Deborah L. O'Mara

Freelance Writer

Deborah L. O’Mara is a journalist with more than two decades experience writing about security, life safety and systems integration, and she is the managing director of DLO Communications in Chicago. She can be reached at dlocommunications@gmail.com or 773.414.3573.

New Rules for Fed Work

Deborah L. O'Mara

Contractors providing video surveillance, networking or telecommunications products and services to the federal government will have fewer equipment options as of September 30, when implementation rules are slated to go into...

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Integrated Systems

Jul 2020

Tech Takes on COVID-19

Deborah L. O'Mara

What will workplaces look like as they begin to reopen from the coronavirus? Will contact tracing with smartphones locate, track and report potential carriers? Will temperature and fever detection become required to gain...

Integrated Systems

Jul 2020

Preventing Cyber Compromise

Deborah L. O'Mara

There’s no getting around it. Cybersecurity is a necessary component of a security contractor’s business and a must-have for customers looking for complete, turnkey service. With fluidly changing threats to connected internet...

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Your Business

May 2020

New Guidance From the FDA on Fever Detection Devices

Deborah L. O'Mara

As the world slowly returns to work and public spaces, technology is being leveraged to keep the coronavirus in check and prevent spread of the contagion. Many in the workforce and others will soon find themselves part of new...

Integrated Systems

May 2020

Stay on the Pulse

Deborah L. O'Mara

Opportunity knocks for electrical contractors involved in low-voltage, security and integrated systems contracting. You’re in demand. Offer your customers a litany of services using these six ideas to expand your offerings...

Integrated Systems

Apr 2020

Sending Stronger Signals

Deborah L. O'Mara

Emergency communication systems (ECS) and mass notification systems (MNS) are kindred spirits because they have the same general goal of notifying people of a potentially dangerous situation and getting people out of harm’s...

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Integrated Systems

Mar 2020

Industry Argues the Benefits of Facial Recognition Tech

Deborah L. O'Mara

As facial recognition manufacturers grapple with wide-ranging restrictions and outright bans in cities and states across the country, the physical security industry is stepping up with advocacy and education, focusing on the...

Integrated Systems

Mar 2020

Brand Spankin’ New

Deborah L. O'Mara

As the physical security industry continues to develop technology-rich solutions, leasing is an increasingly viable way to renew, refresh and replace products, courtesy of the digital transformation. Flashback to decades when...

Integrated Systems

Feb 2020

Craft a Superior Solution

Deborah L. O'Mara

The profile of the customer has changed significantly over the last several years. Consumers want an “experience” from technology and service providers that delivers more than parts and pieces. They expect a seamless...

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Your Business

Jan 2020

Users Chime in on Ring’s Privacy Issues in Class-Action Lawsuits

Deborah L. O'Mara

Who’s to blame in the Ring privacy breaches and subsequent lawsuits filed late 2019 and early 2020 against owner Amazon? Plaintiffs point the finger at potentially insecure Ring devices, while the maker’s defense is customers...

Integrated Systems

Jan 2020

Prepare to Accelerate

Deborah L. O'Mara

With change brought about by new technology, faster computing speeds, artificial intelligence (AI), open integration and more devices entering the IP foray—2019 was momentous. As the digital transformation deepens and the...

A snail accelerating with a small rocket.

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Integrated Systems

Dec 2019

Ban on Chinese-Made Cameras Has Broad Implications

Deborah L. O'Mara

The recently updated U.S. government ‘trade blacklist’ of Chinese companies could ultimately have a widespread effect on future development of cameras, artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology for the...