There can be no doubt that the technical advances in the surveillance arena are amazing, from improvements within cameras to the software and infrastructure supporting them. This is an industry going through exciting changes. However, even as the latest IP technologies deliver more features and functionality, there are still many installers and customers asking for analogue solutions.
There is no doubt that IP system sales are increasing and will continue to increase at a rapid rate, even if the global economy retards sales in the short term. The truth is, however, that many customers still opt for analogue because of the cost advantages, while installers are quite happy to serve them as it’s what they have always done and know how to do. It s also easier than reskilling your workforce and joining the growing ranks of IP service providers.
On the other hand, many customers, consultants and installers opt for analogue solutions because these deliver exactly what the user requires. That, combined with the lower costs and ease of installing analogue systems is often the dealmaker.
In this year’s handbook, we have a collection of articles about IP and the benefits thereof, but we also have a couple of interesting opinions on analogue, as well as a look at a few other aspects of the whole surveillance industry. As always, our round-table participants also highlight the growing importance of IT in the security world (or is it security in the IT world?).
The challenges of convergence are simply going to increase as IP’s foothold in the world of surveillance grows. In fact, I was recently part of a discussion which asked the question of whether security managers will still exist in five years’ time. That is an interesting topic for discussion on another occasion, however the sentiment applies in the world of surveillance. Analogue is not going anywhere in a hurry, but its days are numbered and so are the days of those service providers who do not adapt to the new reality.
On a lighter note, I hope you enjoy the CCTV Handbook 2012 and look forward to your feedback. Hearing from those in the trenches is always a valuable guide to knowing what we should include in future magazines. For those subscribed to the Hi-Tech Security Solutions e-zine, the contents of the handbook will also be sent out in regular weekly e-zines during the month of May.
If you are not already a subscriber, drop me an e-mail on [email protected], which is the same address to use for your comments.
Enjoy the handbook.
Andrew Seldon, Editor
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