In a strategic move that helps reposition Vector Security to better address today’s security clients’ needs, the Warrendale, Pa.-based integration firm says it has acquired customized managed network services provider Industry Retail Group, Inc. (IRG). Vector Security, a commercial and residential integration firm that reported $233,854,559 in 2012 revenue in a recent CI Profile, expects the IRG acquisition to help it move more quickly into the “complete managed infrastructure and business intelligence space,” according to a press release. IRG is a provider of customized managed network services for “thousands of Fortune 1000 retailer sites, quick-serve restaurants and convenience store chains,” adds the press release, focusing on “the design, provisioning, logistics and deployment of networks.” One of Vector Security’s goals, says VP of marketing Art Miller, was to bring managed services in house. “That was a driver for the acquisition. We tried to partner with some folks to fill [need for] the managed network services, and we learned that we really needed to have this in-house. They [IRG] are a great fit, very similar customers and very heavy into the retail space like we are.” Since the customer bases are so similar, there is an opportunity not only to add clients but to add services for existing clients, Miller adds. “On the IRG side, it’s an opportunity to leverage security into their space. For our part, it’s a chance to leverage networked solutions.” “Together we have the opportunity to offer customers a modular platform that simplifies the management of their infrastructure and gives them actionable, real-time intelligence that is second to none,” says IRG CEO Mike Luzio in the press release. We look forward to proactively addressing our customers’ unique needs for managed services and security.” The big take-way for Vector Security’s clients, Miler says, is it is bringing more solutions under one roof. “That’s what [customers] are telling us they really want.” Vector Security was in the process of figuring that out when CI interviewed executives for an April 2013 CI Profile. “As integrators, we have to change our business focus from hardware and software to how the customers can benefit post-installation,” said Miller at the time. “How will this help them solve their business issues, reduce risk, increase their bottom line? We need to be providing them with business intelligence that is beyond the contacts at the door or the cameras in the hallway.” The acquisition of IRG allows Vector to provide that business intelligence to customers, Miller says. “If they can take their security, analytics and business pieces over the [IP] network, they now have access to greater analytics, business intelligence and it gives them better visibility into all aspects of their business.” Vector Security says it will market its new managed network services solutions under the Industry Retail Group brand as a Vector Security company. Vector Security has retained all of the IRG employees as part of the acquisition and IRG will work closely with the Vector Security National Accounts teams located in Gainesville, Va. I find it amazing that manufacturers will still stoop to the lowest level to mislead the customer in advertising… Nice write-up. One thing I might add is that if you are getting a lot of quotes and/or are a sub sending out… Source.