Another important Axis tool is the companys successful Application Development Partner (ADP) program. This program is an initiative that brings application developers closer to Axis while ensuring that there is a broad range of applications that include the companys products. In addition, the ADP program extends Axiss presence to new market segments and new language areas. Honeywell, Tyco/American Dynamics and Lenel are just three of the more recognized global partners Axis works with.
Axiss focused segments are: Education (universities, schools, education institutes), Banking & Finance (banks, post offices, insurance companies), Retail (stores, gas stations, supermarkets), Transportation (airports, railways, harbors, traffic surveillance, toll stations), Government (authorities, police, military, health care, prisons, museums, casinos), and Industrial (process industries, engineering, construction, pharmaceutical, energy and mining companies).
INNOVATION NEVER STOPS
Axis specializes in professional network video solutions for security surveillance, remote monitoring. Its range of products includes network cameras, video servers, video decoders, video management software, and a full range of audio and video accessories. Since 1996, when Axis launched the worlds first network camera for connection to an IP network, the company has been the leader in network video solutions. Axis currently offers a broad range of network cameras and video servers for a large number of applications, the most prominent solutions being in the areas of security and remote surveillance. Today, the portfolio comprises a broad range of video solutions, network cameras and video servers for installations ranging from entry level to professional level.
During the third quarter of 2005, Axis presented new products and solutions that were well-received in the market. The AXIS 210A with bidirectional audio and PoE (Power over Ethernet) and the bandwidth-efficient AXIS 207 and AXIS 207W cameras were launched. The latter is the worlds smallest wireless network camera for indoor surveillance and is well suited to video surveillance in small companies and home offices.
Axis continued to meet and surpass customer demands with the AXIS 225FD Fixed Dome Network Camera, designed for tough conditions -- inclement weather and rough physical environments. By combining a very advanced network camera with Day and Night functions, dual MJPEG and MPEG-4 support, Power over Ethernet functionality and a built-in heater/blower all housed in a vandal-resistant housing, Axis has appealed to the request of the market for an out-of-the-box professional product.
During 2005 alone, Axis launched a total of 20 new video products and solutions. 2006 looks set to be another successful year of new innovations in Network Video. Axis aims to introduce even more ground-breaking technologies and products in the year to come.
INHERENT ADVANTAGES OF NETWORK VIDEO
Supporting the natural demand for increased security and surveillance are the inherent benefits available to users of network video. This has created a paradigm shift within the security and IT worlds, by providing solutions much more powerful than that of analog CCTV. To adequately develop the positioning of Axis products, it is important to reiterate some of the key benefits of network video here:
Remote Accessibility
Access live video at anytime, from anywhere -- one can access real-time video at any time from any computer anywhere. Axis network video products provide an easy way to capture and distribute high quality video over any kind of IP network or the Internet. The video can be stored at remote locations for convenience and security, and the information can be transported over the LAN or Internet. This means that even companies with several offices across the world can make effective use of a network video solution for security surveillance and remote monitoring purposes.
Easy, Future-proof Integration
Put the network cameras wherever you want, integrate applications, and leverage your investments. There are almost no limitations as to where you can place Axis network video products. They are not tied to physical inputs or frame grabbers and you can connect the product to a LAN, xDSL, modem, wireless adapter or cell phone. Basically wherever you can receive a phone call on your cell phone, you can receive images from an Axis network video solution. In addition, Axis network video has the capacity to provide a high level of integration with other equipment and functions, making it a continually developing system:
-Migrating your analog CCTV system into a network video solution : With an Axis network video solution, you can integrate your existing analog system with products that bring it up to speed with the latest IP technology. The solution enables you to take advantage of numerous functionalities such as remote pan/tilt/zoom, Power over Ethernet, wireless, megapixel, audio, motion detection and many more, while meeting your requirements for image quality, recording capabilities and reliability.
-Integrating applications: A fully integrated Axis network video system can be used for a multitude of applications simultaneously: for instance, access control, building management, point-of-sales systems, ATMs, as well as fire, intruder and visitor management, and so forth.
Scalability and Flexibility
A system that grows with your needs -- an Axis network video system can be expanded by adding more network cameras. This is just as easily done regardless of whether the new cameras are to be placed at the same site, or at a new location communicating over the Internet. You can choose exactly what you need today, and scale the system at any time to meet your growing needs. New technologies, additional cameras, and extra storage capacity are all easily added as required, thanks to strict adherence to industry standards.
Cost-effectiveness
Save money and lower total cost of ownership thanks to strict adherence to industry standards -- based on open standards, Axiss professional network video products run on Ethernet networking. Using standard PC server hardware for video recording and storage rather than proprietary equipment such as DVRs radically reduces management and equipment costs, particularly for larger systems where storage and servers are a significant portion of the total solution cost. Additional cost savings come from the infrastructure used. IP-based networks such as the Internet, LANs and various connection methods such as wireless can be leveraged for other applications across the organization. Axis network video products also support a number of advanced technologies such as Power over Ethernet, which provides power to the network camera using the same cable as that used for network connection.
Distributed Intelligence
Put the systems intelligence wherever you need it -- in todays network video systems, intelligence has been brought into the camera itself. Advanced network cameras can have built-in motion detection and alarm management so the camera decides when to send video, at what frame rate and resolution, and when to alert a specific operator for monitoring and/or response. More intelligent algorithms -- number plate recognition, people counting, face recognition -- are also being integrated into network cameras. You obtain data in more manageable forms and with higher levels of accuracy. Intelligence at the camera level implies a far more effective means of surveillance than is possible with a DVR or other centralized system.
Proven Technology
Safe investments that last well into the future -- network video started at Axis. The company invented and launched the first network camera back in 1996, and it continues to lead this market. Working with an extensive network of CCTV and IT industry partners, Axis can fit the ideal video solution around your needs now and in the future. Whatever your requirements the company has the expertise and the right partners to match them:
-More than 20 years of experience in network connectivity
-More than 10 years of experience in network video
-Recognized market leadership with over 500,000 professional network video installations worldwide
THE BRAND YOU CAN TRUST
Axiss market leadership is founded on more than two decades of success in developing core technologies and products for network connectivity, building strong sales channels, and forming key partnerships. With more than 500,000 professional network video products and more than 3 million networking products installed, Axis has the experience to meet the markets needs. Axis is recognized as one of the most trustworthy brands within the new IP-based video surveillance industry. Research firms such as Frost & Sullivan and J.P. Freeman have recognized Axis as the leader in the global network video market, which is expected to reach a value of US$1.2 billion by 2010. In addition, Axis is the leading independent provider of print servers, which simplify printing in multi-platform environments by supporting virtually all printer models and networks using wired or wireless media.
Aside from tracking pure revenue growth, market feedback is very important to Axis. This involves both perspectives from key industry analysts as well as being able to receive information about key customer projects. From a customer standpoint in 2005, Axis can list some major project wins in a variety of market verticals. In general, customer satisfaction could be related closely to the benefits of network video presented earlier.
ONLY THE BEGINNING
Axiss overall goal is to further strengthen and develop the companys position as the market-leading supplier of network video solutions, as well as to retain its strong position in the Print product area. Axis aims to drive the technology shift from analog to digital network-based security solutions and to continue to strengthen its position in this market. This is an area that is expected to continue growing rapidly, with excellent growth opportunities for Axis as a logical consequence. With more new products on the way, Axis is about to embark on the next stage of tornado growth.
The objective of maintaining market leadership and to meet growing demand in the network video market is a consistent theme of Axis vision. Into the future, the significant elements of Axis market and channel partner programs and leading product development will strive to outpace the market. For a 22 year young company, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of potential. What can be said of Axis nature is that it isnt enough to enjoy a world of potential, but that it must truly be realized. Being never satisfied is a recurring impetus towards remaining in power.
Jeanny Lim is editor-in-chief of SecurityWorld INTL. Send your comments to swied@infothe.com.
