In this month’s cover story — State of the Market: Video Surveillance — Managing Editor Laura Toops takes a detailed look at the video surveillance space and how it fared in 2021, along with predictions for 2022 and beyond. In this first-of-four series (access control, security & smart home, and fire make up the rest throughout the year), we get our first look at what a full year plus of ongoing COVID-19 impacts have had on one part of the security market. 

The good news is the video surveillance space grew significantly from 2020 to 2021, largely driven by an increasing reliance on video for remote monitoring due to the pandemic; increased capabilities involving artificial intelligence and analytics; and a new customer appreciation of cloud-based solutions.

“We are at a crossroads in this space,” says Sean Foley, senior vice president, enterprise security at Interface Security Systems, in the article. “This is due to a convergence of AI developments, cloud computing, and processing power. Those three things are coming together in a way they never have before,” he says, adding that this is enabling the industry to deliver new solutions to the edge and the end user.

But growth often comes with its own challenges. Many interviewed for the article cited supply chain shortages and uncertainties as an ongoing issue hindering their ability to complete projects. Inflation and economic woes are other concerns to watch for in 2022, as is the ever-present COVID-19.

As I write this, Omicron still has a tight hold on much of the nation, although signs of a peak are starting to emerge. Some planned winter conferences are being canceled, while others are continuing as planned. Such is the topsy-turvy nature of these times.

Speaking of turbulence, I’m sure I am not alone in noticing one of the things that did seem to come back full force in 2021 and continues into this year: mergers and acquisitions. In this month’s Insider, between Cook & Boardman, Pye-Barker and CTSI, more than 12 acquisitions have happened just in the past couple months. And that is just three companies.

What does that mean for you, other than a note of interest? Some of our top-ranked companies on both the SDM 100 and Top Systems Integrators list won’t be reporting this year due to these consolidations. If you have never applied to be ranked on either list, or sat out last year due to lower-than-usual revenues, this may be your year to participate. Take a look at the lists from last year at 2021 SDM 100 Ranking  and 2021 TSI Ranking. 

If you are within range of the lowest-ranked company from last year, I encourage you to fill out the 2022 survey here .Submissions are due March 1!