HID Global, the trusted leader in providing solutions for the delivery of secure identity, announced that the EdgeTM family of IP-based access control solutions will be incorporated into the OnGuard 2008 Plus (release 6.1) solution by Lenel.  Edge support will allow Lenel to further expand OnGuard’s capabilities to enhance existing sites, provide comprehensive contactless smart card implementations and meet the needs of users seeking pure IP-based devices as part or all of their access security system hardware platform.  The collaboration of these two technology leaders establishes a robust, yet flexible, solution for access control and security.
A true IP solution that meets the demands of open architecture, IP-centric environments, Edge is the next evolution in access control hardware solutions.  OnGuard leverages Edge’s ability to provide fully distributed intelligence and decision making right to the door, using the IT infrastructure to the maximum extent possible.  Using a single power-over-Ethernet connection, a door can be added to an OnGuard system installation, thus lowering the installation cost per door in terms of both materials and labor.  Edge devices are configured in the OnGuard software just as easily as any other hardware, and need no additional software or interfaces to operate.  Once configured, they are treated the same as any other access control device in the system. 
“We are extremely pleased to have Lenel join HID Global’s OPIN®Partner Program.  As industry leaders, both companies share a mutual commitment to providing open platform solutions aimed at shifting the existing physical security paradigm,” said Denis Hebert, president and CEO, HID Global.  “By leveraging Lenel’s OpenDevice™ API, and HID’s OPIN®technology, our newly combined offering will provide end-users optimum value based on tomorrow’s infrastructure.”  
“As the security industry continues to migrate to an IP-based architecture, the HID Edge platform is a natural extension to Lenel’s access control offerings, and demonstrates a strong commitment by HID Global to our OpenAccess™ Alliance Program,” said Luis Orbegoso, president of Lenel.  “Edge products offer an easy-to-deploy complement to our more traditional access control hardware, and will allow more doors to be controlled at a lower installed cost per door.  Ultimately, this gives more customers the opportunity to start small and grow with Lenel as needs change.”