Perimeter security and physical intrusion detection are crucial for critical infrastructure and large-scale commercial complexes. Whether for government and military facilities or commercial-industrial areas, having a reliable and efficient risk-deterrent system on the perimeter of any important site is now mandatory. On a global scale, there is much room for growth — IMS Research forecasts that in 2011 the intrusion detection market will surpass US$2.4 billion, and the perimeter security market will reach about $400 million. a&s explores the latest market update and technological developments in perimeter and intrusion detection, as well as key considerations for selecting and installing a complete system.
Perimeter security and physical intrusion detection are crucial for critical infrastructure and large-scale commercial complexes. Whether for government and military facilities or commercial-industrial areas, having a reliable and efficient risk-deterrent system on the perimeter of any important site is now mandatory. On a global scale, there is much room for growth — IMS Research forecasts that in 2011 the intrusion detection market will surpass US$2.4 billion, and the perimeter security market will reach about $400 million. a&s explores the latest market update and technological developments in perimeter and intrusion detection, as well as key considerations for selecting and installing a complete system.
Market potentialand sales performance for perime terse curity and intrusion detection products depend on the region or country's recovery from the recent recession, according to industry experts. 
Retrofit projects tend to take place in mature markets, while new projects occur in emerging markets. “The increase in demand is almost directly related to a country's GDP growth rate and economic recovery,” said Luc Joosens, Detection Product Management Leader for EMEA, UTC Fire & Security. “Countries that have experienced economic recovery in 2010 have demonstrated an increased demand for intrusion detection systems.”
The Americas and Asia markets have strong demand for perimeter and intrusion detection products. "The Asian markets have been driven by construction growth, low unemployment, high GDP, a growing middle-class and increased government spending," said Blake Kozak, Market Analyst for IMS Research. "The American intrusion market is forecast to be especially in demand because of the move away from traditional PSTN communications toward GPRS and wireless connectivity." 
“The Gulf region is a growth market for us, and we are actively developing our base there,” said Stewart Dewar, PM of Senstar. “In terms of emerging markets, India continues to hold opportunity for perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) companies as do Mexico, Colombia and Brazil. We have also recently opened an office in Singapore to address this region more aggressively.”
Several manufacturers concur with IMS Research's prediction on the perimeter security and intrusion detection markets. “To achieve US$570 million in 2014, the market would need to experience growth more than three times over what was seen from 2009 to 2011,” said David Curtiss, Director of Engineering at Smarter Security Systems.
“While that type of growth seems aggressive, government programs are placing requirements on critical infrastructure facilities that will need to be fulfilled. Also, there are new video management and analytic technologies now offered to replace or augment existing infrastructure.”
Conservative players have less bullish estimates, although they agree that GDP growth and government programs will drive this market. “The US market, for instance, will turn around over the next couple of years with regulations such as Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards for the petrochemical industry. The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code in relation to the seaport market is already impacting perimeter security business in Africa and other places,” Dewar said. “The next three years should give the sluggish markets, particularly in Europe, time to rebound and get back on track. In many cases, projects have not been cancelled but rather delayed or pushed off to deal with the economic challenge.” 
Others are even more optimistic about potential growth. “The worldwide perimeter security market should reach even more robust levels as new technologies are integrated into comprehensive solutions,” said James Ionson, CEO of Oncam Global. “Open perimeters, such as deserts or waterways, with few, if any, obstacles to access, present new challenges for the industry to address. The spike in piracy at sea and terrorist activity can be expected to result in the need for enhanced security systems for both commercial and luxury travel vessels, as they extend surveillance from a liability focus to also include perimeter security.”