Training, training, training

Training is one of my passions. It is something I enjoy. When I wrote my very first column for SSI magazine, it was the subject I chose to write about.

I find it fitting that I make that my first subject here.

I can't emphasize how important it is in the converged marketplace we are living in now to have someone on your team that is truly network savvy. Not simply "the kid who knows stuff about computers". We are far past that point.

If you don't believe you can afford to hire network expert, then the next step is to have "that kid" trained up as a network guru. This is a very worthwhile investment.

Sure, there are some basic networking concepts that most computer literate people can understand, but it's the more advanced technologies that catch people up. Take Multicasting for example. I have been utilizing Multicast traffic on network video systems for years, but when I went through a CCNA boot camp to get my first Cisco cert, I asked when we were going to discuss Multicasting. The instructor looked at me like I was nuts. "We don't even discuss Multicast at this level" was his reply. (That is changing, however, with the new CCNA curriculum. It gets far deeper into switching and LAN concepts than when I first got certified).

I can't tell you how many "IT guys" I've run into over the last couple of years (with just as many letters after there name as I have) that have no idea what Multicast is or how it works, let alone how to set it up.

Video over the network is a very advanced concept. It can cause severe consequences if not set up correctly.

Bottom line, whether it's CCTV 101 or Networking, training of any kind is a good investment. It builds employee morale and loyalty if they know you want to invest in them. It also lowers your exposure to liability (you have a better chance of mistakes not being made), and it can improve your bottom line if tasks can be completed faster and more efficiently.

until next time...

Welcome to the Wave

Welcome to the Convergence Wave.

Convergence is happening all around us, especially in the Security and IT industries. I'm hoping to be able to update this blog with the interesting happenings that correspond to both marketplaces.

For those who don't know me, I have been in the security, AV, and IT industries for over 10 years. I have been an end-user, integrator, manufacturer's rep, and a trainer at one of the largest manufacturers in the CCTV industry.

I also write a monthly column on just this very subject for Security Sales and Integration Magazine, called "Convergence Channel with Steve Payne". I try and take concepts and subjects that relate to one market or the other and discuss them in such a way that they will be easily understood by both sides (not always an easy task).

So stop by periodically, and join in the discussion. I look forward to hearing from you.

-Steve