How Remote Video Is Expanding Revenue Opportunities for Dealers
As home and small business environments become more connected, remote video is becoming increasingly popular — and an advantageous business opportunity.
Market research indicates security and the ability for consumers and businesspeople to remain connected to their homes and workplaces among top factors driving adoption of remote video applications.
Once considered a highly specialized technology, remote video systems today are proliferating in the residential and commercial markets. There are many reasons behind the increased presence of this technology.
The products themselves — cameras, storage, apps and more — are easier to use and more affordable, and remote video is incredibly versatile. Increasingly, users are relying on remote video for everything from conventional security applications to business intelligence to checking in on the family dog.
As home and small business environments become ever more connected, remote video is not only increasingly popular it is becoming essential to many, both at home and at work. This trend presents a tremendous revenue opportunity for security dealers.
Adoption Is on the Rise
Remote video products are available as DIY and professionally-installed products. Some manufacturers specialize in one channel or the other and in some cases both. For example, Hikvision subsidiary EZVIZ, a heretofore consumer-focused brand, is preparing to sell its wares through the professional dealer channel.
With the enhanced quality and affordability of remote video technology this is an opportune time for security dealers and integrators to introduce or add these types of video components to their portfolios. Market reports show that 25% of connected-home customers purchase their smart home devices in the form of video cameras. Moreover, network-connected cameras generate more than 60% of home automation industry revenues in the United States.
Other factors propelling the adoption of remote video include: easier mobile and broadband Internet access; improved network infrastructure; and widely adopted Internet of Things (IoT) applications and services, from Uber to Blue Apron. Population density and general safety concerns have also contributed to adoption and demand for this technology.
Applications Go Beyond Security
While homeowners have grown accustomed to a connected lifestyle in terms of mobile phones and tablets, a significant percentage of potential customers are looking for guidance and installation expertise, among other services, when it comes to remote video and smart home technology. This is where the professional security installer comes in as a trusted advisor.
Consumer research shows security is now and will remain one of the most popular applications for remote video. Homeowners and small businesses understand the need for traditional security applications of remote video: live monitoring, recording events and deterring intruders.
Meanwhile, the marketplace is seeing more creative applications of remote video. For example, organic farms that would like to deliver assurances to their customers of the farm’s best practices can utilize remote video technology. A pet-boarding hotel can provide owners peace of mind with live images. And, homeowners can do much more than just view live video from home. Today’s technology allows homeowners to control their smart home devices via an app or voice control.
In short, remote video delivers greater insights into real-life events and enables both residential and commercial users to take action, even if they are away from home or the office.
As security dealers explore this technology, they should pay close attention to the security and robustness of the remote video technology. A solid, scalable and highly secured remote video platform is essential.
As adoption really takes off, now is an ideal time for security dealers to embrace remote video technology. Dealers have a new opportunity to grow their businesses and enhance the lives of homeowners and businesspeople.
Remote video is poised to become more than just “surveillance” for security and safety; it will evolve to become an essential component of future residential living and commercial applications.
Albert Lin is General Manager for EZVIZ, a provider of Cloud services and smart home video technology. Founded as a DIY business, EZVIZ products and services will soon be available through professional Hikvision dealers and other authorized professional installers.
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