Increasingly, electronics consumers expect much more than quality devices; they desire a quality experience. That trend is supported by consumer research conducted by IBM, which found that with the proliferation of connected devices and increased network accessibility, consumers are demanding high performance and enhanced, integrated device experiences.

Increased broadband penetration is serving to compel Internet service providers (ISPs) to modify their market strategy. Many ISPs are looking to value-added services to retain customers and serve as platforms for future revenue growth.

Each year, nonfire-related CO poisoning is responsible for about 15,000 emergency department visits and nearly 500 deaths, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nearly four in five security directors/managers intend to spend at least as much on security in 2011 as they did last year. SSI’s seventh Commercial End-User Study shows the recession loosening its grip on budgets, but clients are becoming more particular about their electronic security solutions and providers. A higher degree of IT capabilities and systems integration are among the heightened expectations.

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) recently released key findings from its 2011 Benchmarking Survey that could offer a ray of light at the end of very dark recessionary tunnel.

After several years of internal austerity and resignation to pricing erosion, security integrators are looking externally to turn their fortunes. The third annual Operations & Opportunities Report (OOR) shows company managers are eager to negotiate better deals on the goods they acquire and sell to curtail margin squeeze. The 2011 OOR also exposes the best technologies, services and markets to exploit.

In the spring, Electronic Security Association (ESA) conducted an online survey of its membership, as well as consumers, to gauge emerging trends in the residential space.

Thanks to the implementation of best practices and advances in technology, recent years have seen reductions in false alarm dispatches that are helping bolster the relationship between law enforcement and the security industry. Yet there remains much to be done to further strengthen and grow the partnership. The 2011 Law Enforcement Security Industry Study serves as a report card for both sides.

While the specter of Big Brother remains a concern for many citizens across the United States, results from a recent survey suggest the use of video surveillance is growing in acceptance as a means of deterring crime in public places.

Annual report points up the need for installing security and fire systems contractors to be diligent in providing the latest life-safety products to residential customers. Discover how regular maintenance services and education are helping reduce
fire fatalities.

Video surveillance, mass notification, access control and emergency communications interoperability continue to pose challenges for many campus safety protection professionals

For the first time the Security Spending Survey reveals how much installing companies are paying each month for equipment — overall as well as by specific product categories. Top buyer listings are presented along with purchasing patterns associated with different business characteristics ...

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) polled its regular members to gauge their current business performance and growth expectations for the next two years.

The latest "Financial Analysis of the Industry" report by the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) tracks and benchmarks key financial ratios for a wide range of installing contractors in the commercial electronic systems industry.

According to SSI’s latest annual Installation Business Report (IBR), despite all the buzz about megapixel cameras and video analytics, a considerable percentage of installing security contractors have yet to jump on the bandwagon.

Business in this market rose 7 percent (from 168 in 2009) to buck a troubling trend that had seen ground lost five of the previous six years.

As indicated elsewhere in these survey results, large companies prospered in 2010; others, not so much.

In a turnabout from recent years, the residential market fared better than the commercial segment in 2010 as operators across the board reported an increase in monthly installations.

After five consecutive years of decline, the average number of fire alarm systems being installed by dealers/integrators returned to its 2007 total.

The average number of video surveillance installations per dealer/integrator has continued to back away from its all-time high in 2007, losing another dozen projects.