It would be an understatement to say it has been a busy year for the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance. Since March, we have ratified and released our 1.0 API Media Device specification; our working groups — IP Video, Video Analytics, Area Control, Recording and Content Management, and Systems — have worked diligently in their efforts to develop specifications for all IP-based security products; we released our Recording and Content Management specification for public comment; and held a successful interoperability demonstration at the ASIS seminar in Anaheim, Calif. We’ve also added a number of new members, including Tyco Intl., and Assa Abloy to our board.

In addition to that, and probably most importantly, a number of our members have implemented our video specification. IQinVision, Milestone Systems, Arecont Vision, HikVision, Everfocus, Synectics and Texas Instruments have led the way and there are many more implementations to come. To say the least, it’s been a very busy year.

There are a number of technology standard initiatives building momentum today. As an end-user, you should be aware of these movements and how they will affect you and your technology deployments.

What is PSIA?

PSIA is a global consortium of nearly 50 physical security manufacturers and systems integrators focused on promoting interoperability of IP-enabled security devices across all segments of the industry and developing specifications dedicated to making all IP products interoperable. PSIA is a true open standards organization, as it supports license-free standards and specifications, which are vetted in an open and collaborative manner to the industry as a whole. Since releasing its first open interface, the 1.0 IP Media Device specification in March 2008, more than 700 companies have registered for access to this initial release.

PSIA is doing important work that promises to guide the direction of the security industry. Standards for IP-enabled devices will make the security industry stronger, and ultimately, enable integrators to do their jobs faster, more efficiently, and thus more cost-effectively, and enable end-users to best protect their businesses, people and assets.