Bold Blog: Alarm Automation Software and Services

Bold Technologies’ Latest Addition Strengthens Development; Welcome Adam Eurich!

Kellee Hardy — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Colorado Springs, CO - Bold Technologies, the industry leader in central station and alarm automation software solutions since 1981, has made another growth move by adding Adam Eurich, a Senior Development Specialist, to its already highly-skilled development team.

Prior to joining Bold Technologies, Eurich worked at Dice Corporation and brings over 19 years development experience in alarm automation software. In support of Bold’s constant commitment to growth and development, Adam’s addition to the staff brings another veteran presence and significant experience. Bold’s development team has recently posted industry Maximum Impact Award wins for its MediaGateway, BoldTrak and PBXAssistant solutions over the past three years. Adam will begin immediately working on new advances and enhancements for customers.

Rod Coles, President of Bold Technologies, commented, “This is a very exciting time for our company. With increasing competitive and economic challenges, Bold continues to deliver. It’s been our strength over the past years. Competitors have committed to various solutions and simply not produced. It’s been one of the main reasons we’ve continued to grow at such a high rate. Adam’s extensive experience and enthusiasm for his job compliments our distinctive approach to implementing new innovative software.” Coles added, “The fact that highly skilled technology professionals are prepared to move their families across the country to join Bold Technologies, shows me that we are doing exciting things in the industry and that we have created a culture within the company that people want to be a part of.”

Adam, too, is pleased with the new union. “Bold gives me an opportunity to work with advanced technologies and development methodologies, which benefits me both personally and professionally. The company is very forward-thinking and innovative, while being responsive to customer’s needs. I’m excited to be a part of such a driven team and look forward to contributing.”

For more information about Bold Technologies, please visit www.boldgroup.com.

Generational Aspects of Adult Learners

Caryn Morgan — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

As trainers we sometimes do not consider the important generational aspects of the students in our training classes. Below is a great reference to better understand how learners in your training classes approach work and their education.

"Traditional Generation members (born between 1922–1945) tend to:

• believe in conformity, authority and rules

• have a very defined sense of right and wrong

• be loyal, disciplined, logical, detail-oriented

• view an understanding of history as a way to plan for the future

• dislike conflict

• seek out technological advancements

• prefer hierarchical organizational structures

Baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) are drawn to:

• long hours at the office, including evenings and weekends

• building their career over the long term and loyalty to their employer

• viewing themselves and their career as one and the same

• commitment to quality and doing a good job

• “hanging tough” through difficult work situations and policies

• finding solutions to problems

• being in charge and respecting authority

Members of Generation X (born between 1965-1980) tend to:

• prefer high-quality end results over quantity

• set and meet goals and are very productive

• multitask

• balance work and life; like flexible working hours, job sharing

• see themselves as free agents and marketable commodities

• be comfortable with authority but not impressed with titles

• be technically competent

• value ethnic diversity

• love independence

Members of Generation Y (born between 1981-1994) tend to prefer:

• effecting change and making an impact

• expressing themselves rather than defining themselves through work

• multitasking all the time

• active involvement

• flexibility in work hours and appearance; a relaxed work environment

• teamwork

• on-the-job training

• getting everything immediately

• a balance of work and life" (Mitchell, 2005)

Mitchell, B (2005) Value Options, Achieve Solutions

I know that I have to consider these items when teaching training for Manitou. Some references will fall on deaf ears if the generation can't relate to it. Also, when preparing training it is vital to consider these differences when preparing materials. Yes, not everyone falls into their stereotype, but it is a good place to start!

Happy Training!

Grief Involved with Change

Caryn Morgan — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:14:00 GMT

I had several conversations with people last week at our Users Conference where they were experiencing change within their organization and the challenges that ensued as a result. That got me thinking... every change requires people to pass through the grief process. Recently, I read an article that articulated the stages in the grief process in a funny but accurate way. I thought I might share this:

"I like to use the analogy of losing the keys to your car. For example think about a normal work day in your life. You arise at the normal time and go through your normal morning routine. As you ready yourself to head out the door you go to where you always keep your car keys. You are shocked when they aren’t hanging on the keyboard, in the key drawer, in your purse or coat pocket. You can’t believe your eyes.
1. DENIAL – “No, it can’t possibly be. I know I put them right here last night.” You look everywhere! You check every nook and cranny in your home. You search your car. You go back into the house and look everywhere you have already looked!
2. ANGER/BLAMING -- “It isn’t possible! My keys were just here! I never lose my keys. I take such good care of everything and I am always so careful.” You rant and rave that your keys can’t be lost and if they are, it isn’t your fault. It’s your stupid husband, wife, son, daughter, houseguest, cleaning lady, or dog.
3. BARGAINING – “Keys, if you just show up I promise to be more careful next time.” You make a deal with God, the house ghost, or the keys themselves to be found so that you can be on your way.
4. DEPRESSION – “I can’t believe I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be fired, I am going to be demoted, and everyone is going to know that I am irresponsible and a loser. How could I be so stupid?”
5. ACCEPTANCE – “Well, I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be late for work. I need to make a decision on what to do next. I can and will deal with the consequences.” "

(taken from: http://www.counselingforloss.com/fivestagesofgrief.html)

These are very real experiences that everyone experiences on a regular basis. We can correlate that into the changes made within our organizations. For example someone is getting ready to retire and they are reliquishing some of their responsiblities to another, most likely younger, person. The person reliquishing these responsiblitys may be glad to be rid of them, but they still have to grieve the loss. Some may percieve that they are less important now. So how do we manage for this? What might help this person transitioning to a new stage in life feel better about the loss?

The same can be said when people are moved from one specialty to another. They must grieve the loss of the old and get ready for the new. Just like personal loss, time will heal much. It is important to consider that everyone has a different timeline and that will also require patience from managers and owners.

I hope this was helpful. If you would like a copy of a really useful article on "The Grief Involved in Change" please contact me carynm@boldgroup.com for a copy.

Bold Product Spotlight - LineCheck‏

Kellee Hardy — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:57:00 GMT

LineCheck

Tired of manually calling all of your receivers lines to make sure there is a handshake?

Then the LineCheck module is what you need. A low cost turn-key solution is available for this module.

LineCheck is a component of Bold's award winning MediaGateway package that works with any automation package. LineCheck allows receiver lines to be constantly tested for any kind of failure. LineCheck will call your receiver lines on a schedule determined by you, it will attempt to pass a contact ID signal to the receiver to fully test the receiver path. If a failure is detected then the LineCheck can call an alternative number and report an immediate failure using contact ID, if the automation system is Manitou it can report the problem directly to Manitou via its XML IP protocol.

The advantage of this mechanism is that problems are reported immediately, no more waiting for late-to-tests or having operators dial up the lines. The system can test the lines as often as once a minute, continuously 24/7.

With a simple 4 line analog card the system is capable testing 240 lines per hour, if more is needed the system is easily expanded.

For more information, please contact:

Bryant Hardy
(719) 593-2829 ext.177
bryanth@boldgroup.com

Tiffany Coles
(719) 593-2829 ext. 119
tiffanyc@boldgroup.com

Bold Technologies Makes Impact at ESX

Kellee Hardy — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:57:00 GMT

Bold Technologies Makes Impact at ESX

Bold Technologies recently celebrated its third straight Central Station Software Maximum Impact Award, this time for its BoldTrak mobile monitoring solution. The ESX Maximum Impact Awards program is the first and only program to place a critical perspective on the impact that new and recently introduced products and services have on security integration and monitoring businesses.

"It's an honor to continue to get the affirmation from the industry's best--that you're headed in the right direction," Chuck Speck, company Vice President said upon receipt of the award. "We're fortunate to have a great committee of customers who help drive the direction of the product. Our development team really fights to fill the needs that are out there, pair these with our customers and deliver solutions that make sense in the real world. Awards are fantastic, but the confidence of your peers is a solid affirmation that you're listening, and ultimately delivering the right things."

Bold plans to continue its growth, not only here in the US, but strengthen its presence in Europe as well. "The Valencia-based European office has started even stronger than we imagined since its January opening," Coles commented. "We're looking to add staff there as well, and excited for what the last half of the year will bring."

Bold Technologies is a leading provider of automation solutions for central stations and monitoring centers worldwide. Visit Bold Technologies at www.boldgroup.com for more information.

Bold Welcomes Industry -Veteran, Amy Condon

Kellee Hardy — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Bold Welcomes Industry -Veteran, Amy Condon

On the heels of its record-setting year, Bold Technologies continues its leadership and commitment to bolstering the internal team with the addition of industry veteran, Amy Condon. Having added 54 central stations last year to the Manitou family and already on track to surpass that pace this year, Bold Technologies maintains its firm commitment to the service of its current customers along with aiding new customers in realizing the potential of better automation solutions.

"Amy is a great addition for us," Rod Coles, Bold Technologies' President said. "She has a great name throughout the industry and comes to us with a good base of knowledge. We're excited to offer her an opportunity to grow her own career as well as bring such a talented addition to our customers."

Amy Condon spent her last 13 years at Dice Corporation, another industry software solution provider, where she was a leader in customer service and support efforts. Prior to her time there, she was a part of a Michigan-based central station, bringing a well-rounded perspective to Bold's Customer Care team.

"It's already been great to experience such a unique focus on the customer experience," Condon said of her move to Bold. "I've been given a chance to work with more advanced technologies and a growing, excited customer-base. It's been a tremendous fit from day one. I love working with customers who really see you as a partner and back the direction your company is going!"

Early registration ends this month!

Brandon Lilly — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:25:00 GMT

Early Registration pricing for the 2011 Bold Users Conference is only available until March 31st!

Happy New Year!

Brandon Lilly — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:20:00 GMT

Friday Fun - The "VuVutech 5000"

Brandon Lilly — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:11:00 GMT

AMCO, an alarm company in the UK, has 'developed' what it's calling the world's most annoying alarm. The "VuVutech 5000"

Bold offices closed for Thanksgiving

Brandon Lilly — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:02:00 GMT

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, our offices will be closed this Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th. Please call our after-hours support line if you require emergency assistance.