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The Evolution of the Cloud conversation: Why “Why Cloud” is no longer the question the industry should be asking.

By Eric Joseph, Global Director of Business Development & Strategy

The conversation around Cloud in the security industry has been the topic of discussion for more than a decade and a half and while some people are still asking, or trying to answer, Why Cloud, the conversation has changed and there is no longer a need for such a debate.

Not because cloud has fully “won,” and not because every organization has already migrated. In fact, adoption is happening far slower than many manufacturers, analysts, and investors predicted. The industry moves at the industry speed, and is, and will likely always be, the steady turtle, not the dashing hare. But the direction is no longer really in question as cloud adoption is occurring and picking up speed every year. 

The conversation has shifted from Why Cloud? to something much more practical:

When does cloud make sense for your organization, and how do you get there the right way?

The Industry Is Moving, Just at Its Own Pace

Cloud-based security management systems are no longer hypothetical. Tens of thousands of organizations are already using them, and most others are evaluating their timeline for migration.

The reality is simple: physical security is tied to infrastructure that moves slowly and budgets that take time to replenish.

Unlike many traditional IT systems, security environments are connected to doors, readers, locks, cameras, and field hardware with lifecycles that often stretch 7–15 years. That alone changes the pace of adoption.  Costs to do a full migration out of cycle can be financially prohibitive, especially if they extend across a corporate enterprise.

And honestly, that’s okay.

The industry is moving to the cloud at the speed operational environments and security department budgets allow, not necessarily at the speed marketing decks predicted.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Appoints Doug Cherney as Director of Critical Infrastructure

May 19, 2026 –   ANDOVER, Mass. Minuteman Security & Life Safety, a leading provider of enterprise security technology and life safety solutions, today announced that Doug Cherney has joined the company as Director of Critical Infrastructure, reporting to Eric Joseph.

Cherney brings more than two decades of security industry leadership and channel development experience focused on protecting critical infrastructure, energy operations, people, and assets. In his new role, he will support the continued expansion of Minuteman’s Critical Infrastructure sector, helping organizations strengthen security operations, improve operational resilience, and stay ahead of the increasingly complex demands facing today’s critical infrastructure environments.

Prior to joining Minuteman, Cherney served as Business Development Manager – Energy at Motorola Solutions, where he focused on helping energy-sector organizations strengthen their physical, cybersecurity, and operational security initiatives. He also held leadership positions with Prosegur and Rekor Systems, specializing in channel partnerships, surveillance technologies, and advanced LPR solutions.

Install Once, Risk Forever? Why Access Control Hardware Demands Lifecycle Management

By Eric Joseph 

In the beginning, access control systems were treated like mechanical infrastructure. You installed them, they worked, and you didn’t think much about them again until something broke.  Then, in the early 2000’s, the realization that the access control software and the server running it needed to be upgraded regularly became universally accepted, but the access control hardware was often overlooked, as it could remain operational with only occasional firmware upgrades.

That approach used to work, but it doesn’t anymore.

What’s changed isn’t necessarily the access control hardware itself. Panels and readers are still incredibly reliable, the architecture is still similar, and the function it performs is still the same. The reader identifies the individual by presenting a credential, and the panel makes an access control decision to grant them entry. It’s not uncommon to see access control hardware running for 10, 15, or even more years without failure. That’s part of why the industry became comfortable with the idea that this part of the access control solution could run indefinitely.

But the larger environment in which that hardware is a part has fundamentally shifted. Today, access control is no longer a standalone system sitting quietly in the background. It’s connected. It’s integrated. It’s front and center to business continuity. And the access control hardware is now part of a broader network of devices that constantly communicate, update, and evolve. Whether organizations think of it this way or not, access control hardware is now part of the IoT ecosystem.

And once you view it through that lens, the “run it until it breaks” mindset starts to fall apart.

Minuteman Named Genetec 2025 USA East Region Partner

Andover, MA –  March 16, 2025– Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of North America’s fastest-growing security and life safety integrators, is honored to announce that it has been awarded the Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Award for USA East Region Partner. This award recognizes top regional sales performance, year-over-year growth, and outstanding service across the Genetec portfolio.  Through strong engagement with the Genetec ecosystem, including active use of the Genetec Portal and ongoing CPNA certifications through Genetec University, the Minuteman team continues to demonstrate technical expertise and commitment to delivering best-in-class security solutions.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Appoints Eric Joseph as Global Director of Business Development and Strategy

Andover, MA –  February 23, 2026– Minuteman Security & Life Safety, a leading provider of integrated security and life-safety solutions across critical infrastructure, data centers, healthcare, education, and enterprise environments, today announced the appointment of Eric Joseph as Global Director of Business Development and Strategy.

Minuteman Security Expands into Houston Market with Acquisition of AIC Security

Andover, MA –  January 13, 2026 –Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of North America’s fastest-growing security and life safety integrators, announced its expansion into Houston, Texas. The growth comes through the acquisition of AIC Security, a respected Houston-based security provider known for its strong customer relationships and technical expertise.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Expands New York Presence with Acquisition of Life Safety Integrated Systems Inc

Andover, MA — November 4, 2025 — Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of North America’s fastest-growing security and life safety integrators, today announced the acquisition of Life Safety Integrated Systems Inc., a leading systems integrator based in Buffalo, New York.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Announces Leadership Transition: Joseph Lynch Named Board Chairman, Ron Oetjen Appointed CEO

Andover, MA — October 21, 2025 — Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of the fastest-growing security integrators in North America, today announced a leadership transition to support its next phase of growth. Effective January 1, 2026, founder and current CEO Joseph Lynch will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Ron Oetjen, the company’s President, will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Expands Into Texas ThroughStrategic Partnership with Turnkey Security, Inc.

Andover, MA, October 17, 2025 – Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of North America’s fastest-growing security and life safety integrator, announced today a strategic move with Turnkey Security, Inc., an Austin, Texas- based systems integrator known for its deep technical expertise, customer dedication, and long-standing relationships across government, education, and enterprise sectors. As part of this collaboration, Turnkey Security will become a thoughtfully integrated core component of Minuteman’s expanded service offerings, enhancing its technical capabilities and customer solutions, while also significantly broadening Minuteman’s footprint and reach.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety Honored to be Named SDM’s 2025 SystemsIntegrator of the Year

Andover, MA – October 6, 2025 — Minuteman Security & Life Safety, one of the fastest-growing security integrators in North America and a leading provider of
integrated security and life safety solutions, has been named SDM Magazine’s 2025 Systems Integrator of the Year. This is the security industry’s most prestigious recognition, awarded annually to a company that demonstrates excellence in innovation, growth, employee engagement, and customer impact.