Early this year, around forty four percent Americans said they feared a terrorist attack more than anything else in life, according to a Chapman University survey.
The news shouldn’t be much of a surprise. News of terrorist attacks, and speculations on the possibility of terrorist attacks, has filled international media space of late. People are more-than-ever in search of security.
“The ongoing issue of terrorism has focused attention on the effectiveness of IP video surveillance to increase the reach of security forces while providing an early warning mechanism,” says Tristan Haage, CSO of Mobotix
But terrorism in itself is just one of the issues, and is a broad term used to classify variety of safety threats. There are other concerns that are direct or indirect results of terrorism. Armed conflicts continuing in countries like Syria, and shooting incidents like the one at the French magazine Charlie Hebdo in January and an exhibition center in the U.S. in May are just a few of the examples of issues that have increased security concerns.
Increased spending on security and demand for latest products
An inevitable, snowballing effect of such issues has been a global increase in spending for security solutions, with special focus given to critical and public infrastructure.<
“The cumulative effect of all of these events of the past two to three years is that governments and private entities are investing heavily in security,” says Leon Langlais, Senior Director of Growth Markets and Regional Strategies at Tyco Security Products. “This includes increasing infrastructure security for trains, airports and buildings and includes physical and cybersecurity.”
This increased spending in security solutions ensures that the security solutions include up-to-date technologies. High-end video cameras that can capture maximum details and analytics software that can offer intelligent information are just some of the popular choices.
“Generally speaking, there is strong demand for cutting edge video cameras and management systems including video analytics,” said Langlais. “In Europe, smart and offline locks are particularly popular combined with regional integration-partner technologies. Software House and our new unified platform are well positioned to offer best in class solutions for European markets.”
Integrated with vertical technologies for better results
And when it comes to the installation of such top-end products, the key is to offer systems that are integrated with the respective vertical’s technologies. Speaking along similar lines, Paul Webb, CEO of Synectics gave the example of solutions for the transport team
“Transport systems such as these are also never truly self-contained but rather intrinsically connected to the wider towns and cities they support,” Webb said. “Therefore, the solutions that are implemented increasingly need to facilitate (if not now, then in the future) integration with external bodies, from emergency services and city traffic, school and even health authorities. This strategic mentality is becoming particularly evident with transport project specifications – especially in the Asia Pacific region where investment in transport infrastructure is currently high.&rdquo
Such a demand for customized solutions is pushing more opportunities forward for systems integrators (SI) with whom manufacturers are keen to collaborate.
Opportunity for systems integrators as security awareness rises
According to Langlais, Tyco Security Products has different integration partners in each region of the world, depending on regional and vertical market needs. For example, the company may offer integration with an elevator manufacturer in one country and perhaps have an integration partner specializing in biometrics in another.
If trends of the recent years are any indication to go by, issues such as terrorism are not going to abate any time soon. For the security industry this means more demand for robust solutions tailored to customer requirements. Manufacturers, distributors and SIs should realize this, and make sure they elevate themselves to a position to make maximum use of the demand.