24 Security Dealer & Integrator / www.SecurityInfoWatch.com April 2017
America's Fastest Growing
Security Dealers and Systems Integrators
surveillance space. HD, megapixel and
4K technologies topped the list, with
video analytics, 360-degree and pan-
oramic, and mobile video surveillance
apps coming in close behind. Wireless
options for both video and access con-
trol were also cited as important tech-
nologies to follow and stock among
Fast50 companies.
"Training is always one of the most
crucial components of a new technol-
ogy," says Jerrod Smith, president of
Texas-based Fortress Security (No. 39).
"We have to manage this appropriately
as well measure that against the long-
term viability of that technology, which
is sometimes an educated guess."
"We feel that it is vital to develop a
proactive business development plan
for each new partner and (technol-
ogy) solution," adds Convergint's
Varco. "It is also important to ensure
that the technology and its business
4K or HD Sur veillance
Video/Audio Alarm Verification
Analog to IP Transition
Cloud-Based Ser vices (VSaaS ACaaS, etc.)
Cybersecurity
DIY Security/Alarm Solutions
Equipment Commoditization/Price Wars
Environmentally Friendly/Green Technologies
Internet of Things/Big Data
Legacy System Retrofits/Upgrades
Mass Notification
Mobile Apps
Network Bandwidth Management
Secured/Smar t Cities
Self-Monitored Systems (MIY)
Smar t Home
Standardization (ONVIF, PSIA, OSDP, etc.)
Video Storage/Retention
Wireless Access Control/ Video Technology
Other
What security technology trends concern/interest you most?
0%
10%
20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
1%
56%
35%
21%
51%
35%
23%
13%
4%
31%
21%
16%
25%
12%
16%
13%
28%
8%
23%
56%
development plan is well-supported in
different geographies, so that we can
leverage it to service clients wherever
they may be."
The Impact of M&A;
One of the most disruptive trends in
our industry is the fast-growing M&A;
activity across all levels of the part-
ner ecosystem. Vendors, distributors,
soware providers, dealers, integrators
– nobody is immune. SD&I; outlined
the massive amount of M&A; activ-
ity in our January cover story (www.
securityinfowatch.com/12292632), and
the 2017 Fast50 dealers and integrators
saw their fair share of impact.
Beyond Convergint's flurry of
activity, several other Fast50 compa-
nies contributed to their growth via
merger/acquisition. e No. 2-ranked
company, SafeStreets USA, became
the largest ADT dealer thanks to its
merger with Gaylord Security Systems
and ASC Security USA in 2016.
In all, 15 Fast50 companies com-
pleted at least one acquisition since
2014. "You must be vigilant in what's
happening with mergers and acquisi-
tions and prepare for additional com-
petition within the changing landscape
No
Yes
Has your company merged
with another company in
the past three years?