8 min
The security landscape is changing rapidly, challenging businesses to adopt solutions that balance resilience, adaptability, and future-readiness. At the 2024 SKYDD Panel Discussion, industry experts gathered to share insights into these challenges and opportunities.
Led by Erik Nord, acre’s Industry Expert in Cloud Solutions, the panel included Johan Svensson of Hanwha Vision, Sebastian Hunt of Milestone Systems, and James McHale, an industry trends analyst from Memoori. Together, they dissected critical topics such as open systems, cybersecurity, and the rise of cloud technology. These insights point to key trends and decision-making frameworks for businesses preparing for the road ahead.
Open Systems vs. End-to-End Solutions
The debate between open systems and end-to-end solutions has long been a centerpiece of security strategies. Both have merits, yet their value lies not in superiority but in alignment with an organization’s specific needs. James McHale aptly summarized this during the panel, emphasizing that solutions must address unique contexts and challenges.
For organizations like schools and hospitals, where simplicity and reliability are paramount and resources are limited, end-to-end systems offer ease of deployment and maintenance—a "plug-and-play" convenience. Conversely, more complex businesses need agility and customization to address unique workflows or integrate with specialized third-party tools. Here, open systems come into their own, allowing tailored infrastructures that respond dynamically to change.
Echoing this, Sebastian Hunt highlighted a fundamental truth about technology in uncertain times. "The future is unpredictable," he observed, referencing the economic upheavals and pandemic disruptions that reshaped priorities in recent years.
Businesses with open systems enjoy a significant advantage—they can evolve without being constrained by the rigidity of all-in-one solutions.
What makes open systems increasingly viable today, noted Johan Svensson, is a maturing marketplace. Once plagued by integration hurdles, advances in standardized tools and detailed documentation have smoothed the process of unifying disparate systems. The result? Organizations can now deploy interoperable solutions more affordably and efficiently than before.
Cybersecurity Redefined
The panel’s discussion on cybersecurity underscored an essential point—security doesn’t hinge solely on architecture. Whether systems are open or end-to-end, management makes the real difference.
Hunt pointed to proactive maintenance, consistent updates, and turning toward trusted third-party cybersecurity tools as critical safeguards. Open systems, in particular, enable flexibility, allowing organizations to adapt swiftly to new threats. “It’s not about reacting to attacks—it’s about building resilience into the system,” he said.
However, systems are only as secure as their implementation, Svensson cautioned. He urged businesses to address a common weak link—poor installations.
Vulnerabilities like unpatched systems or unclosed ports arise not from tools but from human errors, highlighting a glaring skills gap in system integrators. Training and certifications, Svensson stressed, are as vital as the technology itself.
McHale added another critical dimension—standards. Proprietary measures may sound appealing but expose vulnerabilities. Using well-established encryption protocols and trusted frameworks ensures stronger protection. He also warned that cybersecurity isn’t a one-time investment. Regular audits, updates, and compliance are non-negotiable in the face of rising threats.
Another emerging solution is the growing adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms. Nord outlined why many businesses now turn to cloud-based managed services.
SaaS removes the burden of maintaining systems internally, offering consistent updates and robust security frameworks to businesses with fewer internal IT resources.
The Rise of Cloud Technology
The panel also explored the palpable rise of cloud technology, noting its profound impact on reshaping business strategies. Nord underscored that cloud platforms are not just about scalability but also flexibility and cost efficiency. These solutions are especially empowering for businesses without the resources to build expansive in-house infrastructures.
What sets cloud adoption apart today is the diversity it offers—be it fully online, hybrid solutions, or keeping critical systems on-premises for regulatory and security concerns. This adaptability allows businesses to remain agile while still meeting operational demands, enabling them to pivot as circumstances shift.
For example, reports from 2023 revealed that 94% of organizations found SaaS models reduced costs associated with hardware, licensing, and maintenance. This cost efficiency, coupled with automation, strengthens cloud technology's appeal as companies prioritize financial stability and innovation simultaneously.
The Road Ahead in 2025
Based on the 2024 panel's lessons, specific priorities are essential for staying competitive in 2025. These include:
1. Maximizing Interoperability
While open systems lead the charge, ensuring compatibility across platforms remains vital. Svensson explained it best—systems must not only integrate into today’s infrastructure but also adapt to tomorrow’s innovations. Businesses should proactively evaluate long-term scalability in every purchase decision.
2. Investing in Workforce Competency
Closing the skills gap is non-negotiable. Whether it’s training integrators in cybersecurity best practices or ensuring general IT proficiency, businesses that fail to invest will fall behind. A shortage of certified professionals already impacts 43% of organizations worldwide—a gap that continues to widen.
3. Making Cybersecurity Proactive
Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, and reactivity is no longer sufficient. Key recommendations include implementing real-time monitoring systems, leveraging external cybersecurity partnerships, and maintaining a responsive update schedule. The aim? To mitigate risks before they arise. Hunt’s guidance mirrored this approach, prioritizing constant vigilance over complacency.
4. Balancing Cloud and Control
While cloud adoption is booming, businesses shouldn’t sacrifice control over their systems. Leaders should evaluate whether hybrid frameworks might better balance convenience, compliance, and operational needs to meet future challenges.
5. Committing to Sustainability
Sustainability will be a game-changing focus in 2025. The environmental impact of data centers and IoT devices affects organizations’ reputations, regulatory compliance, and costs. Companies who integrate energy-efficient solutions now will not only lead ethically but reap financial rewards later.
6. Delivering Customer-Centric Solutions
Lastly, as McHale noted, technology has limited value when it doesn’t address customer pain points. Sophisticated analytics tools and AI-led insights make it easier for businesses to understand and deploy solutions tailored to client needs. Leaders must redefine success not in technical superiority but in measurable client outcomes.
Turning Challenges into Opportunity
The security industry stands on the brink of transformation. Whether through open architectures, advancements in cloud technology, or refining cybersecurity strategies, the coming years offer opportunities to redefine resilience. Yet, as the panelists emphasized, solutions must evolve alongside threats, foster interoperability, and place people—both customers and teams—at their center.
Businesses that take these insights to heart will not only enhance their own operations but also shape the future of security itself.
Looking ahead, the central takeaway is clear—2025 is not about chasing trends; it’s about building adaptable foundations to thrive no matter what comes next.
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