Genetec Report Shows Accelerating Hybrid Cloud Adoption, IT’s Growing Influence
2025 Genetec State of Physical Security report highlights a purpose-driven approach to cloud and AI adoption.
Graphic courtesy of Genetec
MONTRÉAL — Global enterprise physical security software provider Genetec Inc. today shared the results of its 2025 State of Physical Security Report.
Based on insights from more than 5,600 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users, channel partners, systems integrators, and consultants), the report “offers a comprehensive analysis of evolving trends in physical security operations,” according to the company announcement.
Hybrid cloud adoption grows as organizations seek flexibility and control
As organizations evaluate cloud solutions for physical security, most are prioritizing a hybrid strategy that aligns with operational needs, budget constraints and storage requirements, according to the report. This “pragmatic and flexible deployment approach” allows “critical data and applications to be managed both on-premises and in the cloud,” the report says.
According to the State of Physical Security Report, 43% of end users envision hybrid deployments as their preferred approach within the next five years, compared to 18% favoring fully cloud-based implementations and 17% planning to remain fully on-premises.
This preference for hybrid cloud is echoed by consultants and channel partners with 66% of consultants planning to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years.
This data “not only reflects the rising demand for adaptable deployment models but also highlights a measured approach to cloud adoption as the industry matures,” the report says.
By focusing on operational realities, varying costs of the cloud and evolving security requirements, organizations “will be better positioned to successfully adopt the cloud at a pace and cost that reflects their needs,” the report says.
“There’s no all-or-nothing with a hybrid-cloud approach,” says Christian Morin, vice president of product engineering for Genetec Inc., in the announcement. “Businesses remain in total control of how they deploy their systems across various locations.
“With an open ecosystem, they can implement the best technology—whether on-premises or in the cloud— that meets their business needs and avoid unnecessary compromise without ever being locked into proprietary solutions. This allows them to deploy, scale, and upgrade systems faster, streamline processes, and strengthen their security posture in the most efficient and effective ways,” he says.
Image courtesy of Genetec
IT departments become central to physical security decisions
The increasing adoption of cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions, the rise in cybersecurity threats and the need to align physical and digital security have led IT teams to take an increasingly prominent role in influencing the acquisition and deployment of physical security systems.
According to the report, 77% of end users say physical security and information technology (IT) departments now work collaboratively. Additionally, IT departments are taking on an increasing role in the buying process, with over 50% of end users, systems integrators, and consultants reporting that IT teams are now actively involved in physical security purchasing decisions.
“The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks,” says Morin. “With IT at the forefront of implementing cloud and hybrid solutions, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to evolving threats.”
AI adoption grows as industry prioritizes practical applications
Genetec’s 2025 State of Physical Security Report reveals “a significant rise” in the interest toward AI adoption in physical security, with 37% of end users planning to implement AI-powered features in 2025, up from 10% in 2024.
This heightened interest “aligns with a strategic, purpose-driven approach,” the report says. With 42% of end users seeing AI as a tool to streamline security operations, organizations “are focusing on practical applications, such as refining threat detection and automating routine processes, with intelligent automation as the ultimate goal.”
State of Physical Security Report survey methodology
Genetec Inc. surveyed physical security professionals from Aug. 12 to Sept. 15, 2024. Following a review of submissions and data cleansing, 5,696 respondents (including end users, channel partners, and consultants) were included in the sample for analysis.
Survey samples were run across all regions including North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia and Australia-New Zealand.
Image courtesy of Genetec
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
