IT managers more involved in physical security decisions, according to SIA

SIA reports more involvement of IT managers in decisions regarding physical security solutions

IT managers are getting more involved in decisions regarding physical security solutions, according to a new report featured in the latest Quarterly Research Update from the Security Industry Association (SIA).

A survey of integrators and installers of IP-based security products by IMS Research found that more than three-fourths of companies are working with IT managers more now than they were a year ago. The survey also discovered that three out of five IT managers are involved in physical security purchase decisions.

"This shows just how much physical security is converging with IT," SIA Director of Research Mark Visbal said. "A few years ago, they were different worlds. Now, in many cases, it's difficult, if not impossible, to separate one from the other."

The Quarterly Research Update examines the latest trends in the electronic security industry. The current issue - which covers the second quarter of 2009 - includes a look at the recent drop in violent crime in the United States, trends in GSA Schedule purchasing, a record-setting year for shoplifting arrests and other topics.