Skip to Content

Being part of the buzz

Being part of the buzz

I must say that it’s nice to be part of the industry buzz. As this issue goes to press, we’re just a few weeks removed from our inaugural TechSec Solutions event. And while the feedback has been wonderful, the buzz that continues not just about the event, but the issues it tackled, continues. When we came up with the TechSec Solutions concept a year ago we knew we were heading into unchartered territory. For a while now we’ve been talking about the digital revolution and IP convergence, but the question remained as to whether the systems integrator, end user and manufacturer were heading in the same direction. We heard from two camps: those who said IP-ready security technology is a reality today and those who said the use of IP-ready security technology is not quite there yet. But I believe the reason that we have these two distinctly different viewpoints is because of a lack of knowledge on several different fronts. One is that systems integrators need to become better educated in this technology evolution. I can only imagine how difficult it is already for a systems integrator to remain up to speed on current security-related technology and codes. Now, throw into that mix a new breed of technology that uses an IT infrastructure as its backbone. The other area that those in the industry need to become better versed on is what is myth and what is reality. Will hanging an IP security cameras on the corporate IT infrastructure choke the network? How much bandwidth will these cameras use? Will images from these cameras be secure? These are all valid questions. For some time now I’ve heard that this industry has a history of operating in one direction. And that’s with manufacturers leading the charge when it comes to what products to introduce to the market and what security evolution will happen next. In this scenario, I believe that all sides of the industry have an opportunity to lead the way. And as the producers of TechSec, we saw that first hand. Perhaps for the first time, all parties came together not just to share information, but to also learn. The conference seminars were not just filled with systems integrators, consultants and end users, but manufacturers actively participated, as well. In one instance, I heard a manufacturer ask members of one panel discussion what his company could do to partner with systems integrators during this evolution. Milestones like this don’t come around often. Nor do events like this one. Next year I hope to see you there.

Comments

To comment on this post, please log in to your account or set up an account now.