Axis secures SMBs with surveillance solution

Video surveillance vendor Axis Communications has released its first security camera solution for SMBs.

Camera Companion represents the company’s first complete package for end users.

The digital HDTV video surveillance solution supports up to 16 Axis cameras, includes free software and third-party apps for viewing, and third-party networking gear including NetGear switches and routers, and Iomega NAS. It does not require a PC or DVR. 

Axis Oceania country manager Wai King Wong said simplicity had been key in developing the solution.

“It’s the easiest system in the market to install,” he said. “These are very smart cameras. It’s literally a PC with an eye.”

Axis is traditionally strong in the enterprise market, locally holding 45 percent IP market share thanks in part to large-scale clients like Sydney Airport, Parliament House, Chemist Warehouse (600 stores) and KFC (NZ) in New Zealand. 

Axis will tomorrow embark on a nationwide roadshow aimed at recruiting new partners in the SMB space. It is targeting clients such as small retail outlets, offices, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels. 

The solution will be sold through Axis’ 1000 Australian integrators and five distributors Lan 1, Alloys, Anixter, Open Platform Systems and Pacific Communications.

It is not currently available through major retailers. Wong said the future plan is to sell out of box, but integrators are used to help customers with setting up networking.

For a complete solution including four Axis cameras, users can expect to pay around $3000 for the complete installation. A typical SMB solution includes 1 pan and zoom camera and three fixed, priced at around $2000.