Research Casts Doubts On Cost-Savings of Analog Systems

Sep 25, 2007 1:20 PM

           

Contrary to popular belief, an IP-based system of 40 cameras offers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than an analog-based surveillance system, according to a new independent study released this week by network video provider Axis Communications, Chelmsford, Mass. The study also shows that if IP infrastructure is in place, the IP-based video surveillance system will always be lower cost for any system size.

The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of the TCO for both an analog surveillance system and an IP-based video surveillance system. Factors such as system maintenance, video recording and playback, cameras, installation, configuration, training and cable infrastructure were assessed.

"There is an overwhelming lack of knowledge about the total cost of ownership when it comes to analog versus IP-based systems," says Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. "The study, which was led by an independent researcher, clarifies common misperceptions about pricing and validates the cost-effectiveness of IP surveillance systems."

A dozen interviews were conducted with non-vendor industry participants such as security integrators, value-added resellers and industry analysts from different geographic regions in North America. Participants provided feedback, validation and cost data in the form of request-for-proposal (RFP) responses.

The RFP was based on a typical deployment scenario that included a 40-camera surveillance system for a small to mid-size school campus. No existing cameras were said to be installed, and no premise wiring or infrastructure existed.

Survey findings show that the cost to acquire, install and operate an IP-based system is 3.4 percent lower than a traditional system consisting of analog cameras and DVR-based recording. Overall, an installation with 32 cameras is the break-even point for IP-based systems versus analog systems. An IP-based system will cost less than an analog system if the installation includes at least 32 cameras. With any installation between 16 and 32 cameras, the cost of IP versus analog is similar although slightly lower for analog systems. The research also shows that in facilities where IP infrastructure is already installed, IP-based surveillance systems would always be lower cost, i.e. even for systems of one to 32 cameras.

"There were many observations and cost considerations in the study that were non-quantifiable but showed major differences between the two systems," Nilsson adds. "Network cameras provide superior scalability, greater flexibility and image quality, and megapixel functionality. In addition, IP systems typically include better maintenance and service agreements for the equipment, plus they can be remotely serviced over the network for easier maintenance. IP systems clearly make the most sense both from an economic and technological standpoint."

Complete details of research findings are included in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Comparison of IP- and Analog-based Surveillance Systems whitepaper, which is available at the ASIS International conference this week in Las Vegas and on the Axis Communications Web site at www.axis.com

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

SUBSCRIBE

Select an Issue April 1, 2008 March 1, 2008 February 1, 2008 January 1, 2008 December 1, 2007 November 1, 2007 October 1, 2007 September 1, 2007 August 1, 2007 July 1, 2007 June 1, 2007 IP Security Supplement May 1, 2007 April 1, 2007 March 1, 2007 February 1, 2007 January 1, 2007 School Security December 1, 2006 November 1, 2006 October 1, 2006 September 1, 2006 August 1, 2006 July 1, 2006 June 1, 2006 May 1, 2006 April 1, 2006 March 1, 2006 February 1, 2006 January 1, 2006 December 1, 2005 November 1, 2005 October 1, 2005 September 1, 2005 August 1, 2005 July 1, 2005 June 1, 2005 May 1, 2005 April 1, 2005 March 1, 2005 February 1, 2005 January 1, 2005 December 1, 2004 November 1, 2004 October 1, 2004 September 1, 2004 August 1, 2004 July 1, 2004 July 1, 2004 June 1, 2004 May 1, 2004 April 1, 2004 March 1, 2004 February 1, 2004 January 1, 2004 December 1, 2003 November 1, 2003 October 1, 2003 September 1, 2003 August 1, 2003 July 1, 2003 June 1, 2003 May 1, 2003 April 1, 2003 March 1, 2003 February 1, 2003 January 1, 2003 December 1, 2002 November 1, 2002 October 1, 2002 September 1, 2002 August 1, 2002 July 1, 2002 June 1, 2002 May 1, 2002 April 1, 2002 March 1, 2002 February 1, 2002 January 1, 2002 December 1, 2001 November 1, 2001 October 1, 2001 September 1, 2001 August 1, 2001 July 1, 2001 June 1, 2001 May 1, 2001 April 1, 2001 March 1, 2001 February 1, 2001 January 1, 2001 December 1, 2000 November 1, 2000 October 1, 2000 September 1, 2000 August 1, 2000 July 1, 2000 June 1, 2000 May 1, 2000 April 1, 2000 March 1, 2000 February 1, 2000 January 1, 2000 December 1, 1999 November 1, 1999 October 1, 1999 September 1, 1999 August 1, 1999 July 1, 1999 June 1, 1999 May 1, 1999 April 1, 1999 March 1, 1999 February 1, 1999 January 1, 1999 December 1, 1998 November 1, 1998 October 1, 1998 September 1, 1998 August 1, 1998 July 1, 1998 June 1, 1998 May 1, 1998 April 1, 1998 March 1, 1998 February 1, 1998 January 1, 1998 December 1, 1997 November 1, 1997 October 1, 1997 September 1, 1997 August 1, 1997 July 1, 1997 June 1, 1997 May 1, 1997 April 1, 1997 March 1, 1997 February 1, 1997 January 1, 1997

This month in Access Control

• Opening Up About Door Closers
• An Enterprise Approach
• The Framework For Open Systems
• On A Higher Plane
• More from April's issue