by Arlene Marom

This was written for the Security & Safety section of GlobalSources.com - following 9/11.

Following the recent terrorist attacks in the US, buyers of security products and services are increasingly turning to Israel as a source of advanced technology, field-tested products, tailor-made solutions, and specialized consultants. Israel's leadership in the industry is often ascribed to its geo-political reality, as well as to its vibrant high tech community - a combination that has resulted in the development of a wide range of cutting edge security-related technologies and applications.

Well-established firms, alongside fledgling startups, are creating next generation off-the-shelf and customized products at highly competitive prices in areas such as wired and wireless surveillance, access control, CCTV and video systems, as well as vehicle, personal, airport, and hazardous materials security. Israeli manufacturers are well connected with, and understand the needs of, the global security market, and are flexible in their responses to customer requests. Israel is ideally positioned as a gateway to both the East and the West, and enjoys the unique advantage of Free Trade Agreements with NAFTA, the EU, and EFTA.

Israel's security industry has wholeheartedly responded to the industry trend toward comprehensive security packages. Utilizing their extensive operational experience, many firms offer total solutions, including concept, product integration, professional support, training, manuals, consulting services, and post-sales services. According to the Israel Export Institute, Israeli-made security solutions protect installations around the world; governments, security organizations, banks, pipelines, power and electricity installations, presidential palaces, computer companies, and business tycoons in every corner of the globe employ Israeli security advisors.

In the area of perimeter security, Israel's sophisticated systems are often embedded with: electronic devices; advanced CCTV cameras and remote real-time video technologies; sensors that can withstand harsh environments; hidden infrared LED illuminators and buried cable sensors; and, security management systems with central control stations. According to Mr. Izhar Dekel, President of MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD., Israel offers a wide range of solutions to meet the requirements of all types of buyers, from armies and law enforcement agencies to private individuals and businesses. MAGAL's Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems - the taut wire products known for their reliability, their high detection rates, low false alarm rates, and infrequent replacement requirements - have been used to defend Israel's borders for over 30 years. The company's R&D is currently focused on new types of sensors, software, and control units, as well as video monitoring.

The future direction of the consumer security industry, according to Mr. Ilan Koren, VP R&D, of ROKONET ELECTRONICS LTD., will be towards integrated systems in which home security will be part of home automation. Systems will offer remote control and monitoring via the Internet and mobile phones, as well as local control of in-home appliances. ROKONET's residential and commercial systems, says Ms. Dvora Braunshtain, Marketing Communications Manager, include integrated control panels, intrusion alarms and detectors, wireless receivers and transmitters, CCTV, access control, DVR (Digital Video Recorder) software, and glassbreak detectors.

Wireless home networks will become an integral part of every home in the future, according to Mr. Don Weintraub, VP Sales & Marketing of ELECTRONICS LINE (E.L.) LTD, offering a range of applications limited only by the imagination. However, for many people, the future is already here; in the wake of September 11th, the status of security products has been upgraded from "nice to have" to "must have", and heightened interest is being expressed specifically in wireless security applications. Weintraub believes that Israeli companies offer a superior price/performance ratio and true value for the money. Focused on the integration of innovative wireless security systems with home networking, ELECTRONICS LINE's systems include sophisticated data encryption, intelligent home capabilities with remote control and monitoring of up to 16 electrical appliances; medical/elder care functionality; and advanced cellular and web-based communication options.

According to Ms. Sarit Lamerovich, Marketing Communications Manager of VISONIC, the entire concept of security is changing, with several new trends already evident. Total Life Style protection will be offered in packages customized to users' needs. A new system of payment for these service packages will be based on a pay-per-use system. Future marketing channels - in addition to today's dealers and distributors - will include architects and builders, utility and phone companies. VISONIC's user-friendly, easily installed, advanced systems - available in 15 languages - monitor and control all household appliances, either wirelessly or utilizing existing cables. Remote activation by mobile phone enables control of air conditioning, stereo, coffee makers, and sprinklers; users can receive messages via PC, laptop, or cell phone. Two-way voice communication can automatically notify kids' return from school or signal that elderly family members are in danger. In the future, VISONIC will market Internet-connected, tailor-made, audio/visual solutions that will enable users to view their homes and offices in real time, see and be seen by their children, their parents, their doctors and their bankers.

Israel also excels in personal protection - helmets, eye protectors, anti-ballistic vests, special clothing and boots, and NBC (Nuclear-Biological-Chemical) products. According to Mr. Eran Elad, CEO of ROM-PHONE (1993) LTD., the global market for personal protection products is vast and growing rapidly. The trend is toward the inclusion of user identification, coordination with GPS, and various types of detectors, including fire, gas and movement. ROM-PHONE's systems feature a unique combination of audio signal and voice capabilities, enabling users to speak directly with the central monitoring station. Like most Israeli manufacturers, ROM-PHONE offers high quality technical support for its full-featured, low cost units currently operating around the world.

Israel is also an excellent source of security products for vehicles. According to Mr. Igal Levy, President of Xi INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEMS, LTD., the trend is toward real-time response, anywhere. Xi develops vehicle tracking and mobile security systems for defense and commercial applications. Xi's commercial products offer mobile access control, vehicle and passenger protection, and real-time wireless remote monitoring. Levy believes that the high quality of Israel's products is the result of innovation, advanced software, and many years of tough field experience where the need for total personal security - everywhere and at all times - has been an integral part of the Israeli experience.

As with other areas of the security field, Israel is a world leader in biometrics. One of the most exciting new technologies to reach the market is the Penflow system designed by WONDERNET LTD. - a developer of biometric signature authentication. Re-establishing the importance of the handwritten signature, the system is based on a dynamic process that tracks the characteristics of a person's signature, and the movements that create the signature, including the speed, pressure, rhythm, and even the changes in the air above the tablet - adjusted to short and long term variations due to mood, health, and age by the creation of a dynamic signature profile. According to Mr. Alon Sider, the company's Marketing Communication Manager, it can be used as a substitute or a supplement for passwords, PIN numbers, ID cards, and PKIs. A test conducted by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem resulted in less than 1% error.

Consisting of a pen, pad, and software, it is easily installed, supports all operating platforms, and integrates seamlessly into company interfaces. It can't be lost, stolen, shared, or forgotten, requires no card replacement or system updating, and can simultaneously identify and authorize up to forty signatures per second. It can verify identities at Point-of-Sale, confirming that a credit card holder is in fact the card's real owner. It can monitor access to physical installations, medical records, LANs, WANs, Intranets and Extranets. It can be used to control production and QA in a variety of industries and can enable us to become customers of banks, and not just branches. Mr. Shai Waisel, CEO of WONDERNET, describes the company's latest application, a software program added to PDAs, as the only product on the market that can effectively protect PDAs from fraudulent use of information. The Penflow engine is creating long-lasting changes in the way we identify ourselves in every area of our lives, and in unlimited workflow applications in every field.

Arlene Marom, the Director of Tech River Ltd., is originally from Miami, Florida. She moved to Israel in 1976, and since 1995, has been working with Israeli high tech startups. She can be reached as follows: Tel: 972-3-6419107, Cell: 972-52-4527179, E-Mail: arlene@tech-river.com