Axis Communications, the network video product company, has announced products aimed at the small business sector, the AXIS Companion Line. Also launched is support to resellers and installers who call on small businesses, called the AXIS Companion Specialist initiative, for businesses such as shops, restaurants and offices.
Gilles Ortega, Director Small Business at Axis said: “We have seen that smaller businesses are often hesitant to adopt network security solutions due to price and maintenance concerns, and perceived complexity of operation. We have responded with a competitive offering of cameras, storage, software and other key components that remove those barriers. It’s literally an out-of-the-box solution based on the same quality and reliability customers worldwide have come to trust from Axis. And, a key aspect of delivering solutions to this sector is to ensure that qualified and trained resellers and installers are available to support these types of customers, which is the focus of the AXIS Companion Specialist initiative.”
The AXIS Companion Recorder is an eight-channel network video recorder with built in PoE switch. The device includes a video surveillance grade hard disk and a fan-less design. It also includes a USB port for export of video footage and a wireless access point for access to the system with mobile devices.
The product uses the AXIS Companion video management software, which works via the AXIS Companion mobile app for iOS or Android devices. This removes the need for a PC during the system set up or use, the makers say. The app allows users to access video footage and manage the cameras remotely from their smartphone or other mobile device.
Ortega added: “Simplicity and reliability are the underpinnings of this offering. We deliver enterprise-level quality in an easy-to-use solution so business owners can focus on running their operation, not whether their security system is working. The capabilities delivered in the AXIS Companion Line bring peace of mind to small business owners.”
The IP cameras cover various uses, including day and night video surveillance with integrated infrared (IR) illumination for indoors or outdoors. All the Companion Line cameras deliver video quality in full HDTV or up to 2 Megapixel resolutions and include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for challenging lighting. Axis’ Zipstream technology is also supported for minimised bandwidth and storage usage. See also a short video: at https://www.youtube.com.
The cameras come with a microSD card slot, which can be used with an AXIS Surveillance microSDXC Card and the new AXIS Companion Switch, a four-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch.
All hardware in the Companion Line includes a three-year warranty. Companion Line network cameras and the Companion Recorder are only for use with the AXIS Companion video management software and mobile app.
The Companion Recorder, Companion Dome V Network Camera, Companion Eye L/LVE Network Cameras and Companion Switch will be available from the second quarter of 2016 in the company’s distribution channels in Northern Europe, Middle Europe, Southern Europe and North Americas. Companion PC-client and mobile apps for iOS or Android devices will be free for download from www.axiscompanion.com.
The firm says that its Companion Line presents a new business opportunity for resellers and installers that already deliver IT, security and electricity services to the small business sector. Axis will offer dedicated training, sales promotions, as well as marketing collateral through its AXIS Companion Specialist initiative.
Resellers and installers who commit to specific Axis product training and maintain high levels of customer service can be appointed Companion Specialists. They will have access to technical support through a local helpdesk, plus a dedicated web portal.
