The Ultimate Guide to Physical Security Vendors in 2025: From Axis to Zedcor and Everything In Between
Introduction: The Shifting Terrain of Physical Security Physical security is no longer just about locks and static cameras. In 2025, it encompasses cloud infrastructure, AI-powered monitoring, multi-site management, mobile access control, and predictive analytics. As threats evolve and budgets tighten, businesses are forced to ask not just "Who has cameras?"...

- Introduction: The Shifting Terrain of Physical Security
- The Rise of Cloud-Native Platforms
- Legacy Powerhouses Reinvented
- Software Titans & VMS Leaders
- Remote Monitoring Meets Artificial Intelligence Stealth Monitoring
- Who Watches the Watchers: Influencers & Industry Critics
- It’s Not Just Cameras: Access Control & Smart Buildings
- What the Future Holds: Trends to Watch
- Conclusion: Making the Right Choice in 2025
- FAQs:
Introduction: The Shifting Terrain of Physical Security
Physical security is no longer just about locks and static cameras. In 2025, it encompasses cloud infrastructure, AI-powered monitoring, multi-site management, mobile access control, and predictive analytics. As threats evolve and budgets tighten, businesses are forced to ask not just "Who has cameras?" but "Who delivers context, awareness, and real value?"
This guide dives deep into the current state of the security industry—from traditional manufacturers to emerging AI-first platforms. Whether you’re a retail operator, cannabis license holder, logistics director, or system integrator, this reference highlights the brands shaping your choices and challenges.
The Rise of Cloud-Native Platforms
Verkada
Founded in 2016, Verkada quickly gained traction with its plug-and-play cloud video security platform. It combines hardware, software, and storage into a sleek UX that appeals heavily to schools, municipalities, and mid-size enterprises. However, its vertically integrated model and controversial internal practices have sparked industry debate (IPVM).
Eagle Eye Networks
As a pioneer in true cloud VMS, Eagle Eye focuses on openness, global scalability, and integrations—especially with AI partners. Its acquisition of Brivo has helped unify access control and video under one cloud ecosystem.
Rhombus Systems
This rising star focuses on AI-powered sensors, facial recognition, and anomaly detection for SMBs. Its user-friendly dashboard is especially appealing to IT teams.
Arcules
Spun out of Canon and closely tied to Milestone, Arcules blends hybrid-cloud flexibility with deep enterprise integrations. Think of it as the 'middleware' for modern VSaaS.
Legacy Powerhouses Reinvented
Motorola Solutions & Avigilon
Motorola has gone all-in on security through its acquisition of Avigilon, WatchGuard, and Pelco. Avigilon Alta now powers Motorola's cloud-native ambitions, targeting government and critical infrastructure with NDAA-compliant gear.
Axis Communications
The IP camera pioneer continues to lead in hardware innovation. While not known for AI, Axis has deepened its access control and cybersecurity posture with edge computing solutions.
Hanwha Vision (formerly Hanwha Techwin)
Backed by Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, Hanwha Vision pushes high-resolution cameras, cost-effective analytics, and aggressive channel programs. It's a favorite in retail and smart city deployments.
Bosch, Panasonic i-PRO, Pelco
These veterans are rebuilding their portfolios with AI edge devices, metadata tagging, and cloud extensions—albeit slower than their cloud-native counterparts.
Software Titans & VMS Leaders
Genetec
Known for its flagship platform "Security Center," Genetec is often the first name in enterprise VMS. With deep unification across access control, license plate recognition, and cybersecurity, it remains the gold standard for large-scale deployments.
Milestone Systems
A champion of open platforms, Milestone’s XProtect software supports hundreds of camera brands. It's ideal for integrators who want flexibility over lock-in.
Nx Witness (Network Optix)
Loved by startups and agile projects, Nx Witness offers a snappy, developer-friendly platform. Many OEMs build white-label VMS solutions on top of it.
Others: Salient Systems, Exacq, DW Spectrum
While each has carved out niches in education, healthcare, or manufacturing, most now face pressure to modernize their UIs and adopt smarter search tools.
Remote Monitoring Meets Artificial Intelligence
Stealth Monitoring
Combining live agents with video feeds, Stealth offers proactive deterrence. Its growth has followed verticals like car dealerships, construction sites, and multifamily housing.
GardaWorld
As one of the largest security companies in the world, Garda still leans heavily on human patrols. But through acquisitions like Ishtar, they’re investing in command center tech.
Zedcor
A Canadian leader in mobile surveillance towers and live monitoring. Zedcor differentiates with solar-powered trailers and remote agents for outdoor job sites.
Sensormatic (Johnson Controls)
Better known for retail analytics and EAS tags, Sensormatic now pushes camera-based loss prevention and shopper behavior AI.
Ranger by ArcadianAI
Ranger is a next-generation AI security guard developed by ArcadianAI. It connects to existing cameras and watches them like a human guard—but without fatigue. Watches video at scale without expensive hardware or human operators. Ranger can:
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Interpret context
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Recognize patterns
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Generate real-time alerts
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Provide forensic search on demand
Its direct-to-cloud approach makes it ideal for franchises, retailers, and SMBs who want performance without infrastructure bloat.
Who Watches the Watchers: Influencers & Industry Critics
IPVM
Love them or hate them, IPVM is the most influential media outlet in surveillance. Their independent tests, product leaks, and investigative reporting often make or break product launches.
Security Info Watch, SDM Magazine
Traditional trade publications still hold value for integrators, offering product news, training updates, and benchmarking surveys.
New Voices on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Substack
Independent creators like Jared @TheCCTVguy, or Reddit threads like Security Professionals, now drive grassroots insights and on-the-ground product feedback.
It’s Not Just Cameras: Access Control & Smart Buildings
Brivo, Openpath, Kisi
These mobile-first access control providers are growing fast, especially in coworking, residential, and smart office spaces.
LenelS2, Honeywell, Johnson Controls
The old guard still commands large enterprise contracts, though often locked into proprietary ecosystems.
Salto Systems, HID Global
Heavy hitters in credentialing, fobs, and identity management.
What the Future Holds: Trends to Watch
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Direct-to-cloud is going mainstream: No NVRs. No VPNs. Just cameras + cloud.
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AI-first security: From motion-based alerts to semantic understanding
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Predictive analytics: Preventing incidents before they happen
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Ethical AI & privacy compliance: Especially under NDAA, GDPR, and PIPEDA
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Integration > Isolation: Unified platforms will outpace single-function tools
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice in 2025
The physical security world is crowded, complex, and evolving. Choosing the right partner means cutting through the hype to find systems that fit your needs today and scale with your vision tomorrow.
Some are building prettier dashboards for yesterday’s tools. Others are redefining what security even means.
ArcadianAI and its AI agent Ranger offer one such future—where cameras don’t just record but understand, respond, and protect proactively.
FAQs:
What is the difference between a cloud-native security platform and a traditional VMS?
Cloud-native platforms are built to operate entirely online without needing on-premise hardware like NVRs. Traditional VMS systems often rely on local servers and require manual software updates and configurations.
Why are AI-powered cameras gaining popularity in 2025?
AI cameras offer advanced capabilities like real-time threat detection, facial recognition, and behavioral analytics—helping businesses prevent incidents before they escalate.
How do vendors like Verkada and Eagle Eye Networks differ?
Verkada offers an all-in-one, vertically integrated system focused on simplicity, while Eagle Eye prioritizes open architecture, integrations, and scalability across global deployments.
Are legacy brands like Axis and Bosch still relevant in the age of AI?
Yes—while newer vendors push innovation through AI, legacy brands like Axis and Bosch remain strong in hardware quality, edge computing, and long-term reliability.
What makes Genetec and Milestone popular for enterprise-level deployments?
Genetec’s “Security Center” and Milestone’s “XProtect” offer deep integration with access control, license plate recognition, and third-party systems, making them ideal for complex, large-scale operations.
Is remote video monitoring more effective than on-site security guards?
In many cases, yes. Remote monitoring combines live agents with AI tools for 24/7 oversight, often at lower costs and broader coverage than on-site personnel.
What industries benefit most from mobile surveillance towers like Zedcor’s?
Construction sites, outdoor events, logistics yards, and temporary job sites often use mobile towers for flexible, off-grid video surveillance with live agent support.
How important is NDAA compliance in choosing security vendors?
NDAA compliance is essential for U.S. federal contracts and critical infrastructure. It ensures that hardware meets strict security and supply chain standards.
What role do influencers and critics like IPVM play in vendor selection?
IPVM and independent reviewers offer unbiased product testing, helping buyers navigate marketing claims and make informed, fact-based decisions.
What’s the biggest trend shaping physical security in 2025?
The convergence of AI, cloud-native infrastructure, and unified platforms is reshaping how organizations approach security—from reactive monitoring to proactive protection.
Book a demo now to see Ranger in action.

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