Earning Wireless Commercial Burglary ULC Certification – an industry first in Canada Johnson Controls’ PowerSeries Neo with PowerG technology from its DSC brand, has received Wireless Commercial Burglary Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) certification, an industry first in Canada. For those already installing ULC-compliant products, PowerSeries Neo now becomes the leading commercial burglar alarm solution for customers seeking secure, robust and reliable wireless options. By receiving ULC-S304-16, the category for ULC wireless commercial burglary systems, the PowerSeries Neo has been certified under the highest level of requirements for commercial type applications. This makes PowerSeries Neo the go-to choice for installers looking to add an integrated security product to their portfolio that meets the time-tested assurance of ULC commercial standards. PowerSeries Neo’s advanced wireless capabilities allow for real time visual verification from strategically positioned wireless passive infrared sensor (PIR) cameras within the building to minimize false alarms. Devices and sensors with PowerG wireless intrusion technology continuously measure the communication quality and automatically sets transmission power to the minimum required for reliable communication with the panel, thereby saving energy and battery life. Solid encryption technology offers an exceptionally high level of protection by guarding against digital attacks on the system. PowerSeries Neo works with mobile apps for efficient, on-the-go monitoring.

For Better, Faster Incident Response Innovative technology gives Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services the advantage in emergency management Western Australia’s Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) has made a long-term investment in productivity gains for its teams through an agreement with Motorola Solutions to provide a new computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. Motorola Solutions’ PremierOne CAD™ integrates critical information between agency databases, command centres and frontline officers working in the field. CAD systems are the essential information hub between public safety agencies and the general public. They include critical information from Triple Zero (000) calls, one of the first points of contact for community members before information is dispatched to first responders in the field. The systems collect and collate information that is essential to a fire and emergency worker’s daily workflow. DFES now joins Western Australia Police (WAPOL) in using the same PremierOne CAD technology platform, creating more opportunities for collaboration between the state’s fire and emergency services and police for coordinated incident response in the future. The new CAD system will provide DFES with many enhanced features to enable greater visibility of its resources for better decision making and resource management. This includes mobility technology to provide instant and precise, mapping, dispatch and premise hazard information to crews working on emergency response vehicles. This vital information helps DFES personnel to be better informed before moving into potentially dangerous situations. Aligned, connected technology for better results The decision by DFES and WAPOL to invest in the same CAD platform also reflects the Western Australian Government’s State ICT Strategy to align technology and business functions to improve service delivery to the community. The technology extension also supports the government’s ICT strategy by: Simplifying technology platforms, systems and standards as part of a unified government. Connecting agencies and the community through digital services and system integration. Informing decision-makers, frontline staff and the public with quality data and analysis. Vice President and Managing Director for Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand, Steve Crutchfield, said the CAD systems would provide full support for daily operations for DFES and WAPOL and can be ramped up to support peak events and emergencies. “Placing the right information into the hands of first responders leads to better, faster and more accurate decision making in critical moments,” Crutchfield said. “The PremierOne CAD technology platform will help DFES to manage their resources more efficiently so frontline officers can be deployed quickly and effectively to protect their communities. “In the future, having fire and emergency services and police agencies using the same CAD technology means they can collaborate more effectively during peak events including major bushfires. This creates a clear, common operating picture of what is happening in real time, helping response agencies to protect lives and property,” Crutchfield said. The CAD platform can also support the addition of further agencies over time as well as future technological advancements to further enhance efficiency and front line support. The new contract with DFES is valued at more than $AUD 7 million and follows WAPOL’s original investment of $AUD 11 million to upgrade its CAD platform.

Digital transformation is disrupting the finance industry in Asia-Pacific and likewise driving positive change, however, cybersecurity risks have also increased significantly. Palo Alto Networks recently released a survey revealing a high level of awareness within the sector to invest in cybersecurity measures. 72 percent of respondents claim to have received additional cybersecurity budgets over the past year – above the average of 66 percent, across all industry sectors surveyed. This shows a good understanding on the importance of dedicating resources to avoid cyberthreats. Furthermore, 52 percent of financial institutions have also adopted big data analytics to detect security breaches and fraud, which is significantly higher than the overall average of 33 percent. A high percentage of financial firms dedicating resources on big data analytics to mitigate cyberthreats indicate how cybersecurity is critical for today’s traditional banks embracing digital technologies to deliver modern-day conveniences such as mobile banking. However, just like the industry-wide sentiment of organisations across the region, 55 percent of financial institutions still feel that a rather reactive, detect and respond approach towards cybersecurity is still more important than prevention. As it takes approximately 98 days on the average to detect an attack, majority of attackers have enough time to succeed before they get detected. This means that response after an attack is detected may be a little too late. In the current financial year alone, 3 out of 10 financial institutions in Asia-Pacific surveyed have lost over USD 100,000. Other key findings: There is a need to be mindful of external threats: 43 percent of respondents in the financial sector noted that most risk comes from third-party service providers. In fact, 50 percent of respondents said that their network’s exposure to external users like clients and suppliers is the primary barrier to ensuring cybersecurity. It is no wonder then, that 85 percent of financial institutions place a security policy on BYOD (bring your own device). Financial institutions demand external cybersecurity expertise, just like all other industries: 62 percent of financial institutions outsource cybersecurity to Managed Security Service Providers, higher than the 59 percent across industries. Cyberthreats should not disrupt 24/7 digital banking services: Other than monetary damages, financial institutions are also most worried about company downtown while a breach is being fixed (28 percent). Over the past few years, we have seen the finance industry taking greater action to ensure that their organisations are able to effectively mitigate cyberthreats. However, before even talking about cybersecurity budgets, financial institution must first ensure that they adopt an approach that minimise risks the most. A reactive approach towards cybersecurity simply isn’t enough to counter today’s most sophisticated cyberthreats, and we must not overlook the importance of prevention.  – Sean Duca Vice President and Regional Chief Security Officer for Asia-Pacific Palo Alto Networks  

Even more companies from abroad sign up for the event, running from October 6 to 8 in Montichiari, Italy Running from 6 to 8 October at the Montichiari exhibition center, ‘REAS powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ is set to be a major draw. As Italy’s flagship exhibition for rescue services, civil defense and fire prevention, the event has acquired even more international appeal, ever since Centro Fiera di Montichiari and Deutsche Messe, the producers of the INTERSCHUTZ flagship fair in Hannover, Germany, agreed on a partnership to jointly stage the event. This partnership between the two exhibition companies includes a constant flow of information and expertise, contributing to an even stronger REAS. ‘REAS powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ highlights the three segments of firefighting, disaster relief and emergency services. The disaster relief segment includes emergency vehicles and ambulances as well as first-aid equipment in the face of natural disasters and transportation accidents. The fire prevention sector will feature fire prevention and firefighting, while the civil defense segment showcases providers of products and services designed for coping with natural disasters and ensuing emergency situations. ‘REAS powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ features the latest equipment, materials and special technology required by emergency and disaster relief organizations so they can tackle their challenges with maximum efficiency. The event also places great value on communicating knowledge and expertise, with REAS offering a multifaceted program of conferences, workshops, technical seminars and demonstrations which will allow professionals and volunteers to increase their skills and proficiency. The supporting program includes a high-caliber workshop titled ‘Earthquakes: Prevention and Resilience.’ The next German contribution will run under the title of ‘Civil Defense Systems in Other European Nations.’ The German Fire Protection Association (vfdb) will report on critical infrastructure and the targeted deployment of relief services in the face of extraordinary events, while the Munich-based German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) will inform visitors about various real-world emergency relief operations.

ASSA ABLOY has sold the business and assets of AdvanIDe to a new holding company based in Singapore with the majority shareholder being the Japan South East Asia Growth Fund L.P. The transaction will lead to growth opportunities for AdvanIDe, which are currently limited within the ASSA ABLOY Group. AdvanIDe is a leading semiconductor provider, focused on components for RFID transponders, chip cards, RFID readers and terminals. The business headquartered in Singapore employs 56 people, and has operations in the US, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The business expects a turnover in excess of USD 150 M in 2017. “I find it very satisfying that AdvanIDe gets a committed long-term investor that gives the business a new strategic home and creates opportunities for a continued positive development,” says Johan Molin, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. The transaction will have a positive effect on ASSA ABLOY’s operating margin and be neutral to EPS.