in his nomination of Lander. “After realizing how unfamiliar security professionals were with the Internet and computers in general, Ron designed and presented an ASIS course on ‘Introduction to the Internet for Security Professionals.’”
Flannigan also wrote that as a member of the council, Lander has attended virtually every meeting since he joined. “If he can’t personally make it to a meeting, he attends via conference call,” according to Flannigan.
“He is always available to mentor new members. Whenever he gets in front of an audience, he goes out of his way to promote participation in ASIS and joining a council.”
The award is comprised of an all-expenses-paid trip (travel, hotel, and registration fee) to the ASIS annual seminar and exhibits. Lander was expected to attend this year’s seminar and exhibits and be presented with an award plaque.
For more than 30 years, Roy N. Bordes was president and CEO of The Bordes Group of Orlando, Florida. He was a spokesperson for the security industry, focusing on physical security. He was also a tireless ASIS volunteer who, at the time of his death, was council vice president for special projects. Bordes was a regular speaker at ASIS annual seminars, where his session highlighting new technology that he found noteworthy in the exhibit hall drew large audiences. He passed away earlier this year.
Eligible candidates for the Roy N. Bordes Council Member Award of Excellence must be ASIS members who have made outstanding and significant professional contributions at the council level.
ASIS has two awards named after Bordes. In addition to this award, the ASIS Foundation, Inc., established the Roy Bordes Award for Physical Security in early 2008 to recognize his life’s work and to provide education in the practice of physical security.
Wharton/ASIS Program Enters Fifth Year
In November, the fifth session of the Wharton/ASIS Program for Security Executives will take place on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The intensive two-week professional development program has drawn the attention and respect of high-level security leaders from Fortune 1000 companies. The 2008-2009 program is scheduled for November 3-7 and February 2-6.
Developed in collaboration with faculty from the Wharton Business School and ASIS industry experts, the sessions are designed to prepare senior security executives to effectively present a case for security across the organization. The first and only program of its kind, the Wharton/ASIS program focuses on how business concepts relate to the challenges faced by security managers today.
Complete schedule and registration details for the Wharton/ASIS Program for Security Executives can be found atwww.asisonline.org.
