When all connected, security devices form an “Internet of Security Things” to bring value to users. No one realizes this more than Axis Communications, inventor of the network camera, which can be said as the very first IoT security device.
In many ways, security is intricately tied to the Internet of Things. This is especially the case after a migration of security products and solutions toward IP. When all connected, they in essence form an “Internet of Security Things” to bring value to users.
“Fundamentally, IoT makes video surveillance easier to use and integrate with other devices. This lowers the technology hurdle for customers significantly and opens up a great future for integration of video surveillance with other systems,” said Dr. Martin Gren, Co-Founder of Axis Communications.
As a matter of fact, Axis should know something about the security industry’s evolution toward IoT. Back in the 1990s, Axis’s core business was in network servers that connected printers to the network, a technology that was based upon the “thin-client” concept popular at the time. Axis saw the success of attaching printers to the network and wanted to connect other products. The technology was named the ThinServer technology and included network optical storage products as well as scan-servers. Under this framework in 1996, the company introduced the world’s first IP camera.
“Today tens of millions of network video devices have been installed around the world from a vast array of manufacturers. We are proud of the fact that Axis Communications developed and brought to market the security industry’s first Internet-of-Things device: ‘The network camera,’” Gren said.
Internet of Security Things
To catch up further with the IoT trend, Axis realized the need to expand its product offerings to include more than just network cameras. That’s why the company rolled out access control, network speaker, and video station solutions that are all based on IP.
Integration of these Internet of Security Things brings many benefits to users. In terms of security, such integration helps administrators gain situational awareness and better protect their premises. Integration of IP cameras and horn speakers through the VMS, for example, allows the administrator to directly speak to suspicious individuals.
When video door stations are added into the system, they would further help operators gain a better understanding of what is going on. “If you think of a vertical, for example, the airport, you typically have a lot of remote entrances and exits. You also typically have pilots who come in and come out and who are not part of your access control system because you don’t know which pilot is flying to a particular destination today. So they need door stations on various entry gates in order to identify them as they hold up their name tags or look into the intercom,” he said.
Further, since all the devices are connected to the Internet, the systems can be controlled from anywhere with any device. “The connectivity between devices would provide end users more complete situational awareness across multiple locations,” Gren said.
Non-security benefits
In terms of non-security, users can also gain from connected security devices, which generate good-quality data that can be extracted and analyzed to drive business intelligence and help users understand more about consumer behavior.
Further, security devices can be linked to building automation and other non-security systems in smart building and smart city deployments.
“Smart buildings, smart cities — These are not just made up of video surveillance and physical access control devices. Think lighting, air ventilation, air condition, heating, smoke detectors, gas sensors, window shades, lifts, and escalators in buildings. Think traffic lights, public transport, parking, and lighting in cities. The Internet of Things will enable comprehensive management consoles combining input from various devices,” Gren said. “This will mean increased security, increased efficiency, and help save energy.”
More relevant than ever
IoT and security are more intricately tied together than ever. Axis Communications, which revolutionized the industry with the first IP camera, is now catching up to the IoT trend further by rolling out other IP solutions that, when all integrated, help users gain better situational awareness, achieve energy savings, and lower total cost of ownership. With IoT set to become more evolved and mature over time, Axis is expected to see more of its products and solutions present in high-value applications such as transportation and smart city.