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Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Names Executive Director

DALLAS — The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Dr. Elli Reges to serve as its new executive director. Created in 2020 through a partnership of the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Security Industry Association (SIA) and PSA, FAST “connects aspiring professionals with meaningful careers in the electronic security and life safety industry,” according to the foundation announcement. As FAST’s executive director, Reges “will lead the foundation’s efforts to expand awareness of career opportunities and strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline through education, outreach and collaboration,” the announcement says. “Our industry has an incredible story to tell, yet too many students and job seekers simply don’t know the opportunities that exist,” says Reges in the FAST announcemebt. “Together, we have an opportunity to redefine how people see the security industry—not just as a place to find a job, but as a place to build a m...

Inside Milestone’s Bet on Artificial Intelligence: Data as the New Oil

LAS VEGAS — Milestone Systems is rebuilding for the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Security Sales & Integration attended the company’s inaugural Milestone Xperience Days event in North America in early June, where two of the company’s leaders expounded in detail on their vision: vice president of Americas Tim Palmquist and chief technology officer Andrew Burnett. Their messages converged to form a compelling synthesis: Milestone wants to modernize its platform, keep humans at the center of automation and turn retained video into long-term value, all while leaning into an open partner network that’s refreshingly different from the “we should own it all” mentality we sometimes see in the tech space. Milestone is certainly not a new name — its heritage stretches back 28 years. What’s different now is the architecture underneath the products and the conviction that video data — once routinely discarded — has become one of the industry’s most valuable ass...

How to Find Integration Partners Who Will Drive Long-Term Growth

Security integrators often invest significant effort engaging with technology providers or manufacturers that fail to deliver what customers actually need. In the worst cases, so-called “partners” actively hurt the integrator’s business or deliver short-sighted solutions that don’t contribute to an optimal security posture. The good news is that great partnerships are possible — and due diligence in partnership coordination can catalyze your growth through new marketing streams, increased market exposure and proven excellence in your craft. To help you avoid poor partnerships and effectively deliver on your customers’ needs, let’s explore the realities of partner development today, red flags you should look for, and proven ways to transform your partner strategy into a long-term growth advantage. What’s a Successful Provider-Integrator Relationship? Customers increasingly need integrators to bring more than piecemeal solutions to the table. The security market is flooded with ...

CCTV Compliance for UK Business Owners (2026 GDPR & ICO Guide)

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CCTV Compliance for UK Business Owners (2026 GDPR & ICO Guide) By Gary Pearce | Security Infrastructure Engineer AI-enabled security camera system installed on a modern commercial site. In 2026, business security is more sophisticated than ever. From high-definition IP cameras to AI-powered motion analysis, keeping commercial premises secure is highly accessible. However, the legal landscape surrounding video surveillance has also evolved. For UK business owners, installing security systems is not just a matter of mounting cameras and running cables; it is a serious legal responsibility governed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failing to comply with these standards can result in severe financial penalties, lawsuits from employees or customers, and the rendering of crucial footage inadmissible in court. This guide outlines everything a UK business owner needs to know to keep their CCTV syst...

Do Dental Practices Need CCTV? UK Regulations, ICO Compliance & Patient Privacy Guidelines

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Welcome to Gary Pearce Home Services' authoritative guide: Do Dental Practices Need CCTV? UK Regulations, ICO Compliance & Patient Privacy Guidelines . 1. Legal and Regulatory Standards Dental practices in the UK are subject to stringent legal and regulatory standards designed to protect patient privacy, security, and confidentiality. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these regulations. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict rules on the collection, storage, and processing of personal data. Dental practices must ensure that any CCTV footage complies with GDPR requirements, including obtaining informed consent from patients, limiting the retention period of data, and implementing appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access. 2. Hardware Specifications and Deployment CCTV cameras should be equipped with high-resolution lenses to ensure clear images of pati...

Ultimate CCTV Installation Guide for UK Homes & Businesses — 2026 Edition

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Ultimate CCTV Installation Guide for UK Homes & Businesses — 2026 Edition Ultimate CCTV Installation Guide for UK Homes & Businesses — 2026 Edition By Gary Pearce, Senior Security Installer Securing your property is more important than ever. According to the latest ONS crime statistics, properties with visible, professionally installed CCTV systems are up to 60% less likely to be targeted by burglars. Whether you run a business in Leeds, operate a warehouse in Manchester, or want to protect your family home in Newcastle, a well-designed surveillance system offers irreplaceable peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we layout the technical essentials, equipment comparisons, and legal requirements for installing security systems in the UK. What is a CCTV Security System? At its core, a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system consists of cameras, recording storage (an NVR or DVR), cabling, and a power source. ...

Optimising Patch Panel Architectures: A Guide to Reducing Latency in UK Residential Networks

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Optimising Patch Panel Architectures: A Guide to Reducing Latency in UK Residential Networks As a UK-certified installer with years of experience in data cabling, I've observed a significant evolution in residential network demands. No longer a luxury, high-speed, low-latency connectivity is a fundamental requirement for modern households. From competitive online gaming and seamless 4K video streaming to reliable video conferencing and the ever-expanding ecosystem of smart home devices, network performance directly impacts our daily lives. While much focus is rightly placed on internet service provider (ISP) speeds and Wi-Fi capabilities, a often-overlooked yet critical component influencing network latency within the home is the patch panel architecture. My name is Gary Pearce, and in this comprehensive guide, I aim to demystify the intricacies of patch panel design and implementation, specifically through the lens of latency reduction in UK residential networks. We'll de...