Physical Security Basics Glossary

The definitions referenced were/are obtained and collected from multiple sources including industry publications and YourSix trusted partners such as Axis Communications.

Actionable Intelligence

Data that has been gathered and collated in a way that makes sense and provides context to the end-user, enabling him or her to take appropriate action.

Alarm Dealer

A traditional burglar and fire alarm company that installs systems and in most cases offers the alarms to be monitored by a 3rd party.

Business Continuity

An effort to maintain key business processes by planning for any mitigating threats to normal operation, such as terrorism and severe weather.

Channel

The "channel "collectively refers to those entities that support manufacturers in selling and marketing products. These include distributors, dealers, integrators, and manufacturer reps.

Distributor

A company that supplies products or services directly from suppliers and sells those products or services to resellers/integrators. (Example: ADI, Anixter, Ingram Micro, and ScanSource)

End Customer/User

A person or company or institution who buys and uses a product or service.

Hosting Provider

A service provider dedicated to providing hosting services, such as cloud hosting, video hosting, and server hosting. As the hosting provider, we provide a managed service for devices connected to the platform as well as the platform itself. This ensures that firmware updates including cybersecurity patches, health monitoring, etc. are always up-to-date.

Integrators

A company that markets commercial integrated software and hardware systems.

Manufacturers

Companies that actually make equipment.

Master Agent or Technology Services Brokerage Distributor

A business representative who controls the operation of other business representatives. (Example: Intelisys, Telarus, TBI, TCG, Americomm)

Master Service & Supply Agreement

(MSSA) A contract two parties enter into during a service transaction.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

Designation for companies that manufacture equipment that is then marketed and sold to other companies under their own names.

Physical Security

The protection of people, property, and physical assets from actions and events that could damage or loss.

PSaaS

(Physical Security as a Service) A method of providing security services to customers through software distribution over a network.

Recurring Billing

When a supplier automatically charges a customer for goods or services on a prearranged schedule. Recurring billing required the merchant to get the customer's information and permission.

Reseller/Integrator

A person or company that sells something they have bought to someone else. (Example: A reseller/integrator purchases from a distributor or agent and then sells to an end customer/user.)

RFP

(Request For Proposal) A Request For Proposal outlines the requirements for a project or opportunity.

Risk Analysis

The process that enables an organization to assess and understand the various threats that face it.

Security Integrator

Security integrators integrate/install security and intruder detection systems including access control, visitor and, video surveillance, emergency communication systems, fire/life safety, etc. Their integrated solutions can also include alarm management services – i.e. monitoring services for the customer’s alarm system.

Service Provider

A company that is offering solutions and services to their customers as recurring monthly revenue. Common examples include SaaS (Software as a Service), VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service), and PSaaS (Physical Security as a Service).

Site Survey

Inspections of an area where work is proposed, to gather information for a design or an estimate to complete the initial tasks required for outdoor activity. It can determine a precise location, access, best orientation for the site, and the location of obstacles.

Subscription

A purchase by prepayment for a certain number of regular deliveries or something or for a certain period of access to or use of something.

Video Surveillance

An electronic surveillance system that records video and sends footage to monitors for viewing and recorders for storage. Includes both closed-circuit television (CCTV) and network-based video systems.

YourSix

"YourSix" is a phrase commonly used in the Military or Law Enforcement. It originated in WWI with fighter pilots referencing the rear of the plane as their six. It later evolved to being used anywhere in combat; for example: "watch my six" or "I've got your six" to reference "watch my back" or "I've got your back" respectively. A simple explanation is to consider yourself standing in the center of a clock, whereas the 12 o'clock is in front of you and the 6 o'clock is behind you.

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