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Alibaba Cloud, a global provider of AI infrastructure and the intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today announced its latest global infrastructure expansion plan at the 2026 Apsara Conference, alongside a series of new AI capabilities designed to help enterprises build, deploy and scale AI applications more efficiently. The technology company has also announced its comprehensive collaboration with global enterprises including Panasonic Digital, Unity China, Lion Parcel, Loomi Entertainment Group and SHAKE to accelerate enterprise innovation via its advanced AI and cloud technologies. Accelerate enterprise innovation Over the next 12 months, Alibaba Cloud will establish its first cloud regions in Türkiye, Finland and the Netherlands, while expanding its data centre footprint in Malaysia, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, France and Hong Kong. The expansion will further increase Alibaba Cloud’s global computing capacity and strengthen its ability to provide localised cloud and AI services to customers across key markets. The cloud leader currently operates 107 availability zones in 31 regions around the world. “As Alibaba Cloud has advanced from AI-native infrastructure to an Agent-Native Cloud architecture, AI is also moving rapidly from experimentation to real-world deployment, creating demand for both scalable infrastructure and more accessible AI capabilities,” said Dr. Feifei Li, Chief Technology Officer and President of International Business of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. Accessible AI capabilities “We are expanding our global cloud footprint to bring computing resources closer to customers and partners, while continuing to evolve our AI technologies to help enterprises deploy models, optimise multi-model workloads and create new AI-powered applications. At the same time, our growing ecosystem of customers and partners demonstrates how these capabilities can translate into tangible business value across industries and markets. We are committed to working closely with our global ecosystem to make AI more scalable, practical and accessible for businesses.” At the conference, Alibaba Cloud launched three new AI solutions to help international businesses build and scale production-grade applications. Smart Studio, an out-of-the-box product designed to help businesses build dedicated Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms in minutes. It provides everything needed to package, price, meter, and bill model APIs under their own brand. Its advanced inference architecture delivers up to 505% higher throughput than standard open-source frameworks on the same hardware. Multi-model deployment Smart Fusion serves as an intelligent engine that helps users and businesses achieve state-of-the-art model performance at low cost through a unified standard model API. The engine supports multi-model collaboration within one task, selecting the best-suited available models to work together by analysing real-time dimensions. By abstracting multi-model deployment into a single endpoint, it can help reduce token spending by around 50%. Smart Video is an AI video agent designed for short-drama studios and advertisers to automatically create videos up to one hour long. With a single prompt, creators can turn an idea into a finished cut, while continuously refining it through natural language. The platform supports multiple video models, including Wan, and offers seamless support for more than 20 languages. Diverse business needs Alibaba’s cloud and AI technologies are helping customers and partners across industries address diverse business needs, from digital transformation and enterprise applications to logistics, gaming and AI-powered content creation. Through collaborations with enterprises including Panasonic Digital, Unity China, Lion Parcel, Loomi Entertainment Group and SHAKE, Alibaba Cloud is enabling businesses to enhance efficiency, accelerate innovation and explore new opportunities with cloud and AI. Panasonic Digital (Shanghai) has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to accelerate its comprehensive digital and AI transformation. Leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s Bailian (Model Studio) to securely access the Qwen models, alongside advanced data management tools like DataWorks, MaxCompute, and Hologres, Panasonic has built a custom capability hub that powers specialised AI agents across manufacturing, supply chain, and corporate functions. Significant operational benefits This collaboration has delivered significant operational benefits. It has achieved an 80% reduction in documentation time through automated meeting minutes, a 10-fold increase in contract review efficiency using the “Smart Compare” agent, and enhanced data-driven decision-making by empowering non-technical staff to perform complex inventory analyses using natural language-all while ensuring strict data security and compliance through Alibaba Cloud’s robust governance features. "We are very grateful for our strategic collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, which has been instrumental in accelerating Panasonic Digital's enterprise-wide AI transformation. By seamlessly integrating their world-class AI models and robust data infrastructure into our operations, we have successfully moved beyond isolated IT optimisations to build a highly scalable, secure, and unified intelligence platform,” said Yueming Li, Head of GenAI Innovation & Workforce, Panasonic Digital (Shanghai). Supporting cross-team collaboration Unity China, a pioneer game engine and real-time 3D development platform that operates the Tuanjie Engine, has leveraged Alibaba Cloud’s Model Studio to deploy Qwen and third-party foundation models for Tuanjie AI-Codely, its AI-native engineering platform. Unity is a leading game engine and real-time 3D development platform. The platform streamlines production-scale game development by automating mission-critical workflows, including code comprehension, real-time editing, and debugging, while supporting cross-team collaboration. “Game development is becoming increasingly complex, and our goal with Tuanjie AI is to remove technical friction so creators can focus on innovation and gameplay,” said Junbo Zhang, CEO of Unity China. “Alibaba Cloud’s Model Studio and the Qwen model family provide the performance, flexibility, and low latency our developers require. By integrating these advanced AI capabilities directly into the development pipeline, we are enabling studios to debug, iterate, and bring ambitious game projects to life faster than ever before." Manual data transcription Lion Parcel, a pioneer Indonesian logistics and delivery provider, has leveraged Alibaba’s Qwen model to improve its finance and document processing workflows. To eliminate time-consuming and error-prone manual data transcription, Lion Parcel deployed the Qwen-VL-Plus model through Alibaba’s Model Studio platform to automate routine workflows. Supported by Alibaba Cloud's fully managed platform and predictable pay-per-token pricing, Lion Parcel has significantly accelerated processing efficiency, maximised data accuracy, and established a centralised digital repository that boosts overall business scalability. “Alibaba Cloud’s OCR solution powered by Qwen helped us accelerate Document Order processing in Finance. It’s improving accuracy while saving both time and operational costs," said Probosetyo Krishna, Head of IT, Lion Parcel. AI-generated content Loomi Entertainment Group (LEG), a Malaysia-based entertainment company, has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to accelerate the adoption of AI-generated content (AIGC) among creators and businesses in Malaysia and the wider region. LEG has integrated Alibaba’s visual generation models, including Wan and HappyHorse through Model Studio, into Imaginary, its proprietary cinematic AI engine. The integration enables high-quality video and visual generation, streamlines content production workflows, and helps reduce production costs. Additionally, the two companies have hosted two AIGC hackathons and trained more than 100 local content creators through online and offline workshops, providing creators with practical exposure to the latest generative AI tools and applications. Alibaba Cloud and LEG are also exploring the use of Wan in Loomi’s micro-drama production pipeline, alongside joint go-to-market initiatives and talent development programmes. “Alibaba Cloud’s advanced AI models give creators new ways to turn ideas into engaging content more efficiently. Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing AIGC capabilities to more creators in Malaysia and the wider region, while exploring new possibilities for AI-powered content production,” said Ivan Tan, CTO of Loomi Entertainment Group. Proprietary AI model SHAKE, a pioneer in agentic resource planning (ARP) for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), is leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s powerful compute resources and Qwen models to expand its services across APAC markets. Through this partnership, SHAKE is building a proprietary AI model based on Qwen to deliver highly optimised ARP solutions. Additionally, SHAKE’s ARP services will be featured on the Alibaba Cloud Marketplace, supporting SMBs across industries to seamlessly transition into and thrive in the agentic era. “By fusing SHAKE’s pioneer expertise in Agentic Resource Planning with Alibaba Cloud’s world-class compute infrastructure and cutting-edge Qwen models, we are unlocking unprecedented value for our customers. This collaboration serves as a powerful catalyst for our regional growth across APAC and marks a monumental milestone in our journey. Together, we are accelerating our vision to empower SMBs with the intelligent tools they need to thrive and scale in the agentic era,” said Sean Hinton, CEO of SHAKE. Multi-model AI architecture AnyMind Group, a BPaaS company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has today announced a strategic agreement with Alibaba Cloud to integrate Qwen, a family of large language and multimodal AI models developed by Alibaba, into AnyLive, AnyMind Group’s AI-powered live commerce platform. The integration is designed to improve how AnyLive understands customer questions and delivers accurate, contextually relevant responses in real time. Qwen will be added as one of the models within AnyLive’s multi-model AI architecture, utilised and delivered through lifelike AI avatars. Its language understanding capabilities will help AnyLive better interpret customer intent, including conversational or ambiguous questions, and generate more natural and relevant responses across Asian languages. Akinori Kubo, Managing Director, Global E-Commerce, AnyMind Group, said: “The quality of a live commerce experience depends on how well brands understand customers and respond to their needs in the moment. Adding Qwen to AnyLive’s multi-model stack will strengthen intent analysis and response accuracy across Asian languages, helping brands create live rooms where customers feel understood and can make more informed purchase decisions.”

Award-winning global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security is excited to announce the launch of the new ASSA ABLOY IP lock integration, delivering simplified installation of access control in challenging environments.  Launched today, the solution reduces the high costs and complexity of traditional wired access control, by removing the need for extensive cabling and door controllers. It simplifies installation, particularly in retrofit or hard-to-wire locations.  Enterprise-grade access control The integration is particularly suited to US higher education environments, including residence halls, classrooms, and research spaces, where mixed online and offline operation, flexibility, and ease of deployment are essential. The solution is also applicable to government facilities, enterprise campuses, and institutional and healthcare environments that need reliable security across distributed sites. Gallagher Security, Executive Vice President – Americas Matt Butts says, "This integration reflects a shared vision between Gallagher and ASSA ABLOY to make security more accessible, flexible, and effective for our customers. By combining best-in-class door security with enterprise-grade access control, we're delivering a solution that reduces friction and empowers facilities with greater insight, faster response times and the confidence of connected technologies working together.” Confidence of connected technologies The integration supports ASSA ABLOY IN120 battery powered Wi Fi locks and IN220 PoE IP locks, which connect directly to an organisation’s on premises IP network. Access privileges, credentials, schedules, and overrides are managed centrally in Gallagher’s Command Centre, streamlining day to day operations while maintaining visibility across the site. Local intelligence at each lock enables independent access decisions, ensuring continued operation during network outages, which is critical for environments such as residence halls, labs, secure offices, and remote buildings. Enabling proactive management Security and IT administrators benefit from full visibility into events, alarms, battery status, audits, and device health directly within Command Centre, enabling proactive management and faster response to issues. The Gallagher Security and ASSA ABLOY IP Lock integration is available now in the United States. For more information, contact the local Gallagher Security representative. ASSA ABLOY’s Head of Digital Access Solutions, Angelo Faenza says, “Our collaboration with Gallagher brings together two leaders in access control to solve a real world challenge for our customers. By integrating our IP enabled locks with Gallagher’s Command Centre platform, we’re delivering a streamlined, modern approach to securing doors across complex facilities. It’s a powerful example of how open, interoperable solutions can elevate both security and operational efficiency.”

GISEC Global 2026, the Middle East & Africa’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, concluded its 15th edition following three days of international collaboration, technology innovation and high-level dialogue on the future of cyber resilience. Held for the first time at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, the 2026 edition welcomed thousands of visitors from more than 130 countries, alongside 750+ global cybersecurity brands and 350+ speakers. The international turnout brought governments, national cyber authorities, global CISOs, technology leaders, cybersecurity experts and emerging talent to Dubai, reinforcing GISEC Global’s role as an international meeting point for the cybersecurity community. National cyber authorities Under the theme ‘Cyber First: The New Digital Order’, GISEC Global examined how artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, nation-state threats, critical infrastructure security and quantum technologies are reshaping national and enterprise cyber resilience. The inaugural Cyber First Leadership Summit brought ministers, national cyber authorities, global CISOs and technology leaders together to examine the geopolitical and economic implications of an increasingly contested digital environment. The programme was complemented by the Global Leaders Series, including an invitation-only Global Leadership Roundtable bringing together H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti with senior cybersecurity leaders from Visa, Schneider Electric and Under Armour to examine AI sovereignty and the protection of the US$28 trillion digital economy. Building resilient digital economies Across three days, more than 350 speakers explored the implications of AI, digital sovereignty, operational resilience and quantum computing for cyber defence, while exhibitors, government partners and technology companies announced new partnerships and initiatives spanning threat intelligence, workforce development, secure AI adoption and national cyber resilience. H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, said: “Cybersecurity challenges increasingly transcend borders, making international cooperation essential to building resilient digital economies. The participation of cybersecurity leaders and professionals from across more than 130 countries at GISEC Global reflects the importance of bringing the international community together to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop coordinated responses to emerging threats. The UAE remains committed to advancing this dialogue and supporting a secure and trusted digital future.” Global cybersecurity business Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of inD and organiser of GISEC Global, said: “The attendance of international executives and cyber leaders at GISEC Global reaffirms the confidence in Dubai and the UAE as a global nexus of tech collaboration. Leaders from corporates, economies and governments from more than 130 nations came with renewed commitment and conviction, affirming this as the stage for global cybersecurity business and partnerships.” "That confidence carries real momentum, as Global Quantum X in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council joins GISEC Global in May 2027, bringing new quantum and cybersecurity dynamics to one stage. Before then, GITEX GLOBAL this December in Dubai converges the global tech ecosystem, closing an extraordinary year for innovation, investment and collaboration.” Security certification training Among the strategic partnerships announced at GISEC Global 2026, the UAE Cyber Security Council and Group-IB unveiled a collaboration spanning threat intelligence exchange, incident response and cybersecurity capacity building, alongside plans to establish a joint Innovation Center of Excellence in the UAE. GISEC Global also witnessed the launch of the second cohort of ‘She Protects’, the national cyber talent initiative led by Microsoft and CPX, a G42 company, with the support of the UAE Cyber Security Council. Building on the inaugural cohort, which graduated 50 women and helped more than 10 participants secure internships and full-time roles, the programme will expand to welcome more than 150 university students and recent graduates from across the UAE. The initiative combines security certification training, threat education, immersive cyber simulations and career-readiness support to help build the next generation of cybersecurity talent. Discussions spanning sovereign AI As Lead Strategic Partner of GISEC Global 2026, Huawei showcased its approach to cybersecurity in the AI era through discussions spanning sovereign AI, security operations, cyber resilience and proactive defence. Huawei Cloud also launched its MaaS Security Whitepaper, outlining a shared-responsibility approach to secure large-scale enterprise AI adoption. As Official Government Cybersecurity Partner of GISEC Global, the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) showcased a series of initiatives spanning government cyber capability, innovation and talent development. Strengthening deepfake detection capabilities The second edition of the Dubai Cyber Challenge Government Edition convened 30 teams from Dubai Government entities across web security, digital forensics, reverse engineering, cryptography and artificial intelligence. Digital Dubai secured first place, followed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security – GDFRA Dubai in second, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in third, with AED 100,000 awarded to the top three teams. The School of Cyber Defence attracted more than 400 registrations from university students across the UAE, supporting aspiring cyber professionals with specialised skills and practical experience. In parallel, DESC unveiled SARAAB, the region’s first government-developed open-source AI model designed to detect deepfake videos, enabling researchers and developers to strengthen deepfake detection capabilities. The Centre also introduced the Dubai Cyber Skills Framework, establishing a unified reference for cybersecurity qualifications, certifications and career progression across the emirate. Quantum-secured communications GISEC Global 2026 also looked ahead to the next major shift in the global technology landscape with the announcement of Global Quantum X (GQX), a new event launching alongside GISEC Global in Dubai in 2027. Bringing together governments, researchers, technology companies and cybersecurity leaders, GQX will address quantum computing, quantum-secured communications and next-generation sensing, while its co-location with GISEC Global will put particular focus on post-quantum security, cryptographic transition, critical infrastructure protection and national quantum readiness. The launch builds on the quantum security discussions held at GISEC Global 2026 and extends the event’s focus from today’s cyber threats towards the technologies and security challenges expected to define the next decade. GISEC Global will return to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, from 4–6 May 2027.

Secutech Vietnam 2026 came to a close on 12 September at the Friendship Cultural Palace in Hanoi, with exhibitors and visitors exploring how safety, security, fire protection and smart building technologies can be applied across Vietnam’s buildings, factories and infrastructure projects. Held alongside Fire & Safety Vietnam and SMABuilding, the fair highlighted solutions for facility management, emergency response, automation and connected building operations. The 19th edition spanned 13,000 sqm and featured 480 exhibiting brands from 16 countries and regions, including Bulgaria, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, the UAE, the US and Vietnam. It welcomed 15,898 trade visitors, including project owners, system integrators, distributors, installers, consultants, engineers, facility managers and end users. Smart building technologies “Vietnam’s continued investment in buildings, factories and infrastructure is creating stronger demand for safety, fire protection and smart building technologies that can be applied in real operating environments,” commented Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Branch. “This year’s edition showed how the market is moving from standalone products to more connected systems that support prevention, monitoring, response and facility operations. For the industry, this shift creates new opportunities for suppliers, integrators and end users to work more closely on solutions that are practical, scalable and suited to Vietnam’s development.” AI-enabled operations software Across the exhibition floor, suppliers showcased a wide mix of security, fire safety and smart building technologies, from AI-enabled operations software, access control, CCTV and monitoring systems to flame detectors, fire alarm devices, intelligent circuit breakers, sprinkler components, fire pumps and protective gear. For exhibitors, the fair offered opportunities to connect with project decision-makers and share technical knowledge through training sessions. Marking the company’s 10th appearance at Secutech Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Xuan Son, Chairman, Nha An Toan, said: “We are presenting AI-powered surveillance, AI fire detection cameras and advanced robotics to industry traders and decision-makers for major infrastructure projects. Secutech Vietnam has supported us through event promotion and direct engagement at our booth. Workshops and dealer training sessions on the exhibition floor also allow us to showcase products and provide hands-on technical training for our partners.” AI-integrated solutions Demand for AI-integrated solutions also shaped discussions about project requirements and industry collaboration. Mr Tran Luong, Executive Vice President, G20+ Alliance, an association of 47 enterprises in the security camera and extra-low-voltage (ELV) sectors, said: “Our target customers are mainly clients involved in infrastructure projects, including industrial parks, aviation and government facilities. Today, customers are showing a strong preference for AI-integrated solutions. In response to this trend, we have also been upgrading our technologies and equipment to keep pace with the market. Participating in Secutech Vietnam has helped us build partnerships and strengthen industry connections.” Fire safety technologies International pavilions broadened the sourcing opportunities, with the Japan Pavilion, Korea Pavilion and UL Pavilion presenting fire safety technologies, certification services and advanced protection systems. For UL Solutions, the fair reflected rising interest in international standards and certification. Mr Suresh Shanmugam, Regional Business Head, South & Southeast Asia, UL Solutions, noted: “We see Vietnam as a very strong and fast-growing market, with local manufacturers looking to grow internationally and global manufacturers also entering the country. The market is becoming more open to international products, certifications and best practices. Visitors including government authorities, traders and manufacturers, showed interest in UL certification and our testing process.” Battery-related facilities The needs of critical facilities were another focus. Mr Takashi Ito, General Manager, International Division, Nohmi Bosai Ltd, emphasised the importance of identifying smoke at an early stage: “One of our key strengths is early smoke detection, especially for data centres, semiconductor factories, large warehouses and battery-related facilities. In these environments, customers need to identify smoke as early as possible before a fire becomes serious. Through the fair, we hope to introduce our systems to more Vietnamese companies, particularly those operating data centres and other high-security facilities.” Visitors also explored how the technologies on display could serve the Vietnamese market. Mr Park Kyung Hoon, Team Leader, Korea Testing & Research Institute (Korea), attended with a focus on product evaluation and certification: “I am interested in the fire safety sector and in understanding what is available in the Vietnamese market. Our work includes research, evaluation and certification for industrial products, including fire prevention, CCTV and security-related systems. I saw relevant solutions such as IR cameras and fire extinguishers, and I also visited the Korea Pavilion, which I was pleased to see.” Building management equipment Local sourcing interests included smart security and firefighting equipment. Mr Vu Manh Quan, President, IT-CCTV Ho Chi Minh, said: “I am looking for smart security hardware and software solutions, as well as fire protection products such as fire alarm systems, firefighting equipment and safety gear. I am particularly interested in fire safety technologies and security solutions powered by AI software. I have already seen quite a few firefighting robots and upgraded devices that integrate AI technology.” For property operators, the focus was on reducing fire risks in day-to-day operations. Mr Duong Van Chinh, Chief Engineer, Lotte Property & Development Vietnam Co Ltd, said: “Fire protection is a key priority for our company. I was particularly interested in building management equipment, fire alarm cameras, thermal imaging cameras and AI-integrated camera systems that can identify fire risks and issue early warnings. Vietnam’s rapid urban development, high-rise construction and industrial growth are creating strong demand for reliable fire protection systems. For property managers, the main challenges are finding compliant, durable equipment and qualified installation contractors.” Smart building systems Beyond sourcing, the fringe programme combined product showcases with technical discussion, covering AI, robotics, factory automation, fire prevention, emergency planning and smart building systems. Installer-focused training addressed system design, installation and operation, while live demonstrations allowed visitors to see automation equipment and AI-enabled tools in use. Speaking at one of the seminars, Mr Do Huy Hoang, R&D Manager, RTC Technology Vietnam, highlighted the value of technical exchange: “My presentation was about how AI cameras and robotics can be applied in modern industry. These technologies can help reduce machine downtime and improve accuracy in operations. For companies like us, it is also a good opportunity to share our technology and speak with people who may be interested in applying AI solutions in their businesses.”

The sell-out success of the 15th edition of GISEC Global, attended by thousands of cyber professionals from over 130 countries on the opening day at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) has reaffirmed the high international demand for tech collaboration in Dubai, catalysing the launch of a new show uniting the world’s quantum and cybersecurity sectors. Global Quantum X (GQX) by GITEX, announces, will convene governments, quantum technology leaders, national cybersecurity authorities, research institutions, enterprise adopters and investors to explore the technologies, applications and security frameworks shaping a new quantum era that could unlock trillions of dollars’ worth of global economic value. Global economic value GQX 2027 by GITEX is launched in partnership with GISEC Global – among the world’s top three largest cyber intelligence events – and GITEX, the world’s largest AI and tech ecosystem network. GQX 2027 will be hosted alongside GISEC Global 2027 in strategic partnership with UAE Cyber Security Council, converging the rapidly advancing worlds of quantum technology and cybersecurity as governments and businesses prepare for a new era of digital risk and opportunity. The announcement comes as quantum technology moves rapidly from scientific research towards commercial application. According to McKinsey's Quantum Technology Monitor 2026, one-third of global enterprises now allocate more than US$10 million annually to quantum initiatives, with quantum technologies potentially unlocking US$2.7 trillion in global economic value over the next decade. Protecting sensitive data For the cybersecurity community, however, the transition also presents an urgent challenge. The computing capabilities being developed today have the potential to transform industries from financial services and life sciences to logistics and advanced manufacturing, while requiring governments and organisations to rethink how they protect sensitive data, critical infrastructure and digital identities for the decades ahead. H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, said: “As we welcome the world to GISEC Global’s largest edition yet, the transition to the post-quantum era is one of the most pivotal shifts our industry faces. Meeting it requires the same international collaboration we have championed through this show.” Accelerating commercial adoption “Launching Global Quantum X allows us to bring quantum-safe migration, sovereign cryptographic capability and national readiness testing to a truly global stage, and to help governments and enterprises everywhere close the gap between today’s defences and tomorrow’s threats.” GQX 2027 advances the growing focus on quantum security globally, where post-quantum readiness, sovereign cyber capability and the protection of critical systems form part of the wider Cyber First: The New Digital Order agenda this week at DEC Expo City Dubai. GQX formalises and accelerates this momentum, where the quantum technology and cybersecurity communities can address both sides of the transition – accelerating commercial adoption while developing the security, governance and cryptographic capabilities required to support it. Spanning quantum computing Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of inD, organiser of GISEC Global and GQX, said: “Quantum computing has crossed the threshold from scientific promise to commercial strategy, and the pace of that shift is accelerating faster than most enterprises have planned for. The same computing power that will unlock breakthroughs in medicine, materials and finance will also put today’s encryption at risk, which is why quantum and cybersecurity can no longer be dealt with separately. GQX by GITEX at GISEC Global creates a powerful convergence between the best minds and companies developing the next generation of computing and those responsible for securing it.” The introduction of GQX by GITEX alongside GISEC Global 2027 from 4-6 May 2027 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre will accelerate cross-border collaboration and investment into one of technology’s fastest-developing frontiers. GQX will focus on an emerging quantum ecosystem spanning quantum computing, quantum-secured communications and next-generation sensing, while its co-location with GISEC Global will create a particular focus on post-quantum security, cryptographic transition, critical infrastructure protection and national quantum readiness.

DigiCert, a pioneer in intelligent trust, announces the general availability of DigiCert AI Trust Manager, part of the DigiCert ONE platform. The new solution helps organisations discover and manage the AI agents they own or operate, establish each agent’s verifiable identity and ownership, define what it is authorised to do, and revoke that authority with a kill switch when trust changes. AI agents can access sensitive data, use software tools, write code, make decisions, and complete transactions with limited human involvement. Yet most enterprise security systems were not built to govern autonomous agents moving across applications, clouds, and organisations at machine speed. Enterprise security systems The risks are already emerging. In a July 2026 DigiCert survey of 1,001 IT and cybersecurity leaders, 78% said their organisations had experienced an AI-related security incident or identified an AI vulnerability during the previous year. “For more than two decades, DigiCert has provided the cryptographic infrastructure that helped the internet scale,” said Amit Sinha, CEO of DigiCert. “We are now bringing that proven trust model to AI agents so organisations can verify who they are, who owns them, and what they are authorised to do.” Traditional identity systems Traditional identity systems work like employee badges, establishing trust within a single organisation. At the centre of DigiCert AI Trust Manager is the DigiCert AI Passport. It’s a portable, cryptographically signed credential that verifies an agent’s identity and connects it to an accountable owner. Policy-based “visas” define which systems, data, and actions the agent may access, as well as how long that authority lasts. Because the DigiCert AI Passport and its permissions travel with the agent, other systems and organisations can independently verify them without relying on the same identity provider. A receiving organisation can deny the agent access within its own environment. If the agent attempts a prohibited action, DigiCert’s automated kill switch blocks it and, under policies set by the agent’s owner or passport issuer, can immediately revoke its authority at the source and quarantine it before harm occurs. DigiCert AI Trust Manager allows enterprises to: Find and identify agents: Discover AI agents that were purchased, built internally or operating within the business, and connect each one to an accountable owner. Set clear limits: Define the systems, data, and actions an agent may access, and how long its permission remains valid. Extend trust across organisations: Allow other systems and companies to independently verify an agent without requiring both parties to use the same identity provider. Respond when trust changes: Update credentials, expire permissions, or revoke an individual agent or groups of agents upon policy, risks, or any other changes. New class of autonomous systems "Enterprise AI buying has moved from trust to proof. Buyers are ranking verifiable security controls as their top priority and name unverifiable vendor claims as their top frustration,” said Grace Trinidad, Research Director, AI Security and Trust, IDC. “Cryptographic identity, attestation, and revocation for agents, models, and MCP servers are the machinery that produces this proof, which in turn produces trust, and DigiCert is pointing the identity discipline the internet already runs at scale at exactly that problem." “As AI agents become more embedded in enterprise workflows, establishing clear identity and accountability will be essential to deploying them responsibly at scale,” said Ajitha Choudary, Vice President of Global Security Engineering & IAM at UKG. “We see DigiCert AI Trust as a promising approach to extending proven principles of digital identity to this new class of autonomous systems. The ability to verify an agent’s identity, define what it is authorised to do, and maintain visibility into its actions could give organisations the foundation they need to adopt agentic AI with greater confidence.” DigiCert AI Trust Manager is part of DigiCert’s broader AI trust architecture, which applies cryptographic verification across AI agents, models, and content. It complements existing identity and cybersecurity systems by providing a portable foundation for verifying an agent’s identity and authority wherever it operates.

Across many sectors, AI is transitioning from an experimental process to a trusted tool, but how will construction - and architectural ironmongery specifically - balance this technological opportunity with traditional practice? Artificial intelligence was once considered the trend of tomorrow, but it’s now here, and already it’s impacting the design, specification and management of the built environment. Following a period of refined development, the technology is emerging as a valuable tool for architectural professionals, with its growing role signifying far more than a passing industry trend. Passing industry trend According to the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Artificial Intelligence Report 2025, 59% of architectural practices now use AI on at least some projects, an increase from 41% in 2024. Furthermore, a global survey led by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2025 found that 56% of investors planned to increase AI investment, suggesting that the rate of adoption will continue to accelerate over the coming years. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address These findings represent a cultural shift, one where AI is firmly embedding itself into workflows and influencing the decision making process. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address. As more professionals equip themselves with an arsenal of AI-driven tools, are we in danger of becoming overly reliant on technology? Or are those reluctant to adapt likely to be left behind? Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, shares insight: Repetitive administration tasks “The development of the built environment has always relied on technical precision. Specifications naturally contain large volumes of product information and technical data, with professionals managing document-heavy tasks in the form of specification writing, door scheduling and BIM coordination in order to meet project requirements and compliance obligations. All of this data must be analysed and processed accurately - often in line with demanding timescales - and it is here where AI can offer the greatest value.” “Where time was once consumed by repetitive administration tasks and information processing, professionals are now embracing AI as a means of working more efficiently. For architectural ironmongery specifically, where specification accuracy is critical, AI has the potential to support architects and specification professionals as they navigate the product selection process. As a tool, AI can streamline documentation by rapidly processing performance data and certification requirements, whilst also identifying inconsistencies and absent compliance information within schedules.” Complex project requirements “AI systems are helping professionals navigate increasingly complex project requirements quickly, accurately and consistently. As machine learning and autonomous models continue to advance, these tools may further reduce the administrative burden associated with architectural work models whilst improving accuracy and minimising the risk of human error in the process. With that said, the effectiveness of AI software is very much reliant on the quality of the information it receives.” “With the sector so deeply tied to fire safety, accessibility, security and regulatory standards, the caution around adopting AI as common practice is of course justified. Historically, much of the construction industry has been measured in its adoption of new technology, partly due to the critical nature of compliance and the significant consequences of error. Though, AI feels somewhat different because of its pace and potential, and as such, organisations must be measured in their approach to it, ensuring that professional knowledge remains central to delivering safe, efficient and compliant building projects.” The human element As industry standards and the legislation surrounding the built environment continues to evolve, so too will the methods used to achieve high level design and compliance. Seemingly, AI looks set to have an increasingly prominent role, but it should be viewed as a collaborative partner capable of enhancing professional expertise as opposed to a system that can, or should, do it all. Daniel continues: “At this stage, AI alone simply can’t understand the nuances of individual projects and that has implications for both design and compliance. This is particularly relevant in the post-Grenfell regulatory landscape, where accountability, traceability and evidence-based decision-making have become fundamental to product specification and delivery.” Building greater trust “Although AI can assist with information processing, the technology is not ultimately responsible for the decisions being made. Accountability has rightly become a major focus point in construction, and as AI continues to disrupt practices, the industry must ensure that responsibility remains clearly defined. AI-driven errors could lead to serious penalties in relation to compliance, safety and project delivery, proving human expertise remains critical.” “Moving forward, greater transparency within AI systems will be key. If professionals are able to understand how or why AI recommendations have been generated, they can assess them with confidence, building greater trust in the technology.” Architectural design solutions “When it comes to architectural design, the emotional intelligence, contextual understanding and creative balance offered by a team of professionals far outweighs the speed that AI can offer. Already, AI is being used to support visualisation and concept development for multi-layered projects in hospitality, healthcare and commercial environments to name a few, helping teams to explore ideas and communicate concepts at a quicker rate.” “However, can AI effectively develop architectural design solutions based on the bespoke requirements of a project, the operational needs of its users or even the general character of the building? Most would argue that it’s not conceivable, because AI lacks the lived experience and contextual understanding that comes from being present in the project itself.” Architectural ironmongery products “For architectural ironmongery products, professionals must regularly assess how products will function in real environments. Human intuition is impossible to replace and those informed design decisions, made by human professionals, will always be essential. Whilst some question whether AI could one day plan and deliver a project from concept to completion, perhaps the more important question should be whether future generations of professionals could lose the critical design and specification skills that are needed, should the industry become too dependent on AI.” “There is a growing sense of inevitability surrounding AI’s influence on architectural ironmongery and the wider built environment. As the industry continues to embrace this new wave of technological development, it is important to remember that innovation must complement the knowledge, judgement and accountability of the professionals who create safe and functional buildings, not replace it.”

A security camera installed today has more AI processing power than the systems that guided early autonomous vehicle prototypes. And yet the operator who mounts that camera on a wall will, in all likelihood, never use most of that capability.  Industry surveys bear this out: a wide gap persists between the number of security professionals who believe AI can improve outcomes and the much smaller share who have adopted it operationally. The reason has nothing to do with the silicon and everything to do with how the industry has asked people to configure these systems. The problem is not that the industry lacks algorithms. The problem is that physical security has never found a scalable way to personalise systems for each site. The personalisation dilemma hiding in plain sight The problem is that physical security has never found a scalable way to personalise systems for each site A surveillance deployment at an airport, a retail chain, a school campus, and a logistics yard can look strikingly similar in hardware terms. Each installation uses image sensors, edge processors, network connectivity, and a management layer. What changes is what the operator cares about. At a school entrance, the priority might be perimeter approach after hours and controlled access during the day. At a loading dock, the concern is tailgating, vehicle dwell time, and safety incidents near forklifts. At an airport, the operator may need queue-flow analytics one moment, unattended-item detection the next, and then a search for a specific person of interest carrying a particular bag. At a retail store, loss prevention teams want to correlate customer flow patterns with point-of-sale data and identify suspicious behaviour near high-value merchandise. This range of needs forces a reality that the industry has acknowledged in principle but never resolved in practice: the application pool across the market is vast, yet each individual site typically requires only a narrow set of outcomes. Each deployment needs personalisation once, at commissioning, and then again whenever the environment or the risk profile shifts. The app store that never became a market For the better part of a decade, the industry’s most visible answer to the personalisation problem was the “app store” model. The logic was straightforward: curate a marketplace of trained neural network algorithms, let integrators browse a catalogue, and download the right analytic for each job. Queue counting for a passport control hall. License plate recognition for a parking structure. Occupancy monitoring for a conference room. The concept borrowed directly from the consumer smartphone approach. In practice, it never matched physical security’s purchasing and operating rhythm. A phone owner discovers and downloads new apps continuously. A physical security deployment selects one or two analytics functions at installation and rarely revisits them. Another maintenance burden A queue-counting algorithm trained on airport data is excellent at queue counting The economic incentive to maintain, curate, and update a broad catalogue across a fragmented ecosystem of camera OEMs, VMS platforms, and system integrators never materialised when the average buyer drew from only a thin slice of it. And the question of who would operate such a marketplace across that fragmented landscape was never satisfactorily answered. The deeper issue is that distribution was not the hard part. Personalisation was. A queue-counting algorithm trained on airport data is excellent at queue counting. It does not naturally become a general-purpose security tool for whatever the operator needs next. Once a model is trained for a narrow task, adaptation requires another project, another integration cycle, and another maintenance burden. AI-enabled cameras The examples that do exist are instructive. Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands has used trained camera systems for over a decade to measure queue length at passport control and alert staff when additional counters should open. Rome trailed AI-enabled cameras to track pedestrian wait times at crosswalks, measure bus queue length, and monitor parking occupancy to support active transport and reduce vehicle emissions. These are effective, well-regarded deployments. They also illustrate the limitation: each required its own trained model, its own integration effort, and its own maintenance cycle. The queue-counting camera at Schiphol cannot be redeployed to detect an abandoned bag. That is a separate algorithm, a separate procurement, and a separate project. What changes with agentic AI Applied to physical security, this translates into a simpler commissioning experience Agentic AI points to a fundamentally different approach. An agentic system can receive goals expressed in natural language, determine the appropriate actions to fulfil those goals, execute those actions using available tools, and verify the results. Applied to physical security, this translates into a simpler commissioning experience: the operator expresses intent in plain language, and the system configures itself to achieve that intent. Consider the practical implications. An installer commissioning cameras at a retail location could type or speak a set of instructions: “Alert the manager if more than five people are waiting at checkout for longer than two minutes.” A facilities director could ask the system to “Track vehicles that enter the east parking lot after 9 p.m. and flag any that remain for more than 30 minutes.” A school security coordinator might specify: “Notify campus police if anyone approaches the perimeter fence between midnight and 5 a.m.” Appropriate perception capabilities None of these instructions require the operator to select a specific analytic from a catalogue, configure a detection model, or define pixel-level zones in a complex VMS interface. The system interprets the intent, selects the appropriate perception capabilities, configures thresholds and context, and validates behaviour over time. When the operator’s needs change, a new instruction replaces the old one. The camera hardware stays the same. The AI adapts. This is the core of the shift: minimal user input, maximum flexibility, and a security system that personalises itself without requiring the operator to navigate the traditional customise-certify-deploy cycle. Vision language models make it practical A conventional neural network trained for people counting can count people The enabling technology is the vision language model, or VLM. A VLM combines visual encoders with language reasoning, allowing it to interpret images or video in the context of natural language prompts. This is a qualitative leap beyond traditional convolutional neural networks, which classify or detect predefined objects and have no mechanism for open-ended interpretation. A conventional neural network trained for people counting can count people. It cannot distinguish between a crowd of commuters exiting a train station and a crowd assembling in protest. A VLM, by integrating contextual reasoning with visual analysis, can draw inferences that a task-specific model cannot. It can assess behavioural patterns, interpret spatial relationships, and respond to queries about scenes it has never been explicitly trained to analyse. Where a neural network might register two people carrying objects, a VLM could infer whether the scene suggests travellers with luggage or workers transporting equipment, provided the visual context supports that inference. Supporting multimodal input This matters in physical security because operational questions are rarely phrased as taxonomy labels. Operators want to express outcomes. They want to say “show me anything unusual near the loading bay after hours,” and the system should be able to reason about what “unusual” means given the site context. VLMs also support multimodal input. Audio cues such as a raised voice, a scream, an alarm, or breaking glass can contribute to scene interpretation when paired with video. In security applications, where events routinely unfold across both visual and auditory channels, this capability adds a meaningful layer of situational awareness. The edge constraint that forces discipline Large language models in the cloud use hundreds of billions of parameters and consume hundreds of watts None of this works if the architecture assumes data centre conditions. Most surveillance cameras operate under strict power and thermal limits. Power over Ethernet (PoE), the standard delivery mechanism, typically provides between 15 and 30 watts depending on the PoE class, and only a fraction of that budget is available for AI processing after the sensor, ISP, video encoder, and network stack have taken their share. In many installations, the AI workload must fit within a few watts. Large language models in the cloud use hundreds of billions of parameters and consume hundreds of watts. That scale does not translate to a camera mounted on a pole or embedded in a ceiling tile. For agentic AI to work at the edge of a physical security network, the models must be compact, efficient, and designed for the purpose. Neural network acceleration This is where smaller, domain-specific VLMs become essential. Models trained on industry-relevant image and text datasets, combined with techniques such as pruning, quantisation, and parameter-efficient fine-tuning, can deliver meaningful visual reasoning within the compute and memory constraints of an edge processor. The result is a VLM that fits inside a camera’s power budget and still responds to natural language instructions with useful accuracy. Ambarella’s CVflow AI architecture, now in its third generation, was designed for this class of workload. The architecture integrates advanced neural network acceleration with high-resolution image signal processing and video encoding on a single system-on-chip, allowing cameras to run complex AI inference alongside their core imaging functions without exceeding the thermal and power boundaries that define edge deployments. The company's latest addition to its portfolio, the 4-nanometer CV7, runs CNNs and vision language models concurrently across multiple video streams while consuming 20 percent less power than its predecessor. For infrastructure and robotic applications requiring heavier models, the 5-nanometer N1 family supports multimodal LLMs in multi-camera configurations. Distributing intelligence across far edge, near edge, and cloud This tier must respond in milliseconds and operate within a fixed power envelope A workable agentic architecture for physical security distributes intelligence across three tiers, each matched to the processing demands and latency requirements of its role. At the far edge, inside the camera itself, the processor handles real-time perception: object detection, tracking, zone logic, and initial event classification. This tier must respond in milliseconds and operate within a fixed power envelope. At the near edge, on a local gateway or network video recorder, a more capable processor orchestrates across multiple cameras, maintains state, correlates events, retrieves site-specific policies and procedures, and classifies incidents requiring more context than any single camera provides. At the cloud/server tier, available when connectivity permits, the system accesses heavier models for forensic analysis, fleet-wide analytics, model updates, and long-horizon reporting. Periodic cloud access This tiered approach keeps the most time-sensitive decisions local, where latency is lowest and data privacy is strongest. It also means agentic capabilities can scale incrementally. A small installation might run entirely at the far edge with periodic cloud access. A large campus might employ all three tiers, with near-edge orchestration coordinating PTZ patrol patterns across dozens of cameras while the cloud generates shift summaries and updates models based on fleet-wide telemetry. In practice, a security workflow built on this pattern often combines real-time detection at the far edge, behaviour-tree orchestration at the near edge for multi-camera coordination, local retrieval over site playbooks, and conservative safe-mode escalation when system confidence is low. The discipline of deterministic guardrails and structured verification loops is essential in security operations, where unpredictable system behaviour is not acceptable. A hybrid future, with VLMs orchestrating specialist models The transition to agentic AI does not eliminate specialised neural networks The transition to agentic AI does not eliminate specialised neural networks. Purpose-trained models will continue to deliver superior accuracy for well-defined, high-frequency tasks such as license plate recognition, face matching, and fire and smoke detection. In a mature agentic system, the VLM acts as an orchestrator. It handles open-ended perception and natural language interaction while routing to specialised models when a task demands their precision. A PTZ camera at a transportation hub might receive the instruction “monitor the west concourse for unattended items.” The VLM interprets the request, manages the interface, and reasons over broader scene context. Real-time video processing When it identifies a candidate object, it routes to a dedicated abandoned-item classifier optimised for that specific validation step. The VLM orchestrates. The specialist model validates. The operator receives a refined, actionable alert. That hybrid pattern places specific demands on the silicon. The processor must support both traditional CNN inference and generative AI workloads simultaneously while maintaining real-time video processing within the same power envelope. The value of a tightly integrated SoC, one that combines an advanced ISP, a deep learning accelerator, and a video encoder on a single die, is that it eliminates the multi-chip complexity and power overhead that would otherwise make this approach impractical at the edge. Making agentic AI deployable for the ecosystem Ambarella’s Developer Zone, launched at CES 2026, provides a centralised portal of tools Physical security is built on a broad ecosystem of camera OEMs, VMS providers, independent software vendors, module builders, and system integrators. For agentic AI to reach the market at scale, these participants need model-ready tooling, reference workflows, and a practical path from prototype to production. This is where developer ecosystems become part of the story. Ambarella’s Developer Zone, launched at CES 2026, provides a centralised portal of tools, optimised AI models, agentic blueprints, low-code templates, and documentation aimed at accelerating edge AI application development on Ambarella’s SoCs. Common software stack ISVs and integrators can evaluate models, prototype applications, and deploy using a common software stack that spans the company’s CV7 and N1 SoC families through the Cooper development platform. That consistency across the product range reduces per-project engineering cost and accelerates time-to-market for partners building perception and analytics solutions. The point is broader than any single portal: agentic systems require components that have already been tested and optimised for edge deployment, so that integrators can focus on solving their customers' problems rather than rebuilding the AI pipeline from scratch. The ecosystem participants who lead the transition to agentic AI in physical security will be the ones with access to tooling that fits into their existing development and deployment processes. What comes next Physical security has searched for years for a scalable answer to personalisation Physical security has searched for years for a scalable answer to personalisation. The app store model did not provide it. Manual configuration, while functional on a per-site basis, scales poorly across large portfolios of cameras and changing operational requirements. Agentic AI offers a credible path forward because it aligns with how operators actually think. They express outcomes, not model specifications. They want systems that adapt to new requirements without repeated engineering cycles. Traditional neural networks With VLMs as the interface layer, smaller domain-specific models at the far edge, orchestration at the near edge, and disciplined verification loops throughout, personalisation can become a standard part of deployment rather than a custom project. The building blocks are now in place. Power-efficient edge AI processors can run VLMs and traditional neural networks simultaneously. Developer ecosystems are maturing to support rapid prototyping and deployment. Reference architectures for distributing intelligence across far-edge, near-edge, and cloud tiers are solidifying. For an industry that already installs vast numbers of AI-capable cameras each year, the opportunity is to make the intelligence already embedded in those endpoints genuinely usable for the people who rely on them every day.

Acquisitions are often billed as moments of bold opportunity. For senior executives and boards, these deals are about accelerating growth, unlocking synergies, and strengthening competitive advantage. But for the teams responsible for making operations run safely and smoothly — including physical security — acquisitions can feel like controlled chaos. Decisions happen without warning, details are opaque, and the ripple effects of choices made in the boardroom cascade down through every layer of the organisation. Too often, physical security isn’t even in the room where those decisions happen. Beyond access control When security is treated as an afterthought — a cost centre to be rationalised, rather than a strategic enabler — companies expose themselves to risks that go well beyond access control or surveillance coverage. Overlooked integration challenges can compromise the safety of people and property, slow down facility transitions, inflate budgets, and undermine everyone’s confidence in the acquisition deal itself. For seasoned physical security leaders, the imperative is clear: make your program visible, credible, and indispensable before and during acquisition conversations. That means ensuring your voice is represented. Why security visibility matters At first glance, it’s not obvious to some why physical security should rank alongside finance, IT, and legal in the M&A playbook. But consider what’s really at stake:͏ Budget accuracy: If no one accounts for system migrations, access credential re-issuance, or security subject matter expert (SME) travel during due diligence, financial forecasts will be miscalculated. Underestimating these costs by even a small percentage can throw off larger integration budgets. ͏ Technology fit: Acquirers frequently inherit access control, video, and monitoring platforms that don’t align with their standards. Without early planning, companies risk unsupported infrastructure, avoidable downtime, and duplicating expensive features. ͏ People and roles: Security staff redundancies and mismatched responsibilities are often decided hastily, surfacing operational gaps and challenges with morale. ͏ Cultural harmony: Employees at acquired companies can perceive new security measures as heavy-handed or intrusive, jeopardising adoption and compliance. Each of these factors is manageable — but only if you consider them early on in the acquisition and communicate clearly at the decision-making level. Securing a seat at the table Physical security leaders don’t need to wait passively for a seat at the M&A table — they can and should advocate for it. Take practical steps: Identify the M&A committee. This group may go by different names — corporate development team, integration steering group, or even a subcommittee of the board. Pinpoint who leads it and which executives have influence. Make the case for inclusion. Position security not as a compliance hurdle but as a value multiplier. Remind leadership that visibility into risks, costs, and integration timelines reduces surprises, accelerates business continuity, and protects reputation. Bring data, not anecdotes. Prepare a concise playbook: current-state inventories of systems and personnel, cost models for typical integration activities, and sample timelines for cutovers. When executives see that security has done its homework, they’re more likely to view the function as essential. Leverage allies. Partner with your security consultant, along with your facilities, IT, HR and risk management teams who share overlapping interests in safe, seamless operations. Unified advocacy is harder to dismiss than a single voice. By getting on the M&A committee, you ensure your concerns aren’t filtered secondhand or raised too late to influence outcomes. Leading with credibility during acquisitions Visibility is only the first step. Once in the room, security leaders must contribute with authority and clarity. Three practices stand out:͏ Translate security into business impact. Executives don’t respond to jargon about card readers or VMS licenses—they respond to risk, cost, and continuity. Frame every input in terms of: Financial implications, such as “Consolidating platforms will save $X annually, but requires $Y in upfront integration.” Operational implications, such as “Delays in credentialing will stall employee onboarding at three newly merged sites.” Cultural implications, such as “Without a clear change management plan, acquired employees may resist compliance, leading to increased insider risk.”͏ Provide scenarios, not surprises. Acquisitions move fast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan. Present modeled scenarios — small target vs. large target, regional vs. global integration — and their associated timelines and costs. This proactive approach demonstrates foresight and earns trust. ͏ Advocate for people, not just systems. In the scramble to integrate technology, companies often forget the human element. Use your platform to ensure that acquired security personnel are evaluated fairly, retrained where possible, and integrated into the new culture. Advocating for people strengthens morale and preserves institutional knowledge. Visibility beyond a single deal For some companies, acquisitions are rare, high-stakes events. For others, they’re a routine growth engine. In either case, physical security leaders should treat M&A as a recurring test of their strategic value. To do this, work with your security consultant to:͏ Document lessons learned from each acquisition, then institutionalise these lessons in playbooks and checklists. ͏ Develop clear security messaging that explains your team’s mission and impact, so executives understand why your presence is non-negotiable. ͏ Commit to realistic timelines for integration work, ensuring leadership sees the discipline and predictability of your function. The goal isn’t just to be consulted during one deal — it’s to become permanently visible in the company’s growth strategy. Don’t be an afterthought In the popular imagination, the “room where it happens” is a place where power dynamics shift and futures are decided. For physical security leaders, being absent from that room during an acquisition means watching others dictate the future of your program, your people, and your company’s security posture. But by proactively seeking visibility — by insisting on a voice in acquisition planning, by bringing data and credibility to the table, and by consistently framing security as a business enabler — you can transform physical security from an afterthought into a recognised pillar of successful acquisitions.

The practice of executive protection changed forever on Dec. 4, 2024, when UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan, New York, hotel.  The shocking event raised awareness in board rooms around the world about the need for, and challenges of, executive protection. Questions followed immediately, including why was the high-level executive not protected? Combination of risk and reward  UnitedHealthcare’s stock price has gone down more than 20% since the shooting The event also highlighted what is at stake for companies, extending beyond the safety of executives and impacting many factors, even including a company’s stock price. UnitedHealthcare’s stock price has gone down more than 20% since the shooting, equating to tens of billions of dollars. “Companies are considering the combination of risk and reward like never before when it comes to executive protection,” says Glen Kucera, President of Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services. “What are the chances this could happen? Before Dec. 4 many thought it was zero. And what are the financial implications for a company if it happens? Executive protection is a small investment to protect against a worst-case scenario.” Evaluation of an executive protection  Before the UnitedHealthcare shooting raised awareness, fewer than 50% of executives had protection. But concerns that previously fell on deaf ears now have the full attention of companies, says Kucera. “Boards of directors are having to figure this out,” he adds. “They may not have executive protection, but now they have to do it.” A threat assessment, conducted by a company such as Allied Universal, provides an independent evaluation of a company’s executive protection needs. The assessment evaluates factors such as an executive’s travel habits, the safety of their home, etc. Does the executive need protection 24/7, or just when they travel into more dangerous areas? Risks increase related to corporate earnings Sometimes, cases increase the need for executive protection, such as an internal threat In assessing threats, security professionals also look beyond the individual to consider the safety of a corporate facility, for example. “Is there a visual deterrent, controlling who comes and goes?” asks Kucera. “If there is good security, it all ties together. We do home assessment, facility assessment, route assessment, and travel assessment as needed.” Sometimes, circumstances increase the need for executive protection, such as an internal threat. Timing is a factor, and risks increase related to corporate earnings releases, new product announcements, and corporate layoffs or consolidation. Monitoring social media tracks shifting threats that impact the need for executive protection. UnitedHealthcare shooting  “He didn’t have it and probably didn’t think he needed it,” comments Kucera about the UnitedHealthcare executive who was gunned down in the streets of New York City. “He was staying at the hotel across the street and was used to walking down the street every day.” “Sometimes executives want to preserve their privacy and be able to walk down the street,” says Kucera. “Getting protection can be seen as a sign of weakness. Some CEOs in the past have said they just didn’t want it.” However, the UnitedHealthcare shooting raised the stakes of the need for more vigilance. “The bottom line is you have to yet beyond objections and make the investment to protect against a worst-case scenario,” says Kucera. Anti-capitalist sentiment in the general population An internal police bulletin warned of an online hit list naming eight executives and their salaries Threats to executives sometimes arise from anti-capitalist sentiment in the general population about perceived inequalities in wealth and power. Executives provide symbolic targets for anyone who fights the system, and social media has amplified the voices of those who oppose capitalism.  For example, a "Most Wanted CEO” card deck seeks to shine a spotlight on "titans of greed." Also, in the aftermath of the UnitedHealthcare shooting, CEO "wanted" posters appeared across New York City, threatening various executives of large companies. An internal police bulletin warned of an online hit list naming eight executives and their salaries. Careful monitoring of social media posts Careful monitoring of social media posts and other sources enables executive protection professionals to analyse data and separate the dangerous threats from the merely negative ones. Sadly, positive support of the UnitedHealthcare shooting was expressed by the 300,000 or so followers of the shooter, who became a celebrity of sorts. A huge outcry of negative sentiment toward the insurance industry led to fear that copycat incidents might occur. “There has been an unprecedented amount of positive support for committing murder,” commented Kucera. Executive protection requests HR executives can be at risk, especially at a time of layoffs or consolidation “Let’s face it, there has been a lot of controversy, from COVID to the Middle East crisis, to the political campaign, and there is negativity on both sides,” says Kucera. “People have opportunities to pick sides, and there is a lot of sentiment going both ways, and there is a small percentage of people who will act aggressively.” Executive protection requests now extend beyond the CEO to include others in the management ranks of companies. Basically, any public-facing executive is at risk, including anyone who makes statements to the press. Human resource (HR) executives can be at risk, especially at a time of layoffs or consolidation.   Private information on the Internet Typically, an executive is assigned a single armed operative for protection. The firearm serves primarily as a visual deterrent that hopefully makes a potential perpetrator think twice. “When they plan an event like this, their expectation is that it will be a soft target,” says Kucera. “If there is an officer, it gives them pause.” Controversial or high-profile CEOs are typically protected 24/7, including when they travel with their family. Adding risks is the fact that private information is now posted on the Internet, including where an executive lives and where their children go to school. Internet monitoring  Internet monitoring also includes the “dark web,” which includes sometimes dangerous information “We offer social media monitoring, and we advise them to be more careful with what they post,” says Kucera. “We monitor reactions to posts including any that might be threatening. We watch social media carefully if a company announces earnings or a change in their service or product offering.” Internet monitoring also includes the “dark web,” which includes sometimes dangerous information that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access.   Own layer of protection Public and government officials can also come under fire in a variety of scenarios. FEMA officials faced threats after the recent floods in the Southeast, for example, among other situations where perceived unfair treatment promotes thoughts of retribution.  Although government agencies have their own layer of protection, there are instances when they call on companies such as Allied Universal for additional help.  Ad hoc protection for various executives In the aftermath of the UnitedHealthcare shooting, calls to Allied Universal’s Command Centre increased by 600%, reflecting requests for ad hoc protection for various executives.  These requests are in addition to the company’s business providing “embedded” operatives that travel with executives all or some of the time. On that side of the business, requests for services are up probably 300%, says Kucera. {##Poll1742194323 - Has the recent increase in violent threats changed your company's view on executive protection?##}

GSX 2023 has its share of new product announcements, although many of the new products are enhancements to technologies shown at last spring’s ISC West show in Las Vegas. Booth traffic on the first day seemed busy at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, although one exhibitor complained that it takes some time for the traffic to make its way to the farthest areas of the show floor. Apparent throughout the GSX show is an expanding idea of what constitutes security. Increasingly, ‘security’ technologies offer benefits throughout other parts of a company or institution. Security is also being broadened to encompass ‘safety,’ including emergency response and wider issues of keeping a company safe. Managing multiple systems People look at the systems they have, and they are looking for more information" Manufacturers at GSX are talking about more than new products. Rather, they are offering new approaches to turn products into ‘solutions’ for customers. Among the benefits of new systems is the availability of more data.  “People look at the systems they have, and they are looking for more information and data and insights from their systems,” says Kyle Hurt, Genetec’s Area Vice-President of Sales for the US and Canada. “In the past, if I’m managing multiple systems and spending time and resources, I am making sure systems are operational. Today, it’s more like: How do I make my enterprise more efficient? I spend less time on making sure systems are working together but more time on how we can use the information.” Manufacturers at GSX are talking about more than new products Security control room Genetec is enhancing its Security Center 5.11 version with a newly redesigned web client that provides new capabilities related to system audio, including the ability to trigger a public address from a mobile device in an emergency, two-way audio to and from the security operations centre, and the ability to record an incident. The new web client offers new levels of “Security on the go,” says Hurt. A mobile device becomes an extension of the security control room. “Customers want to have more remote capabilities and have their security personnel out and about, not tied to a desk,” says Hurt. The new web client works to unify the four pillars of the Security Centre— video, access control, license plate recognition, and now audio.  Single source manufacturer Audio can now be used to broadcast a message, respond to an incident, and notify people" “Audio has taken time to develop legs in our ecosystem,” says Hurt. “We have been developing partnerships and use cases beyond an intercom at the door. Audio can now be used to broadcast a message, respond to an incident, and notify people en mass of what’s going on.” Manufacturers are also fine-tuning how they work to meet customers’ needs. “Customers want one point of contact, a single source manufacturer, and a solution that reflects the manufacturer is listening to the voice of the customer,” says Jerry Burhans, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions - Critical Infrastructure, which seeks to be a global partner to critical infrastructure industries. The Critical Infrastructure business works across the various product groups of the notoriously siloed company to bring together solutions aimed at meeting each customer’s need. Manufacturers are also fine-tuning how they work to meet customers’ needs Best-in-class technology “We try to have best-in-class technology and collaborate within ourselves to make sure we have what customers need,” says Burhans. Critical infrastructure industries such as water, power and energy, oil and gas are developing standards to help support preparedness of the nation’s infrastructure, and ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is helping operators secure access and provide audit trails on locking hardware and keys within their security perimeters. Managing customer assets Johnson Controls’ new OpenBlue Service for the security device market seeks to proactively manage customer assets (equipment) as a service. The company’s software platform of connected solutions monitors and manages security devices across vendors and provides remote support services including skilled engineers who can work to ensure that a company’s assets, including cameras and access control readers, operate dependably. Working remotely, OpenBlue analyzes the performance of each system component  Johnson Controls estimates that, unfortunately, up to 25% of a company’s security assets may not be working as intended, whether they lack the latest firmware update or are not connected. Working remotely, OpenBlue analyses the performance of each system component and responds to ensure equipment operates as intended. “We believe we can close that gap with our solutions,” says Greg Parker, Vice President, Innovation & Portfolio Management for Johnson Controls.  Physical security equipment A big advantage of OpenBlue for security customers is the ability to manage cybersecurity and threats at the edge, which may not currently be addressed by the IT department. The OpenBlue offering includes an embedded ‘air wall,’ which is a zero-trust architecture for physical security equipment. OpenBlue also helps customers manage the ever-changing lifecycles of various assets. Another concept prompting discussion at GSX 2023 is the gap between what a customer expects from a product and what the product can realistically deliver. With endless promotion in the last several years centring on concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), is it any wonder that customers may sometimes have unrealistic expectations about what a technology can accomplish? The good news at GSX is that, as progress marches on, newer technologies are getting closer and closer to delivering on customers’ most ambitious expectations. The forward momentum of technology development is evident throughout the GSX 2023 show floor, reflecting the promise of even greater product capabilities in months and years to come.

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organisations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customised questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

TECOM Group has enhanced security and accessibility across several of its flagship developments in Dubai, including Dubai Media City, with the installation of advanced Gunnebo Entrance Control solutions. Since its establishment in 1999, TECOM has shaped Dubai’s landscape as a hub for business and innovation. Its ten business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District (d3), are home to nearly 12,000 companies employing more than 124,000 people. Entrance control solution Developments like Dubai Media City welcome thousands of people every day, serving as both workplaces and collaborative hubs where ideas and intellectual property are shared. This made it essential for TECOM to implement an entrance control solution capable of maintaining robust security while preserving the smooth flow of people and the open, professional atmosphere expected across its developments. Following a competitive tender, Gunnebo Entrance Control was appointed to combine advanced entrance control, seamless integration with wider access control systems and a sleek design suited to modern commercial environments. More than 40 SpeedStile FLs gates were installed across several buildings, chosen for their performance, adaptability and ability to support high volumes of daily movement without compromising the visitor experience. Access control technology The SpeedStile FLs features a slim, contemporary appearance designed to complement modern commercial spaces. Beyond aesthetics, it incorporates advanced single-person detection systems, monitoring tailgating, piggybacking and unauthorised attempts to access secure areas. Audible alerts assist on-site teams, while third-party integration ensures compatibility with existing access control technology, including group movement through card stacking capabilities. For TECOM, this blend of security technology and design has delivered both reassurance and efficiency. By implementing SpeedStile FLs across its developments, the Group has strengthened security while preserving the collaborative and welcoming environment that defines its business communities. Fadi Yakoub concluded: “TECOM communities attract some of the world’s biggest names alongside dynamic start-ups, making them vital contributors to the region’s knowledge and creative economy. We are proud of our long-term partnership to deliver seamless entrance control solutions across their developments. The SpeedStile FLs provides flexible, reliable management of people flow, while also creating a welcoming and professional first impression for business communities.”

In a sector where budgets are always a focus of attention, delivering concrete returns to every investment is crucial. By digitalising access, healthcare premises – whether large hospitals or small clinics – can benefit from day one. They can improve staff and patient safety; quickly implement more efficient, time-saving workflows; and painlessly meet compliance demands. Healthcare sites always present complex access challenges. They must be welcoming, accessible public spaces. They often occupy large, sprawling areas; unfamiliar faces and first-time visitors are around every single day. At the same time, these premises inevitably have valuable and/or sensitive assets, including confidential data and medicines, which must be secured. Patients, doctors, nurses and support staff must feel safe. In labs and treatment suites, restricted materials and valuable equipment need both security and a compliant system for logging every access event. This has always been healthcare’s ‘business-as-usual’: it is a complex environment for any security manager. Meeting compliance demands Modern hospitals and clinics, however, now face an extra level of challenges – and opportunities. Their access system may benefit from integration with fire detection, CCTV and other building solutions, for example. With so many temporary and contract workers employed on-site, access is in constant motion. It needs to be tailored to specific and very different needs and, equally, revoked when any time-limited tasks are complete. In case of a security breach, rapid investigation is essential. Tracing and logging access to specific areas may also be a legal requirement, especially with new NIS2 regulations introduced for critical infrastructure, which demand proactive “hybrid” cyber/physical security frameworks for many healthcare premises. Relying on manual or siloed systems to complete these tasks could eat up hours or even days for security and even medical staff. Happily, there is a better way to work. Digital access devices The solution is access digitalisation. Digital access devices and credentials help to keep every hospital user safe. Unauthorised access is minimised because unapproved key copies rarely circulate and lost credentials are cancelled with a click. Employees and equipment are safer because more access points may be digitally secured. Issuing contractors and temporary staff with digital or even mobile credentials can further simplify the granting, amending and revoking of site access. Security teams waste less time handing out and collecting keys. Intelligent, intuitive software helps facilities managers stay in control even while they are off-site. Logging access to specific assets or areas becomes quick and simple: a few clicks rather than the laborious process of keeping manual logs up to date. “Access is such an important part of any holistic approach to safety,” says David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access immediately puts powerful tools in the hands of hospital management, delivering tangible daily benefits to meet security challenges head-on, improving efficiency and regulatory compliance at the same time.” Implementing digital access “There’s now a device to extend existing systems with digital control at almost any access point, whatever building solution is in place. Alternatively, we can equip customers with whole solutions to implement digital access from scratch, without invasive installation. So many efficiency and security benefits are within reach.” Below are three of many real-life examples which illustrate the ways healthcare premises have benefited from digital access beyond the most obvious security and safety aspects. By choosing ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® wireless locks, integrated natively with an ARD access management solution, Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) could issue access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors and implement real-time control, helping to boost site safety. Because Aperio locks are wireless, the hospital introduced more layers of security without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Access point functionality at CHMS now includes real-time management logs and remote door opening. Real-time management logs For convenience, staff now carry one credential programmed with their individual tailored permissions. “Having just a single badge, and not having to carry around heavy keys, has been a major advantage for us,” explains Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Aperio and ARD maintain compatibility of credentials with the French government’s electronic Health Professional Card (CPS), for added staff and management convenience. Personalised access permissions Hospital MAZ, in Zaragoza, also implemented a new ASSA ABLOY digital solution, SMARTair®, with real-time access functionality. Their online wireless access management system saves security managers’ time because they can implement all changes via the central system in real time, without needing to waste time walking through the hospital. Staff convenience is further enhanced: they now carry a smartcard programmed with their personalised access permissions. Custom-made cards double as employee IDs, so 625 staff and approximately 100 contractors only need to carry one. Their ASSA ABLOY system is also mobile access ready, making it easy for the hospital to issue and manage mobile keys in the future without hardware changes. “Digitalisation presents opportunities for healthcare organisations of every size and type to improve security while they also reduce costs ‘hidden’ in daily workflows,” explains David Moser. Convenient secure access Managing physical keys can impact nursing care, as pharmacy managers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham discovered. An older, mechanical system made it difficult for them to keep track of who held the right key. Searching for that person wasted time. They identified a better solution for convenient secure access to controlled medicines: programmable keys. With their CLIQ programmable key access solution, power to digital and electromechanical locks is supplied by a standard battery inside every key, so no wires are required – making it an ideal retrofit solution for hospital doors, cabinets and mobile drug trolleys. Audit trails for locks and padlocks are available on demand: nurse managers can quickly see who has accessed cabinets or drug trolleys. Key access solution “The message from all nursing staff is that patients are getting medicines much easier and in a more timely fashion,” says Inderjit Singh, Chief Pharmacist at QE Birmingham. “For us, the key return on investment is the quality of service we’re providing.” “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to get their access ready for what’s ahead,” adds David Moser. “With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”

Bournemouth and Poole College, the largest provider of further education and apprenticeships in the Dorset area, has installed Hochiki's ESP addressable fire detection range across its four-storey site, protecting a diverse mix of teaching environments including IT suites, kitchens, workshops and engineering bays. The installation was specified and delivered by SFA Fire and Security, working closely with the college to design a system capable of handling the varied fire risks found across further education provision. Subjects such as catering, automotive maintenance, construction and engineering carry a higher risk of nuisance alarms from dust and fumes, while IT and digital media spaces rely heavily on electrical equipment. A tailored approach was needed to protect the site without interrupting learning. Protecting valuable teaching time ESP's common mounting base allowed SFA's installers to work through the site using a single standard base across most devices, reducing the range of parts held on site and helping installation stay on schedule despite the complexity of the building. In kitchens and workshops, LPCB and VdS approved heat sensors were used to distinguish genuine fire risk from cooking activity and dust, reducing false alarms and protecting valuable teaching time. ESP's textual identifier gives staff the exact location of an activated device, supporting fast and accurate evacuation decisions in a large site with high footfall. Wall-mounted VADs, certified to EN 54-23, added audio and visual alerts throughout the college, ensuring alarms reach staff and students regardless of location or impairment. Where cabling access was limited by drop beams, wireless technology was integrated onto the ESP loop, avoiding extensive drilling and preserving the building's original structure. Successful projects together Naomi Fell, Projects Director at SFA Fire and Security, said: "This project presented numerous challenges due to the complexity of each room and storey within the college. Our extensive experience with Hochiki's products, combined with the consistently positive feedback from our end-users, made Hochiki the clear choice for this project. We met the college's stringent deadlines with minimal disruption to teaching and learning." Ryan Baulcomb, Regional Sales Manager at Hochiki, added: "Hochiki and SFA have a strong, long-term partnership, built on years of successful projects together. This installation shows what that partnership can deliver on a genuinely complex site. We're proud that our products continue to give installers and end-users the reliability and support they expect." Bournemouth and Poole College now benefit from a fire detection system tailored to the specific demands of each corridor, room and storey across the site, with the flexibility to adapt as the college continues to grow.

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been renewed by Central Valley School District in Beaver County, Pennsylvania after a successful first year of deployment. Serving four schools across Beaver County, Pennsylvania, including a primary center, elementary school, middle school, and high school, the district supports approximately 2,200 students and 200 faculty and staff. ZeroEyes has been integrated across all facilities as part of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Welcoming learning environment “The safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority,” said Brian Dolph, Safety & Security Director for the Central Valley School District. “By implementing ZeroEyes technology, Central Valley School District is taking a proactive step to enhance campus security and provide real-time detection of potential firearm threats, helping ensure that our schools remain safe places for teaching, learning, and growth. ZeroEyes has been a valued partner, delivering continuous monitoring and an added level of assurance in our campus security efforts.” Central Valley School District’s deployment is part of a broader, layered approach to safety that includes closed-circuit cameras, a visitor management system, ALICE-trained staff, regular district-wide safety drills, and school resource officers in all buildings. The district also conducts coordinated active shooter drills each summer in partnership with Beaver County Emergency Services and works closely with local communities, including Monaca Borough and Central Township, to support campus safety efforts. Situational awareness software ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operations centre staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Central Valley School District has taken a thoughtful and proactive approach to campus safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By continuing to invest in real-time intelligence and working closely with trusted partners, the district is strengthening its ability to respond quickly to potential threats while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Verkada, a pioneer in physical security and operations, announces that the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium adopted its platform to enhance fan safety and security. Hard Rock Stadium's new Verkada deployment unifies video security, access control, guest management, intercoms and alarms into a single, cloud-based platform that enables its team to streamline security operations at the scale and speed that the 65,585-seat venue demands. "As a world-class venue hosting global events year-round, we prioritise solutions that align with the scale and pace of our operations," said Sameer Istafa, Chief Technology Officer for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. "Verkada's unified platform provides a seamless, connected operating environment that supports our focus on delivering a consistent, elevated experience for our fans at every event." Resource-intensive maintenance costs Verkada's unified platform gives Hard Rock Stadium's team: Faster response during high-pressure moments. Activity-based detection and intelligent alerts provide teams with greater visibility into activity across Hard Rock Stadium, enabling faster, more informed responses when needed. Proactive perimeter coverage. Advanced detection tools enable Hard Rock Stadium to take a proactive approach to monitoring the stadium's exterior and surrounding areas, flagging unusual activity before it escalates. Streamlined access across a large campus. Verkada's cloud-managed access credentials replace physical keys and disconnected badge systems. With all door events logged, Verkada's platform can flag anomalies. Flexibility across a wide range of events. In addition to the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium hosts college football games, concerts, and other global events – and each event has a different footprint and different security needs. Verkada enables the Hard Rock Stadium team to tailor protocols event-by-event without new infrastructure. Lower infrastructure costs. Moving onto Verkada's cloud-based platform is expected to save Hard Rock Stadium on time- and resource-intensive maintenance costs, with new features delivered automatically through software updates. Insight into operational efficiency. Visual intelligence from Verkada's platform provides insight into occupancy trends that can enable operations teams to reduce bottlenecks and adjust staffing in real-time. World-class experience "Hard Rock Stadium can swing from hundreds of employees and vendors on a weekday to more than 65,000 fans in a matter of hours," said Filip Kaliszan, co-founder and CEO of Verkada. "Verkada is built to handle this kind of complexity, with one unified platform that keeps pace with an operation that never stays still. We're proud to provide solutions that help keep fans, athletes and entertainers who visit Hard Rock Stadium safe – and to give the team behind these legendary events the tools they need to keep delivering a world-class experience." Video security infrastructure Hard Rock Stadium worked with Castaway Technology and Security (CTS) to support its Verkada deployment and implementation across the campus. CTS used Verkada's Command Connector to bring Hard Rock Stadium's existing video security infrastructure into the new platform during the migration period, ensuring a smooth transition and letting security teams work from Verkada's platform from day one. "Hard Rock Stadium is a marquee venue that demands a security infrastructure to match. Our goal was to help them transition to a more agile and integrated ecosystem. With Verkada, we were able to deliver a truly end-to-end solution that eliminates technical friction, allowing the security team to focus entirely on maintaining a safe, premier experience for every fan," said Craig Bruce, co-founder at CTS.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that Evolv Express®, the company’s people-screening system, has been selected as a security partner in Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field following a rigorous evaluation process. As Ryan Sports Development prepares to open the first NFL-type stadium in college sports, they evaluated available screening solutions before selecting Evolv Express to help deliver an elevated fan security experience. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the location of the potential threat while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The New Ryan Field, in the final stages of construction, will have a capacity of 35,000 fans when it opens on October 2nd with a nationally televised game. In addition to Northwestern football games, New Ryan Field will also host other athletic and community events throughout the year. The project is designed to set a new standard for the college football experience and boasts several features and innovations fitting its ambitious vision, including the Evolv Express security systems. The multi-year agreement between Evolv and Ryan Sports Development includes a variety of marketing elements and designates Evolv as Northwestern University’s “Official Fan Screening Provider.” Exceptional arrival experience “Our goal for the New Ryan Field is simple: build the best place to watch football in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That ambition covers not only the event itself, but also the entire time that a fan is on site. We built a stadium designed to represent the future of college athletics, and so much more, and we rigorously evaluated available screening technologies and selected Evolv Express because it aligned with our goals of delivering a secure, convenient, and exceptional arrival experience.” “When an institution invests in creating what it believes will be the premier college football venue in the country, every decision matters, including the first impression fans receive when they arrive,” said John Kedzierski, President and CEO of Evolv Technology. Ambitious stadium projects “Northwestern had the opportunity to evaluate the industry’s leading screening solutions as part of this landmark project, and we are honoured that Evolv Express was selected to help deliver the elevated fan experience Ryan Field is designed to provide. It’s a testament to the strength of our technology that one of the most ambitious stadium projects in college sports chose Evolv to help welcome fans through its gates.” The New Ryan Field at Northwestern is another signature deployment on Evolv’s growing roster of higher education customers, as well as numerous stadiums, arenas, theme parks, schools, hospitals and other public spaces around the world.

At mid-year 2026, the broader economy tells a story of resilience under pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has triggered a shock to the energy supply, driving oil prices up and reigniting global inflation. However, a total downturn has been averted. Exceptional, historic levels of business investment and data centre construction are providing a firm floor for growth, offsetting cooler consumer spending and keeping labour markets fundamentally stable. But how are changing economics impacting the physical security market? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How do changes in the broader economic climate impact physical security?

College campuses are meant to be places of learning, growth, and community. Fostering such an environment requires the deployment of policies and technologies that ensure safety and security. Considering the growing role of security technology in the higher education market, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new applications for security technology in the college and university markets?

There is safety in numbers, or so the expression goes. Generally speaking, several employees working together tend to be safer than a single employee working alone. Even so, some environments require that workers complete their jobs alone, thus presenting a unique combination of security vulnerabilities. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a lone worker as “an employee working alone, such as in a confined space or isolated location.” We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security technologies help to protect "lone workers?"