security events / preview 33 percent of the 23,079 visitors were from overseas, according to UBM. Clear innovation – blurred lines! When the doors of Excel opened for this year’s Ifsec International it soon became apparent that this year, perhaps more than any other year, the boundaries between the different technological sectors within the security industry are moving ever closer. By Rachel Ward Owens Rarely now, do we see the individual companies concentrating on purist innovations, specifically focused only on CCTV, access control or intruder technologies. Although the official Ifsec floorplan, itself, is still divided into colour coded market sectors, in reality the divisions are now quite blurred. Traditional access control companies are now offering integrated video, CCTV and intruder solutions, and vice versa. Crossing boundaries – a growing trend This growing trend of crossing boundaries has also fuelled the motivation for the onslaught of major acquisitions that the industry has experienced lately. In addition, it was apparent at the show this year that a wide range of other applications and verticals not usually associated with traditional security and access-style technology are emerging in force, such as home automation, marketing analytics, energy management, hotel and hospitality development, loyalty schemes and parking control – and this will surely see the introduction of new players to the security arena. Alliances promoted Visitors to the show were presented with new products using cloud based IP technologies, 3D biometrics, management analytics, next generation UHD or 4K camera technology and true 360 degree panoramic surveillance. In addition, open standards such as ONVIF, and partnerships and product integrations, are all playing their part in providing the key to this new, exciting and universal market place. Looking around the crowded aisles of Ifsec, never before have so many exhibitors openly advertised alliances, partnerships and integrations with other company brands and products. Well known brands, such as Samsung, Bosch, Paxton, Milestone, amongst others, openly advertised the names and logos of other partner companies alongside their own exhibits. Vanderbilt stamped its authority As is usual for a prestige show like Ifsec the main players had invested in large well positioned stands and were making their presence known. One company, in particular, that really needed to make its mark in the UK and Europe as a new brand in the region, was Vanderbilt. Having started down the long and costly route of rebranding the entire corporate image and product line from Siemens Security Products, Vanderbilt certainly stamped its authority on the show and made it feel almost as if it had been around in Europe for years. Timing for this company was of the essence, the acquisition announcement coupled with the timing of Ifsec in London presented an unmissable and valuable opportunity for a perfect European launching platform. Now overnight everyone knows who they are. Strong Asian representation A remarkable number of Asian exhibitors took part this year, not only did we see the large stands of those that have worked towards dominant market positions like, Hikvision, Suprema, Vivotek and Surveon, and the like but many more Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean companies following their Security News Every Day – www. securityworldhotel.com 40 • detektor i n te r n at i on al