Demand for security increasing

Jul 1, 1999 12:00 PM, Access Control & Security Systems Integration Staff

To combat threats such as workplace violence, terrorism and theft ofcompany equipment, businesses increasingly are integrating electronicaccess control systems into the architecture of their buildings.

According to recent research conducted by consulting and training firmFrost & Sullivan, the electronic access control systems market had a valueof $835 million in manufacturers' revenues in 1998. Market revenues for thesystems are expected to reach $2 billion by 2005. The drivers behind thegrowth are the growing need for security, falling prices of access controlsystems and the emergence of new technologies, says the Mountain View,Calif.-based company.

Proximity's user-friendly nature, and the recent sharp decrease in price,have made it the card of choice. In 1998, the total revenues from cardaccess control markets were $605 million and growing, says Frost & Sullivan.

Drivers of the audio-based electronic access control systems market includethe simplicity of installation, the ease of expansion, the option toinstall a directory and user-friendliness.

Computers are now standard equipment in access control systems and havevastly increased the systems' power.

The biometrics industry has seen much growth due to technological advancesand the widespread use of computers, and biometrics will continue to see abright future, says Frost & Sullivan.

APCO, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Inc., hasimplemented a major effort during the past two years to ready the nation's911 emergency dispatch centers for Y2K.

FCC Commissioner Michael K. Powell testified before a special Senate Y2Kcommittee, warning that public safety answering points are "especiallyvulnerable to Y2K problems because they generally rely on sophisticatedcomputer technology and then interconnect many private networks withdifferent types of equipment."

APCO has more than 13,000 members involved in management and operation offire, police, emergency medical, local government, forestry andconservation.

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