Targeted insights for integrators and resellers navigating rapid shifts in AI-driven security
As AI and video technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, system integrators and resellers around the world face new challenges – and opportunities. According to Rahul Yadav, Chief Technology Officer at Milestone Systems, 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of intelligent security systems. Speaking from years of experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence and video surveillance, he outlines five key trends shaping the future of the industry.
The Era of Agentics
According to Yadav, the most transformative industry shift is the rise of “Agentics” – a term used to describe AI systems that can act autonomously, learn from their environments, and enable contextual decision-making. Unlike traditional, rule-based automation, these AI agents are far more sophisticated than chatbots. For example, these AI agents use generative, training-based approaches to perform complex security tasks, such as identifying threats or triggering response protocols, without needing step-by-step human input. They can wait for specific conditions, respond to prompts, or act on their own initiative when they detect relevant situations. Most importantly, they learn from their actions and adapt to new scenarios, much like human operators.
For resellers, this means a shift toward offering solutions that proactively manage threats and improve response times while reducing the burden on operators. AI agents are already appearing in advanced video analytics and automated monitoring systems – and by the end of 2025, Yadav believes they’ll be a core part of every modern security toolkit.
From IQ to AQ: The Rise of Action Intelligence
Historically, human capability has been assessed through IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and more recently EQ (Emotional Quotient). However, now we’re entering an era where AQ — Action Quotient — is equally important. AQ reflects the ability of AI systems to take autonomous actions on behalf of humans. For example, Tesla’s full self-driving technology not only interprets its surroundings but also makes real-time driving decisions without human intervention.
This shift toward “Action Intelligence” is particularly relevant in security operations. Traditional monitoring systems alert human operators to potential issues, requiring manual intervention. In contrast, high-AQ systems can assess situations, initiate appropriate responses, and adjust their actions based on changing conditions. This transition makes systems more proactive and less dependent on constant human oversight.
For system integrators, this shift underscores the need to design systems that are not just reactive, but proactive. Instead of relying solely on human intervention, future-ready platforms incorporate action intelligence to coordinate across access control, video surveillance, and emergency protocols.
The Human Factor
Although automation reduces routine manual work, Yadav emphasizes that human expertise remains essential, with security professionals’ roles evolving rather than disappearing. As Microsoft’s CEO pointed out several years ago, “It’s not AI that will replace you, but someone using AI who will.”
For integrators and resellers, this represents a chance to position themselves as AI enablers, helping clients transition from legacy systems to intelligent platforms. As end users adapt, they’ll rely on partners who can guide them through both the technology and the workforce transformation it demands.
The Evolution of AI Models
Milestone’s Chief Technology Officer highlights the emergence of three specialized AI model types:
- Small Language Models (SLMs) tailored for specific tasks
- Video Language Models (VLMs) focused on video processing
- Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) capable of interpreting and managing multiple data types simultaneously
This marks a shift from traditional analytics to more advanced, learning-based systems and models that are increasingly efficient, powerful, and cost-effective.
Advancements in AI models are also driving a shift in computing infrastructure—from traditional CPU-based processing toward GPU-centric architectures—transforming how systems are designed and programmed. While major technology companies invest hundreds of millions in training large foundational models, security firms can leverage these models to build custom AI solutions with significantly lower hardware investments.
Today, a mid-sized security operation can deploy effective AI capabilities with a fraction of the cost required a few years ago. This democratization of AI enables resellers and system integrators to deliver advanced tools to smaller clients, ranging from retail to municipal safety agencies, by leveraging pre-trained models adapted for local needs.
Responsible Innovation
As security solutions become more intelligent, trust and transparency will play a crucial role in vendor selection. Yadav cautions that innovation without ethics poses risks for both manufacturers and integrators.
For European integrators working with local governments, critical infrastructure, or enterprise clients, partnering with vendors who prioritize responsible AI—such as Milestone—can provide a competitive edge. Clearly defined AI governance frameworks and client education on ethical deployment will become key differentiators.
Just as consumers prefer trusted brands for their smartphones and personal devices, organizations will increasingly select security technology partners based on their commitment to responsible innovation and ethical AI practices.
The Future of Video Management
To conclude, Milestone Systems’ CTO Rahul Yadav highlights how video management systems (VMS) are evolving from passive recording tools into intelligent platforms offering real-time analysis and automated responses.
This transformation is reshaping security operations — shifting from large monitoring teams to AI-augmented environments where human operators focus on strategic oversight and complex decisions. Routine tasks like incident detection will increasingly be handled by AI.
Yadav stresses that this shift isn’t full automation but a partnership between humans and AI. Success depends on balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring technology enhances—not replaces—human judgment and empathy.
As the industry advances, adaptability and responsible innovation will set integrators, resellers, and solution providers apart. Now is the time for integrators and resellers to reassess portfolios, deepen AI expertise, and partner with trusted vendors like Milestone – shaping the future of video technology through responsible innovation and flexible solutions.
Interested in choosing the right VMS solution for your organization?
Request a demo (pardot.milestonesys.com/DemandGeneration-EET) and experience capabilities of the latest Milestone technology.
