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Axis' annual trends survey finds awareness of intelligent video applications climbs

Market research conducted by Agility PR on behalf of IP-surveillance market leader Axis Communications  at International IP Security Exhibition & Conference (IIPSEC 2007) last month, showed that 76% of respondents were seeing Intelligent Video applications and solutions that are valuable to their customers, demonstrating a growing acceptance of network video and the possibilities of new applications.

The industry is also recognising that network video products are now delivering high quality of output and can no longer be excluded from a security installation on these grounds:

• A third (33%) believe improvements in quality of output and functionality of network cameras is the most significant technical development driving the adoption of IP-surveillance this year

Other key findings from the survey were:

• Nearly a third of respondents (32%) think that security managers used to be more involved in the buying decision than they are today
• Nearly a third of IIPSEC visitors (32%) saw remote monitoring via the internet as the key benefit of moving to IP-surveillance, with 22% stating improved quality of output
• Lack of knowledge and skills amongst the security installer community was seen as the key obstacle to adoption of IP-surveillance by 27% of IIPSEC visitors, 31% of whom were traditional CCTV distributors and installers
• Education and transport sectors were considered equal in importance in leading the take-up of IP-surveillance, each gaining 23% of responses

Respondents had a clearer understanding of Intelligent Video (IV) applications and 76% of respondents thought applications such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), people counting and ‘trip-wire' zoning were valuable to their customers, with 58% of respondents planning to install IV applications for their customers during 2007.

Educating the market is still seen as the key to delivering success for IP-surveillance.  Respondents were keenest for Axis and other IP-Surveillance vendors to continue to devote resources to educating the market about the benefits of IP-Surveillance (82% put this as the first or second most important element of support that Axis needs to continue to offer).

In response to the interest in IV applications, 40% of respondents ranked highest the importance of IP-surveillance vendors managing a strong application development program, with end-user training ranked highest by 22% of respondents.

Security managers are still the lead decision maker according to 30% of respondents, with IT Directors, Financial Directors and Facilities Managers each responsible for making the decision on security purchasing in three in five purchases.  32% of respondents stated that security managers were less involved in the buying decision than previously.

Steve Gorski, managing director of Axis Communications (UK) Limited, commented:

"This year's Axis IP-surveillance trends survey shows that IP-surveillance is becoming more mainstream and is now regarded as the choice for output quality.  Respondents can see new IP-surveillance products accelerating image quality and with enhanced functionality coming through.  There is excitement about new IV applications and customers are demanding them.  As always, Axis will be on hand to offer training and development in all aspects of IP-surveillance through our successful Axis Academy training programmes."

Axis Communications UK will also be relocating to larger premises during March within the same office park near Hitchin, Herts.  In response to the continued demand for reseller and technician training, the new premises will have dedicated training facilities including a seminar room and demonstration area.

The findings are based on written questionnaires completed by 100 randomly selected IIPSEC 2007 visitors on 24^th January 2007.  31% of respondents were CCTV installers or distributors, 11% were IT resellers/integrators/distributors, 19% were vendors/ manufacturers, 6% were end users, 11% consultants/specifiers, and 22% were other suppliers to the industry including the media, industry analysts and training providers.