The wireless intrusion detection and prevention systems (WIPDS) market, although a niche market in the past, is broadening as wireless area networks are increasingly utilised and their accompanying threats become more complex.
This is according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan. According to the research, the worldwide market for WIPDS earned revenue of $150 million in 2007 and the research firm estimates this will reach $572.5 million by 2014.
"While organisations are reaping the cost and productivity benefits associated with wireless networks, it is also crucial for organisations to protect their customer databases and financial assets from the growing number of security threats," notes Frost & Sullivan research analyst Martha Vazquez.
"As a result of security flaws associated with wireless networks, WIDPS is a key and necessary element in protecting a corporate network."
As a result, regulation and compliance requirements are the primary drivers for this market since hackers try to gain access to wireless networks for financial gain and consumer information. As a result, governments are making strict legislation mandatory for organisations using wireless networks.
However, some of the problems currently occurring in the wireless security market include a lack of knowledge about the products and the attacks being made, as well as the level of security needed.
"The debate today is between overlay and wireless local area network integrated vendors which can provide the best security," explains Vazquez. "Overlay vendors will continue to enhance and broaden their portfolio for 2008 to keep up with the integrated infrastructure vendors that inhabit a large part of the WIDPS market share."
If WIPDS vendors want to continue to maintain product strength, they need to focus on price relief and broaden their portfolio as well as sufficiently communicating the ROI benefits, she notes.
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