.... yes, you read that right, though it would be safe to assume that would be the last thing on any one's mind if you consider that we hear about surveillance cameras all around us. 

Well, it's not exactly that security cameras will become irrelevant, but their importance will certainly change. So says Steve Hunt of SecurityDreamer.com. The reason for this is also fairly obvious, come to think of it. Less than the cameras themselves, it is the software and all the accompanying hardware that add all the value in video surveillance purposes. As Steve says, "camera itself is now mere a data collection tool which feeds information into other systems."

Here's what he predicts on video surveillance. "video surveillance will draw lessening value from cameras themselves, and more from software and hardware complementing cameras. Technical issues such as increased bandwidth availability, innovative storage solutions and manufacturing breakthroughs that reduce implementation costs will outdistance new hardware technology in their impact on video surveillance markets. Developments in software control, intelligence at points of observation and improvements in backend operations of recording, storage and retrieval of video data, will also play key roles."

You can get the full piece here.