Analog vs. IP Video Surveillance. . . it's about the customer, folks!

I was really lucky to spend the past eight years working intensely on education programs dedicated to enhancing end user's physical security programs.

The single most important thing I learned that electronic security system deployment is one tool for the physical security or surveillance professional and not the center of their universe.

I am continually amazed at how some discussions about analog or IP video systems lead immediately to technology discussions rather than what's good for the customer. What do they need the system to do? What is their existing infrastructure?

There was an article I read about City Center Surveillance deployment acceptance.

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_6687.aspx

Technology may, in the future, be enabled by enhanced wireless infrastructure technologies like WIMAX, but will not automatically be adopted as a result of technology. The requirements of the end user drive the use of technology and if IP video will provide the right product to more widely distribute video content for mobile reponders, then adoption will be encouraged. Here, mobile responders and emergency services have specific needs that are met by the distribution of IP video to many clients simultaneously.

Does the same system properly service the Loss Prevention or Gaming Surveillance Professional? Not currently, and I know that I am inviting commentary here, but first think of the needs of your customer or, more specifically, your customer's customer! The variable and often slow camera control system response on many IP Video Systems have slowed this deployment since the user has to, without compromise, keep up with tracking an individual through a casino or along the aisles of an electronic superstore. Yes, there are those systems available that provide an uncompromised solution, but at a greater cost than their analog counterparts.

So the next time someone jumps right into a technology discussion, ask them to instead take a moment and "listen up!" as a popular singer says, and perhaps the solution will turn out better for everyone...