The convergence of physical security and IT is as important as previous convergence developments that brought together voice and data, computing and networking, and mobile communications and the Internet. Just as those disruptive combinations did, convergence changes the way systems are spec'd, designed, purchased and implemented, not simply from a time-and-materials standpoint, but also from the fundamental way it force changes in underlying business processes.
Until recently, the purchase of any kind of physical security system was very much a project-oriented, nuts-and-bolts task. Whether it was video surveillance, access control, or a fire alarm system, you solicited bids for a self-contained, end-to-end, proprietary system. You turned the job over to the winning bidder, usually a contractor affiliated with one of the several major turnkey vendors.
The Internet Protocol upended the model for everyone. Physical security is now part of the IT process. All future security purchases must fit in with the larger enterprise network infrastructure. The current economy may be slowing some decision making, but the high end of the industry has already moved away from the vertical, end-to-end, procurement model and, in the next few years, so will mid- and low-end users.
This site is dedicated to reporting on how this trend is playing out and what that means for you. We begin with the premise that IP-based, open systems platforms are the inevitable future of security systems. Our coverage will be focused on technology and business processes that make convergence possible or exploit its advantages. We will test claims. We will examine best practices. We will be an indispensable guide to users and integrators as they navigate convergence. And we will use the flexibility the Web to be lively, timely and interactive.
I've made a career covering disruptive, open technology developments. The applications have been different, as has the supply chain. The common thread, however, is that those who embrace the compelling case for open architectures, common platforms and best-of-breed components, invariably win.
Next week at ISC West, Security Squared and I will go looking for those winners. The economy may dent attendance, but it hasn't affected the way exhibiting companies are jockeying for position. OnSSI, for one, has declared itself a PSIM vendor, whatever that may mean right now. Point is, everyone wants to be on the open systems bandwagon. One of my goals, both for ISC West and beyond, is to clarify who is truly open and who isn't.
So bookmark us and visit often. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get regular updates. Feel free to comment. Tell us what you think and what you would like to see on Security Squared. And whether you're planning to be in Las Vegas or the recession's got you staying home, check in here next week for real convergence stories.
Until recently, the purchase of any kind of physical security system was very much a project-oriented, nuts-and-bolts task. Whether it was video surveillance, access control, or a fire alarm system, you solicited bids for a self-contained, end-to-end, proprietary system. You turned the job over to the winning bidder, usually a contractor affiliated with one of the several major turnkey vendors.
The Internet Protocol upended the model for everyone. Physical security is now part of the IT process. All future security purchases must fit in with the larger enterprise network infrastructure. The current economy may be slowing some decision making, but the high end of the industry has already moved away from the vertical, end-to-end, procurement model and, in the next few years, so will mid- and low-end users.
This site is dedicated to reporting on how this trend is playing out and what that means for you. We begin with the premise that IP-based, open systems platforms are the inevitable future of security systems. Our coverage will be focused on technology and business processes that make convergence possible or exploit its advantages. We will test claims. We will examine best practices. We will be an indispensable guide to users and integrators as they navigate convergence. And we will use the flexibility the Web to be lively, timely and interactive.
I've made a career covering disruptive, open technology developments. The applications have been different, as has the supply chain. The common thread, however, is that those who embrace the compelling case for open architectures, common platforms and best-of-breed components, invariably win.
Next week at ISC West, Security Squared and I will go looking for those winners. The economy may dent attendance, but it hasn't affected the way exhibiting companies are jockeying for position. OnSSI, for one, has declared itself a PSIM vendor, whatever that may mean right now. Point is, everyone wants to be on the open systems bandwagon. One of my goals, both for ISC West and beyond, is to clarify who is truly open and who isn't.
So bookmark us and visit often. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get regular updates. Feel free to comment. Tell us what you think and what you would like to see on Security Squared. And whether you're planning to be in Las Vegas or the recession's got you staying home, check in here next week for real convergence stories.
The convergence of physical security and IT is as important as previous convergence developments that brought together voice and data, computing and networking, and mobile communications and the Internet. Just as those disruptive combinations did, convergence changes the way systems are spec'd, designed, purchased and implemented, not simply from a time-and-materials standpoint, but also from the fundamental way it force changes in underlying business processes.
Until recently, the purchase of any kind of physical security system was very much a project-oriented, nuts-and-bolts task. Whether it was video surveillance, access control, or a fire alarm system, you solicited bids for a self-contained, end-to-end, proprietary system. You turned the job over to the winning bidder, usually a contractor affiliated with one of the several major turnkey vendors.
The Internet Protocol upended the model for everyone. Physical security is now part of the IT process. All future security purchases must fit in with the larger enterprise network infrastructure. The current economy may be slowing some decision making, but the high end of the industry has already moved away from the vertical, end-to-end, procurement model and, in the next few years, so will mid- and low-end users.
This site is dedicated to reporting on how this trend is playing out and what that means for you. We begin with the premise that IP-based, open systems platforms are the inevitable future of security systems. Our coverage will be focused on technology and business processes that make convergence possible or exploit its advantages. We will test claims. We will examine best practices. We will be an indispensable guide to users and integrators as they navigate convergence. And we will use the flexibility the Web to be lively, timely and interactive.
I've made a career covering disruptive, open technology developments. The applications have been different, as has the supply chain. The common thread, however, is that those who embrace the compelling case for open architectures, common platforms and best-of-breed components, invariably win.
Next week at ISC West, Security Squared and I will go looking for those winners. The economy may dent attendance, but it hasn't affected the way exhibiting companies are jockeying for position. OnSSI, for one, has declared itself a PSIM vendor, whatever that may mean right now. Point is, everyone wants to be on the open systems bandwagon. One of my goals, both for ISC West and beyond, is to clarify who is truly open and who isn't.
So bookmark us and visit often. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get regular updates. Feel free to comment. Tell us what you think and what you would like to see on Security Squared. And whether you're planning to be in Las Vegas or the recession's got you staying home, check in here next week for real convergence stories.
Until recently, the purchase of any kind of physical security system was very much a project-oriented, nuts-and-bolts task. Whether it was video surveillance, access control, or a fire alarm system, you solicited bids for a self-contained, end-to-end, proprietary system. You turned the job over to the winning bidder, usually a contractor affiliated with one of the several major turnkey vendors.
The Internet Protocol upended the model for everyone. Physical security is now part of the IT process. All future security purchases must fit in with the larger enterprise network infrastructure. The current economy may be slowing some decision making, but the high end of the industry has already moved away from the vertical, end-to-end, procurement model and, in the next few years, so will mid- and low-end users.
This site is dedicated to reporting on how this trend is playing out and what that means for you. We begin with the premise that IP-based, open systems platforms are the inevitable future of security systems. Our coverage will be focused on technology and business processes that make convergence possible or exploit its advantages. We will test claims. We will examine best practices. We will be an indispensable guide to users and integrators as they navigate convergence. And we will use the flexibility the Web to be lively, timely and interactive.
I've made a career covering disruptive, open technology developments. The applications have been different, as has the supply chain. The common thread, however, is that those who embrace the compelling case for open architectures, common platforms and best-of-breed components, invariably win.
Next week at ISC West, Security Squared and I will go looking for those winners. The economy may dent attendance, but it hasn't affected the way exhibiting companies are jockeying for position. OnSSI, for one, has declared itself a PSIM vendor, whatever that may mean right now. Point is, everyone wants to be on the open systems bandwagon. One of my goals, both for ISC West and beyond, is to clarify who is truly open and who isn't.
So bookmark us and visit often. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get regular updates. Feel free to comment. Tell us what you think and what you would like to see on Security Squared. And whether you're planning to be in Las Vegas or the recession's got you staying home, check in here next week for real convergence stories.
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