Operating System of the Future
I was once told by a senior manager at a large corporation, “quit talking about this Windows OS, you know corporate has chosen IBM OS2 for the company’s operating system.” I was a young systems engineer in the service department at this $3 Billion dollar company. It was a no-brainer that OS2 did not have the application development behind it and Gates was going to win the OS battle. Down they went into the IBM OS and after 10,000 or so computers were in place with OS2, all PC’s and training were thrown out as Windows 5 hit the market. Not problem free this Windows OS, but at least it did something.
Slow and Expensive – Is that OK?
Then there was the time in 2000 that I was told that a proprietary system called ION was going to save the world and provide multiple high-speed internet connections to every business and household. $2B later, in 2002 the need fell on this web conduit. It was clear that the technology was not needed as DSL and cable modem service was spreading across the nation.
The common denominator of these real-life technology decisions, or indecisions cost a lot and ate up many resources. All of those stories are about proprietary systems. Open platform or an open architecture are the future as web-base applications and client applications allow the user to have choices in their applications and devices. IP Cameras are IP devices just like any computer on the network.
OS2 and ION were closed systems and were not grasped by the business buyer after the initial 1-2 year trial. The fact is that open platforms grow business and closed, proprietary systems initially get attention because of certain features, and then die on the vine. Proprietary is used to create margin by differentiating yourself from the competition. How can you compare prices when its apples and oranges.
Video Security Technology – Why Not HiDef NOW?
Video Surveillance and CCTV is about to undergo major changes as it migrates from analog to digital systems. In the same way that many technologies get introduced, IP megapixel camera manufacturers are to many extents, close systems allowing only certain cameras to play. The call is for the manufacturers adopt a H.264 common protocol that every NVR can talk to and share a common language.
Are manufacturers taking advantage of the new technology with premium pricing and by closing their proprietary system to outsiders? A DHCP setup and IP addressing with port forwarding and LAN speed tests are much different than installation of analog camera systems. Certification is often required and many analog installation groups will be left out of the IP system installations if they don’t train and plan now. IT professionals, welcome to the CCTV business. The reality of IP megapixel in large complex systems will grow beyond the abilities of many installation groups and above the ability of the design teams from the Analog world.
The IP Megapixel Camera business will outgrow the analog camera when prices drop. Maybe it will gain 50% market share in 2-5 years. I would foresee a 50% price reduction by 2012, as the professional IP Megapixel is commonly 2.5x the price of a hi-res 550 TVL analog camera that has sufficient video for most applications. Although IP megapixel cameras have a tremendous picture video quality, the price is a major factor along with bandwidth issues in today’s products.
Bad Timing for Expensive CCTV
Professional-grade 1.3 MP IP cameras are $600-$900 in today’s market. We would like a $300 3MP+ IP video cameras and the ability to transmit at 30 FPS across all 32 channels by the summer of 2011. Price and Pipeline please. It will happen and I think the adoption of the H264 standard is vital to this business growth and the takeover of poor-quality analog CCTV cameras. Open up the APIs and let’s get this analog-poor video in our rearview mirror. IP Megapixel is a tremendous technology improvement and the video security business will benefit greatly from this technology.
As a system integrator with extensive network experience, our company cannot wait to see the IP cameras take over the market. So the future growth depends on the manufacturers and competition to open the platforms and may the best devices win! High-Speed IP Megapixel cameras are the future.
Steve McNeal
AMA Security
800-417-2113
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