Intelligent video is evolving - fast. And with it, the question for security and operations leaders is shifting from “what happened?” to “what do we need to do next?”
This shift marks the transformation of the network camera - from a passive recording device to a powerful business sensor capable of improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety, and delivering real-time business intelligence across the enterprise.
To help organizations navigate this shift, Axis Communications release the Axis Perspectives Report 2026 – The Intelligent Edge. Backed by proprietary global research and expert insights, this annual publication examines the macro forces shaping the "Intelligent Edge" and explores how the industry is moving beyond traditional surveillance to create data-driven environments that reduce costs and automate decision-making at scale.
Key insights from the report include:
• Expanding business impact: The use of video for business intelligence nearly doubled (from 20% to 38%), while 42% of organizations now use video to drive operational efficiency.
• Evolving customer priorities: Infrastructure modernization remains a top driver, and cybersecurity is increasingly critical, cited as a priority by 44% of respondents.
• Accelerating cloud adoption: Cloud adoption in physical security is projected to reach 44% within the next two years.
• Integration is essential: 41% of customers demand unified platforms, highlighting the critical importance of platform integration across the enterprise.
Read the full report to explore the future of the intelligent edge and ensure your infrastructure is positioned for the next era of innovation.
The report introduces a five-stage intelligent video maturity model, guiding enterprises from passive and reactive systems to proactive, predictive, and ultimately autonomous operations - enabling business leaders to assess their current capabilities and chart a practical path toward more effective strategies.