printer friendly version

Dispelling the myths of IP video: Myth #3: IP surveillance is unproven - Part 2

In this series, Roy Alves, country manager of Axis Communications South Africa, examines 10 myths about IP video.

Entrenched technologies

It is clear that the shift to IP technology is inevitable. As JP Freeman states in its latest report: "It is the direction in which security is moving, and moving quickly, with or without us." However, because IP surveillance is a relatively new technology, it requires a new mindset and knowledge base among integrators, consultants, and industry influencers in order to overcome established procedures.

Many of us remember when typewriters provided all the technology we needed and word processors seemed unnecessary. Similarly, over the last couple of years, security systems integrators have become comfortable selling and installing DVRs. Transferring from the totally analog systems with quads and VCRs, which were the bread and butter of the industry until the year 2000, was a big step. The move to fully digital systems with IP surveillance will be an even bigger step, so there is no wonder that some systems integrators are reluctant to adopt yet another new technology shift. Entrenched technologies and interests simply require time to overcome. However, there are structural market changes that are working to speed up this trend.

New technology, new players

The video surveillance market landscape is changing, and changing rapidly. New players are entering the scene on all levels.

New vendors: Axis Communications, an IT company, is market leader in network cameras; Cisco Systems is promoting IP surveillance in order to sell more switches; and EMC is selling more storage.

New distributors: Ingram Micro and Anixter, coming from the IT and structured cabling markets respectively, are also focusing on IP surveillance.

New systems integrators: IT systems integrators such as IBM Global Services see IP surveillance as having great new business potential. They see the new technology as a no-brainer, and they already have a relationship with the end user, having provided mission-critical systems.

New end users: The IT manager, CIO and CSO are now involved in the decision for procuring new video surveillance systems.

These new players will drastically influence the security industry and change the way business is conducted. Many of them believe IP surveillance is a better solution.

Why is IP better?

It is hard to discuss security in today's industry without mentioning the benefits of Internet protocol. In contrast to analog CCTV cameras that transmit signals only over coaxial cabling, network-enabled security cameras transmit video images over twisted-pair Ethernet cables, the same standard used in the world of IT networking. One of the main advantages of using IP as a transmission medium is that the cabling typically already exists. Alternatively, in a new system, it is normally much cheaper to install Ethernet cabling than analog cabling. Several cameras can share the same Ethernet cable, whereas in an analog scenario each camera needs a dedicated cable. Using computer networks also makes it possible for users to use standard PC servers for video management and storage. Standard equipment available off the shelf is relatively inexpensive to purchase, and it is easy to service and maintain.

Adapt to survive

Security systems integrators must adapt and adjust to the new technology in order to survive. IP surveillance technology is proven, with products and solutions available that are far superior to analog systems anchored by DVRs, and often provide both lower costs and higher ROI. It is obvious that this shift will happen, but the technology will take some security systems integrators out of their comfort zone. However, they will need to adapt to stay competitive. Otherwise, there is an IT integrator ready to promote and install an IP surveillance system in their place.

Share this article:

Further reading: