Articles

Streaming media can be accessed anytime, everywhere. Understanding the technology will benefit everyone personally; and for those that deliver connectivity, professionally.

To stream media, all that is needed is a broadband connection and a streaming device or software app. A streaming player does just that: it connects to the internet, accesses content provided by online services and delivers the streaming media to the playback device.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2019 issue.

A century ago, most electrical devices, such as a fan or appliance, required 120V to operate. Today, 110V devices are in use, but technology has advanced to the point where electronics are prevalent and only need a low amount of DC voltage to operate; examples of this are mobile devices and even flat-screen displays.

. . . the bottom line is transformers are everywhere and there aren’t enough AC outlets to plug all of them in.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2019 issue.

AC Versus DC Power

A century ago, most electrical devices, such as a fan or appliance, required 120V to operate. Today, 110V devices are in use, but technology has advanced to the point where electronics are prevalent and only need a low amount of DC voltage to operate; examples of this are mobile devices and even flat-screen displays.

. . . the bottom line is transformers are everywhere and there aren’t enough AC outlets to plug all of them in.

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2019 issue.

Look around and you will see a plethora of brands offering smart devices.
…
How do you decide what to promote, and how do you spread the word?
The bottom line is it’s no longer about the product’s brand.
In today’s competitive world, the installation company is the brand.

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2019 issue.

Fantasy has caught up with reality; smart home and connected living is going mainstream. The security game has changed, and it is no longer just about protecting, detecting and alerting when unwanted events happen.

Read the article online or in the SDM July 2019 issue.

Security is today’s hot buzz word and it’s a big and continually expanding “pie” full of robust slices that are all in high demand. Lucky you, that’s the industry you are in and live every day. But which slice, or slices, are you enjoying? Where might your appetite grow?

Read the article online or in the SDM June 2019 issue.

Digital residential and commercial buildings have become a reality with ubiquitous connectivity. The internet, digital media and entertainment, security systems and smart home and building management are integral parts of living today.

Read the article online or in the SDM May 2019 issue.

Projects are the mainstay of business in the security industry, whether you’re installing a 260-zone security system, a smart home security system with lighting and HVAC automation/control, a 16-camera installation or an access control system. To achieve the desired result of a project, the most essential element of making it happen is project management.

Read the article online or in the SDM April 2019 issue.

The security industry is in ‘pole position’ to be the source for delivering the smart home and connected living. It’s all about networking, the human kind of networking where people exchange information and develop professional and social contacts.

Read the article online or in the SDM March 2019 issue.

Smart home technology has certainly come of age. Identify your strategy for operating in the connected devices and smart home markets. The security industry is well-positioned to serve this burgeoning market.

Read the article online or in the SDM February 2019 issue.

Today’s world bombards us with data. Whether it be looking for information, reading or watching the news or being inundated with advertising, it can be overwhelming to sort through the “haystack” for the desired “needle,” especially when it comes to making sense of technology. How can you be remembered?

Read the article online or in the SDM January 2019 issue.

The smart home and smart office are here to stay. Let’s look at what has changed, what hasn’t and what’s innovative. The good news is the security industry is still in pole position to take advantage of growth in the smart home/office industry and win the race.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2018 issue.

Some folks may not know it but I started my own integration business, The Automation Link, Inc. (TALI), in 1989 and put on the side of my van, “The Leader in Home Automation.” I was 20 years ahead of my time. Home automation hadn’t happened yet and it was easy to be the leader — there were no followers.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2018 issue.

The word smart has been partnered with high-tech for many decades.
control of systems in the home is one of the fastest growing business opportunities.

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2018 issue.

One of the hottest topics for discussion with many opportunities emerging around it is the Internet of Things, or IoT. It’s not just change or progress. It has the potential to disrupt and, in many instances, already is disrupting work, home, travel, play, and just about every facet of our lives. But what is it and what does it mean for the security industry — in particular, your business?

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2018 issue.

Interoperability is a key issue that keeps coming up.

Read the article online or in the SDM July 2018 issue.

It’s a fact: People grow older. The good news is that technology is helping address medical issues and contributing to healthier living. Technology is also able to keep people living at home without moving to a care facility.

Read the article online or in the SDM June 2018 issue.

Everything relies on the network in today’s world and when combined with RMR it can be a winning formula for your company.

Read the article online or in the SDM May 2018 issue.

The name of the game is RMR, which of course stands for recurring monthly revenue. With this dependable revenue stream, many companies have weathered tough economic times and flourished when times were good again.

Read the article online or in the SDM April 2018 issue.

In case you hadn’t noticed, everything and everyone around you, including your customers, are connected 24/7. You can’t deny it or avoid it; a seismic shift has happened with the digital revolution, and it’s a complex web of connections that has gone worldwide.

Read the article online or in the SDM March 2018 issue.

Communication is something humans have been doing for thousands of years. Why do we talk? We talk to share information, express and exchange ideas, convey our feelings, and connect to better understand each another.

Read the article online or in the SDM February 2018 issue.

Anything and everything tech were alive and well at CES 2018 with 2.75 million square feet of exhibits and over 1000 presenters. Other surprises included a flood on opening day of the show (after 190 days of no rain in Las Vegas) and a two-hour power outage at the convention center on day two.

Read the article at SDM online.

As 2017 comes to a close it’s time to think about New Year resolutions for 2018. What are your company’s goals? What changes are needed to reach these goals?

Read the article online or in the SDM December 2017 issue.

Past, present, future — one leads to the next. Today, the security industry is a good business to be in, with diverse growth opportunities. Let’s look at what can be done to stack the odds of future success in your favor.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2017 issue.

School is back in session and going strong. Report cards provide a snapshot of where students stand. Why not apply the process to business? It’s time to take an “outside look” and get your company’s report card.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2017 issue.

Word on the street is the installation business delivering the connected home is up and that’s great news. But there’s an additional story I often also hear — it’s a challenge finding technicians to perform the work. Are you facing the same problem?

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2017 issue.

Peace of mind starts with feeling safe and secure, especially at home. Just ask your customers why they hired you to put in a security system.
With so many devices now being attached to the home network, it’s obvious one may begin to feel vulnerable.

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2017 issue.

There’s a problem in our industry, even with all the cool technology advancements and amazing, fun stuff happening every day. It is sad to say, but new — and existing — products don’t always work well together and it’s an issue of interoperability.

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We’ve all had them: trials and tribulations on project installations. The culprit is often poor communication or lack of communication.

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With so many different systems being installed in a home, and the variety of players involved, one of the big challenges is “getting everyone on board, on the same page, and at the same time.”

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What are the “5 P’s” and how can they help you succeed at your next business conference?
Proven strategies to enhance the outcome: Plan, Prep, Proceed, Process, and then Ponder

Read the article here or here.

“Big” is in, especially when it comes to archived information. Data is a hot commodity today, but this only works when the collected data is extensive, relevant to a situation, and effectively analyzed.

Read the SDM article online or in the SDM issue.

An online course by Bedrock Learning is designed to help users solve the puzzle of the connected home.

Read the SDM article online.

Over the past 130 or so years there have been tremendous technological advancements. Just look at them all — from the telephone, light bulb, radio and television to the cell phone, flat screen display and streaming media — and they keep on coming.

Read the full SDM Magazine article here or here.

In today’s world, listening to music and awesome audio is a mainstay in nearly everyone’s lives. Consider the huge variety of headphones offered today and the affordable soundbars delivering the home theater experience with unbelievable sound. So many devices are fast becoming connected and part of the IoT, Internet of Things. Just look at the dramatic growth in digital content and streaming media.

Read full article here.