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.

Make Friends With PoE: Building connectivity with standardized power delivery

Deborah L. O'Mara

Power over ethernet (PoE) could be your new best friend, especially if you’re expanding a security contracting business with the internet of things (loT), smart cities or industry 4.0 automation products and systems. As...

A guest interacts with the smart mirror inside a bathroom at The Sinclair hotel. | Sinclair Holdings LLC

Safety Leader

Safety

Feb 2021

Send the Right Message: High-tech emergency communications

Deborah L. O'Mara

In providing or installing an emergency communication system (ECS) or mass notification system (MNS), the goal is to prepare for any emergency, fire or life safety situation—while following the mandates of the authority...

Getty Images / Tera Vector / Andrew_Rybalko

Integrated Systems

Feb 2021

Down to the Wire(less): A burst of options signal new opportunities

Deborah L. O'Mara

Wireless devices haven’t traditionally been top-of-mind in most electrical contractors’ security offerings. With signal strength and penetration an issue in buildings and other hardscapes, ECs often choose hardwired devices...

Web Exclusive

Integrated Systems

Jan 2021

Facial Recognition Software Sees Progress but Future Still Unclear

Deborah L. O'Mara

In 2021, facial recognition looks to continue to hit its share of snares as clear consensus on the technology and its rightful applicability seems just out of reach. The physical security industry is digging in, focusing on...

Integrated Systems

Jan 2021

Change Is Brewing: Convergence and COVID-19 carve new pathways for security

Deborah L. O'Mara

Atypical? That’s one way to describe 2020. There’s still uncertainty as we begin the new year, but the physical security industry is experiencing a dramatic, positive shift that looks destined to continue under any...

Integrated Systems

Dec 2020

The Softer Side of Security: Popularity of versatile, personable robots surges

Deborah L. O'Mara

Physical security has become increasingly focused on health, well-being and providing a positive user experience for employees and visitors. The increased emphasis on safety rolls in processes that ensure workers stay...

A small, cute robot sits on a table while a man hunches over a computer in the background | Misty Robotics

Integrated Systems

Nov 2020

Droning On: Unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics find their spot in integrated systems

Deborah L. O'Mara

With refined autonomous mobility and increased intelligence, drones and robots are entering the physical security industry as another viable piece of an integrated system solution. Available as a service and on demand...

Integrated Systems

Oct 2020

The 5G Connectivity Jump-Start: High-speed networks for integrated systems proliferate

Deborah L. O'Mara

As the Fifth generation (5G) of high-speed cellular is promoted across the nation, the physical security industry waits patiently—anticipating how the landscape of connected technologies will change with faster, more robust...

Integrated Systems

Sep 2020

Tech Takes on COVID-19: Security in uncommon times

Deborah L. O'Mara

What will workplaces look like when they reopen after the coronavirus shutdown? Will prescreening and validation processes be necessary for on-site visits? Will temperature detection be required to access a facility or...

Web Exclusive

Your Business

Aug 2020

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...

Integrated Systems

Aug 2020

Growing Integration

Deborah L. O'Mara

Security transcends common solutions as new interconnection possibilities arise. What used to be a physical security industry synonymous with closed systems and proprietary operating protocols is now an open, networking and...

Web Exclusive

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...