Hikvision and Dahua are currently the two largest Chinese manufacturers of security systems in the world. Thanks to the support of the Chinese government, massive state contracts in China, and affordability, these two brands have shown significant qualitative and quantitative growth over the years. All of this has allowed them to become dominant players in the security industry on almost all global markets. However, in recent years, they have faced certain challenges in Western markets. It all started with attempts to restrict their presence in the United States through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which excluded the possibility of government agencies purchasing their solutions in the US. Similar acts and laws were later adopted by several European countries and then Australia. In June 2023, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in Ukraine included them on the list of sponsors of the war.
In light of this, we would like to consider a list of the TOP-7 alternatives among Western security system vendors for businesses. There are numerous vendors that produce various individual components of security systems such as cameras, software, access controllers, sensors, servers, and readers. Some of them offer truly high-quality and affordable products. However, since we are looking for alternatives to the system companies that can provide a full range of solutions, from equipment to software that can integrate everything into a unified security and enterprise automation system, we have decided to select 7 companies that meet the following criteria.
Horizontally integrated company: The company offers comprehensive solutions including software, video cameras, thermal imaging cameras, access control, AI video analytics, intercom communication, sound management systems, network equipment, and servers. Naturally, all of these solutions should be integrated into a unified security ecosystem that allows for easy and cost-effective management of security for individual sites as well as large geographically distributed systems with a centralized management and administration center.
High-quality equipment: Companies on the list must have extensive industry experience and constantly update their equipment and software lineups to meet the modern challenges of corporate enterprise security. The equipment provided by these vendors should also be high-quality and reliable, so that clients do not need to replace it every few years due to obsolescence or failure.
Project solutions: Since the list of vendors should be oriented towards corporate clients and businesses, the lineup of these manufacturers should include project solutions that address non-standard tasks and operate in an industrial environment. The company's portfolio should include software with advanced video analytics for recognition (license plates, wagons, faces), retail software, as well as project equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, industrial servers, and network equipment, acid-resistant and explosion-proof cameras.
Availability: Since enterprise security systems consist of multiple components, some of which periodically require replacement or upgrading, the solutions provided by these companies should be available on the Ukrainian market and should not carry the risk of being included in sanction lists, which could restrict access to software or equipment updates.
1. AXIS
AXIS was founded in Sweden in 1984 and became the world's first manufacturer of network cameras. Over its more than 35 years of existence, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry and has gained the trust of millions of customers worldwide.
Today, AXIS is one of the market leaders in security systems. Thanks to supplying some of the best solutions for three decades and continuous development, they have become the gold standard in many niche markets.
Country of origin: Sweden.
2. Honeywell
Honeywell has a history spanning over a century, starting in 1885. During this time, the company has become a recognized global leader in security and automation technologies. They strive for continuous innovation and offer cutting-edge solutions to customers worldwide. The company focuses on full building automation and provides comprehensive solutions across various industries, including energy, aerospace, water supply, and security.
Country of origin: USA.
3. GeoVision
GeoVision was founded in Taiwan in 1998. Over the past 20 years, the company has become a well-known global brand, providing innovative solutions in security and building automation. GeoVision has extensive experience in developing and manufacturing high-quality security and building automation products. In the last 10 years, the company has focused on developing professional security software using artificial intelligence and neural networks, implementing cloud services, and offering advanced project solutions.
Country of origin: Taiwan.
4. Bosch
5. LenelS2
LenelS2 is one of the leading global providers of integrated security and access control solutions. It was founded in the USA in 1995 and is currently one of the market leaders in the USA. The company's solutions are targeted at the corporate sector and have become the security standard for the corporate sector in the USA. LenelS2 is part of the global corporation Carrier, specializing in various building technology solutions. This gives the company access to a wide range of resources and opportunities to develop and integrate advanced products and solutions.
Country of origin: USA.
6. Avigilon
Avigilon is a Canadian company founded in 2004 and part of the Motorola Solutions corporation, which allows them to offer a complete range of solutions for comprehensive security in public places, crowded areas, borders, and border crossings. The company's solutions, in addition to high reliability, feature intelligent video analytics based on neural networks and some of the highest quality cameras in the industry with image resolutions up to 61 megapixels (10K).
Country of origin: Canada.
7. Mobotix
Our company has been operating in the security and building automation market for over 20 years, and we are ready to offer the full range of products and solutions from the aforementioned manufacturers.