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SP&T News’ most-read stories of 2023

This past year was another busy one for the security industry, including some major acquisitions involving companies such as Bosch, Paladin, Honeywell, Carrier and ASSA ABLOY.

On the technology front, we saw the continued evolution of cloud and AI — two buzzwords that frequently appear alongside new products introduced by the security industry. SP&T News covered many of these product launches along with the M&A activity that continues to reshape the business landscape.

Based on our website traffic, these were among the most-read stories this past year, along with articles that acknowledged milestones like Telus’s one millionth home security customer in Canada and the 20th anniversary of Toronto-based Alarm Guard, as well as SP&T’s ever-popular Top 10 Under 40.

These are our top 10 articles from 2023, based on readership and presented in chronological order.

January 24, 2023

Telus creates new Consumer Solutions division

Telus announced the formation of a new Consumer Solutions division designed to capitalize on synergies across its mobility and home solutions businesses.

Telus Consumer Solutions will be led by Zainul Mawji as president and Jim Senko in the newly created role of chief product officer. Mawji, a 22-year Telus employee, will oversee the design and delivery of Telus products to “offer customers the integrated experience they are looking for,” stated the company in a press release.

NicoElNino/ iStock / Getty Images Plus

March 14, 2023

How to help your customers and grow your business in 2023

In the security industry, technology is continually being re-evaluated and upgraded, while the importance of great customer service remains a constant. SP&T News reached out to a group of security professionals and asked them: What should security integrators, dealers and related industry professionals be thinking about this year to ensure customer satisfaction and results?

Image courtesy ISC West

April 5, 2023

ISC West 2023 Recap: News and photos

ISC West, held March 28-31, 2023, in Las Vegas offered a bustling trade show and education track for its global attendees. Missed the show or looking for more information? Check out photos and announcements from the security industry event.

April 26, 2023

Carrier outlines plan to exit fire and security business in 2024

Carrier announced its intentions to exit its fire and security businesses, as well as commercial refrigeration, over the course of 2024.

Carrier was spun off from United Technologies Corp. in 2020, as was UTC’s Otis elevator business.

“Carrier’s 2020 spin-off from United Technologies made it a nimbler, more focused, higher growth company,” said the company in a press release. “The exits of Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration will bring greater focus to Carrier’s strategy and portfolio, while benefitting these businesses’ customers and employees.”

In December 2023, Honeywell announced the acquisition of Carrier’s Global Access Solutions business for US$4.95 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Mike Chaudhary, Alarm Guard (image courtesy Alarm Guard)

May 9, 2023

Alarm Guard celebrates 20th anniversary

The alarm monitoring and electronic security industry has seen a lot of change in the last two decades and Mike Chaudhary has been there every step of the way. Chaudhary recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Toronto-based business Alarm Guard Security Services.

July 20, 2023

Telus achieves smart home milestone with one million customers in Canada

Jim Paikos, Telus

Telus marked a significant milestone in the development of its home security business earlier this year, reaching one million customers in Canada and growing.

“Since launching Telus SmartHome Security in 2018, we’ve become the largest and fastest growing security and automation provider in Canada,” says Jim Paikos, vice-president, customer experience evolution, Telus.

FangXiaNuo / iStock / Getty Images Plus

July 27, 2023

Going green: Sustainability in security products

It is one thing to talk about providing security customers with environmentally friendly/sustainable products and services. It is another to “walk the talk” by taking actions that adhere to this commitment. Axis Communications and HID are two companies taking sincere action in making their security products and services greener.

July 31, 2023

SP&T News Top 10 Under 40 2023

What does it take to be included in the SP&T News annual Top 10 Under 40 list?

It’s not always years in the business or the number of credentials you have earned. Arguably, it’s a positive attitude and a willingness to keep learning. This year’s recipients come from different corners of the security industry but they all have those qualities in common. We asked the 2023 Top 10 Under 40 to tell us more about what motivates them, what gets them going in the morning, and what advice they have to encourage potential newcomers to join the security industry. SP&T’s annual Top 10 Under 40 list is sponsored by Digital Watchdog.

September 6, 2023

Bosch completes acquisition of Paladin Technologies

Bosch has completed the acquisition of Vancouver-based integrator Paladin Technologies.
Paladin Technologies has more than 1,500 associates across 34 offices in North America, and projected 2023 sales approaching US$400 million, said Paladin in a press release.
According to a statement, the Paladin Technologies acquisition doubles the size Bosch’s integration business in North America. Prior to the acquisition, Bosch’s integrator business here consisted of Climatec, with a staff of more than 1,000, and offices in Arizona, Texas, Nevada, California, New York, and New Jersey. Climatec was acquired by Bosch in 2015.

October 27, 2023

Bosch to sell off security products business and focus on systems integration

Bosch announced it is realigning its Building Technologies division, with plans to sell off the majority of its security products business and focus on systems integration. The sale will include its video, access and intrusion, and communications business units, affecting about 4,300 staff and more than 90 locations globally. Bosch is currently looking for a buyer to take on all three units. Bosch’s fire alarm business will remain with the company and merged into its systems business.