It's been said for some time now.
The institution of security contractor or security integrator is dying a long, slow, painful death.
And in the space that's being left behind, something interesting is happening. For all intents and purposes, it should be filled with young "hybrids". (Professionals that bridge the gap between technology and physical security).
But instead, it's become a vacuum - sucking up all the leftovers of the IT industry party that dried up seven years ago. It seems as if the timing of all this has been perfect for scores of tech industry folks who bet the farm on "a job with computers" just like everyone else.
What we're left with is a stark contrast between old school security vendors and high tech industry innovators. And as time goes on, and the next generation of executives will turn from the old school vendors (who have been able to convince their predecessors that all this flash in the pan technology mumbo-jumbo is a waste of time and money) they will have to choose from the IT industry leftovers and the few "hybrids" that are out there.
"Leftovers" is a pretty strong term - and there are some very positive aspects to having this element in the mix. But a large number of these folks are just taking up space. They are using their technology savvy to package what they are selling as the next generation of security. And in the long run, they are doing more harm than good when the clients who buy into their pitch get stuck with systems that don't fit their needs
. I'm just scratching the surface of this robust and complex issue, but I had to get on my soapbox for a few minutes.
