In November 2008, IMS Research forecast that the global analogue and network video surveillance markets would grow by 5 percent and 34 percent respectively during 2009. However, the most recent economic data suggests that the global economic recession will be deeper and longer than previously thought. Consequently, IMS Research has lowered its 2009 forecasts for the global analogue and network video surveillance markets to 3 percent and 29 percent, respectively. In real terms, this represents over three-quarters of a billion dollars less video surveillance revenue in 2009 and 2010 than in the original forecast.

Where previously the network camera market has grown in excess of 40 percent year-on-year, IMS Research is forecasting that market growth worldwide will be below 30 percent in 2009 with a softer than expected bounce back in 2010. A similar market scenario is predicted for the NVMS (Network Video Management Software) and video encoder markets. The analogue video surveillance market is suffering the two-fold impact of the global recession and the ongoing transition to network video. As a result, the market is forecast to decline in the US and EMEA this year.

Market research analyst Alastair Hayfield comments "No-one is disputing that these are far more difficult times than the industry has experienced in recent memory. However, the market is proving to be far more resilient to the recession than most other industries." Hayfield concludes "That said, we expect the market to remain soft throughout 2009 and it will likely take until next year for the market to pick up. The trickle-down from government stimulus packages will not be felt in the video surveillance market until late 2009 and, although credit availability is improving, corporate spending is unlikely to significantly improve until next year."