Axis outlines new product launches coming in early 2018

Nov. 7, 2017
News from the company's annual Connect & Converge Conference in Seattle

SEATTLE - Axis Communications is holding its annual Connect and Converge Conference (ACCC) in Seattle this week, where its dealers are learning about both the direction of the company in the future and the current climate of technology solutions.

It their keynote on Tuesday morning, Axis co-founder Martin Gren, VP Americas Fredrik Nilsson, and VP Global Sales Bodil Sonesson addressed a packed ballroom of technology and dealer partners to outline the Axis road map for the coming year.

Much like the company’s annual breakfast at ISC West, the presentation featured the magic of Axis ‎Global Product Manager for Audio Hakan Hansson and outlined the company’s strides in the IoT space, where Axis has vastly expanded its offerings to include audio products, video intercoms and more. Additionally, much attention was paid to cybersecurity and how Axis is pushing firmware updates and cyber best practices to its dealers.

The Products

Axis also outlined its “product road map” at the conference, which included several major announcements for new products scheduled to come out in Q4 2017 and Q1 2018.

Two of the biggest centered around cybersecurity. The first was Axis’ announcement that it will be rolling out a long-term support (LTS) firmware structure, which the company says is a first for the security industry; although it is a mainstay in IT. To be basic, the LTS firmware releases enable systems to get cybersecurity patches over an extended period without the need to requalify.

The company also announced it will be updating and revamping the Axis Camera Management VMS in 2018 and relaunching it as “Axis Device Manager” - further reflecting the company’s trend to its expanded IoT offerings.

Cybersecurity is also a central reason for the ADM switch, with the software enabling users to manage system users and passwords and to mass deploy security certificates to literally hundreds of end-devices.

Here’s a recap of some of the additional announced new products:

  • Nilsson and Gren announced that the 2N line of intercoms - part of the company’s 2016 acquisition - will be fully moving into the Axis portfolio in 2018. As of Jan. 1, all 2N products will be available thru the Axis channel partner program. Additionally, in the network audio space, Axis will release a network audio bridge - essentially an encoder/decoder for analog/IP audio devices that can enable customers to migrate to IP audio or integrate existing analog into an IP system.

  • The company’s “Guard Suite” of analytics programs for motion and fence detection have been updated, and a new analytic for loitering detection will be released in January 2018.

  • Two H.265 cameras, with more to come.

  • 8-port and 24-port PoE+ switches with built-in surge protection, as well as a 4-port outdoor switch.

  • Mounting systems, including a track mounting system for cameras to put onto lighting tracks; telescopic ceiling mounts in vertical and horizontal versions; and a dual camera mount.

  • A variety of fixed cameras, including a streamlined P33 series that includes six new models to replace the existing 14 models; a bullet camera ideal for LPR applications, and a modular camera package that includes four cameras for deployment in smaller businesses.

  • A lower-cost thermal option with a smaller form factor and 205x156 resolution.

  • A new PTZ option that will be Axis’ first product that supports the Z-wave home automation protocol.

  • A1001 door controller integration with Aperio wireless locks from Assa Abloy.

  • A network video door station with integrated keypad and access control reader. 

Keep informed on the official releases of many of these products by checking in on the SecurityInfoWatch buyer’s guide every day at www.securityinfowatch.com/directory.

Axis Honors Integration Partners

As part of its annual Connect & Converge Conference, Axis Communications named Convergint its National Systems Integrator of the Year; in fact, it is the seventh time in eight years the integrator has garnered the honor.

Aronson Security Group was named the company’s prestigious “Gold Partner” of the year. Axis also honored dealer/integrator partners in a variety of vertical-market categories at the annual event, including: Johnson Controls (retail); Stone Security (transportation); Wachter (healthcare); Security 101 (banking/finance); A+ Technology & Security (education); Stanley Security (corrections); Midco (sports/entertainment venues); and Securityhunter (government).

Axis also recognized several vendor/distributor partners at the event, including Genetec, Dell EMC, Anixter, Seneca, Milestone and Scansource.

Paul Rothman is Editor in Chief of Security Dealer & Integrator (SD&I) magazine. Access the current issue, archives and subscribe at www.secdealer.com.