Jason Kallio, Senior Solutions Marketing Manager, acre security considers how open platforms offer a foundation for long-term, scalable security solutions.

“Intelligent, more robust systems”

The days of trying to fit various security systems and solutions neatly into a limited security posture are nearly behind us.

According to a report from Allied Market Research, open platform security solutions – those that prioritize integration and flexibility – have become a promising opportunity for growth in the security industry.

The numbers don’t lie: the market is valued to reach an estimated $55.5 billion by 2031.

This expanding opportunity stems from these systems’ ability to drive value and increase compatibility with diverse security hardware and software through hybrid and cloud-based platform options.

These solutions open the door for security professionals to expand upon otherwise self-contained security solutions like access control or video surveillance by encouraging integration and eliminating vendor lock-in.

By enabling users to expand their system’s capabilities through integration, open architecture platforms help build intelligent, more robust systems based on unique specifications rather than trying to meet various security needs with a finite selection of tools.

Open platforms provide the kind of flexibility that many end users have been seeking by allowing businesses to choose between on-premises, cloud-based or hybrid security deployments.

With hybrid and cloud-based systems, security teams are no longer bound by the constraints of closed platforms – the ability to pick and choose which solutions they integrate into their portfolio is entirely in their hands.

But how can users leverage the tools supported by open platform security to better protect their assets?

Standing the test of time

One of the biggest draws to open platform solutions is the ability to future-proof security operations.

Cloud-based physical security solutions offer organizations the flexibility to choose components from multiple vendors, freeing them from the limitations of being tied to a single provider.

This freedom allows teams to focus on selecting systems based on performance, compatibility and cost-effectiveness.

By enabling the integration of different technologies, businesses can upgrade and expand their security infrastructure over time without the need for a complete system overhaul.

As technology advances, open platforms ensure security teams can adapt operations to changing performance demands.

No independent security solution can stand the test of time on its own.

Operational demands change and physical security must evolve to stay current.

Access control platforms provide the foundation for this evolution by allowing security systems to grow and adapt to new threats, technologies and operational requirements.

Rather than being locked into a limited security framework working with systems with an expiration date, organizations can incorporate cutting-edge solutions as they emerge.

This ensures security operations remain agile, scalable and capable of addressing current and future challenges.

Integrating new components or upgrading specific elements without replacing the entire system is critical to maintaining long-term effectiveness in an ever-changing security landscape.

Super-powered visibility with open platforms

The biggest drawback of traditional, closed security platforms is the lack of accessibility to operating within a rigid security framework.

With limited room to integrate comes a limited view of security operations, which restricts security teams’ effectiveness in mitigating potential threats.

Integrating access control platforms with compatible video surveillance systems, alarms and sensors allows security personnel to maintain a higher level of awareness across secured sites.

By connecting disparate systems, teams can monitor entry points while receiving real-time information from cameras, motion detectors and alarms.

This enables them to respond more effectively to potential threats, as they can quickly assess the situation with data from multiple sources.

When access anomalies are detected or an alarm is triggered, cameras can provide immediate visual context, helping security teams make faster, informed decisions.

In addition to increasing situational awareness, open architecture systems allow security teams to monitor several systems through a shared interface, creating an intelligent, integrated platform that users can tailor to meet their unique needs.

Combining systems to drive intelligence simplifies management by consolidating data from different sources into one cohesive system, making it easier to monitor activity and respond swiftly to potential incidents.

Migration made easy

Cloud-based solutions simplify the migration process for end users looking to upgrade their security posture, offering a subscription-based software service approach that limits upfront hardware investments.

With traditional, on-premise infrastructures, migrating to a new system can prove challenging, as most or all installed parts must be upgraded or replaced.

However, with a hybrid or cloud-based solution, the challenges of changing hardware and software are less daunting.

Traditionally, migrating between on-premises access control systems makes transferring mission-critical data challenging for security teams, presenting an increased risk of data loss during migration.

Open, cloud-based solutions simplify the transition, making moving data from one location to another faster and easier while keeping user data secure.

Cloud and hybrid options allow teams to encrypt and store data in a remote server, ensuring they don’t risk losing data when they pull the plug on their old infrastructure.

Additionally, cloud and hybrid platforms protect user data following the migration process, ensuring security teams always have quick access to the information they need.

While open platform access control solutions still require on-premises installations, cloud and hybrid systems enable security teams to implement updates or switch systems without disrupting daily operations.

Managing and monitoring access remotely allows for gradual migration, allowing teams to update or integrate new features without affecting workflows.

By simplifying the process, open platforms ensure that security remains intact while teams upgrade or transition at a pace that suits their needs.

The freedom to choose from a diverse range of options for integration is an efficient way to drive value for user organizations while enhancing efficiency for security teams.

Open architecture systems provide the flexibility to integrate various technologies, ensuring that security operations are more adaptable and future-ready.

Open platforms deliver long-term value and ease of management by allowing seamless integration with existing hardware and offering the ability to scale and upgrade over time.

Open platforms pave the way for long-term, scalable security solutions that can grow and change with the organization’s demands, ensuring that current and future challenges are met with confidence.

These systems are the access card security teams have been looking for to get started.

This article was originally published in the December edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.