Storage specialist grows ecosystem to target surveillance applications

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by Seagate | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

From April 24th to the 26th, 2013, the 16th Secutech International Exhibition and Conference took place in Tapei, Tawain, once again offering a venue for security professionals to present their business value.

Alongside an array of other exhibitors, Seagate teamed with eight industry-leading surveillance vendors to display storage solutions that address a variety of surveillance usage requirements:
● IP Surveillance
● Video Analytics
● Centralized Storage
● Embedded DVR
● Video as a Service
● Surveillance in the Cloud

These demos addressed the major technological advancements that continue to change the storage industry. According to forecasts from IMS Research (recently acquired by IHS), 2013 will be the year when global network video surveillance equipment sales surpass analogue video surveillance equipment sales. Centralized storage is gaining prominence as well for its scalability and easy management. Cloud computing in surveillance is also rising, due to its relatively low cost, while Managed Video as a Service (MVaaS) and Hosted Video as a Service (HVaas) are often part of the package.

As technologies converge and surveillance architectures improve, surveillance needs and usage models also evolve. To meet client demands, surveillance storage will need to be purpose-built with the following key capabilities:
1. Video accuracy, which ensures maximized data integrity, in addition to accurate read-and-write metadata and control data
2. Sequential writing performance, enabling more HD and megapixels video feeds are supported and more bandwidth is available for higher resolutions
3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), without compromise to reliability, scalability and power efficiency in the long term
4. Video data security, including data encryption and secure erase technologies

In collaboration with renowned providers of surveillance services at this year's conference, Seagate demonstrated a wide range of surveillance-related products in different capacities, with Seagate HDDs as the core technology.

Each demo station established the importance of using the right hard drive in the particular surveillance application displayed. This lesson can vastly influence a provider's ability to offer distinguished surveillance systems with improved reliability, performance and affordability—all key elements to differentiate from competitors' offerings.

Sponsored by: 
For more information, please visit the company website.

What's trending in 2013?

Editor / Provider: Judy Lin, asmag.com | Updated: 5/8/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Secutech International 2013, one of the largest trade shows in the security world, successfully concluded on April 26. Here are some of the key findings from the show floor interviews.

1. IP Rocks
IP-based video surveillance products accounted for the majority of items displayed at the exhibition, while HD-SDI products remained a minority. Of the 23 video surveillance manufacturers sampled, 16 companies featured IP products at the show, including Dynacolor, Dahua Technology, Itx, Mobotix and others. Hikvision Digital Technology and four other companies were promoting analog cameras, while Hi Sharp and Win4net were the only companies highlighting HD-SDI products. Most manufacturers are still promoting IP cameras, due to a smaller demand for HD-SDI cameras, and few related products and accessories, said Ray Chan, Director of Sales for APAC, Infinova. HD-SDI also requires larger storage, and the required frame rate is still playing catch-up, Chan continued. A technician from Fuho Technology echoed the sentiment, stating while HD-SDI products offer better image quality than analog cameras, market demand has remained low because of the lack of supporting appliances and hardware compared to analog or IP systems. Some manufacturers are trying to compensate this by promoting new HD-SDI cabling products, such as Win4net's Clebo HD-SDI PoC solution that can extend HD-SDI data transmission for more than 2 kilometers.

2. Light Sensitivity
The majority of low-light network cameras displayed at the show came with 1.3-megapixel resolution; only a few were 3-megapixel models. Shany's SNC-WD2131MSA and Yoko Technology's RYK-IPBX010 featured 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, while Zavio's D7320 was a 3-megapixel camera. The limitations of network bandwidth and market demand are driving the sales of 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, said Steven Mao, PM for Digital Surveillance Product Planning, Yoko Technology. Two trends in WDR network cameras were also observed, with some manufacturers such as Brickcom using software to enhance images and others, including Zavio, developing their own WDR sensors.

3. High and Low
Of the analog cameras displayed, a large number were of 700 TVLs and above. For instance, Hikvision's Picadis Exir Camera and Pishion's BRX-99P84WR were 720-TVL cameras, while Fuho's Vacron-P was a 1,000-TVL camera. The cameras target cost-conscious consumers that want better image quality close to IP cameras, but at a much lower price point, said Ian Ma, Overseas Technical Support Engineer, Hikvision. The cameras offer better images than traditional analog, and ideal for clients who are reluctant to say goodbye to their coaxial cables.

4. Easy to Install
Four- to 8-channel NVRs for SMB and home applications are mostly designed with easy setup procedures that are user-friendly. Whether its Nuuo's 8-channel NVR, that enables setup to be completed in six minutes with a click of a mouse, or Dynacolor's 4-channel NVR that automatically detects the company's cameras, the idea is to make installation hassle-free. Manufacturers are trying to make their products appealing and adoptable to the average home owner or shop keeper, who may not be tech-savvy or have the resources to hire IT specialists. Another interesting find was iCatch's latest NVR that enables consumers to use QR scanners to connect their IP cameras to the NVR.

5. Scalability Reincarnated
Installer-friendly products were not easy to miss. For example, Etherwan's ED3638 PoE switch can transmit data and electricity up to 1.8 kilometers, said Alvin Hsu, PM; Planet's BSP-300 solar-power switch is particularly suited for integrators struggling with outdoor cabling. Brickcom's FocusEasy makes life easier for installers, by beeping loudly when the camera is correctly focused; it is aimed at the hotel industry or large-scale projects that require many installations, said Anchi Chen, Marketing Administrator. All these products are designed with convenience in mind, by saving installers or system integrators valuable resources. These products are also ideal for large-scale projects and applications.

6. Value Adds
More camera and NVR manufacturers are teaming up with VCA companies to increase the added value of their products. To target the retail sector, Nuuo teamed up with Vit to add on people-counting features onto its NVR, while VIVOTEK has been cooperating with Cognimatics to add on similar people-counting features onto its IP cameras. Other common VCA features include people counting, item removal detection, and virtual fences that are targeted for retail market applications.

7. Mobility
From remotely monitoring video surveillance cameras to opening doors via NFC technology, mobile applications are increasingly prevalent. The popularity of smartphones and tablets is pushing this trend in the security sector. The majority of NVR manufacturers, such as iCatch and Nuuo, have matching mobile apps to enable remote monitoring, while newer access control systems from WFE Technology allow smartphones to open doors using NFC. Nearly all NFC access control systems are RFID-based at the show, with the exception of Hundure Technology that has promoted a Bluetooth NFC reader.

8. Hot Access
Access control manufacturers such as Pongee and WFE were promoting multicredential readers with four to five credentials targeting the banking or hotel sector. End users can choose which credentials they want to use. According to Johnson Wu, PM of Waferlock at WFE, markets that require high security, such as the banking sector, are more likely to use a combination of credentials or utilize all credentials offered.

9. Gaze Downward
Manufacturers are aiming for the mid- to low-end market with hopes of tapping into retail, home, hotel and banking applications. This was reflected with the promotion of affordable retail solutions with fewer functions, but easy installation, such as VIVOTEK's Counter Cam, a small 180-degree panoramic camera with very basic functions. Even Flir, which had traditionally manufactured high-end thermal imaging cameras, was promoting its first commercial camera, the VT602, at the show (which still costs US$190,000).

10. Emerging Opportunities
Most video surveillance manufacturers agreed that sales are particularly well in emerging markets. Dali Technology and Merit  LILIN both responded sales were particularly well in Middle East, while NVR manufacturer Qnap noted sales were particularly well in Central and South America.

Affordable and easy, the way to go

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Walk around any security show in the world today — brand new, innovative products can be scarce to find. Due to mediocre global economic recovery and longer life/selling cycles, solution developers have earmarked more resources for sales and marketing promotions of existing offerings, as well as fine-tuning and repurposing/verticalizing them. Making products cheaper and easier to deploy, in a disruptive innovation manner, has become the No. 1 priority for many (especially the big guys).

It should not be a surprise that traditional security gold mines (higher-end projects in the government and MNC verticals) are as competitive as they can get and are not as lucrative these days. Manufacturers and solution developers, big and small alike, have scrambled to develop new markets, both vertically and geographically. One thing that mid- to low-end vertical segments and emerging economies have in common is the need for price- and user-friendliness.

On the affordability front, industry heavyweights, such as Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, Honeywell Security, Milestone Systems, Tyco Security Products and many more, have not shied away from promoting the “Lite version” or “Home edition” of their respective offerings in trade publications, at trade shows or on their own dedicated websites. Take Secutech International 2013 for example. Cost-effective solutions from Tier-2 or Chinese vendors attracted an unusually high amount of foot traffic and eyeballs; many even ran out of their demo samples at the end of Day 2. If one were to use a pharmaceutical analogy, now would be the heyday of generic drugs.

On the simplicity and usability front, those that still do not offer vertical solutions or plug-and-play models are most likely seen as outliers. More hardware devices are packing more heat, or processing power, and can multitask and yield better results, at a lower total cost. Similarly, more management software providers, such as Genetec and Nice Systems, are offering cloud-based or easier-to-deploy models that take the headaches out of struggling integrators or users.

So, the message to take home is disruptive innovation — a term used in business and technology literature to describe innovations that improve a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically first by designing for a different set of consumers in the new market and later by lowering prices in the existing market.

Growth Engine in Asia
For more growth coverage, please visit Security 50.

Grow with Security 50 in Asia

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

More than half of the a&s Security 50 were present at Secutech International in Taipei this year, through on-site exhibits/booths and event presentations. As Asia's premier original manufacturers' show for global solution seekers, Secutech gave the supercharged representatives an opportunity to share with the asmag and a&s team the top 50's growth strategy and focus for the year. Asia's fast rise, vertical/geography-appropriate offerings and localization efforts were among some of the recurring themes.

For all the Security 50, the Asian region passed 2012 with flying colors and double-digit growth, and most stressed the continued, heightened focus on the region, with more investments in securing or recruiting appropriate partners, product developments and personnel. Take Bosch Security Systems for example. China is now an independent region with a new, locally brewed VP reporting directly to the German headquarters. The local R&D center also has sufficient ammunitions and local talent to develop what is truly needed and used in China and Southeast Asia.

Other parts of the region — such as Mongolia and all the way to Australia and New Zealand — are also brimming with opportunities, from high-end government and MNC projects to lower-end verticals like hospitality, residential, SMBs, education, health care and more. The 50 are all busy "attacking" weight-appropriate markets and partners with the "right" tailored and cost-effective solutions. As the region is not known for clear channel structure, more are engaging in road shows and events to reach out to installers and end users directly.

It is a fun time for security professionals to be in Asia. Stay tuned to this channel for more exclusive interviews and video contents on developments in the region!

Affordability & Simplicity
For more coverage on industry trends, please visit asmag.com.

EverFocus wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

Editor / Provider: EverFocus | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus awarded the camera Excellence Awards in IP camera contest at 2013 Secutech in Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall last week.

2013 Secutech, International Security Expo held from Apr. 24 -26, attracted over 520 manufacturers and professional visitors from 19 countries to Taiwan. EverFocus - an a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturer -- received 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards with their EAN3300― a 3 Megapixel IP Camera. With this award, the well-known CCTV manufacturer made a clear announcement to the world that they are ready for the IP battle, and once again proved their continuous hard work in IP producing is paid-off.

Earlier this year, the EverFocus EPN4220 IP speed dome received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award. Winning another IP camera Excellence Award at Secutech shows that the expansion of their product line is continuing successfully. The award proved their R&D engineers have also developed an extensive expertise in IP products.

During the contest, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, cameras of various brands were set up to monitor the color saturation and restoration, effective frame rate, camera shutter speed, and resolution performance. The contest also had an on-site live demo component, that not only served as a clear buyer's guide for IP Cameras but also a big encouragement for EverFocus and its business partners.

The EverFocus EAN3300 is a box-type IP camera delivering 3 Megapixel image resolution. It features WDR functionality, which can provide clear images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively. H.264/M-JPEG multi-stream output is available for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. The EAN3300 is designed for simple installation and supports all types of indoor mounting applications.

The HD-SDI Demonstration was also a highlight of the Secutech. HD-SDI cameras and DVRs were installed to monitor banking activities in a simulated environment. EverFocus showed off their EPHD04 DVR and EQH5202, providing a total banking solution and achieved resounding success in this demonstration.

The EverFocus EPHD04 DVR supports 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 resolution HDcctv cameras and offers real time HD recording and playback for all cameras at 1080p resolution. At the same time, all cameras are available for remote live display with reduced bandwidth. The built-in HDcctv DVR web server enables live display and playback of video footage without the use of specific software - a PC with web browser is all you require. Users can search video by date, time and event or filter by type of recording quickly and efficiently.

VIVOTEK wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK is honored to announce that it has won the Camera Excellence Award at Secutech Taipei 2013 for the past three consecutive years. This year, the award was bestowed on the new IP8371E 3.1-Megapixel Bullet Camera, complete with brand-new features such as Smart Streaming.

Secutech Taipei, an annual international security expo promoting global security solutions, is held each year by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, at the Taipei World Trade Center, Nangang Exhibition Hall. The Camera Excellence Award, a competition event held at Secutech this year on April 24-26, 2013, has not only been regarded as a platform for leading camera manufacturers' product showcases, but also as an index of outstanding IP cameras and technology achievement.

VIVOTEK's IP8371E, a bullet type network camera especially designed for outdoor use, is equipped with a 3.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling the camera to capture 1920x1080 resolution video at 60 fps. By supporting high-performance H.264/MPEG-4/MJPEG compression technology, the IP8371E guarantees extra-smooth video quality while reducing the file size and saving the bandwidth and storage. With the addition of 30-meter IR illuminators and WDR enhancement, the delivery of superior image quality around the clock is assured, with images great distances under challenging lighting conditions captured precisely. Furthermore, being designed with a weather-proof IP67-rated housing and wide temperature range capacity, the IP8371E is protected against rain, dust and extreme weather, ensuring the camera's operation in all types of challenging weather conditions.

Steve Ma, VIVOTEK's Executive VP, indicated: "I would like to thank Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media and the honorable judges for their support and recognition. It is a great honor for us to be granted this prestigious award three years in a row. VIVOTEK will continue our commitment to the product excellence and technology development based on a foundation of profoundly innovative R&D."

VIVOTEK and valued partners party hard in Taipei

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 5/2/2013 | Article type: Security 50

VIVOTEK hosted the "I Love VVTK" party for its partners at the W Hotel Taipei. More than a hundred of representatives from valued partners such as distributors and system integrators worldwide attended.

VIVOTEK's partners from around the world have gathered in Taipei to participate in the annual Secutech Taipei security exhibition, which takes place this year from April 24 to 26. VIVOTEK took advantage of this precious opportunity to hold the party for partners, not only showing its profound gratitude for its partners' commitment and dedication during the past year, but also aiming to foster mutual trust and build a foundation for further cooperation. During the party, VIVOTEK expressed thanks to its partners through an awards ceremony, recognizing partners' outstanding performance, growth and contributions. In addition, to make the evening an enjoyable and memorable one for its partners, a prize drawing with Sony Digital SLR Camera NEX7-K and iPad mini as top prizes was arranged. Moreover, every attendee received a splashily designed "I Love VVTK" T-shirt as a souvenir of this annual gathering.

Steve Ma, Executive VP of VIVOTEK, stated: "It was fantastic to meet and enjoy a fun evening with our global valued partners at the party. Maintaining close partnerships built on trust is one of VIVOTEK's core competencies. Through regular gatherings and open communications, our partnerships have undoubtedly been enhanced. We believe that the next business peak, which we can reach together with our global esteemed partners, is just around the corner!"

Bringing Security 50 to life

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Held from April 24 to 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan, Secutech International concluded with a resounding success, garnering more than 25,000 visitors and buyers from all corners of the world; one of Secutech's highlights was the Security 50 press conference, bringing the security world's top performers (by product sales revenue) to real life. Four representatives from Bosch Security Systems, Flir Systems, Milestone Systems and Verint Systems were very generous in sharing their respective company's latest developments in product innovations, partner recruitment/training and growth strategies. The event, along with a Q&A session, attracted more than 30 industry media professionals from across the world.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media (formerly known as the A&S Group), Secutech is an annual international trade show for the electronic security, information security, and fire and safety industries. “Secutech is an ideal platform to highlight the Security 50,” said Parson Lee, MD and a&s Publisher. “Many will be interested to know who the top players and growers are, and I believe they can learn a lot from the elite companies in the rankings.”

a&s started the original Security 50 ranking in 2003, two years after 9/11, when security was booming as a business and a fairly high number of new players popped up all over the map by the day. Solution providers, distributors, resellers, integrators and government/MNC end users worldwide were in dire need to keep tabs on who was who. As the industry and market shift from analog and wired to digital/IP and wireless, more new names have surfaced to address new niche market needs, in terms of location, vertical and technology. One annual ranking, based on pure product sales revenues, is no longer enough for us to reflect emerging trends, prospects and best practices in real time. That is why asmag is introducing the all new asmag Rankings microsite and mobile app. asmag and a&s teams are going to great lengths in collecting, processing and presenting the latest news/financial updates, product releases and feature stories, from the security world's movers and shakers: by sales revenue (Security 50), innovation and growth performance (Fast & Furious), Asian prowess (Asia 50) and popular vote/feedback (Customer Satisfaction 50).

At this year's Secutech, 25 companies listed on the 2012 Security 50 ranking were present at the show ground, showcasing their latest solution offerings with special “50” signage. In addition to the four panelists mentioned earlier, other exhibitors included Arecont Vision, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, C-Pro Electronics, Dahua Technology, Dali Technology, Dynacolor, EverFocus Electronics, Flir Systems, Hdpro, Hi Sharp, Hikvision Digital Technology, Honeywell Security, Infinova, Itx Security, Mobotix, Optex, Tamron, Tkh Group, VIVOTEK, Win4net and Yoko Technology.

More than 2,000 downloads/shares took place at the Security 50 Gallery on-site, where a few from the 2012 ranking, along with asmag staffers, were invited to demonstrate their latest and interact with visitors. A frequent compliment on the Security 50/asmag Rankings app was how practical it is for those who are always traveling or rushing between sites to stay connected to the industry's largest in real time.

Watch this space and stay tuned for exclusive video interviews!

Security 50 to be a highlight at Secutech 2013

Editor / Provider: Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media | Updated: 3/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Running from April 24 to 26 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taiwan, one of Secutech's highlights will be a&s Security 50 and asmag Rankings that reveal the top companies by revenue and revenue growth. Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media (former A&S Group), Secutech is an annual international event for the electronic security, information security, and fire and safety industries.

"Secutech is expected to attract 25,000 industry players from around the world, and it is an ideal platform to highlight the Security 50," said Parson Lee, MD and Publisher. "Many will be interested to know who the top players and growers are, and I believe they can learn a lot from the elite companies in the rankings."

At this year's Secutech, more than 570 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions will showcase their latest products, solutions and services. More than 20 companies listed on the Security 50 will also be exhibiting at the show, and their booths will be identified by special signage. These exhibitors include Bosch Security Systems (Germany), Dynacolor (Taiwan), Hi Sharp (Taiwan), Hikvision Digital Technology (China), Honeywell Security (U.S.), Infinova (U.S.), Milestone (Denmark), Mobotix (Germany), Verint Systems (U.S.) and VIVOTEK (Taiwan).

Supporting the announcement of the Security 50 ranking will be the Security 50 Annual Summit, held concurrently with Secutech. "At the summit, the audience can use the opportunity to learn more from the industry heavyweights," Lee added. “Show visitors can also enjoy a special display area, Security 50 Gallery, where a few from the ranking are invited to demonstrate their latest products and interact with visitors.”

For preregistration or more detail about Secutech, visit www.secutech.com.

Looking into the 2013 crystal ball

Editor / Provider: By John Shi, a&s International | Updated: 12/11/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

The global financial crisis and ensuing recession in 2008/2009 shook the security industry and shattered the myth that the industry is immune to the ups and downs of economic cycles. The security industry used to be largely driven by infrastructural projects and government investments, and the austerity measures in the U.S. and E.U. in the aftermath meant slashed budgets or frozen/postponed projects. With matured economies at a standstill, all eyes are on emerging regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia. As 2012 is almost behind us, the focus should now be on the year ahead. a&s sums up the storms in 2012 and peeks into the possible trends and prospects of clear skies in the upcoming year.

Industry Restructuring
Manufacturers and solutions providers are confronted with intense competition, which causes prices to fall and, in turn, batters the distribution channels with declining revenues and margins. No industry player is spared from the challenge of how to increase revenues while sustaining solution affordability and profits. Cost-effective solutions from internationally known brands are crushing the industry from the top, while low-price Chinese products do so from the bottom. Together, the two forces affect the entire security industry on all levels, forcing manufacturers, distributors, systems integrators and installers to regroup and evolve.

In the survival-of-the-fittest game, companies must adapt to changing technologies and market conditions, as even the traditional giants are toppling over in the battlefield, with new giants rising at the same time. As the saying goes, heroes are created in times of war.

In channel distribution, value-added is the buzzword. More are focusing on packaging and delivering complete systems or comprehensive solutions, as well as strengthening project/technical support and customer service. This, in turn, is pushing manufacturers to add previously unfamiliar product lines, either through M&A's or internal development, to diversify revenue streams.

IP on Cloud Nine
At our own Secutech show in Taipei in 2011, IP cameras from both large brands and small manufacturers were tested and compared side by side; at that time, specifications varied greatly despite ONVIF conformance claims. Fast forward to April 2012, and the second IP camera testing event saw much improved and consistent conformance in terms of image quality and connectivity. This maturation had occurred within the time span of just one year and should serve as a strong signal for the video surveillance industry: IP cameras will now be differentiated by brands, sales/marketing efforts, customer service, and in 2013, price/cost-effectiveness as well.

The maturation of IP-based applications, coupled with the maturation of cloud infrastructure, is propelling the adoption of security as a service. End users no longer need to invest large amounts in infrastructure and maintenance because they can now subscribe monthly to more reliable and consistent service packages. Service providers can now enjoy more stable revenues and reinvest in solution and business model differentiation efforts.

Access Making a Comeback
Not surprisingly, access control is riding along with the IP waves. Wireless electronic locks and NFC stand out as noteworthy trends. Wireless capability enables easy and fast installation and provides flexibility and possibility for user-adjustable site configurations. Real-time management and remote control are other frequently referenced benefits.

Biometrics is another segment witnessing new, exciting applications. High-hazard locations such as mining and construction sites can, for example, deploy portable, ruggedized units to verify training/safety certifications, on top of regular payroll and access audits. In an emergency, crew can be accurately accounted for in a matter of seconds to make rescue missions more effective.

Enterprise China
The impact of China as a manufacturing powerhouse is not to be dismissed. Take a Russian distributor for example. The company used to concentrate on selling Korean and Taiwanese products, but had to greatly increase the quantities of Chinese products in recent months, as its competitors have begun selling Chinese products. If it had not followed suit, it would have gone under due to this year's unresolved global financial and economic crises. China as an end-user market is also maturing very quickly, weeding out unfit local and international players or their underdeveloped solutions.

Residential With High Potential
The high and increasing penetration of smart mobile devices is facilitating R&D in security. Homeowners and business owners alike can now easily keep a watchful eye on their properties or operations anywhere, anytime. Traditional installers and alarm-monitoring companies are hard pressed to learn and change very quickly or disappear, as new technologies, players (telcos, ISPs, cable TV providers) and service models emerge every day.

Count Down to Clear Skies
The past year has been rough for some, but resilience and persistence in creating differentiation in solution offerings, value adds and service models will pay off. Despite economic uncertainty, security in 2013 is still worth anticipating for. Spring will come when the new industry and market order falls into place.