Hirsch updates dealers about enterprise networks

Apr 1, 1999 12:00 PM, Access Control & Security Systems Integration Staff

Security systems - especially those at large companies - increasingly are operating as part of a company-wide enterprise network. Benefits include reduced inst allation and operating costs, easier exchange of information with other departments in the company and the ability to secure multiple sites more easily. Developments such as database partitioning and a standard operating environment for enterprise systems - i.e., Microsoft - are facilitating the incorporation of security functions as part of companies' computer systems

It's a development that has an impact not only on how security systems operate but also on how they are procured. Now a company's chief information officer (CIO) plays a role in the decision-making on security systems. Certainly the CIO would have to approve before a security system is tied into the company's network.

The changing environment of enterprise networks - and the opportunities it offers for an access control system that is part of a company's network - were topics at Hirsch Electronics' dealer conference, held March 9 at the Flamingo Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Members of Hirsch's dealer network heard about the company's Momentum product, an access control system targeted to the enterprise network environment.

"Corporate IT departments are making the rules," said Rob Zivney, Hirsch's vice president of marketing. In response, the Momentum product is certified with the Microsoft Back Office logo, which assures the product has been designed for the Microsoft Windows Server environment. The certification opens doors to easier integration with a company's enter- prise network. "IT departments are comfortable and familiar with the technology," said Zivney.

Advantages of incorporating security into an enterprise network include the opportunity to cost-share expenses of the network over multiple departments. Security on a network also enjoys the benefits of the network's diagnostic and self-monitoring functions.

Here are some other points emphasized during the Hirsch conference: - You are on IT turf if the security system is part of the company's LAN/WAN.

- The corporate network is an environment where cost, not security, is the driving factor. - Integration goes beyond badging and CCTV and includes such things as sharing human resource databases. - The security system should be a client/server system, using distributed processing by smart controllers to minimize the amount of information on the network. - There's a lot of "missionary work" ahead in selling the advantages of a networked security system; Hirsch is planning seminars to educate customers. - Sales cycles are longer, but they result in longer-term relationships with customers. - Training is vitally important. Dealers must be certified by Hirsch before they can sell the Momentum system. Dealers also need knowledge of the NT Enterprise Server environment and of TCP/IP, SQL Server, NT workstation and Crystal Reports.

Companies being targeted for Momentum include large operations with multiple sites. Good candidate companies should also have a mandate to downsize, a need to centralize, a desire to integrate, and may currently be using various card technologies. Momentum offers a "graceful migration path" to a single card system, said Zivney.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue