Today, one of the more pervasive trends in the security industry is convergence, according to Mark Peterson, senior vice president, Global Marketing, Enterprise, CommScope.  "In order to be more diligent and efficient with security programs, many companies are merging physical security departments with IT departments," he said.  "In addition, many organizations are planning to add more intelligence to buildings, where data, building automation and safety and surveillance systems all converge on a single infrastructure platform.  With this alliance, CommScope and Axis help bring the intelligent building to their customers.

"In order to allow our customers to deploy a high quality, top performing, and seamless network for all IP devices, CommScope is combining our strengths in the physical infrastructure space with the strength of companies that have their own unique expertise," said Peterson.  "In the security space, Axis has the clear leadership and expertise in IP-based video surveillance.  We believe that the alliance represents a great way to help our customers receive exceptional intelligent building solutions."

As part of CommScopes Alliance program, the relationship with Axis Communications should open opportunities for CommScope to promote the idea of an intelligent building infrastructure to customers around the world by linking them to an expert in converged surveillance operations.

Both CommScope and Alliance plan to engage in cross-training programs with their sales force.  "We believe the training will assist with the delivery of prompt responses to customers needs," said Peterson.  "In addition, this alliance may cultivate the need for more education within the consulting community about convergence -- recognizing the potential benefits from the collaborative designs of surveillance systems and IT network infrastructures."