In a move that surprised some, but delighted many industry professionals, Axis Communications, Chelmsford, Mass., announced it has entered the physical access control market with the introduction of its first network door controller: the open, IP-based AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller. AXIS A1001 was exhibited to the industry for the first time at ASIS 2013 held in Chicago in September.

“Bringing product innovation to the physical access control market is a natural step in Axis’ development as there is a strong connection between access control and video surveillance,” said Ray Mauritsson, president and CEO, Axis Communications. “As the market leader in network cameras, Axis plays an important role in driving convergence to IP-based products in video surveillance. We now apply that expertise in IP technology to the physical access control market in the same way.”

 AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller is the first non-proprietary and open IP-based access controller on the market, the company described. The network door controller with its built-in Web-based software is a complement to Axis’ portfolio of network video products. The AXIS A1001 platform creates unique integration possibilities for partners and end-users with two different solutions:

  • AXIS A1001 coupled with the built-in, Web-based AXIS Entry Manager software is a ready-made solution for small- to mid-sized installations.
  • For larger enterprise systems, the open application programming interface (API) of AXIS A1001 enables Axis’ Application Development Partners (ADPs) to design software solutions that meet specific customer requirements such as video integration and advanced access control functionality. Initially, Axis ADP partners Aimetis, Genetec, IMRON, Milestone Systems, Next Level Security Systems and OnSSI are engaged in the development of solutions.

“This is really exciting for us,” said Ola Jönsson, product manager, AXIS A1001 Network Door Controllers, based in Lund, Sweden. “For us it’s quite natural. We have had a lot of requests from partners and customers for Axis to do this. About 50 percent of all video surveillance products are somehow integrated with access control. Our entrance will make it a lot easier.”

Systems integrator Wachter Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, which has been testing the new access control product, attests to its ease of installation. “As a systems integrator, Wachter typically tries to choose partners that offer support and cutting-edge new products. This is one of the reasons we chose Axis. They have simplified installation to the point where it allows us to utilize technicians more effectively,” said Mario Palmietto, solutions engineer/architect, Wachter Inc.

The main features of AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller are:

  • open architecture that allows easy integration of video, intrusion detection and other systems;
  • support for Power over Ethernet to reduce the need for separate power and proprietary cables;
  • UL 2043 listing for plenum-rated products that comply with fire performance response for smoke and heat release in air-handling spaces;
  • automatic synchronization and storage of cardholder data and system configuration information between controllers, with units manageable from any network computer;
  • enablement for a fully scalable “edge” solution with one controller for each door at a fixed price per door, eliminating traditional central controller multiples of 4, 8, 16 or 32 doors;
  • support for most existing reader protocols and reader types, as well as standard IT and security equipment;
  • installation wizard and unique wiring printouts that correspond to the unit’s color-coded connectors, which help integrators complete installation and verify proper connections; and
  • open API designed for compliance with ONVIF Profile C, which will enable interoperability between clients and devices of physical access control systems and network-based video systems.

Axis will launch AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller first in the United States, currently scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013, at a MSRP of $599.

For information, visit www.axis.com.

 

TECH BRIEFS

 

Potter Electric Signal Company LLC reported that  due to demand created by increased sales and new business, it has expanded its technical support department. The Technical Support department includes NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) certified personnel. Hold times are virtually gone; 90 percent of calls placed with the department are answered within 10 seconds, the company said, adding that all calls are answered directly by real people, located at Potter’s headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.

“The Tech Support team is equipped to supply the full gamut of product solutions. From questions involving simple installation procedures to the most complex programming issue, we can help,” described Steve Huff, manager of Advanced Applications and Technical Support at Potter. “It is the customer that drives Potter’s business, and it is our goal to acknowledge our appreciation by offering premium technical support. This premium service includes almost non-existent telephone hold times and a commitment to providing correct answers the first time.”

 

Optellios Inc., a developer and manufacturer of advanced fiber-optic sensing and security systems, announced adding LINC Inc. and SPM South as  manufacturing representative partners. LINC Inc. will represent Optellios in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. SPM South will represent Optellios in North Carolina and South Carolina.

“The addition of these firms will continue our support of, and preference, by the A&E community as the product of choice for critical infrastructure security,” said Kevin Bradley, senior vice president of sales, marketing and operations at Optellios.

 

Proximex™, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, Westford, Mass., has integrated its Surveillint™ solution with Inovonics’ EchoStream® EN6080 Area Control Gateway (ACG). With this new collaboration, users can manage security incidents more efficiently through a centralized view of security activity and improved incident response in buildings or on campuses.

The EN6080 ACG is the industry’s first Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA)-compliant intrusion control device that provides IP-based interoperability with access control, video and area control systems. Proximex, also a PSIA-compliant solution, worked with Inovonics to integrate the company’s wireless intrusion endpoints into the Surveillint PSIM solution using the EN6080 ACG.

“Proximex Surveillint was designed with an architecture that integrates information from many disparate security systems,” says Larry Lien, vice president of product management at Proximex. “Our partnership with Inovonics augments our capabilities for end users to individually select leading industry standardized products and easily use them together, which ultimately helps them connect information from a number of systems faster and more appropriately.“

 

Download a Free Whitepaper on Wide Dynamic Range Imaging

Wide dynamic range technology is changing the landscape for video surveillance, reported the professionals at Arecont Vision, Glendale, Calif., which recently issued a white paper on the subject.

According to the paper, wide dynamic range (WDR) cameras are quickly becoming mainstream in video surveillance. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about the very concept of wide dynamic range. This paper explains what dynamic range is, how it affects image quality and discusses the advantages and limitations of WDR cameras.

To visit Arecont Vision and download the free whitepaper, go to www.arecontvision.com/whitepapers/ 

 

Oncam Grandeye announced an integration partnership with Genetec™. The integration is intended to provide customers already using Genetec’s open solution — Security Centre 5.2 — with the Oncam Grandeye 360-degree experience via its Evolution range of cameras.

“Oncam Grandeye enables retrospective analysis of an entire scene, thus providing complete situational awareness with 360-degree technology,” said George Maroussis, technology alliance manager at Genetec.

“It’s exciting to have completed this integration with Genetec and already, since the launch only a few months ago, we’ve seen major projects including an international airport in the United Kingdom and a school district in the Americas,” described Greg Alcorn, senior vice president of business development at Oncam Grandeye.

 

Tri-Ed Distribution welcomed OnSSI as a new vendor partner. OnSSI’s Ocularis software offers intelligent detection and delivery plus video monitoring and investigation. It is designed to meet the need for proactive, results-oriented security solutions that can help prevent incidents rather than merely record them, according to Tri-Ed.

“We are very proud to welcome OnSSI as a valued vendor partner,” said Pat Comunale, president and CEO of Tri-Ed Distribution. “Their flagship Ocularis IP security and surveillance platform has established itself as the benchmark for Video Management Systems (VMS),” he said.

Tri-Ed, which has more than 60 locations in the United States and Canada, provides state-of-the-art solutions from the industry’s leading manufacturers of CCTV, IP video, access control, fire, intrusion, sound, communications, structured cabling, and home automation products.

 

New Discounted Pricing for Online CEU Courses

A new subscription model for the online training provided on SecurityCEU.com was introduced by the CMOOR Group, Louisville, Ky. For a single, one-time fee, students get access to the full slate of SecurityCEU.com courses rather than having to pick and choose a combination of courses at a la carte pricing.

The subscription model program offers very significant discounts of all existing and new security courses found at SecurityCEU.com (www.SecurityCEU.com). Individuals can purchase a subscription for $225 per seat. Individually, the same amount of courses would cost at least $2,400 per seat. Corporate discounts also are available.

“The CMOOR Group is committed to this industry and to the value of training,” said Connie Moorhead, president of the company. “That’s why we implemented the subscription model. It opens up more opportunities for training more people at very economical rates.”

Companies that take advantage of the subscription model program will receive the latest CEU online courses, including the new IP Video course, Customer Service, Troubleshooting and Codes and Standards. These courses are included with the existing series of online training such as IP Networking, Structured Wiring, Access Control, and more.

For information, visit www.securityCEU.com.

 

ADI Releases New IP Solutions Catalog

ADI’s 2013-2014 IP Solutions Catalog is now available. This IP specialty reference guide features solutions from the industry’s leading manufacturers to help dealers build complete IP systems, the distributor noted.

Perfect for entry- to enterprise-level installations, the ADI IP Solutions Catalog features more than 120 pages of product information and participation from more than 40 manufacturers. The catalog offers site-assessment forms, case studies, educational pieces, diagrams, project registration information for reduced equipment costs, and more.

Dealers can visit their local ADI branch to pick up a copy, or visit http://adiglobal.us/Company/Pages/Catalogs.aspx to view it online.

In addition to the IP Solutions catalog, ADI produces a quarterly 800-page U.S. catalog and a semi-annual 400-page catalog in Canada. Dealers also should look for the new ADI 2013-14 A/V specialty catalog. ADI also offers a number of value-added resources to help dealers stay ahead in the IP market. With 99 branch locations across North America, ADI said it offers the largest in-stock inventory, competitive pricing, project registration, IP camera programming services, delivery options, flexible credit terms, project staging and job kitting, monthly sales promotions, free pre-sales systems application support, and more.

 

Hikvision Strengthens Partnership  With Milestone Systems

The partnership between Hikvision and Milestone Systems has been strengthened recently through the complete  integration  of  Hikvision’s  IP  video  devices  and  Milestone’s  XProtect  video management software. As a result, Hikvision’s full range of network cameras, network speed domes, and video encoders support Milestone’s full range of XProtect VMS including XProtect Corporate, XProtect Expert, XProtect Enterprise, and others.

“With this integration we now promote the majority of Hikvision’s extensive product portfolio, which is requested from customers globally. The real focus has been on the advanced feature set on the Hikvision cameras and encoders like Edge Storage, which allows customers to implement advanced, scalable and yet cost-effective solutions,” explained Henrik Hansen, head of the Manufacturer Alliance Program (MAP) at Milestone Systems.

Milestone XProtect VMS now supports the on-board storage capabilities of Hikvision’s IP cameras. This feature ensures uninterrupted video recording in the event of a network disconnection  or  server  failure.  It offers users the ability to access the entire video stream —even in the event of a network outage. Mutual customers of Hikvision and Milestone will also benefit from other advanced features of Hikvision IP video products such as network configuration, multi-streaming, alarm, motion detection, etc., the companies described.

The partnership brings customers more versatile IP solutions, ranging from the entry-level to the high-end application sectors, namely, the new Hikvision Value Series HD network camera, a product designed for SME sectors, according to a joint announcement by Hikvision and Milestone Systems.

“With Milestone’s powerful, reliable and innovative video management software, Hikvision is able to offer our customers more enhanced IP video surveillance solutions to help grow their businesses. Hikvision will also continue to work closely with Milestone to develop further integration opportunities in the future,” said Keen Yao, international marketing director at Hikvision.

For information visit www.hikvision.com and www.milestonesys.com.

 

The strategic partnership between Bosch Security Systems and OnSSI is driving greater integration capabilities between Bosch IP video devices and the Ocularis IP video surveillance and security platform. As a result, Ocularis v3.6 now supports edge recording and new high-definition cameras  from Bosch.

“Mutual customers will benefit from our unique camera technology that dynamically tunes image processing to deliver the best video quality while also lowering bandwidth and storage requirements,” said Rudolf Spielberger, head of the Integration Partner Program at Bosch Security Systems. “Combining this advanced level of image detail with the event fusion capabilities of the Ocularis platform enables end users to more easily validate alerts and more efficiently handle security risks.”

As an integrated video and event management platform, Ocularis’ workflow provides a collaborative environment in which video and alerts from across an organization are converted into meaningful events for shared handling. The platform can scale from single-site installations up to multi-site applications with an unlimited number of cameras.

Ocularis v3.6 now supports the on-board storage capabilities of Bosch IP cameras. This can ensure uninterrupted video recording in the event of a network or server failure. For additional protection of video data, the Ocularis system also can communicate independently of the server after devices have been authenticated.

With the addition of the latest HD cameras from Bosch, mutual customers can take advantage of intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction technology, which actively analyzes the contents of a scene to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements. Combining this technology with solutions from OnSSI, such as the Ocularis Media Server, provides greater flexibility for viewing detailed, high-resolution video even over low-speed connections.

 Additional Bosch features currently supported by the Ocularis platform include tamper and motion detection, multi-streaming and H.264 compression. For information, visit the Integration Partner Program Web portal at ipp.boschsecurity.com or go to www.onssi.com/support/supported-devices.