Who is Paying the Price for Wireless Video Surveillance Training?

According to a new report from IMS Research, one of the main factors limiting growth in the wireless video surveillance market is the knowledge and skill-base of security systems integrators. Most integrators and installers of video surveillance equipment use wireless technology as a last resort and are much more comfortable with wired networking. Despite this, the market is forecast to grow at 20 percent in the Americas, but has the potential to grow even faster.

Furthermore, the cost of training remains a bone of contention between systems integrators and the manufacturers of wireless infrastructure equipment. The majority of systems integrators interviewed for the research stated that vendors should not charge for a basic level of product training, sales support or technical support. That being said, they felt that on-site system design could legitimately be billed for separately. On the other hand, the wireless equipment manufacturers remain reluctant to provide free training when there is no guarantee this will translate into sales.

“The market is in a Catch 22 situation”, comments Niall Jenkins, Senior Research Analyst at IMS Research. “Integrators need training in the equipment before they can win wireless video surveillance projects but are unwilling to pay for the training because there is no guarantee they will win these project. Wireless equipment manufacturers need integrators to be trained to win wireless projects but are unwilling to provide the training for free because there is no guarantee this will translate into sales revenue.”

“Going forward, both parties will need to make compromises”, continues Jenkins. “It is likely that less expensive on-line training will be provided free of charge and supplemented by advanced training that is charged for. This should meet both parties’ needs to protect their initial expense before winning new business.”

It will also be interesting to see whether technology partnerships, such as the Secure City Technology Alliance, have an impact on the wireless video surveillance market. In theory, this sort of partnership can solve many of the integration problems that installers have. However, while the membership remains limited, it is early to say whether this partnership will have a significant impact on the wireless video surveillance industry.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.