The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

'Convergence' in the security industry – definitions, drivers and consequences

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

Drawing on a combination of empirical industry observations and management literature, this document at- tempts to shed some light on the usage of the term ‘convergence’ that can be identified within the security sector. The aim is to provide both a typology of definitions and a discussion of some of the strategic implica- tions of different types of convergence. A basic distinction is made between convergence on the demand-side (inside enterprise organizations) and the supply-side (technology and products and services). Demand-side convergence is identified as a unified approach to security that entails tearing down the organizational walls that separate the physical security, IT and information security functions. This notion of convergence is fo- cused on the organization of security work in terms of people, processes and technology. On the supply side, technological convergence is identified as a set of concurrent trends that have enabled the shift towards intel- ligent network devices. At the product (and service offering) level, a distinction is made between convergence in substitutes (e.g. IP cameras replacing analog cameras) and convergence in complements (e.g. bundling of software, hardware and services). Seen from an industry perspective, these two types of convergence have different consequences. The former potentially leads to an industry shakeout, where entrant companies chal- lenge incumbents’ dominant positions, while the latter may lead to alliance seeking and vertical integration.

Publishing year

2008

Language

English

Publication/Series

Lusax memo series

Document type

Report

Publisher

Institute of Economic Research, Lund University

Topic

  • Economics and Business

Keywords

  • security industry
  • security
  • industry convergence
  • convergence

Status

Published

Project

  • LUSAX - Security Industry Dynamics

Report number

LXM-BW2