Axis Communications Announces Its First Access Control Product
Axis Communications, the market leader in network video surveillance, today announces it has entered the physical access control market with the introduction of the company's first network door controller: the open, IP-based AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller. AXIS A1001 will make its debut at Chicago's ASIS International event in Axis' booth No. 1034 from Sept. 24-26.
"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. The physical access control market is primed to make the shift to open IP technology."
See integrator video case study of first AXIS A1001 install at a medical facility in Kansas City.
AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller is the first non-proprietary and open IP-based access controller on the market. The network door controller with its built-in web-based software is a complement to Axis' portfolio of innovative 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 – such as at offices, industrial buildings and retail stores – with typically 10 doors and basic access control requirements.
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.
Main features of AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller include:
- Open architecture allowing easy integration of video, intrusion detection and other systems;
- Power over Ethernet support 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 such as door locks and door position sensors;
- Installation wizard and unique wiring printouts that correspond to the unit's color-coded connectors help integrators complete installation and verify that door locks, readers and other equipment are connected properly;
- Open API designed for compliance with ONVIF Profile C, which will enable interoperability between clients and devices of physical access control systems (PACS) and network-based video systems.
Throughout 2013, Axis worked closely with four top National Systems Integrator partners in the U.S. – Diebold, Inc., Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, Inc. and Wachter, Inc. – to beta test the new access control solution. Axis will launch AXIS A1001 first in the U.S., currently slated for Q4 2013, at an MSRP of $599.
The global physical access control market is estimated at $3 billion (2012) and will increase to approximately $4.2 billion by 2017, which represents an annual growth of 7 percent, according to market research firm IHS*. The United States was an early adopter of network video technology and is also a significant market for physical access control.
"Axis started its innovative quest back in 1984 by developing protocol converters and then continued to printers and storage devices before inventing and launching the first network camera in 1996. Although we now enter the physical access control market, our focus will continue to be on network video products. We expect physical access control sales to represent a small, but important, part of our total business," said Mauritsson.