Security and video surveillance: 6 trends

1. Internet of Things (IoT): from helpful functions to useful solutions

For the security industry, the aspect of all components working together to solve a specific problem is very important. For example, network cameras are used in building information management, business intelligence area and retail. The Internet of Things enables integration of video surveillance cameras, smoke detectors, gas sensors, control panels of access control systems and loudspeakers into a common management console. In special security solutions, relevant data can thus be exchanged with other connected devices, all of which can be monitored remotely.

2. security-as-a-service: the cloud is evolving

Cloud computing has now reached every industry and is also changing the security sector: security can now be offered as a remotely managed service. In this context, storage in the cloud is an important aspect that makes the systems in this model more powerful. Large volumes of data can be stored cost-effectively and securely on dedicated server facilities.

3. more cameras mean larger amounts of data

Most video data is used for security purposes, but increasingly it is also an important source for business intelligence applications. Managing and using Big Data effectively is still a major challenge. Companies will therefore invest more in 2016 in solutions that can derive actionable information from the Big Data produced by security systems and make it available effectively.

4. wireless technology

Security monitoring is now possible remotely using smartphones and tablets. Video surveillance systems with up to ten network cameras can be fully managed with mobile devices and do not require a PC. This reduces overall system and maintenance costs. Remote access will increase even more this year.

5. endless hunt for more details

High resolution is not everything, yet megapixel technology will continue to improve this year. After all, difficult lighting conditions still pose a challenge. In addition, the ability of cameras to cover a wide dynamic range (WDR) is also expanding. The introduction of 4K Ultra HD will continue in 2016. QuadHD (1440p) closes the gap between 1080p and 4K Ultra HD.

The improved resolution results in higher memory requirements. Intelligent video compression algorithms reduce storage requirements by an average of more than 50% in real time. Important forensically relevant details such as faces, tattoos, or license plates are kept isolated, while irrelevant areas such as white walls, meadows, and vegetation are smoothed to save more memory.

6. forms of analysis: Brain for intelligent systems

If IoT devices are the eyes and ears for connected systems, then analytics technology is the brain. Increasingly sophisticated forms of video and audio analytics are coming to market in 2016. This will allow security systems to evolve from passive surveillance to intelligent and adaptive analytics systems.

"Analog video technology is a dead end in the modern world, and the same is true for analog HD solutions in the vast majority of areas. Finding personnel with the appropriate expertise is not easy. And last but not least, customers have perceptions that are strongly influenced by film and television," says Timo Sachse, Product Analyst EMEA at Axis Communications GmbH. "A challenging mix, it remains exciting."

Developments become more concrete

At its core, the security industry is still traditional and conservative. Things that logically belong together are growing together only very slowly, states Axis. "Already in 2015, IoT and Big Data were big buzzwords. While the trends still felt foreign and unreal at the time, these developments are becoming more concrete in 2016," says the vendor.