FICO, a leader in facility security and building management systems, has a new addition to its commercial security offerings: the XSponse line of monitors, technology, and accessories designed to provide complete security for schools, hospitals, and commercial businesses of all types.
“XSponse is one of the most innovative security companies we’ve seen,” says FICO’s security strategy consultant, Gary Marrone. “The product and technology answer the urgent needs of schools, but we see applications in hospitals and other businesses.”
A Clear Need for a Better Response
The concept of XSponse came when CEO Lee Mandel, a veteran of the security industry, saw a need for a better response to the disastrous trend of school shootings, particularly incidents at Sandy Hook in Connecticut and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Indeed, the development of XSponse is supported by Ryan Petty and Andrew Pollack, fathers of teenagers killed in the Florida incident.
“After much research, we realized that the solution to school security was to be found in the IT sector,” said Mandel. “XSponse uses artificial intelligence and the power of the cloud to create an automated response to security threats.”
Based on a Security Ecosystem
The heart of XSponse is a computer platform known as X-Guardian. X-Guardian operates on an AWS cloud server, using data integration and AI management capabilities to create a security ecosystem. Power over Ethernet (POE) addresses electrical power and data transmission using CAT5 and CAT6 cabling. Facilitated by artificial intelligence, X-Guardian and the XSponse ecosystem of devices can recognize problem situations, minimizing or eliminating the need for manual intervention. Operation is either from a desktop computer or mobile devices such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
Input to X-Guardian comes from a selection of devices designed to monitor a range of activity:
X-Alert uses video and audio alerts and integrated sensors to detect unusual activity, environmental threats, unauthorized access, and other emergencies in a classroom or other building. School officials and first responders can assess situations from the X-Guardian platform. When X-Alert detects a problem, it can initiate responses, such as alerts, automatic door locking, two-way communication, and other measures.
X-Detect is a sensor mounted in the ducting leading to a room. It senses up to two dozen potentially harmful gases and airborne contaminants, most notably smoking and vape pen output, major problems on any high school campus. X-Detect will also identify and alert operators to carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, ethanol, methane, and up to two dozen other compounds and gases. Users of the XSponse system can also expect the addition of detection capabilities for additional harmful gases and contaminants in the future.
X-Display is a wall-mounted digital message display incorporating a video camera. Depending on the incident or need, administrators can program messages into X-Display. Messages can also easily be changed to reflect evolving situations such as lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders, all-clear messages, and other communications. Video capabilities can track incidents if they move from one area to another in the facility. There is also a built-in RGB LED strobe to maximize impact. This feature can be tailored to limit harmful effects on autistic individuals or those with environmentally triggered epilepsy (also known as reflex epilepsy).
X-Shield answers the needs of schools and healthcare entities that want to use all the major technologies XSponse offers. The X-Shield integrates occupancy sensors, environmental detectors (like the X-Detect), strobe lights, a Sony twelve-megapixel camera with a 120-degree view, a two-way speaker, and other features. Everything can be controlled through a seven-inch touch screen.
A vital feature of all video-enabled devices in the XSponse ecosystem is a mechanical shutter that covers and disables the camera unless there is an event. The shutter detracts only when the ecosystem is triggered, and cameras are enabled. This addresses privacy concerns during regular classes or in health facilities.These cameras are extremely important in allowing law enforcement teams to get a clear picture of bad actors, the location of hostages, and what kind of weapons are involved. An armed team outside a room can gauge their entry based on what they see from the real-time video on a tablet. “If the Uvalde school shooting incident had XSponse cameras,” said Gary Morrone of FICO, “the tragic outcome would have been completely different. Lives would have been saved.”
X-Wearable Panic Badge Holders add an extra layer of security and provide rapid communication for staff members. Features include a configurable panic button, vibration alerts, geofencing, and charging stations.
Another critical feature of XSponse components is the ability to geofence to track suspicious individuals as they move through a facility or warn staff if an individual moves into an unauthorized area (such as if dementia patients wander out of their wing). The XSponse geofencing capability is accurate to within four feet.
Other Accessories in the XSponse ecosystem include panic buttons, strobe lights, input/output modules, and a public address adapter (with multi-language capabilities). XSponse’s product development experts are frequently in the field, conferring with educators and healthcare officials about new products for the ecosystem. All the components in the XSponse ecosystem communicate with each other. In the event of an incident, there is no need to check multiple systems. XSponse is already doing the job.
All XSponse components are configured in the factory. When unpackaged on-site and installed, devices are operable and ready to go. All XSponse components are designed and manufactured in the United States. A significant advantage of using AWS to administer the platform is that all updates happen automatically through the platform.
Open Architecture
All of the devices in the XSponse ecosystem and the software that controls the platform are based on open architecture, which allows XSponse devices to work with other systems.
“This is an important feature,” observes Gary Marrone. “Schools and hospitals often have pre-existing security systems, access control, or P.A. systems, which serve a vital purpose. The XSponse open architecture ensures that pre-existing systems still function, and can be integrated into the ecosystem.”
Lots of Recognition
Xsponse is so innovative that the X-Shield was selected as the winner of the 2025 New Products and Solution Award by the Security Industry Association. The award was presented at the 2025 ISC West Show, a leading tradeshow in the security industry.
XSponse has also been featured on Fox & Friends and written about in Security System News, a trade publication in the security industry.
About FICO
For over twenty years, FICO has provided turnkey security systems for businesses, schools, office buildings, hospitals, and others in and around Montana. In addition to security, FICO personnel are experts in HVAC, building management, and integration services. Their staff has numerous industry certifications. FICO works with leading BMS and security component manufacturers to provide optimum environments that are secure, comfortable, and energy-efficient for occupants.
