Convergence the buzz at Security Growth

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Although the 51 companies that presented at Security Growth Conference this year represent various sectors of the market, a common thread was new technologies being fueled by convergence. As the market becomes more responsive to this shift, many of the presenting companies share a single-solution product or service. The outlook for the security product arena is estimated to be more than $60 billion as the adoption of efficient, low-cost digital technologies capable of being networked together push growth in product sales, noted John Mack, chief executive officer of USBX Advisory Services and founder of the conference, during his opening remarks. After the presentations, attendees had an opportunity to ask questions about the presenting companies. A universal question that was discussed at many of the alarm company presentations was: What are the company's thoughts on municipalities going to a verified response policy? How is the company meeting that change? These questions were asked of James Covert, chairman and chief executive officer at HSM Electronic Protection Services. Covert said most companies are responding proactively to the issue: "I think it's an industry problem. We created it and we have to fix it." As a mandated change in the market, verified response requires a solution through technology. OzVision has turned this factor into a solution the company offers to security monitoring companies. The video-monitoring IP-ready product directly works with the industry's approach to curb false alarms. The system integrates with existing platforms. "People are most interested in having video as it occurs," Ed Mallen, chief executive officer, said at the company's presentation. Whether security professionals or members of the financial community, attendees of SGC 2006 received a current perspective on the intersection between digital and physical security--along with the development and financial opportunities that intersection is creating.