For more than a decade the titans of physical security and information technology have been moving steadily toward an inevitable merge.  Security technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication and reliance on media traditionally occupied by data and voice. This in turn brings security professionals and their counterparts in information technology outside their respective “comfort zone.“  Security dealers and professionals are finding themselves increasingly involved in deployment of IP networks, and IT managers are commonly being tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of physical security networks.

The joining of Physical Security and Information Technology is typically referred to as "convergence".  Though the market has moved quickly to a converged demand, security dealers and integrators as well as IT firms have been reluctant to present a unified package of products and services.  Much of this reluctance is born out of the unwillingness of manufacturers and software development companies to move forward with research and development of products to meet this demand.  However, there are exceptions from all levels of both fields.  Security integration companies that have stayed at the forefront of emerging technology have pushed the demand on manufacturers to produce products that fit their highly technical needs.  Reciprocally, IT systems manufacturers and software development companies are moving forward in implementing physical security products into their lines.

There is an inherent obstacle in IT firms leading the charge in offering convergence.  In order for a an IT firm to be able to legally sell and manage installation of security systems, they have to be licensed and trained to comply with state and local regulations that govern the security industry.  Licensing requirements shift the responsibility directly to security integrators to facilitate convergence.  IT firms will take longer to come into compliance.

Imagine your physical and data security measures working in unison to prevent physical and virtual network intrusion.  Example: Your data is not only protected from virtual intrusion by "hackers", but also persons actually entering your physical facility to gain access.  In addition, your physical security systems are now protected from persons attempting to access your virtual security network by altering surveillance and access controls.  Convergence is the catalyst for the birth of "Self Aware Secure Networks", where your physical and data networks are combined and the system virtually monitors itself.

You can take advantage of convergence by proactively eliminating the barrier between physical and data security in you own staffing and/or outsourcing.  Convergence has already began to generate a new kind of professional, literally a new position within companies that replaces one if not two previously held positions.  Many companies have already begun to hire, outsource or internally grow this professional within their organization.  This new position requires a multifaceted professional with the expertise to collaborate and communicate with both physical data security personnel and contractors.  In addition, these professionals will need to possess an operational knowledge of both fields.  Finding a single person that fits this build currently can be a challenge. 

The most efficient manner by which to secure personnel, assets and data is to rely on security integrators capable of convergence.  New technologies and services are currently being offered and developed that will bring a whole new level of efficiency and effectiveness in preventing loss and intrusion.  Should you demand this level of expertise and capability, you will undoubtedly benefit from the ROI convergence produces.  In utilizing the liquidity of outsourcing, you can obtain these benefits by selecting a security integration company capable of convergence.  Ultimately you will have laid a physical and data security infrastructure that will last you well into the new generation of convergence.

By Zac McWilliams
Marketing Director