“With more choice than ever in security solutions, consumers expect smarter, more efficient, and less expensive solutions,” said Jennifer Kent, Vice President, Research, Parks Associates. “The need for lower costs and more efficient security solutions is triggering a reevaluation of where the most value lies in security systems, particularly as software-based solutions enhance scalability and reduce costs for both providers and customers.”

The value of security devices and systems is in the benefit they provide – the use case unlocked, rather than the hardware itself. Functions that can be virtualised into software - like knowing that someone is home, knowing who that someone is - or combined into multi-functional hubs (e.g., detecting environmental inputs like light, temperature, humidity), are most likely to shed their hardware casing.

“The traditional residential security model is broken, and misaligned price points and outdated technology have left customers underserved,” said Keith Puckett, Founder/CEO of Ubiety. “By reimagining residential protection through intelligent, intuitive solutions, Ubiety is giving homeowners more than just safety; we’re giving them a future where security feels effortless, empowering, and rightfully within reach. We’re not just raising the bar; we’re redefining it — and finally solving the price-to-value gap homeowners have endured for far too long."

Researchers also highlighted some of the other insights revealed by the survey, for example, that providers would do well to be able to deliver a security experience that attracts and retains customers at a cost that is competitive, while also yielding competitive margins; software-based security solutions enhance scalability, efficacy, adaptivity, and flexibility while reducing costs for both providers and customers.

Also, interestingly, 38% of security system owners who purchased their system in the past two years cite demand for smart home features that enable situational awareness and convenience as a purchase trigger, compared to just 22% of those whose systems are five years old or older.

In summary, the researchers conclude that providers who embrace software-defined value, invest in differentiated professional monitoring, and meet consumers where they are—at the intersection of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and intelligence—will lead the next era of secure, connected living.