The SecurityHive.com community voted during the summer of 2014 and selected the Physical Security and Video Surveillance industry’s Top 12 Influencers. – This Profile is one in the series of Top 12 making a difference in our industry

Scott Dunn, Director of Business Development, Axis Communications

Scott Dunn is responsible for Software Development and Technology partner programs, National Accounts Partnerships, Vertical Market Development, Consulting-Engineering Programs, New Program and Market Development and introduction of new Axis technolgies into new markets and channels. Scott leads a focused, high performing business development team.

A community of over 8000 industry professionals has just selected you as one of the Top 12 industry Influencers for 2014. What is your reaction to that?

I am honored to have been selected by this community of my peers and truly appreciate the recognition. At Axis, as trailblazers in the physical security industry, we feel it?s our responsibility to actively contribute to the security industry and to support educational initiatives that will keep improving the profession and the industry .

How long have you been active in the physical security/video surveillance industry and what brought you into this industry?

I have been in the security industry for almost twenty years. Prior to joining this industry, I worked in labor management systems?providing efficiencies to companies to improve their bottom line. When I was given the opportunity to join the security industry, I jumped at it since this meant I could work in a profession that affords me the ability to make a real difference in people?s lives, and make the world a more secure place, not just to improve the bottom line.

How did you get started (what was your first job) in this industry?

My first job was with Northern Computers when they were really taking off with electronic access control systems. I learned a lot at this job, and worked in an environment that allowed me to be creative. That first job in this industry provided a great learning experience while working in a creative environment.

What are some of the changes in the industry that you saw coming and are most proud about being accurate?

Back in 2005 when I joined Axis, I anticipated that a full shift to IP video was only a matter of time. I knew the promise of IP would be too compelling to ignore. In fact, prior to joining Axis full time I was already working with Axis on projects with some local law enforcement departments since I knew the ability for first responder to look at live camera feeds from their vehicles would be a great, life-saving technology.

How have you seen the industry change over the past few years?

It certainly has grown and the post 9/11 Security Industry is different as many larger companies came into the space after that tragic event. Technology has continued to develop at a rapid pace and educational offerings and industry associations have really made great strides and efforts to keep up with the ever changing times. I also think its become more global than ever before as threat management is more challenging and technology is available from many places to help us respond to the challenge.

What do you see has been the single most impactful technology in the industry?

While computing power, analytics and biometrics have had some effect on the industry, IP capabilities have had the greatest impact. The IP backbone has created easier and more effective communications so that instant situational awareness and proactive threat response, once thought to be science fiction, are becoming a reality. Although access control systems had been on networks for some time, it was the network camera that really drove the revolution. The ability to capture, transmit and analyze information rapidly is changing the world in many ways and security is one of the greatest beneficiaries of that technology.

As an industry influencer, can you share with us a business success story or case study that you are most proud about?

Oh there are so many its hard to choose one. I think our success with the Chicago Housing Authority is one that stands out to me. There were situations where some critics were concerned regarding the privacy of the people who lived there but it was quickly dismissed as the residents themselves told the authority they applauded the cameras being ever present as they felt it has a positive impact in creating a safer environment that deterred criminal behavior.

Please share with us your visions of this industry and what it will look like for manufacturers, integrators, installers, central stations, and end-users in the next 5 and 10 year period: