Tyco, Princeton, N.J., expanded its Global Center of Excellence (GCoE) in Birmingham, Ala., so that multinational companies can streamline and standardize their security systems around the world. The GCoE develops standards, technical specifications and detailed work plans that enable consistent security installations globally, while also providing customers with remote system audit services to verify functionality and compliance to corporate standards.

The expansion of the center will allow Tyco to better serve clients with a single point of contact for their global security needs. The center will also play a key role in the company's effort to create comprehensive solutions that encompass a range of building systems.

"Integrating systems and technologies to solve customers' problems is at the heart of our future, and this center brings us a step closer to that vision," says George Oliver, chief executive officer. "We are driving toward bringing not only security systems, but also fire and other building systems together on a common platform to provide customers with unprecedented insight and control over their operations."

The new 24,000-square-foot facility currently houses 90 employees, including certified design engineers, computer-aided design operators, program managers, system engineers and other specialists who design and document global security standards for enterprise-level intrusion security, access control, video management, fire systems and integration. The GCoE's diverse team has multiple competencies, including fluency in 14 languages, and is well-versed in the business and cultural nuances required to successfully conduct business in the 38 countries the center supports.

"The Global Center of Excellence offers a lot of value to our customers by providing a single point of contact for all global security needs, saving time and resources while allowing access to multiple competencies in a centralized location," says Renae Leary, vice president of global accounts. "As companies are driving out costs and consolidating real estate and operating expenses, many are now realizing the huge benefits that come with standardizing on IP-based security solutions and partnering with a global integrator. This alignment delivers consistent execution of technology in terms of quality, timeliness and most importantly, a higher standard of security to protect their people and assets."