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Is UTC's Plan for GE Security a Mistake?
by John Honovich, IPVM posted on Nov 14, 2009 About John Contact JohnUTC's Fire and Security CEO is beginning to reveal UTC's plans for GE Security's assets. We think two of the most important are risky.
Here are the 6 key strategic elements (as defined in Slide 9 of UTC's presentation):
- Add Edwards Fire group
- Complement Lenel
- Integrate Casi-Rusco into Lenel platform
- Accelerate Development of VMS platform
- Combine UTC services with GE products
- Generate cost savings
Will UTC's Plan for GE Security Work?
While consensus exists around the value of the fire business, the access and video components may face significant challenges.
- Integrating Casi-Rusco into Lenel is redundant. Also, Lenel is a more modern system than Casi-Rusco. Why hold Lenel back to integrate a legacy system that is on its way out?
- Why accelerate development on a VMS platform that has fallen severely behind? Is it worth it to accelerate Kalatel or Visiowave development? I guess they are stuck with GE video but would it not have been easier to just buy modern systems like Milestone, Genetec, etc? And how does this impact the OEM deal with OnSSI for Skypoint - another more modern system?
- Does this really complement Lenel or would smaller acquisitions of more modern technologies that are clear fits work better?
[Note: See background on GE Security and the UTC Purchase.]
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