Changing technology due to national security threats
Fall is quickly approaching and as we reflect on the last 8 months there have been challenges, along with new opportunities. One item to note is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has placed Dahua and Hikvision on the list of companies deemed as threats to national security. This has caused alarm and video installers using these products to change technology offerings to ensure compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Dahua and Hikvision are currently working with the FCC to address the NDAA compliance issues. Many camera manufacturers are NDAA compliant and below is a short list of companies that have product available:
- Avigilon
- Avycon
- Axis Communications [4]
- Bosch
- FLIR
- Mobotix
- OpenEye
- Paxton
WHIRC provides both video health monitoring and video verification services by connecting either through direct integration or by receiving email alerts. WHIRC continues to support and provide monitoring options as different video platforms become prevalent in the marketplace. We are proactively working with manufacturers to ensure compatibility and support. In August, WHIRC launched our OpenEye integration providing a full monitoring option. We also offer health monitoring of video systems that is much like traditional alarm system notifications. When a signal is received, WHIRC is able to notify the customer when a camera is offline, an NVR loses connection, storage reaches capacity, and much more.
WHIRC is excited to be a custom solution provider for you and your customers!
Message from Business Manager Ashley Raisanen
Big change, big opportunity
To many, the news that Interlogix was discontinuing its product line came as a surprise. Many dealers have built their business around this product line and were disappointed by the sudden news. However, WHIRC is prepared for exactly this kind of situation. Our long-standing relationships with many different manufacturers allow us to help dealers get connected to continue with sales, service, installation and monitoring as they transition away from Interlogix.
WHIRC has already helped dealers move product lines and start implementing new offerings. Depending on your focus, there is a solution that WHIRC can help you migrate to and we will continue to support the Interlogix platform moving forward. We provide training resources, pricing information, distribution contacts and networking opportunities with the different manufacturers. And, most of all, we provide continued monitoring and support service as dealers move forward.
WHIRC is also moving ahead with its 3G conversion plans. As a partner, we are working with our distributors and manufacturers to bring you options and cost-effective solutions to upgrade this outgoing technology. Our focus is on the future. We have overcome technology challenges in the past and expect more in the future as technology continues to evolve at a faster and faster rate.
These are exciting times and with change comes additional opportunities. As security and technology providers, we need to be flexible and proactive. WHIRC is committed to helping you through this transition with timely product, service and monitoring support. Let us know how we can help you!
If you missed it, you missed a lot – Symposium 2019
I’d like to personally thank all our customers, dealers, manufacturers and peers that attended our 10th annual Partner Symposium, which was held at Crown Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown on June 20, 2019. With this being WHIRC’s 25th anniversary year, our event focused on all the new technology and how to build your business for the future.
This full day of networking and learning include a four-person Dealer Panel, which gave guests the opportunity to discuss issues they are having with their own businesses. Our panel of industry peers offered strategies to overcome them. Guest speakers represented LogicMark, Interlogix, Alula, Residio and Hedge Tactical Solutions. In addition, these vendors were on hand to answer questions and showcase the latest technology.
This year’s Symposium kicked off with a Twin’s game the night before that gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Minnesota summer evening. It was fun to see our partners outside the workplace in the relaxed setting of Target Field.
We were happy to once again provide this free educational opportunity for our customers and industry partners. If you missed the opportunity this year, we hope to see you in 2020!
Security business is on the rise
Many dealers were worried when new players entered the security market and the DIY industry expanded, but this may have been a benefit rather than a detriment. According to a study by SDM magazine, 2018 was a great year for sales for many security dealers. Growth in DIY has pushed the alarm manufactures to add new features and services that are available at your fingertips. These technology advancements increase the opportunities for both dealers and monitoring centers. These days, monitoring just about anything out there has become the reality for WHIRC and we will continue to grow and meet the needs of our dealers.
A rise in advertising for DIY products has increased the public’s awareness about the importance for security overall and has contributed to the economy’s growth. Security is everywhere you look these days, including on television shows and in the news.
An article in SDM magazine shared results of SDM’s own research, which showed positive results across the alarm industry in 2018 ¬- for both residential and business markets.
“More dealers and integrators – 73 percent – expected a growth in revenue in 2018, when polled in September 2018, a 6 percent increase over the previous year. And 85 percent of respondents reported 2018 was a good to excellent year for intrusion alarms, up from 81 percent the previous year, while a whopping 96 percent expected 2019 to be at least as good if not better than 2018.”
Recent advancements in interactive services have led the customer to interact with the alarm panel more and more often. This alone creates that “stickiness” that all dealers are looking for to decrease churn. At the same time, customers are starting to see security as a necessity in life. WHIRC is integrated with most interactive services providing the necessary solution to stay competitive in today’s market. (See our featured promotion from Alula below.)
Monitoring continues to be the driving factor of devices in a connected home solution. As technology continues to evolve, the monitoring market is where the affordable solutions will continue to reside. WHIRC offers many different solutions at an affordable rate that is customizable to the customer’s needs.
As our dealers are expanding their offerings, WHIRC is committed to providing the same excellent 24/7 monitoring service that dealers expect. If it can send a signal, we can monitor it!
Recent Comments