The complexities of planning and implementing an integrated access control program are becoming much more intense. Rapid technology advancements have forced security directors to reassess what the term “access control”really means in the context of their business environment.

For many caught in the mixing bowl of enterprise-risk and network-centric approaches to security, access control spans both physical and logical domains. A new world of internal partnership between IT and corporate security directors has facilitated the integration of biometrics and smart cards into the access control landscape. Web-based options have also enabled the global expansion of the security function.

Still, most security professionals are operating legacy systems that must evolve or become obsolete in time. How can technology evolve, show ROI and protect the enterprise? Some of the top access control manufacturers in the world tackled these questions in this month's roundtable.

Dave Adams is the product strategy manager for Tyco Safety Products Access Control and Integrated Systems. Mr. Adams has been with Tyco/ADT for more than 20 years, working in integrated systems applications management, national account sales management, ADT branch management, and installation and service. He has had extensive involvement on many of ADT's largest integrated systems projects.

Daniel Smytka, president of Engineered Systems for GE Security, joined GE in 1990 and has held a variety of roles primarily within GE Consumer & Industrial. Most recently, he was president and CEO, Asia Pacific, for GE Consumer & Industrial. In May 2005, Mr. Smytka was appointed as a GE Officer.

Mark Peterson is HID Global's director of the Intelligent Technology Design Resource or iTDR Group, which was established to provide technology and design counsel to specifiers, consultants, engineers and designers as they work with their clients to migrate to new secure identification technologies. A former security industry consultant, Mr. Peterson has more than 27 years of experience in intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, parking control and integrated security management systems.

Steve Thompson is the director of marketing for Johnson Controls Fire & Security Solutions worldwide. He has been involved in the design, development, and marketing of technology products serving the commercial controls, fire, and security industries for more than 25 years.