Just six months after buying Israeli-based video surveillance firm DVTEL for $92 million in cash, FLIR Systems has acquired Innovative Security Designs (ISD), a provider of intelligent systems and IP technologies, in a deal that finalized June 3, 2016. About a year ago, FLIR partnered with ISD on several projects, and the two companies became familiar with each other?s skillsets and plans. Flir purchased ISD from from rival Digital Watchdog for an undisclosed amount.

According to John Distelzweig, general manager of FLIR?s security segment, ISD?s experience in embedded firmware development and advanced camera platforms made the company an ideal acquisition target for FLIR. ?We have a fairly deep knowledge base with respect to thermal cameras but when it comes to visible [imaging] cameras, we?ve been looking to expand our expertise there,? he explained.

ISD, which was initially acquired by Digital Watchdog in 2014, generated a lot of industry buzz several years back when its Windows-compatible Lynx surveillance camera took home the top prize in SIA?s New Product Showcase at ISC West. Distelzweig believes that ISD and FLIR are currently a better fit for one another given the company?s product development plans.

ISD management and employees will stay in their location in Irvine, CA, and ISD?s existing customer base will continue to enjoy the products ISD has made historically, according to Distelzweig. In general, however, ISD goods and services will be brought under the umbrella of FLIR in name and in practice.

FLIR first entered the visible imaging surveillance camera market in late 2012 following their acquisition of Canada-based Lorex Technology, which brought both consumer and commercial-grade cameras into the company?s product portfolio under the Lorex and Digimerge brands. Since that time the company has worked on developing cameras that can meet the needs of applications across the security spectrum and that would complement their position as one of the leaders in thermal imaging.

That goal was given a significant boost last December when the company acquired DVTEL, which already had a global footprint in the mid- and high-end surveillance market. Distelzweig said DVTEL?s integration into FLIR is going well and that all of their products are ?playing well? together.

According to Distelzweig, the acquisition of ISD will not only include the company?s portfolio of intellectual property but key personnel as well.