People often use the terms “unification” and “integration” interchangeably, but those in the software development world know that the two ideas are not the same. When it comes to security software, the differences are crucial. Read on to find out what anyone responsible for choosing security software needs to know about the differences between unified and integrated systems.
What Is a Unified Security System?
A unified security system is one in which all of the core functions of the operations team can be carried out using the same software program. Unified systems incorporate everything from surveillance software to access control, automated license plate readers, communications modules, and more. Today’s most advanced unified security solutions incorporate smart video analytics capabilities, sensors that trigger security-related events, and AI-driven data analysis.
What Is an Integrated Security System?
Unlike unified security systems, integrated systems include numerous connected software programs. They typically involve the deployment of distinct software and hardware solutions provided by different vendors, creating a complicated network of interwoven systems. The data collected by each of these systems are siloed, which makes it difficult to see patterns even with the help of AI, and the core functions of the security programs are all accessed from different dashboards.
Unification Resolves Inefficiencies
Security teams that are stuck working with integrated solutions are not able to function as efficiently as those that have access to single, unified software systems. New hires need to be trained on multiple platforms, each of the different software solutions must be kept up-to-date separately, and users have to switch between programs to perform different aspects of their jobs.
Unified Systems Are More Secure
Physical security teams are great at keeping properties safe. However, they rarely have the level of experience with cybersecurity required to understand the nuances of how hackers find and exploit network vulnerabilities. As a result, many of today’s integrated security systems include legacy hardware and software that lacks the robust data and network security features associated with more modern tools and equipment.
Unified systems are different. They feature guaranteed end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and modern equipment that has more robust security protocols.
Companies Can Scale Up More Easily After Unification
Some businesses think of unification as a costly upgrade. While it’s true that deploying a unified system requires an upfront investment, it saves organizations money as they scale up. Instead of worrying about adding to increasingly complex integrated security systems and making costly upgrades to each software program separately, unified systems offer cost-effective upgrades with guaranteed compatibility, making it easier to scale up.
Is It Time to Unify?
Because of the higher cost associated with security system unification, small to mid-sized organizations often have difficulty justifying the switch. However, experts in the industry know that growing companies can quickly become targets for both cyber criminals and burglars if they don’t have well-designed security systems in place. If the company is growing and the security team is complaining about the tools currently at its disposal to protect an increasing number of assets, it’s time to unify.