The phrase “do it yourself” or DYI came into common use in the 1950’s.  It played reference to various jobs that one could do in and around their house without the help of professionals.  From DIY wedding invitations to auto repair and now to do-it-yourself alarm systems, it’s all out there and the main reason is because of the internet.  I for one know I could not do auto repairs no matter how much help I got, but the more and more I look into home security the more I believe I can install a security system myself.  Of course it would have to be the wireless kind.  For the purpose of looking at the internet boosting DIY activities, let’s take a look at home security.

          Multimedia Intelligence released a report saying that the video surveillance market will see tremendous growth over the next several years.  The report states that the market is expected to reach $1 billion dollars by 2012.  Some of the reasons for this include an increase in availability of camera kits in retail stores and on-line, plus declining technology costs.

          So who’s benefiting from DYI when it comes to home security? One on-line store that is reaping the benefits is HomeSecurityStore.com.  The on-line business was established in 1995 when they were lucky to make $20,000, but now just last year they made $15 million.

          Another reason for the growth of DIY (and HomeSecurityStore.com) may be the most important one, and that’s the growth of the internet.  In 1995 when HomeSecurityStore.com started their website there were 15 million users worldwide.  Today there are one and a half billion.  Also interestingly I learned from Wikipedia (for 2008) Europe has the most users at just over 273 million, and then China at 227 million and in the third place is the U.S. at 217 million.  In last place was Vatican City with just 93 users.  I guess in Vatican City they aren’t selling many do-it-yourself alarm systems.