Microsoft Corporation - Experts & Thought Leaders

Nutanix, a pioneer in hybrid multicloud computing, announced at Microsoft Ignite 2025 that its Nutanix Cloud Platform solution will support Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop for hybrid environments. This will enable organisations to run Azure Virtual Desktop on premises on the Nutanix AHV hypervisor, offering a new level of flexibility in how virtual desktops are deployed and managed. This effort aims to meet the evolving needs of distributed workforces and will give IT teams more infrastructure choices while optimising control, performance, security, and cost efficiency. Nutanix Cloud Platform “The Nutanix Cloud Platform delivers a performant, resilient, cost-efficient, and secure infrastructure base for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) workloads,” said Tarkan Maner, Chief Commercial Officer at Nutanix. “This collaboration with Microsoft will empower our customers with more options for virtual desktops, whether they’re modernising on premises or extending into hybrid cloud environments.” Critical compliance and regulatory requirements Azure Virtual Desktop for hybrid environments addresses critical compliance and regulatory requirements in industries such as financial services, healthcare, and government, where data residency and sovereignty are paramount. Customers will benefit from running Azure Virtual Desktop locally on Nutanix AHV while using the Azure Virtual Desktop brokering and management stack on Azure Arc–enabled servers to connect securely to Azure. Key benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop Key Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop for hybrid environments on Nutanix AHV will include: Hybrid Flexibility: Combine on-premises performance with Azure scalability for burst capacity and disaster recovery. Ability to run Microsoft applications: Native support for Microsoft 365, Teams optimisations, Microsoft Entra, and security services. Optimised for Performance: Ideal for latency-sensitive and graphics-intensive workloads. Cost Efficiency: Leverage existing Microsoft licencing and Nutanix infrastructure for predictable economics. Nutanix support for Azure Virtual Desktop “Azure Virtual Desktop is built to deliver a secured, scalable, and deeply integrated experience with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Windows,” said Scott Manchester, Vice President of product for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop at Microsoft.  “Nutanix support for Azure Virtual Desktop will give customers more choice, whether they deploy in the cloud or on premises—without compromising on the modern security model or licencing efficiencies.” Possibilities for VDI Nutanix is expanding the possibilities for VDI, which will enable organisations to tailor their environments to meet business needs - without being locked into a single deployment model. The Nutanix Cloud Platform’s support for Azure Virtual Desktop is currently under development.

VAST Data, the AI Operating System company, announced at Microsoft Ignite a collaboration with Microsoft to power the next wave of agentic AI. Available soon to Azure customers, the VAST AI OS provides a simple way to deploy high-performance, scalable AI infrastructure in the cloud. Enterprises will be able to access VAST’s complete suite of data services in Azure, including unified storage, data cataloging, and database capabilities to support complex AI workflows. This integration will enable organisations to manage data seamlessly across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments, delivering the scale, intelligence, and automation required to accelerate AI innovation. VAST AI Operating System The VAST AI Operating System will run on Azure infrastructure, enabling customers to deploy and operate it using the same tools, governance, security, and billing frameworks they have become accustomed to. The solution will deliver unified management, consistent performance, and Azure-grade reliability. “This collaboration with Microsoft reflects our shared vision for the future of AI infrastructure, where performance, scale, and simplicity converge to enable enterprises to transform their business with agentic AI,” said Jeff Denworth, Co-Founder at VAST Data. “Becoming an Azure Partner represents the first milestone in that journey. Customers will be able to unify their data and AI pipelines across environments with the same power, simplicity, and performance they expect from VAST, now with the reach, elasticity, and reliability of Microsoft’s global cloud.” Advantages of the capabilities of the VAST AI OS Azure customers will be able to take full advantage of the capabilities of the VAST AI OS running on Azure, including: Built for Agentic AI: Leverage VAST InsightEngine and AgentEngine to run intelligent, data-driven workflows directly where data lives. InsightEngine delivers stateless, high-performance compute and database services that accelerate vector search, RAG pipelines, and data preparation. AgentEngine orchestrates autonomous agents operating on real-time data streams, enabling continuous AI reasoning across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Performance at Scale for Model Builders: Designed for the demands of model training and inference, VAST AI OS keeps Azure GPU and CPU clusters saturated with high-throughput data services, intelligent caching, and metadata-optimized I/O to ensure predictable performance from pilot to multi-region scale. VAST benefits from the latest Azure Infrastructure solutions including the Laos VM Series using Azure Boost Accelerated Networking. Seamless Hybrid AI Workflows: An exabyte-scale DataSpace creates a unified global namespace that eliminates data silos and enables effortless data mobility. Customers can instantly burst from on-premises to Azure for GPU-accelerated workloads without migration or reconfiguration. Unified Data Access: VAST’s DataStore supports file (NFS, SMB), object (S3), and block protocols, while the VAST DataBase combines transactional performance with the query speed of a warehouse and the economics of a data lake, allowing diverse workloads to run on one platform without compromise. Elastic, Cost-Efficient Architecture: VAST’s Disaggregated, Shared-Everything (DASE) design enables independent scaling of compute and storage resources within Azure. Combined with built-in Similarity Reduction, the platform minimises storage footprint and reduces cost for large-scale AI infrastructure. Azure’s GPU-accelerated infrastructure “VAST’s AI Operating System running on Azure will give Azure customers a high-performance, scalable platform built on the Laos VM Series using Azure Boost that seamlessly extends on-premises AI pipelines into Azure’s GPU-accelerated infrastructure,” said Aung Oo, Vice President, Azure Storage at Microsoft. “Many AI model builders in the world leverage VAST for its scalability, breakthrough performance, and AI-native capabilities. This collaboration can help our mutual customers streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-insight for AI workloads of every size.” Future of AI infrastructure As Microsoft continues to invest in the future of AI infrastructure, including its own custom silicon initiatives, VAST will work closely with the Azure team to align on next-generation platform requirements. This collaboration positions VAST as a strategic element of Microsoft’s broader AI computing strategy, helping to unlock the full potential of emerging innovations in compute. Together, the companies will aim to ensure that future AI systems, regardless of the processor or model architecture, are fuelled by an AI operating system built for scale, performance, and simplicity.  Upcoming joint appearances Renen Hallak, VAST Data Founder and CEO, will be at Microsoft Ignite in San Francisco and available for joint customer meetings, to discuss how Azure and the VAST AI Operating System will enable enterprises to operationalise agentic AI at global scale. At Supercomputing 2025 in St. Louis, VAST Data will host Andrew Jones, Engineering Leader, Future Supercomputing & AI Capabilities, on November 19 in a conversation exploring how Azure AI and modern data strategies are shaping the AI cloud. Register to join the breakfast session and be part of the discussion on the future of AI infrastructure. Representatives from both VAST and Microsoft will also deliver technical presentations and demos in their respective booths throughout the event. Learn more by visiting VAST Booth #3204 and Microsoft Booth #1627.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, enterprises need more than just storage, they need a platform that drives innovation, scales effortlessly, and adapts to their most demanding workloads. Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure is purpose-built to meet these needs. Co-developed with Microsoft, this enterprise-class file storage solution delivers high performance, robust security, and seamless integration, empowering organisations to achieve their next breakthrough. From accelerating AI and managing media production to ensuring business continuity, PowerScale for Azure is the foundation for success in the data-driven era. Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure An Azure Native integration co-developed with Microsoft and built on a legacy of storage leadership; Dell PowerScale for Microsoft Azure is here. This is enterprise-class file storage, purpose-built for today’s most demanding workloads and managed by the experts at Dell. With NVRAM-enabled custom compute SKUs, engineered exclusively for Dell, PowerScale for Azure delivers blazing-fast performance up to 4x greater performance than its closest competitor. These purpose-built instances are designed to power the next breakthrough, offering ultra-low latency and optimised throughput to handle even the most data-intensive applications with ease. Effortless Scale in a Single Namespace: PowerScale for Azure allows users to scale out rapidly and efficiently, supporting up to 8.4PB of storage in a single namespace. Tackle massive and evolving workloads without pause or complexity. Multi-Protocol Support: Take full advantage of NFS, SMB, and S3 protocols running simultaneously, so teams can support a broad range of applications and avoid the limits of single-purpose solutions or vendor lock-in. The PowerScale Experience Users Know: Leverage the familiar, unified PowerScale interface the IT teams already know. Whether the data is on-premises or in Azure, users get the same operational simplicity and consistent user experience. Fully Managed by Dell Experts: One vendor to handle the whole experience so the team is free to focus on driving innovation, not managing infrastructure. Dell handles deployment, upgrades, monitoring, and support, delivering robust, proactive management every step of the way. Security at Every Turn: With zero-trust architecture, always-on encryption, continuous backup, and built-in ransomware recovery, users can face threats with a hardened defence posture. High-value use cases Modern innovation is powered by workloads that cannot afford compromise. Dell PowerScale for Azure enables high-value use cases that fuel digital transformation: High-performance infrastructure Machine learning, AI, and analytics need flexible, high-performance infrastructure. PowerScale for Azure lets users burst these compute-intensive workloads to the cloud instantly, no overprovisioning required. A team can train AI models or run major analytics jobs, with scalability and access to Azure’s extensive compute network to meet deadlines and capitalise on market opportunities without architectural bottlenecks. High-throughput access Tomorrow’s intelligent applications, including agentic AI and next-generation automation, demand storage that keeps pace. With PowerScale for Azure, users gain the performance and scale to feed distributed AI pipelines, run inference at cloud speed, and adapt to the specialised demands of both experimental and enterprise-grade AI. Harness high-throughput access for workloads where traditional storage simply can’t keep up. Production workloads across industry verticals Media & Entertainment (M&E) Handling massive video files, real-time editing, and tight production timelines, M&E companies rely on high-speed, hybrid data environments. PowerScale for Azure offers the throughput, simultaneous protocol support, and hybrid simplicity needed for rapid ingest, editing, and archiving across locations. Production teams can scale up for big releases, down when projects close, and focus on creativity. And with robust security, critical media assets are always protected. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Semiconductor and electronics design automation produce massive datasets and demand fast, collaborative workflows. Accelerate simulation, modelling, and design workflows with unified, scalable storage so global design teams can work together, handle simulation spikes, and move products to market faster.  Life Sciences Empower research and development teams to analyse large datasets, run simulations, and drive discoveries with high-performance access and secure, compliant storage. Scale up as clinical projects advance, without service disruption. Asynchronous replication Downtime and data loss aren’t options. PowerScale for Azure streamlines disaster recovery by enabling asynchronous replication into Azure with SyncIQ. This extends the data protection across environments, ensuring compliance and rapid recovery should disaster strike.  Tailored experience Tailored experience with the service model that fits the operations. With Dell Managed, enjoy simplicity and end-to-end support, Dell handles deployment, scaling, upgrades, and monitoring so teams can focus on what matters most. Users benefit from a seamless, cloud-native experience, single-point Dell support, and unified billing with Microsoft. As a MACC-eligible solution, users can also apply the Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment to streamline procurement and maximise their cloud investment.  Prefer more control? Select Customer Managed to tailor and tune PowerScale for Azure to exact parameters, with full access to configuration and customisation. Both options deliver proven performance, enterprise security, and a consistent operational model to meet users where they are. Getting started Getting started is simple: Access Dell PowerScale in the Microsoft Marketplace: Use the cloud portal. Choose the Right Fit: Select from Standard, Plus, or Premium plans to launch the cluster one needs, fortified and fit for whatever the future holds. Connect and Create: Seamlessly integrate via NFS, SMB, or S3 for apps that span on-prem, cloud, and tomorrow’s as-yet-unimagined environments. Catalyst for organisations PowerScale for Azure is more than storage – it’s a catalyst for organisations looking to move quickly, securely, and confidently in the data era. With Dell and Microsoft working together, discover the power to make the data unstoppable.

For all the emphasis on cloud systems and centralised servers at ISC West, a lot of innovation in security video systems is happening at the edge. New advancements inside video cameras are boosting capabilities at the edge, from advancements in processing power to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms that can now be deployed directly on the cameras or edge devices. Advancements in AI algorithms The progress of video systems becoming smarter at the edge is driven by the need for real-time insights, lower latency, bandwidth efficiency, enhanced privacy, and improved reliability.  Advancements in edge computing hardware and AI algorithms are enabling a range of intelligent video applications across various industries, including physical security. Smarter functionality at the edge is a benefit of new computer systems-on-chips (SoCs) that are driving new heights of performance for today’s cameras.  Axis Communications’ ARTPEC-9   Axis Communications’ new ARTPEC-9 SoC offers advanced video compression to reduce bandwidth Axis Communication’s new ARTPEC-9 system-on-chip (SoC) offers advanced video compression to reduce bandwidth and storage needs. With a low bitrate, the SoC helps deliver high-quality imaging with outstanding forensic detail. ARTPEC-9 also offers enhanced deep learning capabilities to allow users to leverage the latest video analytics and accelerate the implementation of AI technology. Axis maintains control over all aspects of the chip’s development to ensure high quality and cybersecurity. Among the benefits of ARTPEC-9 are better AI and deep learning, better image quality, better cybersecurity, and AV1 license-free video compression (see below). Hanwha Vision’s Wisenet 9 Hanwha Vision has launched Wisenet 9, its most advanced AI-powered System on Chip (SoC). Wisenet 9’s enhanced edge AI capabilities increase performance as the volume and complexity of security threats demand real-time, accurate analysis. By elevating edge-device performance, AI empowers systems to quickly analyse vast amounts of video data and discern crucial patterns and anomalies. A key differentiator driving Wisenet 9 is deployment of two Neural Processing Units (NPUs), which improve performance three-fold compared to Wisenet 7, the previous SoC generation. While one NPU handles image processing, the other focuses on object detection and advanced analytics. This dual NPU concept was introduced to ensure video quality and analytics have independent resources, thus preventing one function from impacting the performance of the other. The latest from Ambarella Ambarella is a supplier of edge AI systems-on-chips to multiple video camera manufacturers Off the ISC West trade show floor in a nearby meeting room, semiconductor company Ambarella demonstrated how it will continue to push the envelope of what is possible with generative AI at the edge. Ambarella is a supplier of edge AI systems-on-chips to multiple video camera manufacturers and recently achieved the milestone of 30 million cumulative units shipped. The demonstrations highlight Ambarella’s ability to enable scalable, high-performance reasoning and vision AI applications across its ultra-efficient, edge-inference CVflow 3.0 AI SoC portfolio. The company’s DeepSeek GenAI models run on three different price/performance levels of its SoC portfolio. In addition to advancements in GenAI processing at the edge, Ambarella integrates image processing, encoding and system-level functions into all its AI SoCs. New standard for video encoding: AV1 AV1 compression is a next-generation video coding technology that offers significant improvements in compression efficiency and video quality, especially at lower bitrates. Its royalty-free nature positions it as a crucial codec for the future of internet video. AV1 compression is a next-generation video coding technology. Axis Communication’s ARTPEC-9 chip now supports the AV1 video encoding standard. By embracing this standard, which is new to the physical security market although it was introduced in 2018, Axis sets the stage for AV1 compression to eventually become the industry standard, replacing H.264 and H.265. Network video transmission AV1 is an open-source, license-free coding format designed mainly for efficient network video transmission AV1 is an open-source, license-free coding format designed specifically for efficient network video transmission. It delivers high-quality video at low bitrates, reducing bandwidth consumption and storage costs. The codec was developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), a nonprofit organisation founded in 2015 by Google, Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, and Mozilla (among others), to provide open-standard, next-gen video coding technology. AV1 is ideal for cloud solutions—making streaming applications more robust, scalable, and capable of delivering real-time insights. Now the ARTPEC-9 chipset brings these benefits to the surveillance industry, and AV1 is currently supported by AXIS Camera Station. Providers of major video management solutions (VMS) such as Genetec and Milestone will be adding support for AV1, with further developments already underway. More intelligence at the edge Intelligence inside video cameras comes from the processing power and algorithms that enable them to perform tasks beyond simply capturing and recording images. This "intelligence" allows cameras to analyse the video stream in real-time, identify objects, detect events, and make decisions or provide alerts based on what they "see." New and improved SoCs are driving performance improvements at the edge. The increasing power of embedded processors and advancements in AI are continuously expanding the capabilities of intelligent video cameras.

As the pioneering security event in the United States, ISC West is truly the global focal point for bringing together professionals across the physical and cybersecurity landscape. The event seeks to showcase innovation in security technology, nurture professional development, and explore the security implications of today’s connected world. Future of security  With the growth of cybersecurity programming and the established Cybersecurity & Connected Internet of Things (IoT) pavilion, ISC West is addressing the future of security head-on. “As the lines between the digital and physical worlds blur, collaboration and shared learning among defenders have never been more critical,” says Mary Beth Shaughnessy, Event Vice President at RX USA, who oversees all aspects of the ISC brand. Shaughnessy previews what’s new at ISC West 2025 and shares other insights in our interview. Q: For long-time attendees at ISC West, what will be the biggest surprise at the 2025 show? Shaughnessy: Long-time attendees know to expect top-tier educational content through the SIA Education@ISC West program (produced by the Security Industry Association (SIA)) in addition to cutting-edge security innovations showcased by 700+ exhibitors. New this year is our focus on technology, training, and education around cyber-physical threats. In today’s connected world, physical and cybersecurity defenders must take a unified, holistic approach to protecting their people, assets, and data. ISC West serves as a bridge between those two worlds, helping organisations tackle the complex security landscape. Q: Presenting a high-profile music concert as part of ISC West is a fun value-add for attendees. Describe how this feature has been embraced by longtime attendees, and the plans for 2025. Shaughnessy: We’re thrilled to announce that the legendary Gin Blossoms will headline the ISC West Concert, sponsored by Wavelynx. This tradition began last year and became a celebrated highlight, offering professionals a chance to unwind and connect with colleagues and peers after a productive day on the show floor. When choosing a performer, we focus on acts that resonate across generations, making the experience both entertaining and memorable for our diverse audience. We are excited to continue this fun and exciting event and networking opportunity. Q: In the past, the education program at ISC West has been seen as secondary to the Expo event. How have you sought to increase the profile of the education program, and what new features will attract more attendees in 2025?   Shaughnessy: We’ve expanded the SIA Education@ISC programming from three to four days, now beginning two days before the expo hall opens. These dedicated education days ensure professionals can engage in thoughtful discussions and gain actionable insights without overlapping with the Expo. This year, we’re proud to partner with RSA to introduce a new “IT for Security Professionals” track while also offering our core tracks, including AI & Digital Transformation, Critical Infrastructure & Data Protection, Cybersecurity & IT, InfraGard National Members Alliance @ ISC, and Video Surveillance. We will also be welcoming powerful keynote speakers — Rachel Wilson, Director of Cybersecurity, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Will Bernhjelm, Vice President of Security, Mall of America; and Kate Maxwell, Chief Technology Officer, Worldwide Defense & Intelligence, Microsoft. Q: What else is “new” at ISC West in 2025? Shaughnessy: Our educational programming has grown significantly — this year’s SIA Education@ISC program is our most extensive yet, offering more than 115 sessions led by over 200 distinguished experts. With broader and deeper topics, the program emphasises the critical convergence of cyber and physical security, providing unparalleled insights for today’s security professionals. We are also significantly ramping up our cybersecurity offerings and expect to have more than 50 exhibitors in our Cybersecurity & Connected IoT pavilion with names such as Entrust and Ontic. Q: Networking is a critical aspect of ISC West. How are show organisers working to increase networking opportunities? Shaughnessy: Networking remains a top priority at ISC West, with countless opportunities to build valuable connections. Professionals can join peers at popular spots like The Bridge, The Cyber Hub, and the Career Zone (sponsored by: TEECOM). These spaces offer the chance to learn from industry experts, explore the challenges and innovations shaping the security workforce, and engage in dynamic discussions with peers. Also, returning by popular demand, the ISC West Concert, proudly sponsored by Wavelynx, delivers a vibrant evening of music and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Together, these experiences ensure networking at ISC West is both impactful and memorable. Q: What is the biggest challenge for organisers of ISC West (and related events), and how are the organisers seeking to address the challenges? Shaughnessy: As with most events, there is a lot of pressure on organisers to ensure there’s “something for everyone,” add meaningful value, and introduce fresh, exciting features. At ISC West, we work to raise the bar each year by expanding our content with more thought pioneers, showcasing a broader range of innovative technologies, and fostering additional networking opportunities. Achieving top-quality results is no small task — it demands careful planning, collaboration, and a dedication to continuous improvement. This means actively listening to the needs of our attendees and exhibitors, staying ahead of industry trends, and ensuring we provide an experience that informs, inspires, and connects the security community.

In the competitive world of physical access control, Big Tech companies are seeking to play a larger role. Physical access competition Apple Wallet continues to stake its claim on mobile credentialing. Amazon One Enterprise is pushing a palm-based identity service. Google/Nest offers smart locks for home access control, with identity and access management provided in the Google Cloud. The entry of these big companies in the historically fragmented physical access control market is causing disruption and foreboding new levels of competition.  Apple Wallet impacting credentialing trends  The popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2021, the company announced support for home, office and hotel keys, including corporate badges and student ID cards, in Apple Wallet. Later, the company announced Hyatt as the first hotel partner to support the technology. Since then, the popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand for a seamless solution such as Apple Wallet. Easy access  In 2023, HID Global announced the availability of their employee badge in Apple Wallet, allowing staff and guests to easily access corporate spaces with their iPhone or Apple Watch, including doors, elevators, turnstiles, etc. Employees just need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to unlock.  Factors affecting the rate of adoption However, implementing and maintaining an Apple Wallet-based access control system can incur costs for hardware updates, software licencing, and ongoing maintenance. Factors affecting the rate of adoption include the need to upgrade existing infrastructures to accommodate the technology, and the necessity for access control manufacturers to develop and implement integrations with Apple Wallet.  Benefits of adoption Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch With larger companies leading the way, some smaller ones might take longer to catch up. There is also a need to educate building owners and administrators to see the value and benefits of switching to Apple Wallet-based access control. Convenience and greater security can accelerate adoption. Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Sensitive data protection A compatible app, specific to the building’s access control system, is needed. Once added, credentials are securely stored in the iPhone's Secure Enclave, a dedicated hardware chip designed for sensitive data protection.  Holding an iPhone near an NFC-enabled reader enables transmission of encrypted credentials. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), some systems also utilise Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for added security, longer read range, and hands-free unlocking. Phones need sufficient battery charge to function.  Amazon One Enterprise Enables Palm-Based Biometrics  In November 2023, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) announced an identity service providing comprehensive and easy-to-use authentication for physical and digital access control. The system enables users to employ their palm as an access control credential, allowing organisations to provide a fast and contactless experience for employees and others to gain access to physical locations as well as digital assets.  Physical and digital locations Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts, and educational institutions. IT and security administrators can easily install Amazon One devices and manage users, devices, and software updates using AWS’s Management Console.  Elimination of physical credentials An advantage of the Amazon approach is the elimination of physical credentials such as fobs and badges, and digital elements such as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. AWS says security is built into every stage of the service, from multi-layered security controls in the Amazon One device, which is the same technology used in the Amazon Go retail stores, where shoppers can pay for purchases by scanning the palm of their hands. The devices combine palm and vein imagery for biometric matching and deliver an accuracy rate of 99.9999%, which exceeds the accuracy of other biometric alternatives, says the company. AI and ML The palm-recognition technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a “palm signature” that is associated with identification credentials such as a badge, employee ID or PIN. Boon Edam, a revolving door and turnstile manufacturer, offers Amazon’s palm biometric technology on its equipment, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses the technology to provide employees a convenient way to identify themselves and gain access to software systems. Google and Nest Devices in Access Control  When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone Google’s Nest devices include smart locks for home access control. The Google Nest × Yale Lock allows access control via both physical keys and passcodes accessible through the Google Home app. When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone. Passcodes can be created for family, guests, and other trusted persons. Alerts can be provided whenever someone unlocks and locks the door. When Nest “knows” a resident is away, the door can lock automatically. Voice control, Google Home app Voice control, using Google Assistant integrated with various Nest devices, enables use of voice commands to lock and unlock doors, thus adding another level of convenience. Smart home devices from various manufacturers can be controlled through the Google Home app. SMART Monitoring ADT’s Self Setup smart home security systems integrate Google Nest smart home products with ADT security and life safety technology, including SMART Monitoring technology. Microsoft Azure is another company that could impact access control. The Microsoft Azure Active Directory is an identity and access management platform that could be extended to physical access control, leveraging existing user credentials. Long-Range Impact on the Security Marketplace  Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems Increasingly, Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems, and offering analytics for optimising security and building operations. Big Tech is also actively researching and developing new technologies for access control, such as facial recognition, voice authentication, and AI-powered anomaly detection.  Access control communication and integration As their involvement in physical access control grows, Big Tech companies could potentially gain more influence in setting industry standards for access control communication and integration, similar to how they have become dominant in other areas such as mobile platforms. Given their expertise in user interface design and data analysis, Big Tech companies could help to direct how future access control systems are managed and how users interact with them, including more intuitive and user-friendly operations. Future of physical access control Existing concerns about privacy, security, and potential dominance by a few Big Tech companies could spill over into physical access control. However, traditional security companies, startups, and industry consortiums are also actively developing innovative solutions. Ultimately, the future of physical access control will likely be shaped by a combination of many different players and technologies – large and small.