While most of the traditional markets in the computer sector have struggled to find growth, several verticals have proven to be extremely successful, maybe none more than the security surveillance market which continues to post an annual growth rate of 17%. In fact, the overall worldwide market is expected to grow to $42 billion by the year 2019 with the US continuing to be the world’s largest market accounting for 35% of all sales reaching over $17 billion in revenue.

The Opportunity
Aside from the obvious growth rate within the industry there are several factors that make video surveillance a very attractive category for IT companies, particularly for local VARs and integrators that have a unique set of skills ideally suited for the new surveillance market as well as have strong relationships with many of the most lucrative market segments such as education, finance, and health care. Traditionally, video surveillance equipment has been purchased and installed by companies that specialized in the area of CCTV technologies and general security. However, with the increased popularity of IP Cameras and other related technologies the installation of video surveillance solutions requires networking expertise which is an area of strength for VARs. In addition, other technologies such as VSaaS (Video Storage as a Service) are emerging which further the need for IT knowledge.

Introducing Hikvision
When it comes to video surveillance many people think of companies like Sony, Samsung or even GE or maybe they think of consumer products from companies such as Logitech, or Nest but few outside the video surveillance market would know the name Hikvision. Hikvision has been in business since 2001 manufacturing OEM commercial grade surveillance cameras for many of the largest and most recognizable brands in the industry making them the world’s leading supplier of video surveillance solutions with 20% market share, 4 times that of the next closest provider. Today, they have grown to over $4 billion in annual revenue, have over 12,000 employees and were recently named to Forbes Top 100 Most Innovative Company’s in 2016. Hikvision, with the industry’s strongest and largest R&D Department is well renowned for its quality as well as innovative video surveillance products.

Hikvision Products
Hikvision designs, develops, and manufactures innovative standard- and high-definition cameras, including a variety of Smart IP recorders and cameras with infrared, wide dynamic range, facial detection, object counting, and intrusion detection capabilities. Hikvision’s product suite also includes digital video servers, hybrid and standalone DVRs, NVRs, speed domes, encoders, decoders, and other elements of sophisticated security systems and CCTV technology for both indoor and outdoor use.  Renowned across the globe, Hikvision systems are currently installed in more than 100 countries on six continents. These cutting-edge solutions serve a diverse group of vertical markets, including government, retail, banking and finance, transportation, healthcare, gaming, education, commercial and residential applications.

What Makes Hikvision Unique
There are many factors that make Hikvision unique such as company size, commitment to R&D, focus on the requirements of the customer, modernized factory, market position, product quality, and innovation, but there are several other areas that truly differentiate Hikvision.

  1. Hikvision is a true commercial grade manufacturer so they make high end solutions designed for business use both indoor and outdoor, as well as for viewing in bright light or limited light. Hikvision is truly a commercial manufacturer making products that are designed to be used in schools, banks, hospitals, doctor’s offices, warehouses, retail stores, stadiums, auto dealers, jewelry stores, and so on.
  2. In addition to manufacturing cameras, Hikvision also makes DVR and NVR boxes but what makes these products powerful and useful is the functionality they provide when combined with video management and analytic software which among other things allows you to categorize or review video. What makes Hikvision unique in this area is they do not charge for this software nor do they charge a per license fee for the software so users only need to pay for the hardware. This makes it much easier for VARs to work within their clients budgets and to easily outline the investment without having the added complexity of additional licensing fees or software costs.
  3. Hikvision has an extensive in country support team here in the US to help customers with the sales process, provide technical support for both pre as well as post sales, assist with design of the video surveillance solution, offer marketing materials, training and more.