Paxton, a global security technology manufacturer, has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. With Solo, the phone is the system; the phone is the key.

To support the launch, Paxton is giving away 10,000 free Solo starter kits, placing the technology directly into the hands of security installers.

“Solo is different,” said Adam Stroud, CEO, Paxton. “It is the first system that fully utilizes the modern capabilities of a smart phone. By doing so, it creates a step change to the architecture of modern security. Solo is a complete re-imagining of how networked access control is achieved. Because it is so different, we want as many installers as possible to see it, use it and understand it.”

Solo combines the straightforward installation of a standalone system with the capability of networked access control. There is no requirement for an on-site data network, server or centralized PC. The system is created and managed entirely from a smartphone. In effect, the phone is both the system itself and the key in your hand.

Using the phone’s built-in biometric ID, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, Solo provides secure, convenient access without cards or fobs. Centralized administration, event reporting and real-time activity logs are all available directly on the Paxton Solo app, making real-time visibility and management fast, flexible and intuitive.

Installer insight played a central role in the development of Solo. In surveys conducted by Paxton, 80% of installers said they want repeat business to be simple, confirming demand for solutions that support recurring revenue without added complexity.

The cloud-hosted model also provides built-in flexibility, offering the option to fit and forget or establish straightforward, recurring revenue stream.

“Solo is not the first cloud-based access control system; however, it takes the concept to a new level by making full use of cloud and mobile phone technology,” Stroud said. “By doing this, the equipment being installed can be dramatically simplified, while still providing flexible access control to the highest security standards. Additionally, by supporting a service-based model, we can offer installers choice regarding the ongoing support they provide to customers.”

Last August, SDM was part of a small press tour of Paxton’s Greenville, S.C. headquarters. As part of the event, we were given a preview of Solo, as well as an exclusive interview with Stroud. “I think great product innovations happen, not necessarily because the customer asked for it, but because the inventors of the technology have a really good innate understanding of what customers need and the technology involved,” he told SDM. “Great innovations happen when you can match those two things up. [That] gave rise to this concept. To my knowledge, we are the only ones that have done this. There are a lot of companies offering mobile credentials; there are a lot of companies offering cloud hosting. But to fully employ the potential of the phone, as we have done, dramatically changes the architecture of an access control system.”

All that is required for a Solo system is a Solo DoorTag, Solo Controller, power supply, electronic lock and the Paxton Solo app.

Operating independently from a fixed on-site data network, Solo is suited to a huge host of environments where traditional networked systems would be impractical. This includes small independent businesses, residential settings such as short-term rentals and student accommodation, and healthcare environments including clinics and care homes.

Solo is equally suited for gyms, lockers, bike storage facilities, gates and remote buildings, as well as temporary installations such as building sites where fixed data infrastructure is unavailable or impractical.

“Solo is designed to be installed independently of a customer’s IT network,” Stroud said. “The installation takes a fraction of the time required for a traditional system. Coupled with the highly competitive nature of Solo, this gives installers the ability to win more quotes, and the ability to install more systems without increasing the size of the team.”

Speaking to SDM, Stroud further expanded on the uses cases for Solo: “We’ve debated this a lot internally, where do we think it’s going to go? And what vertical do you think it will stick to? And all of us have got our own opinions. The philosophical approach we’re taking is that our installers and dealers know best. We’re going to make the product available to them and make some recommendations, of course; but we’re going to see where the product fits best. We’ve got this analogy internally, which is: We’re going to see where the water pools. When you want to see the textures of the floor, you put water, and then you can see where the water pools, and where it doesn’t. So, in the first 12 months of selling this new concept, because it is so different, we’re going to pay close attention to where the water pools, and we’re going to ensure that we develop the product in an appropriate direction.”

Paxton worked closely with cybersecurity experts, Pentest Partners, to verify that Solo is a high-security solution for today and tomorrow. The system has been developed to the highest security standards, achieving IASME Level 1 and Level 2 certification prior to launch during rigorous beta testing. To ensure resilience against modern cyber threats, Paxton has also achieved UL IoT Cybersecurity Diamond certification, which is the highest possible accreditation.

Solo is now being introduced to installers across the U.S,. giving them the opportunity to experience the phone-based, cloud-hosted system firsthand and explore its commercial potential.  As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.

To take the next step, installers can find out more on Paxton’s website.