The Indian security market has considerably grown in the last few years and Indian customers have rapidly adapted to the latest technology. And looking at the present security threats in the country, security has taken a front seat in infrastructure planning. The demand today is for integrated security solutions instead of going in for a particular product. Users are realizing the benefits of using an integrated security solution which gives them a sense of complete security, says Thakur. Now when one talks about complete security, it also involves biometrics, fire safety, and fire detection.

Intrinsic Traits
Biometrics is going to be a major focus area for the government, especially in light of the heightened security threats. Considering that acquiring fake identities is on the rise by terrorists, the government is working on a project for a national identity card, similar to the US social security number. Rs. 100 crore has already allocated for it.

The government has also started preliminary work on issuing biometric PAN cards that would capture their fingerprints and facial features. This is being done to ensure that no individual can have more than one PAN card. For the biometric PAN card, the government will capture fingerprints of four fingers of an individual (two from each hand) and the facial image, with the eyes clearly visible. Bidders have also been asked to ensure that the digital image of the application and documents submitted as proof are also captured in some form. The Ministry of External Affairs is also deliberating on the idea to issue biometric passports (currently being issued only to diplomats).

Digital Home Security
While most of us are tuned in to whats happening around us in terms of terrorist attacks, bomb blasts or other such incidents, one of the most crucial areas that we all tend to ignore is our very own home. Residential security will be one of the major segments that will see a substantial growth in the coming times. Currently, we have about 110 mn dwelling units in India and with the increase in the number of nuclear families, one can expect a fair amount of increase in demand for home security products. Even though the growth rate is slow, residential security will continue growing twice that of normal security, says Thakur. One of the reasons why home security market hasnt taken off in India, the way it should have, is because of our continued dependence on our neighborhood chowkidaar.

Low-cost luxury apartments, communities and complexes will be major targets for security solutions, depending on their requirement. Products like video door phones, intrusion products will be more in demand among the rest.