VIP-Couch: Erich Hoving, CEO of Zenitel Group.

What made you take on a position in the security field?
The business of security management is one of the most relevant businesses in the near term and that is because it relates to the safety of people. There is more and more demand for the safety of people, therefore the security business will grow in importance and in market.

What is your vision for the security market?
In the past, security was about building security access, to make sure no one entered, let’s say, a building uninvited. Building security then evolved to pro-active monitoring, and now it is becoming interactive. Voice and communication in general will play an important role in security management.

What is the most important step for security management?
Security management needs to start involving all employees in a company and all individuals in a building or in a shopping area for example. We need to increase awareness so that everyone learns to have a basic responsibility for increasing the safety of an environment. We need communication but it’s involving everybody that will increase safety, not just the technology alone.

The best invention in the field of safety and security to your mind is?
Interactive security solutions where all security systems are integrated into one total solution. We have realised it is all about people: in an emergency situation people will talk to get attention and give commands, they want to see pictures to easily identify people and situations, and they want to have access control and alarm systems for automatic notification of possible intrusions.

One of your most recent successes was?
The introduction of Stentofon AlphaCom E – our IP based intercom and security audio platform. Using open standard such as SIP and Web 2.0, we can connect all security audio systems like intercom, radio, public address, telephony and control rooms together as an integral part of the total security management solution. Our solution works in an IP/IT environment allowing powerful networking capabilities as well as easy integration to the IT operation.

Which reform do you admire the most?
I would not say which reform but the decision to come to a standard for mobile communication I admire the most. That standard is TETRA. In the security industry we now apply two standards: TETRA and IP. This allows the players in the field to concentrate not just on the technology, but to focus much more on the applications for the users.

Who do you think deserves an award?

Awards are for heroes. Therefore, Nelson Mandela.

Which characteristics of people do you appreciate the most?
Respect – respect for your environment and for other people.

Which magazines do you read regularly?
The Economist.

Which book have you read recently?
Hotel Rwanda by Terry George.

What motivates you?
To try to improve every day.

What worries you?
That the world is short term orientated and forgets about the real medium and long term involvement.

Which song do you sing in the shower or in the car?
Imagine by John Lennon.

A motto of yours could be?
People love change, people hate to be changed.

About Erik Hoving

• Erik Hoving is CEO of the Zenitel Group. 
• He lives in Amsterdam, is married and has two boys and two girls. 
• His sports are squash and skiing – and he is an Ajax fan.