Smart Spaces Connect the Physical and Cybersecurity Worlds

The wave of data pouring in through enterprise networks is coming at a tsunami pace as organizations seek out information from connected IoT devices to securely generate new streams of insights and analytics. However, rather than creating isolated pools of IoT data, enterprises are increasingly combining these data assets into intelligent spaces, delivering multiple benefits to individual business units.

At the same time, physical security and cybersecurity solutions and roles are converging. Once distinct entities and businesses, many businesses are now unifying these two business functions to protect and differentiate themselves.

Enterprises are building these strategies on top of the cloud investments they have made over the past two years to enable secure remote work. Now, as the world transitions to a hybrid workplace, they're finding other uses for cloud architectures.

In fact, according to a recent report by Swedish smart building research firm Meemori, IoT is driving the need for cloud-based physical security, specifically access control as a service, video surveillance as a service, and AI-based video analytics. Overall, demand for video surveillance products will remain healthy, with global sales expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2026, compared to approximately $21.7 billion in 2021.

Seek cybersecurity

Cameras do not protect data and networks; in fact, cameras can become a cybersecurity hazard if not managed properly. The cost of cybersecurity mismanagement is high and growing. The cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion per year by 2025, up 15 percent from $3 trillion in 2015, according to Cybersecurity Investments.

One step in preventing data theft and loss is to patch software whenever updates are available, a time-consuming and error-prone process if done manually. It is a best practice to automate software updates and other processes as much as possible, and this practice becomes simple in cloud environments.

A centralized dashboard with unified threat management and advanced analytics (where integrators or customers can manage security) simplifies and accelerates processes, enhances protection, and reduces IT stress.

Improve capabilities with partners

Whether managing network, sensor or video surveillance in-house or through a partner, many organizations are turning to trusted advisors to help them design, deploy and support smart spaces. These customers expect benefits such as improved physical and cybersecurity, enhanced employee and customer experience, increased productivity, reduced power consumption and costs, expanded adherence to sustainability initiatives, and more effective staffing.

Such a positive impact will lead to more investment: According to McKinsey estimates, by 2030, the Internet of Things will generate 5.5 trillion to 12.6 trillion US dollars in value globally. This economic value includes situations ranging from confined areas and outdoor venues to consumers, retail customers, hospitals and homes. Additionally, office buildings will account for $240 billion to $500 billion, and outdoor areas will generate $400 billion to $930 billion.

While this is only an estimate, no matter what the final total is, there will undoubtedly be many opportunities for integrators to design, deploy and support smart spaces. So what steps can channel businesses take to enter this space and provide customers with secure, scalable solutions? What benefits can integrators and their customers expect? How can value-added partners avoid potential pitfalls as they help customers leverage these solutions? trap?

Lay the foundation

The answer starts with cloud computing, as it often happens these days. According to Michael Warrilow, research vice president at Gartner, while adoption of this architecture has grown steadily, it has recently skyrocketed.

According to Gallup, global cloud revenue will reach $474 billion by 2022, up from $408 billion a year ago, and by 2025, more than 85% of organizations will adopt a cloud-first philosophy.

"By 2022, more than $1.3 trillion in enterprise IT spending will be at risk due to the shift to the cloud, growing to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2025," Gartner wrote.

Cybersecurity is another key component of this foundation. Again, cloud-based solutions can help.

Converge native cloud security capabilities such as secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewalls, and zero-trust network access with connectivity solutions such as VPNs and SD-WAN forms SASE or Secure Access Service Edge. Described by Gartner as "the fastest-growing opportunity in the networking and cybersecurity market," SASE ensures anytime, anywhere access for users and devices, including smart spaces.

In fact, spending on SASE will reach $6.8 billion this year, compared to $4.8 billion in 2021, according to Gartner. More than 50% of organizations will have clear plans to deploy SASE by 2025, up from less than 5% in 2020.

Intelligentize these spaces

By adding smart cameras and sensors to the network, businesses can actually see inside, increasing productivity and enhancing experiences; protecting people, places and things; meeting or exceeding sustainability goals; generating new revenue streams; and much more.

Known for its advanced robotics, Bossa Nova sometimes suffers from heat-induced IT hardware failures during the summer when temperatures and humidity rise. To protect expensive equipment and avoid more expensive downtime, the company installed sensors in key areas, such as IT cabinets and robot charging areas. IT staff monitors sensors in real time, no matter where they are located, through the dashboards they use to monitor the network. The sensor will also sound an alert if it detects a change in temperature or humidity.

There are other benefits too. A report by Forrester Research states that a vendor's sensors can lead to direct and indirect cost savings in technology and business aspects, such as downtime, energy costs, installation, IT maintenance and insurance, and can also extend the use of equipment (including IT) life.

Similarly, organizations leverage smart cameras that can be viewed and managed on a network management dashboard for multiple purposes. In office environments, businesses use them to arrange desks and conference rooms, and to monitor room temperatures to ensure a more comfortable environment for employees and guests. In concert venues and university settings, IT or facilities departments use smart cameras for heat mapping to prevent crowding to avoid fires or occupancy restrictions.

Security professionals monitoring confined spaces such as server rooms or administrative offices manage compliance, optimizing built-in analytics, machine learning and identity-based rules within wireless access points to track who enters the area. Fine-grained searches of smart cameras eliminate costly, time-consuming manual searches for recorded issues, and integrated sensors for environmental and video alerts provide a seamless support experience.

When enterprises choose platform-based, cloud-first solutions, they also open the door to an ecosystem of complementary applications for horizontal and vertical use. This partner's marketplace uses APIs to deliver applications that provide insight into occupancy and foot traffic in and around buildings, as well as programs such as customized splash pages, building management systems and wireless private networks.

Opportunities abound, but there is no rain in the forecast—just plenty of sunshine awaiting smart spaces and those who prepare for the weather.