Convergence 101: New curriculum to examine integration

Jan 16, 2007 3:31 PM

Convergence in the security industry is more than a passing trend, according to security experts. In fact, the concept has now become the basis of a university curriculum at Lund University's School of Economics and Management.

The research-oriented international university, located in Sweden, recently implemented a four-year Security Informatics research program, with cooperation from ASSA ABLOY, Securitas Systems and Axis Communications officials. The Ph.D. program facilitates research on new business models for open systems, the management of organization networks and alliances, and the identification of future customer requirements.

"This program was created to study the effects of convergence in the security industry and on vendors," says Fredrick Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. "Step by step, we have become more involved and seen more interest develop in information technology." Nilsson added that in lieu of convergence, the new companies entering the market enter with changing strategies. "By participating in this research, there will be a better understanding for vendors and end-users."

Security informatics students at the university will study under three curriculum tracks: Video Surveillance and Future Trends, Alliances and Networks within the Video Surveillance Market and Customer Relevance, which examines the perception of convergence from an end-user's perspective.

Lund University Associate Professors Thomas Kalling and Konrad Tollmar will lead the program. "The convergence of information, communication and security technology will generate new kinds of security services. This sector is one of the most exciting new industry formations, and we are delighted to lead this research together with three of the most interesting players in the business," both professors said in a statement.

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