CCTV and IT security market convergence brings real opportunities for IT resellers and CCTV installer

Traditional CCTV installers need to develop networking knowledge.

The consensus of a recent discussion between leading CCTV distributors and installers as well as 'CCTV over IP' specialists and network security distributors, was that the physical and information security markets are set on a collision course, prompted by the great strides that have been made in development of technology to enable networked surveillance.

The discussion hosted by Dominic Bruning, UK MD of Axis focused on the dynamics that exist in the traditional CCTV market and how this status quo is already being disrupted by the emerging IP-based surveillance market. 

Other attendees taking part in the discussion were; Steve Johnson from Norbain, Andrew Minton market analyst Infoscape, Mark Bouldin from Telindus, Keith Bloodworth, Computer Network, Richard Lewis, Video Imaging Supplies, Bernie Dodwell, Allasso, Mike Holt, Sirrus and Phil Cox, Newport City Council.

The combined markets for network cameras and video servers (the devices used to convert CCTV output into the IP-based network) is set to nearly double from $235.34 million revenues this year to $398.7 million in 2003 (Source: Frost & Sullivan –December 2001) 

Some key findings from the discussion are listed below:

--Traditional CCTV vendors need to think more carefully about what IP surveillance products and software they offer

--Traditional CCTV vendors and installers generally work in a less proactive and dynamic way compared to their IT security equivalents and as CCTV is offered over IP they will need to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to extend their offering

--If these traditional CCTV players can gain the appropriate knowledge through partnership or collaboration with information or network security specialists, they stand to gain access to higher margin work and a larger market of SME companies which are looking to maximise existing investment in network infrastructure

--There is some resistance from customers for routing CCTV over the network. Some of this stems from the fact that the use and maintenance of CCTV installations today, is generally handled by a security or facilities manager, totally unconnected with the IT department. There may also be some resistance from IT departments to be responsible for yet another data intensive application on the network.

Dominic Bruning, discussion chairman, commented:

"Traditional CCTV installers need to act now or risk their information security reseller counterparts taking full advantage of this growing market for CCTV over IP. It is also clear that many in the traditional CCTV market are choosing to resist or ignore the signs at their peril."

The roundtable discussion was conducted on 25th September 2002 at Citigate Technology’s offices, Finwell House, 26 Finsbury Square. For a management summary of the discussion and CD-Rom audio recording please contact Jonathan SollittDavis on 0207 282 2955 or by email at jonathan.sollittdavis@citigatetechnology.com