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Why open architecture is the foundation of unified security

Want the freedom to choose your systems, devices, and sensors from various partners and vendors? Learn how a unified physical security solution with open architecture makes that possible.

Open architecture is a term that is often mentioned in the world of security, but what does it really mean?

Open architecture is a type of system or software architecture intended to make adding, upgrading, and swapping components with other devices and systems, simpler. In physical security, that means you can choose software from one vendor and devices from other vendors. Contrary to a closed architecture, where you can only choose devices that come from the software vendor.

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Open architecture versus closed architecture

Having an open architecture creates a flexible foundation for your physical security platform. Because it’s non-proprietary, you can be confident that your software options won’t be limited due to lack of compatibility. And because you can’t always predict how your business will change over time, having an open platform guarantees that you can swap out or add technology to match your business needs without having to start from scratch in the future.

Systems that use a closed architecture can create unwanted constraints. This leaves organizations tied to their software provider when it comes time to add new technology or scale up systems. The main benefit of having an open architecture is that you’re never limited by the options of connections your system can take on—whether that be with a new device or system from varying vendors.

How an open architecture protects your investments

Beyond core systems like access control, video surveillance, automatic license plate recognition, and communications management, an open security system approach allows you to take advantage of a variety of advanced features. This includes plugins and innovative technology, so your security solution looks and functions like a single system. Having a large ecosystem to choose from means you can always expand with the technology you need to face emerging threats, or invest in new technologies.

No matter the industry, many organizations follow a surprisingly similar journey when it comes to the evolution of their security systems. They often start by modernizing one critical, outdated system. Maybe they want to use a 4K cameras in the quad, or they want to have mobile credentials and get rid of physical badges. As time goes on, they may want to connect more and more devices to their new system.

 

“Our main task within our department is to ensure business continuity. We chose Genetec Security Center based on a thorough assessment of its reliability and the speed at which reports can be generated. With Genetec, we have pinpointed the right features to transition from manual to electronic processes, enhancing the security of our income verification procedures.”

An open architecture platform ensures that you can achieve this and evolve your systems, all while continuing to manage everything from one platform. Whether these advancements mean incorporating automation to improve coordinated response, adding video analytics capabilities, or taking advantage of new access control technologies.

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Freedom to choose your devices

Why settle for less? An open infrastructure can support thousands of cameras, encoders, storage equipment, sensors, and other security devices. So you have the freedom to choose the devices that make the most sense to your organization.

Solutions like a video management system (VMS) that support an open architecture allow you to change hardware as your business needs and trends evolve. A VMS with an open architecture design is scalable and compatible with a wide range of industry-leading IP cameras and encoders. With the growing demand for ultra HD video, cloud connectivity, and software as a service (SaaS) you want the flexibility to choose from the best cameras on the market.

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Access control systems also have the ability to be built with an open architecture. An open, or non-proprietary access control system means you can have access to different software and hardware options such as controllers, locks, sensors, and more. By having the freedom to swap out technologies and choose from various vendors, you’ll have the ability to add mobile credentials, turnstiles, biometric readers, key management solutions, and other new technologies as they come to market.

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Proprietary vs non-proprietary access control
 

Simplicity of a single, unified platform

A unified security system with an open architecture can help reduce the complexity of maintaining several integrated systems, training teams for different user interfaces, and managing vendor agreements. By having data from multiple systems such as video surveillance, access control, intercom, intrusion alerts, and more flow into one centralized platform, you’ll simplify your teams’ everyday tasks.

“Eight years ago, we were 90% analog. Today, we are almost fully digital with more than 9,000 high-resolution IP cameras. Our maintenance costs have significantly dropped. And our audit team, who investigate all our incidents, has reduced the time spent on investigations by 60%.”

Flexibility to add new devices and systems as you evolve

Selecting a closed architecture system with independent solutions can be a problem when you want to upgrade or add new technologies. Upgrades can be costly and difficult, often leading to system disruptions. So even if you think locking in isn’t a problem today, it might close doors down the road.

An open architecture framework gives you the power to choose from a wide variety of software and hardware solutions so you’re never locked in, and can gradually invest in your security profile. Beyond having access to systems and services from the technology vendor, you can also choose other compatible devices and solutions from a broad ecosystem of technology partners. And an open, unified solution can be used across multiple systems, industries, and locations so that your organization can grow without limitations.

“Very few platforms offered this level of product compatibility, and if they did, it was only partially. We discovered that Security Center allowed us to integrate with practically all the platforms we had.”

Staying open to what’s next with a unified security solution

Choosing an open architecture platform means your system has the potential to continuously grow and adapt for the future. You’ll gain access to an ecosystem of open software and hardware that all work together within a centralized view, accessible by your various security teams.

The decision to invest in a unified physical security solution with open architecture can have a positive impact on your organization. Whether you’re starting the process from scratch or ready to modernize your existing system, creating a physical security roadmap will help you take into consideration all of your organization's needs now and into the future.

 
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