Integrated systems will account for over 70% of the total security systems installation and maintenance market in Europe by 2013, according to a new study from IMS Research. The research, which measured the potential market for integrated security systems, also identified integration with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and building automation systems as a key trend for the future.

However, despite the long-term trend to more integrated security systems, many systems integrators are currently finding that customers, who a few years ago were willing to accept new technologies and be a little daring, are much more conservative when it comes to purchasing at the moment.

According to report author and IMS Research analyst, Niall Jenkins, "Security customers today are more frequently asking for only what they need and nothing more in a new security system installation. This is as a result of lower budgets and a tightening of belts across most industries. However, as the global economy recovers, and budget restraints loosen, there are clear advantages to spending security budget on integrated security systems."

"Security equipment can be integrated with a wide range of technologies, including HVAC, building automation, fire, power management and IT systems", continues Jenkins. "The energy, infrastructure and efficiency benefits of integrating systems will continue to drive markets together. The successful integrators will be those that offer integrated security solutions and not discrete, isolated security installations that do not interact with other systems."
IMS Research's recently completed report, "The European Market for Security Systems Integration - 2010 Edition" addresses this and many other relevant topics in detail.