Security is not a commodity, but a necessity.

While the terror alert remains high, building managers and owners are constantly reminded that securing a building in New York City is not a commodity, but a necessity in a post 9/11 world.

Prior to September 11th, building security was predominately viewed as a cost issue, and only

However, the attacks changed everything. Protecting a building and its tenants became the number-one priority, and a stronger emphasis was placed on providing a higher-quality of services.

Now, two years later, more and more building owners continue to invest millions of dollars in ensuring the security of their assets and tenants. And it's not just the landlords and managers of Class "A" buildings who are investing; Class "B" and "C" buildings have received multi-million dollars in advancements and new systems in 2003.

For example, Altman Burack Partners hired Classic Security to install new state-of-the-art security systems at 19 Union Square West and 9 East 37th Street, two Class "B" side-street office properties. The state-of-the-art systems allow for a safe and secure environment in the buildings. They each include a digital video recording system that captures, stores and manages the images of overt individual who enters and exits the building. Other changes in security measures include a call for additional uniformed guard services and in same cases armed guards. Recently, more than 30 building managers and owners attended Classic Security's counter-terrorism workshop.

The discussion given by the NYPD Counter-Terrorism Bureau, focused on security and safety procedures for commercial properties. Topics ranged from perspectives on terrorism to critical incident preparedhess. Another area of security that has grown significantly in popularity is the back-of-the-house messenger center. This limits the number of access points into a building as well as the number of outsiders on site.

Most recently, The Daily News Building at 220 East 42nd Street set tip its first such center for this 73-year old building. In almost two years, Gary Green of Bright Star Courier has established 12 messenger centers throughout New York City, including centers at 420 Lexington Avenue. 1 Park Avenue and 21 Penn Plaza.

The September 11th attacks forever changed landlords, managers and tenants view of building security, Effectively investing dollars into technology and management must now be a top priority.

GARY GREEN, FOUNDER AND CEO, CLASSIC SECURITY AND BRIGHT STAR COURIERS, SUBSIDIARIES OF ALLIANCE BUILDINGS SERVICES