Security Management Digital Edition Reviewed

Most security trade magazines have boring web editions that simply copy the printed version. Indeed, ASIS's magazine Security Management did not even have a full web version. However, ASIS has now released a digital version of the magazine. In this note, we review this edition including a video screencast, and comparison to other suecurity trade magazines.

Overview

Because Security Management is sent to current ASIS members, it has a reach of over 37,000 subscribers globally.

In terms of content quality, Security Management is often higher regarded than typical trade magazines because of its original reporting and not reprinting fluff piece 'byline' articles written by vendors.

In this video screencast below, we walk through and provide commentary on the digital edition.

Analysis

A number of important differences are apparent between this magazine and typical alternatives. The digital edition of this magazine incorporates several unique items:

• Embedded Video clips and Slideshows: Both ads and editorial text is supplemented with video or slides. This additional media clarifies and enhances the message of what is printed.
• Interactive Advertisements: Many vendor's ads feature dynamic content that enhances printed information. Marketing messages are expanded in a way that is not possible simply with text.
• Interactive Editorials: several articles (eg: the Homeland Security piece, page 20) feature additional content (eg: Coast Guard video clip) that provides more information and more engaging presentation of the subject.

Conclusion

The May 2012 digital version of Security Management raises the bar for security trade magazines by delivering depth beyond flat digitizing of paper copies. The additional content and features of this version distingush the publication from other digital trade magazines, and the expanded format lends itself to more informative vendor advertisements and editorial commentary. We see this as a good template for the future of traditional publications.