11. More intelligence at the edge ― To lessen the burden on the network with continuous streams of video data choking the pipelines, many suppliers have been concentrating on developing cameras that are more self-contained and only communicate with a centralized network as needed. An example of more intelligence being placed on the edge is Samsung’s new Open Platform, which enables cameras to load and expand capabilities via apps similar to smartphones.
12. More openness and interoperability ― Many vendors’ booths have become rainbows of logos showing off how their products are officially interoperable with an array of other technology providers. This is great as it eases assembling seamless integrations, even if the promise sometimes exceeds the field results. Open APIs and SDKs are seemingly available to all interested parties. A chief example is VMS ecosystem leader Milestone.
13. More affordable advanced technologies ― In most cases, prices continue to plummet while features increase to produce very compelling value propositions. Take for example, Panasonic’s new 3 Series of cameras, an economy-conscious line with many of the capabilities of the company’s higher end 6 Series. Many vendors, such as FLIR, are offering much less expensive thermal imaging cameras now as well.
14. Video providers expanding into access control ― Several video surveillance manufacturers, particularly those with strong competencies in software development, are seizing additional opportunities on the access side. These vendors have tired of the fragmented, proprietary nature of the market to take a proactive approach with their own offerings that more readily integrate within their platforms. For instance, Video Insight’s VI Monitor v6 now includes MonitorCastEDU, an access control product designed for multi-campus applications. It should be noted there are also access control firms, like AMAG, moving the other way by adding video to their portfolios.
15. Cloud-based systems and services ― Less infrastructure costs, centralized storage and anywhere access of security data are attractive drivers for end users to adopt cloud services. Thus several manufacturers are not only releasing devices with cloud connectivity but also offering the datacenter services to support it all. Hikvision’s new technology partnership with Smartvue is an example.
16. Bridging silos ― Until fairly recently, the larger security manufacturers have cut off their noses to spite their faces by allowing different brands and units within their compa
nies to operate with blinders on and miss potential synergistic opportunities. No more. Networked integration and economics have driven giants like Honeywell, United Technologies Corp. and ASSA ABLOY to leverage the combined strengths of their assorted brands and lines for a more unified whole.
17. Integrating acquisitions ― Several high-profile acquisitions from the past year were shown to have been well integrated within their new parent companies. Examples were Milestone (Canon), VideoIQ (Avigilon) and Tyco Security Products (Exacq Technologies). It was also Allegion’s first ASIS show since being spun off from Ingersoll Rand.
Scott Goldfine is the editor-in-chief of CS’ sister publication, Security Sales & Integration.
