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In the Boardroom™ |  |
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Linear |  |
In The Boardroom™ With...
Mr. Michael O誰eal
President
Linear
www.Linearcorp.com
Updated September 24, 2013
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SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: We have all heard of Linear but
are confused about what Linear’s core businesses are. Can you provide
some clarity? Who is Linear?
Michael O誰eal: Linear LLC, is a leader in residential
and commercial access control, emergency response and security solutions,
for over 50 years, Linear has been selling product under our own brand
name and we are a leading OEM/ODM provider to many of the security industry’s
top brands. We’ve been a leader in the development of RF and other
wireless technologies and we are now creating solutions that foster new
levels of integration. The ultimate goal is to have a single platform
that addresses and manages products within the access control, security,
health & wellness and home technology families.
SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: There is significant change in
the security market. What are the most significant developments that you
see and how is Linear going to position itself to be successful?
Michael O誰eal: There are a significant number of new
entrants into the security market including many of the leading telcos
and media companies, plus DIY solutions designed specifically for home
improvement centers. Linear is already providing product platforms and
peripherals to some of the most familiar names in this group, and with
its wide product line and technology reach, is well positioned to work
with several more. In addition, technologies such as Z-Wave and the ubiquity
of smart phones make interactive systems not only possible, but expected
- and we are charging forward with new products to meet and exceed our
customer’s changing expectations.
SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: I have heard that in the last
18 months there is a lot of change in the Nortek and Linear businesses.
What are some of the major changes and how will they impact the business.
Michael O誰eal: There has been significant change in
the senior management of both Nortek and Linear over the past 18 months
or so. Along with the changes in management, there is an increased emphasis
and concentration on the most significant growth opportunities we have,
coupled with being more transparent with our customers, and taking a more
active role in helping to grow their business. Additionally, as a member
of the Nortek family of companies, we have the ability to leverage each
other’s technology and channels to deliver better Nortek solutions.
When you consider the brands in the Nortek portfolio and how they can
benefit from sharing technology and resources, Linear has a tremendous
opportunity to reach new markets and bring better products and service
to our dealers, and in turn, strengthening our stature as an innovation
leader.
SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: What new products are you launching
this year and how to they position Linear for future success?
Michael O誰eal: There are numerous new products and
services being launched this year by Linear. As an example, in our Security
business unit, Linear will release a new wireless security alarm system
platform under its own brand. Along with the new security system, Linear
will offer a cloud based interactive service that allows end-users to
control their system from anywhere using a smart phone or browser. From
our Access Control business unit, Linear will also be releasing a new
IP-based access control platform extending the range of products from
entry level to enterprise level solutions. Additionally, from our Health
& Wellness business unit, Linear will continue to add peripherals
and technology to the 4200-series emergency response system platform just
released in late 2012, as we strengthen our Health & Wellness solutions
portfolio.
SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Over the years, Nortek and Linear
have bought a large number of companies. Are there any plans you can discuss?
Michael O誰eal: We will continue to meet the needs of
customers in our marketplace through a number of avenues. These include
organic growth, in-house new product development, integrating with complementary
products and technologies from other brands within the Nortek family,
and where necessary, through acquisition. Most recently we acquired a
line of Z-Wave products from ACT to address a shortcoming in our product
offering. I’m confident that you will see many of these strategies
play out as we expand our platform of open-architecture solutions - this
is especially appealing to us. You will see us strengthen and integrate
our own products across families, as well as integrating them with products
from other manufacturers and brands.