The past decade has brought a great deal of change to the surveillance industry. After experiencing challenging financial times globally along with several tragic events that threatened the security of citizens worldwide, what we have been left with is an important lesson in choosing solutions that provide exceptional protection along with the highest possible return on investment. For manufacturers this means creating products that are multi-faceted, easy-to-use, and cost-effective. For security executives this means choosing solutions that will provide a high return on investment.

One of the most significant changes in the video surveillance industry over the last decade has been the shift in technology from analog to high-definition. While the first digital surveillance cameras were developed in the 1990's, it wasn't until the early 2000's that high-definition cameras became more common and technology began to improve. Over the past several years, technology has continued to improve drastically and the trend toward high-definition is one that has become wide spread. Today, when we look at purchasing products such as a new TV, camera or video game, high-definition technology is now certainly considered the norm and video surveillance is no exception. But the increase in technology also comes with the requirement for cost-effective solutions that help organizations add to the bottom line. When it comes to increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution, high-definition cameras have taken center stage in the surveillance space.

Business Intelligence: HD Cameras Work for the Whole Organization
With the improvement in technology over the past ten years, image quality is enabling the trend of business intelligence and end-users are now starting to demand more from their security systems. As a result, we are seeing high-definition surveillance being used by several departments for the purpose of business intelligence to add to the organization's bottom line. With improved camera technology that provides better quality images and footage, video surveillance has moved from simply a reactive security product of the past to a proactive business intelligence tool. This trend toward improved video means that high-definition video is now being used for more applications than ever before.

For example, departments like marketing and human resources are using surveillance to improve practices, policies, customer satisfaction and employee health and safety. In retail applications, high-definition video systems are used to help control the flow of traffic in-store, monitor the effectiveness of marketing displays, and staff locations as necessary. With the lessons of the past behind us, we move into the future with a better understanding of the overall benefits of high-definition surveillance for organizations as a whole. As we move forward, we expect this trend to continue with even more innovative applications for megapixel cameras opening up in the future.

Smaller Cameras with Big Detail
Over the past ten years, surveillance has become a necessity for organizations worldwide that cannot be compromised. The advantages of a high-definition system have been realized by businesses of all sizes however in the past the idea of upgrading has been unrealistic for many due to high costs and the lack of discretion in system design. Until recently, the possibility for many small and medium-sized businesses to transition to high-definition security systems has been unattainable both financially and logistically. What has been lacking in the industry is a product that makes the benefits of a high-definition system accessible to organizations of all sizes.

To answer this challenge, organizations have started to create smaller cameras that provide the high-definition image typical of larger cameras and more complex systems. For example, Avigilon recently launched its HD Micro Dome camera, the world's smallest HD dome camera that offers powerful protection in a compact form factor. The introduction of small, discreet high-definition cameras, like the HD Micro Dome, will help organizations of all sizes easily transition from analog to high-definition surveillance.

Open Platforms Allow for Hybrid Surveillance Systems
The surveillance industry includes many products that can work together to meet the unique security needs of organizations worldwide. Systems that were built from the ground up on an open platform have the ability to integrate easily with complementary systems to create complete, end-to-end solutions. For example, access control often goes hand in hand with video surveillance and when these systems are built on open platforms, a hybrid security solution can easily be created.

The recent acquisition of RedCloud Security Inc., a leading access control provider, by Avigilon is a prime example of a natural connection between solutions. Avigilon and RedCloud both offer innovative products that were built from the ground up, enabling a smooth integration between the two systems. RedCloud's products were created to ensure that physical and IT security could converge, a unique offering from an access control company. Avigilon's image quality and user-friendly software combined with RedCloud's game-changing product will result in a seamless, end-to-end surveillance system users are sure to benefit from.

Solutions that are built on an open platform offer organizations the opportunity to add to existing elements and create a full security system with added benefits. Although this was somewhat of a rarity in the past, forward-thinking companies that worked to develop open products from the outset are driving this trend into the future. The potential for organizations to benefit from integrations of products that are built on an open platform is endless.

Looking Forward
The surveillance industry has developed significantly over the past ten years and we have much to look forward to in the future. As high-definition products become even more predominant, we will continue to see an increase in end users making the switch from analog to HD. We'll also continue to see high-definition systems used for new and innovative purposes to benefit organizations as a whole, adding value and increasing the bottom line. Smaller, more discreet cameras that offer the benefits high-definition footage will open the industry up to new markets worldwide and systems integration will become more predominant, particularly among products that are built on open platforms. These trends will enable surveillance companies to compile their strengths and create the most effective security systems possible. With ten years of innovation behind us along with the trends we are seeing today, the future is sure bring more development, innovation and security to the industry worldwide.