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 Spin on Emergency Communications: Social Media and Digital Platforms Influencing Traditional Notification

Deborah L. O'Mara

Emergency communication systems (ECS) and mass notification systems (MNS) are traditional, hardware and software-based solutions designed to provide early warning of fire, life safety and other events, such as active shooters...

Integrated Systems

Apr 2019

The Evolution of IP Cameras: The Future of These Devices Is Becoming Clear

Deborah L. O'Mara

For years, the physical security industry was hyperfocused on the tipping point of IP cameras and when network devices would surpass their analog counterparts in numbers. Now that the tipping point has come, users have...

IP Cameras Security Image Credit: Shutterstock / Flipser

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Your Business

Mar 2019

Do ECs’ Security Projects Fall Under Data Privacy Laws?

Deborah L. O'Mara

If you thought electrical contractors were immune to the ongoing proliferation of data and information privacy laws, think again. In several different ways, ECs may be on the hook for personal information obtained during...

Integrated Systems

Feb 2019

Embracing Change in Security: How Contractors Can Successfully Adapt

Deborah L. O'Mara

It’s a great time to be in the physical security industry. That doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges to the traditional way of thinking in designing, installing and maintaining solutions. Success will follow for those who...

Embracing Change in Security: How Contractors Can Successfully Adapt

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Integrated Systems

Jan 2019

Biometrics Gain Traction as Boarding Credential: Facial Recognition Clears Airline Passengers

Deborah L. O'Mara

The next time you head to the airport, there is a good chance you will verify your identity with the latest biometrics. Major airlines have been rolling out new programs and test beds, and they have been increasingly adopting...

Integrated Systems

Jan 2019

2019 and Beyond: Hot New Trends and Directions

Deborah L. O'Mara

Numerous influencing factors are causing widespread transformation in the physical security industry. Trends include the internet of things, cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data privacy and the...

Integrated Systems

Dec 2018

Experiencing Security: Disruptive Forces Change the Traditional Landscape

Deborah L. O'Mara

For years, the physical security industry’s progress seemed stalled. Products advanced with the latest capabilities but rarely communicated with each other, and proprietary technology was the name of the game. Now, more...

Integrated Systems

Nov 2018

Security Industry Dropping Silos in Favor of Open Systems

Deborah L. O'Mara

A new specification for advanced video streaming released by ONVIF will continue the organization’s goals of promoting advanced interoperability between IP-based physical security solutions. ONVIF, a global and open industry...

Integrated Systems

Nov 2018

Hit Refresh: Cost-Effective Technology Transitions

Deborah L. O'Mara

How long can your customer expect their installed security to be effective? What is the average life of surveillance, access control or intrusion detection? How can you prepare your customers for the future so they have the...

Integrated Systems

Oct 2018

Drone Demand Builds

Deborah L. O'Mara

Drones are all the rage—for entertainment, asset protection, first response and physical security. There is even a category of counter-drone technology—designed to address unauthorized aerial devices. Drones, also known as...

Your Business

Oct 2018

Can Drones Assist Your Business? Unmanned Aircraft Systems Complete the Total Security Picture

Deborah L. O'Mara

Until recently, drones were a conversation of the future. Today, the use cases for drones, referred to as robotic aerial security or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), have an ever-expanding application in physical security,...

Integrated Systems

Sep 2018

Mobile Credentials Own the Road: The Migration to Smartphones for Physical Access Control

Deborah L. O'Mara

Someday, all personal identification may be stored on chips implanted in our bodies. Until then, smartphones as mobile credentials are steadily becoming the access-control technology of choice for physical security. It’s easy...