SAN JOSE, Calif., 27 July 2007. Electronic access control systems are one of the fastest growing sectors of the security industry. Growing demand for heterogeneous technologies for security applications and RFID technology will also contribute to market expansion. Biometric solutions are making inroads, and smart cards are projected to grow in various sectors.

U.S. is the largest market worldwide, worth an estimated $2.2 billion in 2007. Europe is the second largest regional market followed by a much smaller Asian market at third position. Europe and the U.S. account for more than 80 percent of the global electronic access control systems market as stated by Global Industry Analysts Inc.

The global and regional markets are expected to grow at CAGRs ranging between 15 and 20 percent. Card-based electronic access, inclusive of among others, proximity and smart cards, represents the leading product segment, capturing more than 65 percent share of value sales. The segment is expected to register sales of about $3.5 billion by 2010. Biometrics-based electronic access presents enormous opportunities for growth, with the Iris Recognition sub-segment set to witness fastest growth through 2010.

"Electronic Access Control Systems: A Global Strategic Business Report" by Global Industry Analysts Inc. provides a review of market trends, drivers, product profile, players, competition, technological developments, recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic industry activities.

Analysis is presented for major geographic markets such as the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Analytics are provided in terms of product segments including Card-Based EACS (Proximity Cards, Smart Cards, Legacy Technology Based Cards, and Others), Biometrics-Based EACS (Fingerprint, Face Recognition, Voice/Signature Verification, Hand Geometry, and Iris Recognition), Audio and Video-Based EACS, and Keypad-EACS.