Cisco acquires video surveillance provider BroadWare

Cisco Systems lent considerable validation to the convergence front when the networking giant announced plans late Monday to acquire IP-based video surveillance provider BroadWare.

The deal, for which terms were not disclosed, will enable Cisco customers to implement digital surveillance video across an organization, instead of analog solutions, thereby permitting "faster investigation response and event resolution," according to a Cisco statement.

"By using the IP network as a platform to converge applications, companies can easily integrate and synchronize video with other safety and security systems, as well as other business tools," the statement said.

Industry players today said the Cisco acquisition of the privately held Santa Clara, Calif.-based BroadWare speaks to a growing collaboration between physical and digital security.