Top 10 Asian Telecom Predictions for 2008

IDC has revealed its top 10 telecommunications predictions for the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan (APEJ) in 2008. These include greater demand for Web 2.0 and unified communications applications such as collaboration tools within the enterprise, as well as increasing awareness in IP-surveillance products.

8. IP surveillance With IP-surveillance tools currently being deployed in Beijing, China, as part of the 2008 Olympics security plan, 2008 is set to be a "big" year for the technology. "Businesses will be receptive to IP surveillance due to increased security concerns, as well as IP surveillance's cost effectiveness," IDC said.

IP surveillance technology will become popular in the
gaming, financial services, and retail industries, the study noted, citing
physical security as a primary concern for these vertical industries. I would
add banking to this list.

Security-eh

From the Globe and Mail in British Columbia:

The new security chief for the 2010 Winter Olympics wants a modest,
Canadian-style approach to keeping the Games safe and sound. "The public
doesn't want a cop on every corner. Nor do I," Assistant RCMP Commissioner Bud
Mercer said yesterday, during his second full day in a job that is crucial to
the success of the Vancouver Winter Games.

I think Beijing may have different plans.