The term "Industry Standard"

Is one that is thrown around quite a bit, and it can be misleading and even confusing to consumers and professionals alike. In a technology driven industry, which hardly any industry isn't driven by technology these days. It can be difficult to exactly pinpoint a "standard" that truly exists across the industry. Whether intentional or not I think the most misleading statements often start with "This is the industry's standard" often implying that the industry uses X because its good or better than other solutions.

When working with prospective clients our job as industry professionals should be to provide a "standard" that fits the clients needs. I've personally witnessed installations from other companies that not only failed to meet any of the customer's needs, but in fact led to a negative impression of surveillance in general as being low quality. They were led to believe that the equipment was "industry standard", and that it would meet their needs.

If the surveillance industry is to keep growing, we must provide solutions that fit our customer's needs.. not a "standard".