The Internet Protocol (IP) has become the most pervasive networking protocol and there is no limit to the applications and functionality that modern IP-networks can offer. The convergence of information systems toward the IP network has ensured that one network infrastructure can cover almost every aspect of modern information communications, from e-mail to voice. In this context, it therefore makes sense that surveillance solutions - whose foundation is the IP-camera - find themselves on the same network.
"More companies are trying to rationalise their investment in IP technology by making the maximum use of their LANs and WANs," says Roy Alves of SCS Distribution, the Axis IP-camera distributors for Africa. "Many corporate networks have spare capacity that can easily accommodate a camera surveillance solution with very little fuss."
Staying true to IP`s open-standards philosophy, IP-cameras adhere to all of the protocol`s enhancements such as Power over Ethernet and wireless. This has significant implications on a camera`s uptime, availability and ease of installation. Another salient feature of this technology is its interoperability with traditional CCTV installations. IP-cameras complement any CCTV installation especially where single cameras need to be installed or redeployed.
"IP-cameras offer a scalable solution for companies," says The Surveillance Factory CTO Marnix de Lorm. "There is a much shorter installation time because you do not require additional cabling. The camera can be deployed anywhere on the network, and if a network point is not available then a wireless segment can be added very cost-effectively."
The technology has not been missed by security officers in corporate SA. A recent study found that images produced from video tape lost resolution when printed out; this created an element of doubt when it came to identifying a perpetrator using video footage. It follows then that in order to get the best possible image you need greater control over the source of that image - the camera. Megapixel IP-cameras have proved to be the most effective at this task.
"The ability to identify intruders was vital to us when considering a surveillance solution," says Chris Daffy, CEO of Call Mobility. "In almost every case you have to produce static as well as video images as evidence and these images must be as accurate as possible."
This technology is available to any IP network at the moment and might be a serious consideration for companies over the December holiday season. "Research has shown that criminals tend to target premises that don`t have any form of surveillance over those that do," concludes De Lorm.
"An IP-camera surveillance solution might make that extra difference."
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Axis increases the value of network solutions. The company is an innovative market leader in network video and print servers. Axis` products and solutions are focused on applications such as security surveillance, remote monitoring and document management. The products are based on in-house developed chip technology, which is also sold to third-parties. Axis was founded in 1984 and is listed on the Stockholmsb"orsen (XSSE:AXIS). Axis operates globally with offices in 14 countries and in cooperation with distributors, system integrators and OEM partners in 70 countries. Markets outside Sweden account for more than 95% of sales. Information about Axis can be found at www.axis.com.
The Surveillance Factory
The Surveillance Factory specialises in designing, implementing and managing remote monitoring and security surveillance solutions that operate on IP networks. These future-proof solutions deliver a range of cost-efficient technologies that bridge the gap between the analogue (CCTV) and digital worlds.
Our business is focused on delivering robust surveillance systems, using digital IP cameras that exploit the existing investment in your IP infrastructure.
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