A New Company Enters the Access Control Market

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Network camera provider AXIS Communications is now also a provider of network access control.

On the opening day of the ASIS International show in Chicago, AXIS Communications announced that it is entering the physical access control market with the introduction of the company’s first network door controller.

“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,” Ray Mauritsson, president and CEO, Axis Communications, said in the statement. “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.”

According to Security Systems News as a non-proprietary and open IP-based access controller, the AXIS A1001 platform includes open architecture for integration of video or intrusion detection systems, as well as automatic synchronization and data storage capabilities with units that can be managed from any network computer.

AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller is a platform for two different solutions. AXIS Entry Manager (AXIS A1001 with built-in software) “a ready-made solution for small- to mid-sized businesses—such as offices, industries and retail stores—with typically 10 doors and basic access control requirements.” The second solution is for “larger enterprise systems. AXIS A1001’s open application programming interface enables Axis’ Application Development Partners (ADP) to meet specific customer requirements.”

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Throughout 2013, Axis beta tested its access control solution with four systems integrators: Diebold; Kratos Defense & Security Solutions; Stanley Convergint Security Solutions; and Wachter. Axis will launch the platform first in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2013, at an MSRP of $599, according to the statement.

Axis ADP partners include Aimetis, Genetec, IMRON, Milestone Systems, Next Level Security Systems and OnSSI. Those companies “are engaged in the development of solutions, which include video integration and advanced access control functionality,” according to the statement.

The product is being launched in the United States. The company noted that the global market for access control was estimated to be $3 billion in 2012, according to an IHS report. It is expected to hit $4.2 billion by 2017.

Other features of the AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller, according to AXIS 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 cables and proprietary cables; Cardholder data and system configurations are automatically stored and synchronized between controllers and the units can be managed from any computer in the system; Enabler for an ‘edge’ solution with one controller for each door and a fixed price per door. It is fully scalable, eliminating the traditional central controller multiple of 4, 8, 16 or 32 doors; Support for most existing reader protocols and reader types, and standard IT and security equipment such as door locks and door position sensors; The installation wizard and the color coded connectors help users to complete the installation and verify that door locks, readers and other equipment are connected properly; The API is 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.