ISC East: Only In New York
The first day of ISC East 2007 is in the history books. And by all accounts, it’s been a good show so far. It sure didn’t look like a success first thing in the morning as far as traffic, but soon enough the aisles were packed. Perhaps rain in the city slowed the attendees, but certainly didn’t damper the spirits of the exhibitors.
With the conference in the books, I have turned to the computer to write of the day’s experiences, which included a loud and persistent fire alarm at my hotel. I’m pleased to report the alarm system worked without a hitch. The staff at the hotel moved to each floor expeditiously and thoroughly to find out what had happened.
I’m also happy to report the fire system worked perfectly, truly a vital part of the hotel’s security system.
Without fail, people always ask what the most interesting thing I’ve seen. There are a handful of things, so far. Speaking of fires.
Fire-Lite Alarms has announced its new IP communication module, which has been UL listed per Code 864 9th Edition. The application is designed to enable the transmission of alarms from a fire alarm control panel though any type of IP network. Here’s what’s so important about this product. The IP communication module eliminates a fire system’s need for two costly and dedicated phone lines. This is an add-on device that will deliver significant cost safety to end users through the use of an existing network line and one back-up phone line.
“The timing for this product is excellent,” said Bill Brosig, a Fire-Lite associate product manager. “There’s only one phone line per panel and the response time is much faster through IP to the central station. It also allows the system to check the central station every 90 seconds, to check the integrity of the phone line. This means if there is a problem, we would know about it quicker.”
The system uses Contact ID format but prior to transmission, the data is further encrypted with AES 512-bit data encryption -- the most stringent form of encryption in the industry.”
One last thing from the editor, and because this note relates to our own The Integrated Home section of the magazine, I was quite impressed with a product from iControl Networks. The company produces mass-market, Web-based solutions and has introduced a product and partnership worth mentioning.
Called Home Security 2.0, iControl complements GE Security home protection equipment already installed in many homes in the United States. The partnership is with Monitronics, which will offer this integrated solution.
“As technology advances, consumers are demanding new capabilities from their home security systems,” said Mitch Clarke, vice president of marketing and market development at Monitronics. “Our customers wants more -- in addition to securing their home, they want to stay connected while away.”
According to iControl CEO Reza Reji, Home Security 2.0 offers a new consumer experience that merges home security with Web, broadband and cellular technology.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is editor-in-chief of Security Products magazine.