Bullzi's Creative Forecast

LAKE MARY, Fla.--Bullzi Security, the "converged" security integrator formerly known as 21st Century Corp., announced April 18 the acquisition of Creative Forecast, an international graphic design firm headquartered in Longwood, Fla., that specializes in Flash animation, 3-D rendering and simulation technologies. Terms of the deal were not released, but Bullzi will add 25 Creative Forecast employees along with its technology, nearly tripling its workforce. Earlier this year, 21st Century changed its name to Bullzi (pronounced "bull's eye") Security and hired new international president Jim Kootnekoff, who's headquartered in Calgary, Alberta (search "bullzi" at www.securitysystemsnews.com). Bullzi touts itself as a one-stop shop for both IT and physical security, providing everything from compliance programs and information security services to physical security solutions and education programs. The company has an eLearning focus, giving clients the power to understand what exactly they need for security. Thomas Welch, Bullzi founder and chief executive officer, said it's the education programs where Creative Forecast's skills will be applied. "What's happening today," he said, "is that broadband capability is allowing you to deliver a lot more out to the end user in terms of education platforms that are more interactive and enhance the learning experience." For instance, as part of its services to end users, Bullzi might provide interactive educational programs for all of a company's employees, educating them about everything from phishing attacks to propping doors to escorting guests into the building. "Some things are common sense, other things are more difficult to understand," said Welch. "Our programs are almost like entertainment. We make it intriguing and engaging for the end user, and the ultimate goal is to modify behavior." Welch said IT security education is much more in demand. Currently, Bullzi does all the IT security installation and contracts out the physical security installation, but Welch said Bullzi is looking for physical and IT security integrators to acquire. The acquisition should not only help with reducing subcontracting needs, but also help with geographic reach and market penetration into different verticals, he said. Currently, Bullzi has 12 employees and has goals for $2.5 million in 2007 revenue. However, said Kootnekoff, Bullzi acquisitions like Creative Forecast could add to that this year and Bullzi has hired a new chief financial officer, John Dambrauskas, to head up those efforts.