Well known in Chicagoland, but perhaps not so well known elsewhere, the Aon Center is a quiet, dignified building in the Chicago skyline. Height and location give its tenants remarkable views in all directions.
Virtually every telecom manager in business today has received the pitch: “Cut your telecom trunking costs by 50 percent. Improve your business communications flexibility...
Warning: This article does not contain talk of convergence, silos, fusion, tipping points, disruptive technologies, a place at the table and all the other new-age, highfalutin mumbo-jumbo that too often says more about the speaker than the concerns of the listener.
The events of September 11, 2001 changed the way business thought about perimeter security and access control. Rather than just a barrier to keep intruders out, fences and gates are installed with protection against potential terrorist attacks in mind.
An open environment, challenges with funding and many constituents to please: campus security directors and integrators share their challenges with securing these “communities within a community.”
They say that these are the “greatest years” of someone’s life. The college years, the time to figure out a career, make friends and use the valuable time and experiences as the launching pad in which one can continue those “great” years in their 20s, 30s and beyond.
Peeking into certain business sectors – three health care facilities, state government and a private university – there are outstanding examples of facilities and their security leaders using technology to validate security’s value, create business efficiencies and to build quality teams.
From the highest city buildings and sprawling office campuses to always-open gaming establishments and even on-the-water assets, security today is an intelligent mix of “welcome in” and “keep out.” Such assignments also blend people on duty in lobbies, walking corridors and patrolling parking areas with technology that ranges from traditional to unique.