DataStew LLC

Technology Focused Security Integrator | Access Control, CCTV, and Maintenance | A.I. Solutions | Networks | Genetec Experts

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

The biggest weakness I see in IT managers is the chronic underestimation of labor. And the more technically talented the manager, the worse it tends to be.

This stems from two compounding biases. First, technically strong managers tend to use their own competency as the baseline for task estimation, setting up expectations that can't be met.

The second bias is subtler. High performing managers are typically fast learners, so they assume they'll pick up new skills quickly. The problem isn't capability; it's capacity. They likely *would* master the new tool, but they don't have the hours available.

Together this creates a pattern of under scoped projects and overextended teams. This is why I beat the outsourcing drum so loudly. It's not about capability; it's about the capacity of your team to master another specialty.

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Yesterday the FCC banned foreign made routers for consumers (not something that @datastew sells but FYI). With the previous gear bans + the recent drone ban, I suspect we will see this list expand.

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

I just had a 30 min convo with a colleague about firewalls for a new client (yes at 8pm, I never close). We discussed options at $20k, $70k, & $150k, which is a wild range, particularly for a 150 user client. But the client has unique requirements, and the requirements drive the solution. 
I understand when client’s get frustrated with wildly different quotes from vendors, but I assure you that the majority of the time it’s because they are quoting different specs.
Good engineering is important, so please be patient with us next time we have twenty follow up questions on your project. It may save you a $100k :)

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Our Genetec maintenance plans are meant for organizations that have larger Genetec installations and need 365-day support, but are not large enough to employ a team of Genetec specialist. What I have found in the last dozen years is that most security integrators are good at low voltage work, but not at IT. It’s not that their staff are not smart enough, it’s just that IT is a very different discipline. And on flip side of that, most IT departments don’t understand or don’t want the responsibility of physical security. So, what frequently happens is a system with neglected maintenance, and when something goes wrong, everyone is pointing at each other. The reality is that security and IT merged a long time ago, and where they merge, we need people that understand both. Our Genetec maintenance plans are designed support these environments while still trying to respect the roles of the Security and IT departments.
https://t.co/8vs2sBq6X0

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

https://t.co/8R7kjJLBhp

[Ouster @ousterlidar]

Ouster Gemini integrates with Genetec Security Center to deliver advanced intrusion detection, leveraging high-resolution 3D lidar data for enhanced accuracy and reliability. Learn more about this collaboration: https://t.co/qXxx76pHT9

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Well built infrastructure can survive light incompetence

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

The ease of remote work makes it absolutely essential to know who is working on your systems.

https://t.co/T7kfCPmg7t

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Great to be talking technology and physical security yesterday at the ASIS NTX Vendor Fair

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

https://t.co/Kht0YY4bMM

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

I love when clients come to us with unique problems. In this instance our client was challenged with new regulation requirements that where going to be expensive to comply with. To address this, we created an Analytics (AI) solution package with our partner Vaidio/@IronYunInc (using the client's existing camera system). The solution has been so successful that we are adding more packages to address other needs for the client. Thank you to our partner Vaidio for including us in this case study!
https://t.co/BOzibVaxXS

[DataStew LLC @datastew]

AI, Analytics and Robots were all over #ISCWest 2025. It was good to catch up with (award winning) colleagues and partners. And so many new products!

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Email Life Hack: Create a rule that moves messages to another folder if the body of the email contains “unsubscribe” or “manage preferences”

It declutters your inbox, and you can read those mass emails later. No AI needed

[DataStew LLC @datastew]

We have met some great people at the 60th annual @TACUPA50 conference! Today is the last day to stop by our booth and talk about our great partnerships with @genetec , Axis Communications , & @IronYunInc

[Nick Neuman @Nneuman]

Recently I was called by someone pretending to be Coinbase support, trying to steal bitcoin.

I decided to turn the tables on him and ask him about being a scammer.

Things got wild - he completely changed his personality & told me everything.

Presenting: To Catch a Scammer 🕵️‍♂️

[DataStew LLC @datastew]

Thank you to all that have served

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

An AI Lesson (from twenty years ago)

https://t.co/GuNnXOLEHH

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Thoughts on using low-cost IT providers (and when not to)
https://t.co/SAPJjN8j3d

[Chris Millar @ChrisMillar_DS]

Offshore hiring has unique issues particularly around security. These issues are magnified when using offshore IT staff. Blog post on this topic coming soon.

https://t.co/UnJzuNCOuH

[DataStew LLC @datastew]

DataStew LLC is hiring a Business Development Professional in Dallas, TX! https://t.co/VSgM4GHyZk via @JazzDotCo