IMS Research forecasts growth in European cloud-based services

IMS Research suggests growth in Europe in could-based video surveillance

Remote home security is growing rapidly in Europe as cloud-based services become more readily available to householders, according to fresh insights from IMS Research, the leading independent provider of market research and consultancy to the global electronics industry.

IMS Research forecasts that the European cloud-based video surveillance market will grow by over 20 percent from 2010 to 2011. Although Europe is a strong market it is only 40 percent of the size of the Americas market.

William Rhodes, market analyst at IMS Research says, "Cloud-based video is enabling consumers to keep an active eye on their homes and businesses from wherever they are and at any time through an internet browser or smartphone application. This turns what was just a simple security application into a readily available and easy-to-use domestic service with a myriad of uses. For instance, people can reassure themselves that their children arrive safely from school; that their child minders are acting responsibly; their pets are well; or that the builders aren't slacking off."

Almost all of the security cameras sold into the European consumer market in 2010 were traditional CCTV cameras. Until now, successful applications of video used in the cloud for home or small business owners has often been integrated with home energy management systems and personal health monitoring. However, by utilising cloud video services for home security, the home video surveillance market will increase substantially over the coming years.

Leading companies that are offering this type of cloud video surveillance service include CamerManager.com, Y-Cam, NeoCam, Logitech, D-Link, VSG, IPeye, 1000eyes and Virgin Media's IP CCTV.

"One issue that has the potential to slow the growth of cloud based security cameras is concerns over where the video data is stored and who has access to that data," Rhodes adds. "But despite concerns about the cloud raised by the recent hacking of Sony PlayStation users' personal details, consumers demonstrate their trust in the cloud to complete many day-to-day tasks including online banking."