Hi-Tech Security Solutions (as it is known today) was launched as Electronic Security Systems SA, initially as a quarterly magazine targeted at 'end-users of security systems and to those professionally or commercially active in designing, providing, installing or operating such systems'.he magazine’s focus then, as it is now, was high-technology rather than ‘traditional security services addressed by existing publications.
It is instructive to take a little time out and revisit the companies of the day. Just what was going down 10 years ago? Reading through the list below, I am sure you will get a sense of déjà vu. So much has changed, yet so little has changed. The issues remain similar, the solutions too. Sometimes it seems that it is just the spec sheets that have changed. But change we have, no question about that. Rereading our 1995 issue of ESSA, there were no e-mail addresses or web URLs on any of the conventional security companies adverts (with SecWatch (an Internet savvy organisation) being the only company in our debut issue which boasted an e-mail or web address.
Oh yes, and we also provided reader reply coupons in 1995, something we do not do any longer. Feels a bit like LPs does it not? A reader reply coupon ... what on earth is THAT?
Enjoy the journey back to 1995. The following is a list of the first advertisers to walk the road with us all those years ago, and the products of the time. Some are still with us, many are not. And there is a story to be told for each of the companies highlighted below.
Fibre Optic Systems
Fibre Optic Systems, a then division of ATC (South Africa's only manufacturer of optical fibre cable), promoted its fibre-optic cable as a highly reliable interconnection alternative for video surveillance and computer systems.
FOS is no longer in business, though ATC most certainly is.
SecWatch
SecWatch promoted its Internet Security consultancy and support services. A product of the time (the WWW had hit the unsuspecting masses in early 1994), SecWatch (a product of the CSIR's Mikomtek) was a start-up network security company (August 1995) before it linked up with the SMC Group to form SMC electronic commerce (SMCec). The strategy of the company, with respect to network, information and transaction security, saw it play an important role in the evolution of electronic commerce, and in November 1998, EC-Hold successfully listed on the JSE, with SMCec as its primary subsidiary.
EC-Hold was granted a provisional liquidation order in November 2004.
Chubb
Chubb advertised its services by means of a corporate, brand building ad touting 'A 100 years of keeping South African Business in business.
Chubb continues as a powerhouse in the South African security industry today.
Spescom
Spescom Global Systems highlighted its Threshold 2000 access control booth, its SecurePhone, and its SL 7000 high power searchlight. This mix of products was indicative of the emergence of military orientated security products positioned as solutions for commercial (civilian) applications. They were of course too expensive, and battled to find favour in commercial applications, particularly in the midst of the influx of lower cost, high quality imports specifically designed for commercial applications.
Spescom is no longer involved in the security industry having totally re-invented itself as a provider of Information and communications technology to the global market.
Eagle Security Consultants
Eagle Security Consultants advertised its range of electrified fence alarm systems.
Unknown.
CAT
CAT advertised its Digit-Eyes Image Management and Transmission system with the pay-off line 'Simultaneous remote surveillance of multiple sites, day or night'. Ahead of its time, Digit-Eyes touted visual alarm verification and remote monitoring during an era of 14,4 Kbps analog modems. It was a tough sell, albeit a precursor to future technology trends. Over the years CAT has bounced around from Persetel Holdings (which merged with Q Data to become Comparex), to Intervid before a management buy-out in October 2004 had the company master of its own destiny.
CAT remains in business today in the form of Cathexis Technologies.
Philips CSI
Philips CSI advertised its colour CCD camera with 'unique' IR switching capability. Colour sensitivity down to 0,7 lux and monochrome sensitivity to 0,2 lux.
Bosch acquired Philips CSI in 2002
Hurbarn Electronics
Hurbarn Electronics advertised its Plotcall security system, touted as a 'local and long distance radio-based security system designed to give continuous security to groups, vehicles and industry'. Today the company continues to focus on its expertise in two-way radio communication, RF testing equipment, instrumentation, moving machinery analysis, magnetic data processing, and telemetry systems, navigational aid and ancillary equipments.
The company is still in business (and has been since 1954).
MAMI
MAMI advertised its multichannel RF remote controls and radio/telephone-based base stations. The company remains in business today based on its success in catering for the security needs of diverse clients with solutions ranging from its farm alarm monitoring to state-of-the-art alarm systems for the domestic household and industry.
MAMI remains in business today.
3M Verification Systems
3M advertised its security laminates and authentication label systems for protection against counterfeiting, pirating and tampering. 3M is still in this business and remains a world leader in the field.
3M South Africa has a countrywide presence in South Africa.
H. Rohloff
H. Rohloff advertised its infrared thermal imaging solutions. Highly sophisticated products which were pricey and had limited application in the security industry. Its core business today remains in materials testing and measuring throughout southern Africa's industries.
H. Rohloff remains in business today.
Irenco
Irenco advertised its outdoor (Peritec) infrared dual beam perimeter protection for domestic and industrial applications (50-200 m). Irenco was (and is) at heart a manufacturer in two focus areas: electronic products for various sectors of the industry, and plastic injection moulding products and services. Its core divisions today include security, electronics, plastics, and transport management.
Irenco remains in business today.
Specialised Radio Systems
Specialised Radio Systems advertised its ear microphone for fire/rescue teams, SWAT teams, VIP protection units, motorcyclists and high noise environments.
Unknown.
ECM Procurement
ECM Procurement advertised a range of Intevac (US) true day/night CCTV camera adapters, as well as Varo, Ni-Tec and Baird Optical Systems, as well as the Alvis remote bomb disposal vehicle.
ECM Procurement is still in business today.
Beta-Scan Electronics
Beta-Scan Electronics advertised a range of high performance CCD cameras to intensify low light images (X-ray to near infrared) to clearly observable levels. It also promoted electric fence energisers and IR beams for perimeter protection.
Beta-Scan Electronics is still in business today with its Stinger range of electronic security systems for perimeter protection (electrified fencing).
Vepac Electronics
Vepac Electronics advertised BNC/TNC/F Series/UHF jacks and plugs, boasting a 'no soldering', 'no crimping,' one piece design.
Vepac is still in business today.
Industrial Electronic Support
Industrial Electronic Support advertised its Trackerjon radio direction finding equipment.
Unknown.
Photonumerics
Photonumerics advertised its image analysis and machine vision equipment, realtime, colour image frame grabbers for both ISA bus and (new) PCI bus systems. The company also promoted its image analysis and machine vision software from the 'world's leading image processing software companies.
Unknown.
Bulwark Electronics
Designers and manufacturers of electronic security equipment, Bulwark advertised its parking control equipment, high security barrier gates, and central pay parking systems. Pay as you go systems were not the norm 10 years ago.
In 2001 ThoroughTec acquired the assets and intellectual property of Bulwark, which went into liquidation.
Genwest Industries
Genwest Industries advertised its rechargeable batteries, mostly targeted at two-way radio applications and portable equipment. The company supplied alkaline, nickel cadmium and lithium batteries amongst others.
In September 1997 Hansen+Reinders purchased the flameproof division of Genwest Industries forming a standalone company Genwest+Hansen.
TeleTek SA
TeleTek SA, a supplier of telecommunication technologies, advertised the 'smallest trunk portable radio available'.
Unknown.
World Spectrum Sales
World Spectrum Sales advertised its range of power sirens, horn speakers and piezo sirens, as well as a selection of lead-acid batteries targeted at the burgeoning security sector.
The company remains a significant supplier in the component distribution industry in South Africa.
Scotronics
Scotronics advertised its range of power sirens, horn speakers and piezo sirens. Founded in 1976.
Scotronics remains in business as an importer and distributor of electronic, electrical and audio components and related materials.
Stevro Agencies
Stevro Agencies advertised its maintenance free rechargeable lead acid batteries.
Stevro Agencies is no longer in business.
Prism Payment Technologies
Prism advertised its cryptographic security adapters designed for encryption of debit card, smartcard, electricity and key management applications requiring public key cipher support.
Prism today is a trusted transactions company that develops secure transaction technology through the integration and support of transaction products, solutions and services.
Power Controls
Power Controls promoted its fingerprint biometric solutions (yes, in 1995!), targeting auto payroll dispensation for ATMs, access control for computer security, drivers-licence controls and other personalised documentation controls. In 2000, Minotaur Holdings merged with Power Controls to form a new group called VELOCIT-e, which was ultimately acquired and rebranded as NamITech Gaming and Leisure.
NamITech remains a significant player in its four market focused strategic business units: Mobile Solutions; Banking Solutions; Industry; Government and Security Services.
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