IHS Markit - Experts & Thought Leaders

According to the latest report from research organisation Omdia,  Genetec Inc., a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, has been recognised as the fastest-growing access control software provider in the world for the second year in a row. The report shows Genetec taking market share from other access control vendors and strengthening its number two position globally (up from 4th in 2019). Regionally, Genetec experienced the most organic growth in the Americas and was the fastest-growing software provider in EMEA. Unified and secure access control solutions Traditionally dominated by proprietary solutions with slow innovation cycles, the access control industry provided few options for IT and cyber-security-conscious customers. Modern enterprises of all sizes are now looking to migrate to unified, open-architecture, and secure access control solutions that allow them to choose hardware that best suits their needs. This has, in large part, fueled the rapid market share gains of Genetec. Unified security platform Genetec unified solutions are designed to reveal new insights that help organisations better understand their business “While traditional, proprietary access control vendors were hard hit the last couple of years, Genetec grew by almost 20% globally, gaining ground in both the Americas region and in EMEA,” said Bryan Montany, Physical Security Analyst at Omdia. Genetec credits its growth to the continual innovation of its unified security platform, Security Center, where access control functions go beyond locking and unlocking doors and address non-traditional applications such as enclosure management. Genetec unified solutions are designed to reveal new insights that help organisations better understand their business and operations and provide customers with a measurable return on their investment. Innovative and cybersecure solutions “At a time when many traditional access control vendors are trying to maintain market share through mergers and acquisitions, Genetec is growing its access control business organically by focusing on innovative, nonproprietary, and cybersecure solutions that meet the needs of forward-thinking organisations, while laying the foundation for their future growth,” said Guy Chenard, Chief Commercial Officer, Genetec Inc. With its open approach, Genetec provides a large and growing selection of third-party access control devices. This allows organisations to choose the hardware that addresses their security needs and objectives while avoiding the long-term setbacks of closed solutions. Cloud migration The open approach offered by Genetec solutions enables end users to scale up or down, broaden the capabilities The open approach offered by Genetec solutions enables end users to scale up or down, broaden the capabilities of their solution, and migrate to the cloud at their own pace. With unified solutions, which bring together access control, video surveillance, and license plate recognition, physical security is evolving from a tool for mitigating risk to playing a significant role in organisations’ digital transformation. Video surveillance software According to another recently published Omdia report, Genetec ranked #1 in video surveillance software globally for the 11th consecutive year and recorded the fastest market share gain over the last three years. These figures coupled with the company’s global growth in access control software, further underscore its market leadership and the benefits of a unified platform.

Dahua Technology, a globally renowned video-centric smart IoT solutions and service provider, has sponsored one white paper and two webinars hosted by Omdia. The theme of the webinars held on October 22nd is ‘Solving security challenges: Next-generation network cameras’. Dahua and Omdia joint webinar Omdia is the new global technology research powerhouse, established in 2019 with the combination of the Informa Tech’s research brands (Ovum, Heavy Reading, and Tractica) and the acquired IHS Markit technology research portfolio. Collaborating with Dahua Technology, the comprehensive webinar has attracted about 1200 registrations. Audiences are experts from various industries such as energy, finance, education, government, retail, etc. With webinar events experts from Omdia, Dahua Technology’s Senior Project Sales Manager, Simon Nash and Omdia’s analysts, Josh Woodhouse and Tommy Zhu shared their insights into new camera technology trends and how they are being used to address physical security end-user challenges. In the end, they did a live Q&A.  Three-in-One Camera solution To address security end-user challenges, Dahua Technology launches an innovative Three-in-One Camera solution" “Nowadays, security end-users are facing more challenges, and application scenarios are becoming more demanding. Traditional security systems are having problems catching up. To address security end-user challenges, Dahua Technology launches an innovative Three-in-One Camera solution, also known as the TiOC, which offers 24/7 full-color monitoring, active deterrence and AI-enabled accurate alarm. It is suitable for almost every security application where a fixed camera is required,” stated Simon Nash, Senior Project Sales Manager, Dahua Technology. “This virtual event highlighted some of the key challenges surveillance camera users face. Omdia has presented insights on the technology available in the market which can mitigate these challenges,” stated Josh Woodhouse, Omdia analyst. Next-gen network cameras “Many of the challenges end-users face can be met by existing technologies in the market. More and more camera models are integrating exciting technologies together to be more effective. Doing more in a single camera is a theme that we are observing in the next-generation of cameras,” said Tommy Zhu, Omdia analyst. Offering 24/7 full-colour monitoring, active deterrence and AI with WizSense IP cameras, HDCVI 6.0 cameras & XVRs, and upcoming PTZ cameras, TiOC is ideally suitable for villas, shops, warehouses, fire lanes, and other similar application scenarios. With its mission of ‘Enabling a safer society and smarter living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality and Service’, to serve its partners and customers around the world.

IHS Markit is a global information provider that combines data, analytics, and insights to provide solutions for business, finance, and government. Business across the world relies on the company to address strategic and operational challenges and IHS Markit relies on advanced technology to do so. Challenge While IHS Markit consistently delivered insightful information to clients, they found their team did not have the bandwidth to manage, monitor, and secure their own IT systems. The organisation struggled with limited staff for their internal IT needs and lacked the specialised skills needed for their expanding Microsoft Azure systems. The IHS Markit team strained to keep up the company’s 24/7 operation and needed support to continue to grow securely. Solution Ntirety brought Azure expertise and best practices in security and networking To get the specific support needed, IHS Markit turned to Ntirety to manage their Azure cloud operations. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Ntirety brought Azure expertise and best practices in security and networking, the much-needed missing pieces to give IHS Markit more bandwidth to move faster with less risk. Operational management The organisation’s internal team had a great weight lifted off their shoulders as Ntirety took over the full operational management of IHS Markit’s research and development department including Dev, Staging, Production, and Disaster Recovery plans, as well as Database maintenance, monitoring, and tuning. The company was even able to get the type of actionable insights they served to clients for their internal cloud systems thanks to weekly meetings with Ntirety’s Solutions Team Azure DevOps engineer. Data management IHS Markit not only needed the time and focus back for their desired business goals, but they needed a stronger security posture to protect proprietary data. With Ntirety acting as the front line for monitoring and patching, the organisation’s internal teams could push forward with peace of mind. Results Ntirety’s Azure DevOps engineer would spin up as many VMs as needed sometimes upwards of 50 Relieved in the operational management of their numerous Azure cloud environments, IHS Markit could focus on business development without pausing to handle tedious tasks. To support their varying needs, Ntirety’s Azure DevOps engineer would spin up as many VMs as needed sometimes upwards of 50 in a month to allow IHS Markit to deliver the insights and analytics their clients needed. Diligent monitoring and patching The organisation operated smoothly without a hiccup in security thanks to diligent monitoring and patching, tasks that could easily go overlooked by internal teams stretched thin. But Ntirety was capable of handling hundreds of WAF alerts and remediations daily to prevent any real problems from developing. Cybersecurity While escalation procedures were put in place, the Ntirety team was often able to engage and mitigate any issues without having to distract the IHS Markit team letting them focus without worrying about cybersecurity. From security to day-to-day cloud operations, IHS Markit found the expert partner to handle mission-critical IT needs with Ntirety.

Businesses large and small rely on their CCTV systems to deter intruders and provide recorded evidence of security incidents. Overtime, CCTV has evolved to offer real-time intrusion detection and monitoring, and businesses now expect easy, secure and anytime access to cameras, and data. For that, they need connected CCTV systems. These modern installations can benefit from cellular connectivity, helping businesses protect their sites, while also supporting enhanced capabilities for CCTV to deliver more. Widespread use of CCTV systems So widespread is the use of CCTV cameras now that London, United Kingdom has over 600,000 cameras, according to Surfshark, while IHS Markit expects over a billion to be operating around the world, by the end of 2021. CCTV often sits at the heart of a business’ on-site security arrangements CCTV often sits at the heart of a business’ on-site security arrangements. Yet, despite this, traditional set-ups fail, to take advantage of the full capability, such physical security can provide. Real-time feeds with anytime access Nominated personnel must physically go to premises to access CCTV video, when it is recorded and kept only on-site. This causes loss of valuable time, when a potential crime must be reported and investigated. What’s more, it can put those who arrive first at the site at risk, if intruders are still present. Nowadays, CCTV installations can take full advantage of connected capabilities. They can provide real-time feeds, which authorised users can access securely from anywhere. That expands the security credentials of CCTV systems, beyond just recording. Detected intrusions can trigger alerts and provide a real-time visual of what’s happening, so that required action can be taken. Of course, to realise these CCTV capabilities, systems must be connected and use the right type of connectivity at that. Connectivity must be resilient, so that it provides a continuous feed, even if a primary connection is lost, secure for authorised users, scalable and cost-effective. Traditionally, connectivity has come from wired connections and WiFi, but now cellular connectivity provides an attractive alternative.   The benefits of cellular connectivity There are a number of reasons for this. To start with, fixed line connectivity isn’t always available in all locations. If the infrastructure isn’t there, particularly at remote sites, cables have to be laid. That’s expensive and takes time. CCTV towers in the construction and building industry, for example, require CCTV that can be rapidly deployed in areas that most likely don’t have fixed line connectivity. A cellular connection can be quickly arranged to get a CCTV system up and running in the shortest possible time. Relying on third-party infrastructure, such as fixed line networks, can also be an issue for CCTV solution providers, because any policy changes can make integration difficult. Issues that may require changes from the third-party network administrator can take longer to resolve and if the fixed line network goes down, there is usually no backup. Cellular connectivity offers end-to-end control Cellular connectivity, delivered by a solution provider, gives end-to-end control of the connectivity Cellular connectivity, delivered by a solution provider, gives end-to-end control of the connectivity. In the rare event that something goes wrong, the solution provider can manage a resolution quickly. Where a number of sites are involved, cellular connectivity can provide a single solution, simplifying overall management of the complete installed CCTV system and reducing total cost of ownership for connectivity. Single connectivity management platform Through a single connectivity management platform, businesses can oversee an entire security installation, viewing and managing data usage, and using the information to assist decision making, as security needs evolve. This brings us to the fourth benefit - The ability to easily scale up. This might be because additional cameras are needed at a site or additional sites need to be catered for. It could even be because the CCTV installation is being enhanced to support additional capabilities. Simple plug-and-play to get cameras online securely Whatever the reason, being able to roll out connections rapidly, to a range of locations will be critical to existing and new installations. Ideally, connectivity should be possible within a matter of days and end users should be able to simply plug-and-play to get their cameras online securely. Resilience is the next factor to consider. Pre-configured routers, or embedded SIM cards in cameras, can reconnect to the most readily available alternative cellular network in the event of a network outage. In this way, cellular connectivity can form part of business continuity options. In some cases, it can work together with fixed line connections, as part of robust installations, which have mitigation built-in, should primary connections fail. Expanding CCTV capabilities 4G and now 5G too, allows for easy access and remote monitoring for CCTV applications 4G and now 5G too, allows for easy access and remote monitoring for CCTV applications. It can be deployed rapidly, supports an ‘always on’ approach and can stream high volumes of data and imagery. Live video feeds can be viewed by authorised users on any device and they can receive alerts, and notifications direct to their mobiles too. The high speed, high bandwidth and lower latency of 5G connectivity also provides the opportunity for enhanced CCTV system capabilities, such as live feed analytics. This is ideal because it helps businesses build on the primary function of security with, for example, occupancy monitoring. This has very much come to the fore, over the past 18 months+, as businesses have had to concern themselves more than ever with occupancy levels in their buildings. ANPR in crime detection and traffic enforcement Retailers, meanwhile, have built on the real-time nature of CCTV technology, to monitor customer numbers in their stores, in line with social distancing guidelines. Another CCTV application can be found with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) in crime detection and traffic enforcement. Combined with software, the feed from CCTV cameras is used to help find and track vehicles for law enforcement or traffic monitoring. For most CCTV applications, the speed and functionality that comes from 4G is more than sufficient. However, it is likely 5G will drive new applications and ways to expand CCTV capabilities to the benefit of businesses. CCTV systems offer remote monitoring and high quality visuals Once a single application installation, CCTV use to provide only on-site recording capabilities. Now, CCTV systems can support remote monitoring and higher quality visuals. They can deliver alerts, and back them up with access to real-time video feeds, so that authorised users can assess a situation and take action rapidly. These additional capabilities support enhanced use cases for CCTV. The data that CCTV systems generate is valuable to businesses. Businesses that capture and analyse the data can fully capitalise on its potential. Cellular connectivity provides a resilient and scalable way of connecting single or multiple sites. Through a connectivity management platform, businesses can consolidate CCTV connectivity, managing connections across networks and deployments.

Security’s intersection with consumer electronics is on view at CES 2020, the world’s largest technology event, Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas. The giant show features more than 170,000 attendees, 4,500 exhibitors and 1,100 industry thought-leaders featured on the CES stage. A range of technologies will be on display, from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G, vehicle technology to AR/VR (augmented and virtual reality), robotics to home automation. Security plays a prominent role, too.The impact of this event for the smart home could be about delivering home analytics and enhancing privacy" Smart home market on the forefront The smart home market is a major focus. “For the smart home market at CES this year, we expect to see numerous announcements regarding home awareness,” says Blake Kozak, Senior Principal Analyst at IHS Markit. “This will include brands offering up additional analytics for consumer security cameras with a focus on edge-based solutions.” “The impact of this [event] for the smart home could be about delivering home analytics and enhancing privacy through cloudless architectures and new electronic door lock approaches,” he adds. An example of cloud analytics is the Resideo Home app, introduced in December, which will make whole-home monitoring possible for four critical networks of the home – water, air, energy and security. Resideo promises a “simplified and integrated smart home experience.” Video is also prominent at the show. “For cameras, we can expect to see more cameras focused on the outdoor space and possibly new form factors for video doorbells,” says Kozak. Familiar security industry brands exhibiting at CES 2020 include ADT, Ring, August Home and Yale (both part of ASSA ABLOY), Bosch and Alarm.com. Focus on Cybersecurity In 2020, companies will continue to focus on solutions for protecting consumer data" Cybersecurity is an aspect of many of the devices on display at CES. “Device security and data privacy play a key role in the adoption of connected devices,” says Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates. “Consumer security concerns for smart home products will continue to be a barrier to adoption in the U.S. and Europe, and these concerns can actually intensify with device adoption-71% of U.S. smart home households are concerned about cybersecurity. In 2020, companies will continue to focus on solutions for protecting consumer data. One big area of interest is protection on the network router, providing whole home solutions, which are very appealing to consumers.” “At CES we will see the traditional players introducing new DIY (do-it-yourself) products, as well as new players announcing new product features, services, and partnerships,” Parks adds. Smart access control Smart locks will be among the security products at CES 2020. For example, PassiveBolt, a lock company, will show the Shepherd Lock, a touch-enabled smart lock with enhanced security through sensors and AI. The add-on lock converts existing locksets into touch-activated devices. Another lock manufacturer is Kwikset, whose door locks and door hardware include Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks, Bluetooth-enabled smart locks, keyless and keyway-less locks and connected home technology. Video doorbells, including industry-innovator Ring, have been a hit in the consumer market. At CES, Ring will expand the mission to make neighbourhoods safer by creating a “Ring of Security” around homes and communities with a suite of home security products and services. The “Neighbors by Ring” app enables affordable, complete, proactive home and neighbourhood security. Homeguard offers a range of affordable CCTV solutions for home and small business DIY CCTV demonstrations DIY security systems are another market. Homeguard is a leading DIY consumer brand offering a range of affordable CCTV solutions for home and small business, including wired and wireless CCTV kits, smart cameras, home alarm systems and wire-free HD CCTV kits. Swann Communications is also at the forefront of surveillance and monitoring with new products developments including wire-free HD cameras and doorbells, professional CCTV video surveillance systems, and 1080p full HD systems with “True Detect” heat and motion sensing. AVTECH, and subsidiary YesGo Tech, will demonstrate a compact Wi-Fi home security set, a series of special cameras with face recognition, thermal detection and license plate recognition, customised central management software and a university ID tag that is compatible with access control, OEM and ODM opportunities. Security and automation solutions D-Link’s home networking, security and automation solutions will help consumers connect, view, share, entertain, work and play. SECO-LARM, manufacturer of a Room Occupancy Monitor that shows whether a room is in use, has a line of keypads and proximity readers with built-in Bluetooth for convenient access. Another smart home security solutions provider, Climax Technology, integrates wireless security, home automation, energy management, home emergency monitoring and live visual monitoring. Personal safety mobile application Manufacturers are positioning outdoor cameras as deterrents to theft before a burglary happens" WaryMe designs and develops a personal safety mobile application to improve a user’s security in public places, schools, transports and companies by addressing major risks such as terrorism attacks, intrusion, fire and even industrial accidents. An all-in-one mobile application integrates alerting, crisis management and mass notification features. “Market players are looking to expand beyond established smart home devices like smart thermostats and networked cameras to products like smart water leak detectors, smart pet feeders, and smart air purifiers,” says Elizabeth Parks. “Manufacturers are positioning outdoor cameras as deterrents to theft before a burglary happens. This trend is part of a broader security marketing effort to extend the perimeter of home security beyond traditional home access points.” “Familiarity with smart home devices lags behind familiarity with smart entertainment products; it even lags that of smart speakers, which are quite new in the market,” adds Parks. “In 2020, we will see players working to advance the visibility and marketing around device integration, and specifically focus on use case scenarios around safety, security, and convenience, which have always been the primary drivers of adoption of these types of products.”

The success of smart homes began with professional security providers offering bundled packages, focused mostly on security monitoring. However, due to the cost of professional contracts, consumers began to embrace the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Despite the challenges and opportunities that come with professional and DIY approaches, the momentum of smart home growth depends on these two approaches working symbiotically. Smart home systems In 2017, there were about 122 million smart home devices shipped globally, according to IHS Markit. The retail channel represented about 62 percent of all device shipments in 2017 and will represent about 70 percent in 2021. Despite the increased demand for professional installation, the “do-it-for-me” approach, most the volume remains with ad-hoc purchases. This includes a consumer video camera or a smart thermostat purchase from a retailer. Data capture form to appear here! When a consumer wants to add devices to an existing professionally installed system, they often will buy products from retail. Flexible service offerings and pricing are already taking shape across smart home offerings. DIY installed smart home systems such as Scout Alarm already offer no contract monitoring. Professional monitoring companies are already offering no contract pricing, and providers such as Comcast are looking to pilot programs for just video monitoring, bundled with Internet for a low monthly fee. Home automation system Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller Options for financing are also going to become commonplace. Smart home equipment is expensive, even when attempting to outfit a modest size home (2,500 square feet). Immediate access to services is becoming more critical. This means consumers should be able to access on-demand service options directly from a mobile device to activate or deactivate professional monitoring. Lastly, pricing still needs to come down for many smart home devices, but there is a threshold. For example, the sale of wireless, connected smart locks (viewed by some consumers as DIY) can lead to opportunities for further home automation product sales and professional installations. Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller. They can be used to communicate wirelessly with and control all the devices that make up a home automation system, including lighting, entertainment, thermostats, air, alarms, shades and more. Residential security According to a 2018 Residential Security Market Report prepared by Parks Associates, “More than 60% of installing dealers now report that DIY systems are biting into demand for their services.” But the rise in DIY is not entirely bad news for security and home automation installers and dealers. There are a number of ways to view this glass as half-full. For example, with their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchases. There are reasons for dealers and installers to be cheerful about the rise of DIY. For one thing, according to that same Residential Security Market Report from Parks Associates, residential security dealers are doing quite well. The report states, “In 2017, revenues were up an average 7.72% for security dealers.” Full-time monitoring DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchase and installation of professionally installed systems What about installations? The report goes on to say, “For 2017, the average number of installs per dealer was 22 per month, compared to 17 per month in 2016.” So, revenues are up for security dealers, and at least part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that DIY products can raise overall awareness of and spur interest in other home automation and security products. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for the additional purchase, and installation, of complete, professionally installed systems. Instead of paying for monthly monitoring, homeowners can install a web cam, access from a smartphone or tablet and essentially do their own security monitoring. The downside of this approach is readily apparent. Without full-time monitoring, homeowners can easily miss the break-in or the aged parent who falls and can’t get up. Near-field communication Until they log on and take a look, there’s no central station to send medical aid or call the police. Connecting door locks and other devices to the Internet can also open a door to hackers, if the infrastructure isn’t properly protected. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. A common theme among professional monitoring providers is that a homeowner who is aware of events happening in the home does not necessarily have a secure and protected household. Traditional security features For example, a Nest camera, a DIY product, notifies a consumer via smartphone about events in the home when it detects motion, but only when the notification is opened and identified will a consumer be able to act on the related event. Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market that want security but are unwilling to adopt professional monitoring; however, providers can leverage these devices to enhance traditional security features and communicate the value of professional monitoring. Missed part one of our smart home mini series? Read it here.