Bruce Blackwood, VP & General Manager of Suttle, a division of Communications Systems, Inc., shares not only the long history of Suttle and how it impacts households across the country, but what’s new and positive in the company today.
CEDN: Tell our readers a little about Suttle. For those who may not be familiar, what’s your main line of business?
BB: Suttle has been in business 98 years, and since the mid 1960s has been the leading supplier of telephone jacks and modular connecting blocks to the major Regional Bell Operating Companies [RBOCs]. In fact, more than 80 percent of homes in the U.S. today have a Suttle product installed. Today, Suttle’s business is primarily focused on providing high-quality structured-wiring connectivity solutions for the home, from the central wiring panel to the jack.
CEDN: What makes Suttle stand out from its competitors?
BB: Suttle products are made of high quality materials, include many feature details that our competitors fail to offer and are reasonably priced. Based on feedback from our customers, they love the look, feel and performance of our products. The sleek lines of our enclosures make it attractive for the most discerning architects and interior decorators. In addition, we take care in designing our product to be fast to install and easy to use.
CEDN: What are some recent trends you’ve noticed in the structured wiring world?
BB: We’ve seen a trend towards larger enclosures as customers look to centralize more and more communications gear and electronics. In addition, installers are looking for more compact modules to save space to allow for this gear. Suttle has responded with several modules that combine functions such as voice and video distribution as well as higher density voice and data modules. Additionally, we’ve partnered with DSC and other manufacturer’s to be able to combine uses in the structured wiring enclosure and the security panel. Lastly, Suttle’s enclosures allow versatile mounting configurations for easy cable management.
CEDN: Any trends that haven’t materialized that you thought would?
BB: Actually, yes. Some folks have said that by now, wireless would make wiring a home a thing of the past. However, even though wireless technology has improved greatly in speed and security, it can be very challenging for a homeowner to install and manage.Interference is another obstacle to consider as more and more devices and technologies compete for the airwaves in your home. In the end, wireless is a great extension technology, but it won’t replace the advantages of a wired infrastructure any time soon.
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