Closed security ecosystems create vendor lock-in and integration debt. This report examines why open API architectures are becoming the enterprise standard.
Proprietary security platforms — where the hardware, software, and APIs are all controlled by a single vendor — have historically been the norm in physical security. The business model is attractive to vendors: once a customer is on the platform, switching costs are prohibitive.
The enterprise market is pushing back. IT teams that have invested in open API ecosystems for SaaS software expect the same from physical security. When a security platform can't publish a REST API, can't integrate with Azure AD via SCIM, and can't export data to a PSIM or BI tool, it becomes a silo — and silos are increasingly unacceptable in integrated IT environments.
Open API physical security platforms enable integration with any IdP, any HR system, any BMS, and any analytics tool — giving the enterprise full control of their data and full flexibility to switch components without a full platform replacement. Kastle's approach: publish full API documentation, maintain certified integrations with the most common enterprise platforms, and support custom development through a dedicated integration team.