IEN: What are the major security concerns facing industry? How can they be addressed?

Goldman: One of the most prominent areas of vulnerability to critical technology assets and other equipment for government and private organizations today is not the threat from computer viruses or network breaches but from internal and outside physical threats. Whether it's a security breach due to human malfeasance or threats from overheating, heat or humidity, critical company information and assets such as IT networks, applications, and equipment, are vulnerable to a myriad of physical threats.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 brought home this fact and to better protect against physical threats, many organizations have increased their investment in technology designed for that specific purpose. And most important, organizations have come to the realization that corporate security, which once had a patchwork approach with facilities teams managing buildings and properties, IT teams managing networks and systems from outside hacking, and a disparate variety of managers giving employees access to systems and data, now needs to be viewed in a holistic approach.

The emergence of security management platforms and technology are coming to the forefront to help industry address security issues from both physical and digital aspects.

IEN: Where are strides being made: In risk management? Integrated systems design? Emergency response? Hazard controls? Computer security? Elsewhere?

Goldman: As part of this holistic view on security, the government and private sector alike are increasing efforts to provide a "safe haven" designed to protect people and property from outside threats. New product advancements in intelligent IP-based security technology will help bring to market affordable solutions that give First Responders and others concerned with safety early and instant warning about the presence of life-threatening hazardous materials (HAZMAT), including chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.

Geared to protecting locations such as subway tunnels, high-rise buildings, and other enclosed areas where large groups of people gather, the new IP-based solutions will include intelligent networked "appliances" that actively scan an area and collect data from sensors about physical threats. If the appliance senses trouble, it immediately sends an alert over an IP network, telephone line, or cell network to appropriate personnel. A subway scenario, for example, could leverage the placement of chemical sensors potentially miles away from the monitoring appliance inside a subway tunnel. If a dangerous chemical agent were then released there, the sensor would detect it and instantly send that information to the monitoring appliance, which would then alert appropriate officials to facilitate quick First Responder actions.

IEN: What innovations are in store for users in security equipment and systems, software, training, and other areas?

Goldman: Many of the greatest innovations in the coming years will involve delivering high-end security efficiencies, such as physical security management and first response systems, at cost-effective pricing. These advances will expand the use of these critical systems and greatly improve security and safety throughout industrial, government, public transportation, and educational facilities.

Areas of security product innovations:

• Cost-efficient physical security appliances


• Portable first-warning systems and sensors that integrate with "safe haven" networks


• Consolidated security management tools


• Identity Management products and policies.

IEN: Where are other R & D hot spots?

Goldman: One of the hottest areas of R & D is taking military-grade security systems and making them available for the commercial market. Expect to see developers of military systems working with commercial partners to deliver improved security for corporations and government agencies at a fraction of the cost of existing proprietary technology.

IEN: Is the web a significant factor? Why/Why not?

Goldman: Yes. In recent years, web-based technologies have drastically improved the cost and convenience of business operations in hundreds of industries. With physical threat protection it's no different. Whether it is financial services, supply chain procurement, or retail, the web is playing an increasing role in improving physical threat protection by helping create "virtual threat protection networks" that allow organizations to respond immediately when problems are detected.

IEN: Will wireless technology play an increasing role in security? If so, how?

Goldman: In addition to the web, wireless technology is also greatly advancing an organization's ability to provide cost-effective security monitoring for its valuable assets, specifically in industries with equipment and personnel in disparate and remote locations. Advances in the development of IP-based monitoring appliances that leverage wireless technology to communicate in the "physical threat network" will provide companies with effective means to ensure their security at a fraction of the cost.

IEN: How can companies integrate security technologies within the industrial enterprise?

Goldman: Many industrial enterprises are looking to open-standards-based physical threat management technology to expand the breadth of security within their organizations. An area where this is happening now is in the chemical manufacturing market. Over the summer, the government warned that chemical manufacturers were highly vulnerable to physical threats, which could result in homeland security concerns. Some of the savvier chemical manufacturers responded by leveraging the advancements available in open-standards-based IP physical threat management technology to protect their facilities without breaking the bank.

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