IP Based Solutions Gaining ConfidenceThe global physical security and access control (PS-AC) market is gradually changing due to fluctuating market dynamics. Post 9/11 security issues were given top priority and the PS-AC market saw a huge demand for security products. But during the recent economic recession, spending on security has decreased due to reduced budgets. Even though spending on security decreased, the overall market observed growth because budget cuts were not as severe for security as they were for other departments. Protection of assets is critical for many industries; hence to a small extent the PS-AC market for industrial plants was able to withstand the impact of the recession.
The PS-AC market is experiencing a major shift toward IP based solutions. Until now most of the security solutions were analog but IP based solutions have started to garner more confidence in the market space. The shift toward IP is influencing equipment purchases, upgrades, processes, and training.
With IP networks, many applications can share the same network and integration of these applications is also possible. Additionally, IP networks enable remote communications.
Open Standards
End users want ease of operation. They want security solutions that are easier to expand, customize, and integrate with other solutions. They are increasingly asking for open solutions that can conveniently tie the differing components and systems together. They want the freedom to choose from a large range of products offered by various suppliers and this is possible with open standards. Driven by intense global competition, suppliers are listening to end users by adopting open standards, collaborating with other suppliers to deliver interoperable systems, and providing services to end user to help them integrate security systems. So when suppliers struggle to remain competitive, end users enjoy better security solutions.
