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IT and security convergence: a South African perspective

While the acceptance of video over IP in South Africa is slightly behind that of other developed countries, the concerns and constraints are similar when it comes proposing a totally integrated IP solution, including:

* Any security system seeking to share an existing network infrastructure must seek the approval and buy-in of the company's IT department.

* The system must comply with the IT department's minimum hardware and software specifications.

* The choice of IP hardware often has to be compatible with the existing management tools, such as device and bandwidth monitoring software.

* The IT department often manages these systems, and therefore any additions or changes to the security system have to be approved by the IT department.

* Security departments are not always in favour of involving the IT department in all their decisions but they often benefit from IT's larger budget and may be able to install a higher quality system than originally specified.

In South Africa, however, most IP security systems are installed on a separate network to ensure independence from the IT department.

In both instances, the IP security equipment supplier is expected to assist with network and security system design, or the customer company will involve a separate network installation supplier to provide an adequate solution. This typically involves connecting multiple sites over either an existing or separate security WAN or LAN.

The implementation of IP security systems in South Africa is on the increase but growth will largely depend on two factors - bandwidth and education:

* The current bandwidth options in South Africa are insufficient and cannot cope with the high quality video images products like IndigoVision and Verint are capable of producing.

* Security departments must be educated about networks and their limitations when it comes to IP security.

* IT departments must be exposed to the advances made in IP security technology over the last few years and shown how the high level products available today can be configured to suit any existing LAN, WAN, wireless LAN or VPN.

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