Integration Frustration

  • By Darren A. Nix
  • Dec 07, 2009

Many of today's security systems and products integrate with each other, and thanks to end user demand, manufacturers have made integrating with multiple security products easier. But while product integration is a huge advantage to the end user, and manufacturers regularly provide lists of compatible products, it is important to understand how integrated two products really are.

For example, multiple fixed, PTZ and megapixel cameras integrate with various Security Management Systems (SMS) and Video Management Systems (VMS). Beyond connecting the camera to the system for viewing capabilities and recording formats, integration may also involve configuration and control. Most of these cameras have on-board features that allow users to change the configuration and control other aspects of the camera, such as PTZ control. A "complete" integration should allow users full access to all of the camera features through the connection to a system. In other words, by logging into an SMS or VMS software application the integration should allow for full access. Some SMS and VMS providers make their own cameras, so it stands to reason that their cameras should be "completely" integrated with their SMS or VMS. But what about third party cameras?

The level of integration of products typically depends on the manufacturer that is primarily responsible for developing the integration. Because of the following reasons, some products are not fully integrated:

  • Proprietary issues
  • Some features are not capable of integration
  • Selective features only
The user, therefore, doesn't receive the full benefits of some products. The following is a list of questions that should be answered when trying to determine the integration of products:
  • What are all of the features of the product?
  • Which manufacturer is primarily responsible for developing the integration? (e.g. camera manufacturer or SMS manufacturer?)
  • Which of the features are included or not included in the integration?
  • Is there any other degradation to the product and its features as a result of the integration?
By reading all of the documentation, conducting a little extra research and asking questions, the product integration can be better understood.

About the Author

Darren Nix is a senior associate at Risk Management Associates, Inc.

Featured

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.