News Poll: The future of physical security is integrated, frictionless

YARMOUTH, Maine — While artificial intelligence (AI) is driving new complexity in physical security, a recent Security Systems News poll finds that mergers like Brivo-Eagle Eye Networks could make it simpler to manage systems. 

A majority of respondents to the poll (65%) believe these mergers send a signal that cloud native, integrated solutions will dominate the future of physical security. Still, 24% still believe hybrid or on-premise systems will remain essential. 

“The long‑term direction of cloud adoption in surveillance and access control is moving toward a frictionless, human‑centric experience,” said Chris Gilbert, president, Security Pros in Sellersburg, Ind. “People will access buildings, rooms, services, and even their own data seamlessly through their face, presence, and digital identity. Physical and digital interactions will merge, enabling movement and access that aligns with how humans naturally operate. As this evolution accelerates, security systems must simultaneously protect both the physical environment and the sensitive data that powers it. Cloud‑connected platforms will be essential in delivering unified, intelligent, and secure experiences across the real and digital worlds.” 

A majority of respondents (76%) believe a unified cloud platform would simplify the work of integrators when it comes to quoting, installation and support. Only 12% believe it won’t have any impact at all. 

Brivo’s own President Steve Van Till chimed in to offer his take on the long-term direction of cloud adoption and platform consolidation for businesses. 

"The future of physical security is about making things easier, even as technology, particularly AI innovations, become increasingly more complex,” he said. “Unified cloud platforms help customers and partners cut through complexity, reduce friction, and focus on what matters most. As cloud adoption continues, customers are seeking fewer vendors, stronger integrations, and greater value from their security solutions.” 

Respondents aren’t oblivious to the challenges of a fully unified platform, however. Thirty-six percent worry integration with legacy systems will be a challenge; 27% worry about the cost implications for end-users and 18.18% worry about vendor lock-in and reduced flexibility. 

“Hanwha’s move into access control seems like an equivalent to Brivo-EEN and they will both offer an easier unified delivery option for dealers, taking away business from non-integrated solutions,” wrote Robert Schorr, CTO, Proxess in Denver. “However, many customers are just not ready for more than one sub system.”