2025 Security Industry Predictions: John Nemerofsky, COO, SAGE Integration
Nemerofsky, a board member for SIA, Foundation for Advancing Security Talent and Mission 500, predicts what’s next in the security industry.
Photo courtesy of John Nemerofsky
Our 2025 Security Industry Predictions series continues with John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer of SAGE Integration and board member of several security-focused organizations, including the Security Industry Association, Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) and Mission 500.
Security Sales & Integration: Without getting into any specific vendors or branded solutions, what technology category or solution area do you see as 2025’s ripest, most profitable growth opportunity for security dealers, installers and integrators? Explain your reasoning.
John Nemerofsky: I believe that the continued migration to cloud and managed services is likely to be a significant growth driver for security systems integrators and dealers in 2025. This trend is fueled by several factors:
- Scalability and flexibility: Cloud-based solutions offer businesses the ability to scale services up or down as needed, which aligns with evolving security requirements.
- Recurring revenue models: Managed services and cloud subscriptions provide integrators and dealers with predictable, recurring revenue streams, which are highly valued for business stability and growth.
- Advanced analytics and AI: Cloud platforms often incorporate advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, enabling more proactive and intelligent security measures.
- Remote accessibility: The ability to manage and monitor systems remotely is becoming essential, especially in hybrid work environments.
- Cost efficiency: Many customers find cloud and managed services more cost-effective than traditional on-premises solutions, with lower upfront costs and simplified maintenance.
SSI: These days, we’re all hearing a lot about cloud migration, AI/machine learning, crime deterrence vs. crime reactiveness, etc. Which of these “hot topics” do you think is overplayed? Which ones do you think will truly transform the practice of security integration in the coming years?
Nemerofsky: Overplayed topics:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in its current form: While AI has incredible potential, a lot of its current applications in security (like facial recognition) are limited by accuracy issues, regulatory challenges, and public skepticism. The narrative often oversimplifies how “intelligent” these systems really are today.
- Blockchain in Security: Blockchain is often mentioned as a game-changer for security applications, but the practical use cases remain niche and speculative for now. The costs and complexity of implementing blockchain in security often outweigh its benefits.
- Total cloud dependence: While cloud migration is critical, the notion that everything needs to be in the cloud is overplayed. Hybrid solutions (combining on-premises and cloud) will remain highly relevant due to concerns like data sovereignty, latency and cybersecurity risks.
- The migration to the cloud and managed services will continue to help create a new form of systems integrators who are more profitable and more technically advanced.
SSI: On the business and operations side, which single factor (e.g., interest rates, talent-related issues, geopolitical stressors) poses the biggest challenge for the security industry right now? How can business owners mitigate their downside risk?
Nemerofsky: The continued race to find new talent in our industry is by far the largest challenge. Organization such as SIA The security Industry Association and ESA (the Electronic Security Association) have made significant investments in a non-profit called FAST, the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent. FAST’s primary goal is to create awareness around our industry to attract new young talent.
SSI: What’s getting better about the security industry these days? What seems to be getting worse and worse?
Nemerofsky: I believe the overall delivery of service in our industry has declined, response times and first-time fixes are higher than ever. The integrators that continue to deliver world class service will rise to the top.
In regard to what is getting better, TECHNOLOGY is advancing more quickly than ever and is solving new challenges every day. As Justin Trudeau says, “Change is faster than ever, but will never again be this slow.”
SSI: What’s liable to catch some security dealers, installers and integrators off guard in the coming year?
Nemerofsky: I believe some integrators and dealers will be caught off-guard by rising costs in 2025, the continued shortage of talent and tariffs on technology.
SSI: What’s the single most pressing issue that professionals in the security industry should look to tackle right now?
Nemerofsky: Finding new talent to keep up with rapid growth in our industry.
SSI: Finish this sentence: 2025 will be remembered as the year that the security industry …
Nemerofsky: … embraces cloud migration, managed services and artificial intelligence.
Click here for the 2025 Security Industry Predictions series!
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