FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2003--The world changed on September 11, 2001, and so did the way most people think about security. New security threats have caused homeowners, corporations, and the U.S. government to examine their vulnerabilities and increase their security spending accordingly. The government's General Accounting Office reports that $561 million was spent on airport security alone in 2002 - representing a dramatic increase above the $57 million spent in 2000. Clearly, security will remain an issue for quite some time, and as new threats continue to emerge, technological innovations will play an even greater role in our preparation and defense.
GE is involved in the rapidly-growing electronic security industry and dedicated to communications technologies and information for security, safety and lifestyle enhancements. The company continues to develop unique products that address the specific and changing needs of the security industry -- one that continues to evolve and present daily challenges.
This issue of GE's Innovation update cites some examples of issues that face the security industry and the innovative solutions employed to counter these challenges.
Picture Perfect 2.0 Creates a Safer Workplace
One of the top concerns of organizations today is the safety and security of employees. Recent incidents of workplace violence, potential terrorist attacks, and disgruntled former employees all present a challenge to management as they continue to develop and upgrade their security capabilities. Many systems now include enhanced, automated, digital surveillance cameras, turnstile and elevator monitoring, and electronic access cards; integrating all of these disparate systems has proved challenging for security officials.
In response to this growing need, GE Interlogix' CASI business developed Picture Perfect 2.0, an enterprise access control and management solution for complex security systems. Currently, 75 percent of Fortune 100 companies use a version of Picture Perfect. This new release will now allow for the complete integration of all systems plus increased performance and reliability. By having a fully integrated system and easing the burden of security officials monitoring many areas, Picture Perfect 2.0 creates a safer and more secure environment in the workplace.
The Proof is in the Pictures
How many times has someone been involved in an accident only to wish they had proof of what actually happened? The North County Transit District (NCTD) in California's North San Diego County has been grappling with this very issue for years, as claims are constantly filed against them for traffic accidents involving their buses.
With GE's MobileView On-Bus Closed Circuit TV, the North County Transit District finally has a solution. By outfitting its buses with the MobileView, the NCTD now has indisputable proof on video of exactly what happened during an accident, which has helped to cut liability claims and assist with cost recoveries in other cases.
MobileView is a great example of a technology that provides ROI for its users. In one instance, a woman claimed that the bus departed before she was seated, knocking her into the seat and causing injury. Though she had tripped, the video did not support her contention that bus movement was the cause, and even after her fall, she was shown walking normally with no type of injury. With video documentation, NCTD was able to prove it was not liable.
Cracking Down on Cocaine Trafficking
Illegal drug trafficking trade between the United Kingdom and Jamaica has been steadily on the rise for quite some time. To combat the growing problem, the UK's HM Customs and Excise and the Jamaican government enlisted the help of GE Ion Track's ITEMISER(R), a new desktop system that's used for the detection of trace quantities of illegal narcotics and explosives--clearly one of the biggest threats facing airports worldwide.
Through its non-intrusive scanning process, ITEMISER quickly and accurately detects even minute trace quantities of illegal narcotics. According to a November 21, 2002 HM Customs and Excise report, figures suggested that cocaine couriers were being driven out of business as a result of trace detection machines that were installed at Jamaica's two international airports - and the numbers speak for themselves. In the first four months of operation, the number of couriers attempting to smuggle cocaine from Jamaica to the UK had fallen by one-third, a clear victory for the two nations.
Simon(R) Improves Home Security Solution For the Visually Impaired
For many, home security can be as easy as installing an alarm system and setting it everyday; however, for visually impaired homeowners, this simple task can be quite complicated. Challenges can range from properly setting an alarm system, to using a keypad designed for those with eyesight, to remembering to turn on the lights. While many visually impaired individuals might be perfectly comfortable living in a dark house, it can become very inviting to burglars who might assume that the house is empty.
GE has addressed the unique needs of the visually impaired by introducing Simon(R), a home security solution for the visually impaired from GE Interlogix. Simon features a Braille keypad overlay and Braille user manual for the security system that is a perfect match for the lifestyle and needs of the visually impaired. Simon's home automation capabilities includes the ability to program lights, giving the home a "lived in" look, and an optional dialog thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when no one is home.
Simon's voice response assures users when it is armed properly, and notifies them if it isn't. It offers a complete security solution for visually impaired homeowners, providing them with home security, a fire alarm and environmental monitoring.
For more information on these announcements and other information about GE Global Research, please contact Jim Healy at (518) 387-6284 / [email protected] or Amanda Hamilton at (212) 931-6131 / [email protected].
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CONTACT:
General Electric,
Jim Healy, 518/387-6284 / [email protected]
or
Peppercom, New York
Amanda Hamilton, 212/931-6131 / [email protected].