Book excerpt: Security technology convergence, which refers to the incorporation of computing, networking, and communications technologies into electronic physical security systems, was first introduced in the 1970s with the advent of computer-based access control and alarm systems. As the pace of information technology (IT) advances continued to accelerate, the physical security industry continued to lag behind IT advances by at least two to three years. Security Technology Convergence Insights explores this sometimes problematic convergence of physical security technology and information technology and its impact on security departments, IT departments, vendors, and management. - Includes material culled directly from author's column in Security Technology Executive - Easy-to-read question and answer format - Includes real-world examples to enhance key lessons learned