TRIPLE ACCESS | INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

The Price Reflects More Than the Product.
It Reflects the Engineering Behind It.

Let’s address the question we know some customers are thinking:

“Why does Motorola Solutions cost more?”

It’s a fair question. And we believe the answer deserves more than simply saying, “It’s a premium brand.”

Behind professional security technology is a significant investment in research, engineering, product development, testing and certification.

These are not costs that customers can necessarily see when they hold a radio, wear a body camera or look at a surveillance camera installed on a wall. But they are part of what goes into developing technology designed for professional environments.

Research and Development: The Investment Behind the Innovation

Motorola Solutions invests significantly in developing and improving its products, systems and software.

According to its 2025 Annual Report, Motorola Solutions invested US$970 million in research and development in 2025.

That represents an increase from:

• US$858 million in 2023
• US$917 million in 2024
• US$970 million in 2025

The company’s R&D focuses on mission-critical networks, video security and command centre technologies. Its engineering work spans radio frequency technology, wireless networks, software, video security, access control and connected safety solutions.

This investment supports the development of new technologies as well as continuous improvements to existing products.

Consider the technologies we see across the Motorola Solutions portfolio:

• Advanced audio processing in MOTOTRBO radios
• Intelligent video analytics in Avigilon cameras
• Connected recording capabilities in the VB400 body-worn camera
• Software and integration capabilities that help bring different security technologies together

These capabilities don’t appear overnight. They require engineers, software developers, testing, product development and ongoing investment.

Source: Motorola Solutions 2025 Annual Report

Designed, Tested and Evaluated for Professional Environments

A professional communication or security device is expected to do more than function under ideal conditions. It may need to operate in hot environments, withstand exposure to water or dust, endure physical impact, or maintain performance during extended daily use.

This is why product testing matters.

Motorola Solutions’ professional product portfolio includes devices that undergo testing against defined environmental, durability, performance and applicable safety requirements.

For example, the MOTOTRBO R7 is tested against MIL-STD-810 environmental standards and carries IP66 and IP68 ratings.

MIL-STD-810: Environmental testing

MIL-STD-810 is a series of environmental engineering and laboratory test methods used to assess how equipment responds to environmental stresses. Testing can include exposure to temperature extremes, vibration, shock, humidity and other environmental conditions.

It is important to understand that MIL-STD-810 is not a single universal pass-or-fail certification. The specific methods and procedures used depend on the product and its intended environment.

IP66 and IP68: Ingress protection

IP ratings describe the level of protection provided by an enclosure against the ingress of solids and water under specified test conditions.

For the MOTOTRBO R7:

• IP6X indicates dust-tight protection
• IPX6 indicates protection against powerful water jets
• IPX8 indicates protection against water immersion under specified conditions

These ratings provide buyers with measurable information about the device’s protection capabilities. They are not simply marketing descriptions such as “rugged” or “heavy-duty.”

Source: Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO R7 Product Information

Certifications Matter. But So Does Knowing What They Certify.

When evaluating professional security technology, certifications and compliance should be part of the purchasing discussion. However, not all certifications serve the same purpose.

Some address environmental protection. Others relate to electrical safety, hazardous environments, cybersecurity, interoperability or regulatory requirements.

For example, Motorola Solutions announced in December 2022 that its Avigilon Control Center software, version 7, and H5A Series cameras had received certification from the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), following rigorous interoperability testing by a JITC laboratory approved by the U.S. Department of Defense.

In May 2024, Motorola Solutions also announced that its Avigilon Unity on-premise video security suite had been added to the Department of Defense Information Network Approved Products List.

These examples demonstrate that certain Motorola Solutions products and systems undergo testing and certification processes designed to meet specific requirements.

The important point is not that every product carries the same certification. It is that buyers should understand the technical requirements of their application and select products with the appropriate specifications, approvals and supporting documentation.

What About Body-Worn Cameras?

The same principle applies to body-worn cameras.

A body-worn camera may be required to operate throughout an officer’s shift, withstand daily handling, capture important interactions and securely manage recorded footage.

Motorola Solutions’ VB400 is designed for professional use, with a rugged exterior, up to 12 hours of recording on a single charge, configurable pre-recording and connectivity capabilities. Motorola states that the VB400 has been tested to military standards and designed to withstand demanding working conditions.

For organisations purchasing body-worn cameras, the evaluation should extend beyond video resolution. Battery performance, recording reliability, device durability, footage security, storage, evidence management and integration with existing systems are all important considerations.

Source: Motorola Solutions VB400

Professional Surveillance Is About More Than Megapixels

The same is true for Avigilon and Pelco surveillance cameras.

A camera’s value cannot be determined by resolution alone. Image quality depends on several factors, including the image sensor, lens, lighting conditions, field of view, image processing and installation.

For professional surveillance, additional considerations may include analytics, cybersecurity, interoperability, environmental protection and the ability to integrate with video management systems.

Avigilon, for example, offers video security technologies that include AI-powered analytics and video management capabilities. Its compliance resources also identify standards and certifications relating to cybersecurity, interoperability and regulatory requirements for applicable products and services.

When selecting a surveillance system, customers should therefore evaluate the complete solution — not simply compare camera prices or megapixel counts.

Source: Avigilon Compliance and Certifications

So, Are You Paying More for the Brand?

We understand that customers may look at the price difference and wonder whether they’re simply paying for a name.

At Triple Access, we believe the conversation should go deeper.

A professional security solution may involve investment in:

• Research and development
• Engineering and product design
• Environmental and durability testing
• Applicable safety and regulatory compliance
• Cybersecurity and software development
• Product innovation and continuous improvement
• Technical support, servicing and product lifecycle management

These factors don’t automatically make every premium product the right choice for every customer. But they are important considerations when comparing solutions intended for professional environments.

And that is a conversation we believe every customer should have before making a purchasing decision.