The definition of The Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing Internet infrastructure without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

Typically, the IoT is expected to offer advanced connectivity of devices, systems, and services that goes beyond machine-to-machine communications (M2M) and covers a variety of protocols, domains, and applications. The interconnection of these embedded devices, including smart objects, is expected to usher in full automation across almost all applications.

Security is synonymous with all the top 5 revenue opportunities of the IoT, Home, Transport, Health, Buildings and Cities. In all of these sectors IP Network Cameras will become the "King of Sensors" for it will play a key role in not just enablement hardware systems but also in management services.

All 3 sectors of the physical security industry are now committed to using IP Networking with Video Surveillance almost accounting for 50% of its revenue across the world. So the industry is well placed to play a significant role in the Internet of Things (IoT). These are some of the finds from our new Security report - The Physical Security Business 2014 to 2018; Access Control, Intruder Alarms & Video Surveillance - http://memoori.com/portfolio/physical-security-business-2014-2018-access-control-intruder-alarms-video-surveillance/

Security is already taking an active part in the Building Internet of Things (BIoT) where video is regularly connected and converged with other building services and the business enterprise. Also a number of Smart City / Safe City projects around the world. But the move to connecting all sensors and devices on a single platform in a building or municipal environment will take some years to be realized because of inertia and the need to improve the networking technology, preferably wireless, to handle vast quantities of data to and from millions of sensors and devices.

IoT is now at the top of the Hype Curve and it will take at least 5 years before it reaches the slope of enlightenment, (according to Gartner) when it will start to generate commercial revenues. Our recent report and investigation into the Building Internet of Things (BIoT) - http://memoori.com/portfolio/internet-things-smart-buildings-2014-2020/ has shown that more video surveillance devices are connected through IP than any other sensor in a building.

However the Building Automation Systems and LED Lighting media are pushing out far more column inches about the impact and opportunities on these businesses. When the technology gurus say that IoT is “The next Big Thing” it’s surprising that the security industry seems less enthusiastic particularly when it’s now at the leading edge.

IP Sensors lay at the heart of IoT as they sense and communicate the data needed to allow control devices to automatically make evaluations and take the necessary actions. IP Network cameras and video will be one of the most important sensors within the IoT because its data is so valuable to many other sensors and devices in order to deliver intelligent actionable data.

This is particularly true in non-domestic buildings where there are so many different building services that currently work within their own silo but have intelligence within their component sensors, that if connected to devices and sensors in other building services could improve building performance. The major benefit will come not from more data but its analysis so that the performance of the building and the enterprise within will operate more efficiently.

In a recent presentation “The Internet of Everything” at ISC West 2014, Bill Gerhardt, Cisco director of engineering for the IoT business unit claimed there are 5 components necessary for networks to benefit from the IoT. They are: cross function convergence; resilience at scale; security; distributed intelligence; and cloud management. He further detailed these six additional characteristics: interoperability among disparate systems; data sharing among departments; common infrastructure investments; standardization of interfaces where possible; adaptability to new technologies; and rapid deployment of resources.

The physical security industry is already playing a significant role in the development of IoT / BIoT and will continue to grow this aspect of its business seemingly without causing any major disruption for some years. How it will impact in the long term when everything is connected to one platform remains to be seen but that is some way off. The message is loud and clear, security products that can’t connect to an IP Network will die an earlier death.