Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Made in Sweden
Photo: Petra Sestak
Jimmy Ek, Nordic sales manager at Axis Communications.
Breaking ground for a smarter and safer world Axis Communications invented the very first network camera in the ‘90s and has been constantly breaking ground since. The Swedish company is the global market leader in network video products and innovation. By Malin Norman | Photos: Axis Communications
In 1996, Axis Communications initiated the shift from analogue to digital by introducing the first network video camera, building on ten years of experience in the network industry. “Our main competitors back then were in analogue technology and we made a number of innovations to push the market forward. We have a strong culture that encourages innovative and outsidethe-box thinking,” says Jimmy Ek, Nordic sales manager at Axis Communications. Mikael Karlsson, Martin Gren and Keith Bloodworth founded the company in 1984. Today, Axis Communications has a global presence with 2,200 employees, 1,200 of whom are based at the headquarters in Lund in southern Sweden.
Innovations solve problems All research and development takes place in Sweden and there is always something new going on. For example, when the company heard that clients were having trouble storing and handling the large amount of data from multiple network video cameras, they found a 54 | Issue 90 | July 2016
solution. “The enhanced Axis Zipstream technology can distinguish where in the image the interesting data is and where we can lower the image quality. Suddenly, bandwidth is less of a problem,” Ek explains.
an empty room. This type of technology and smart functionality is something we will see more of,” says Ek. “We want to keep challenging ourselves, listen to our clients and be ready to develop products to solve any worries and problems they might have. Middle right: The IP Video Door Station combines intercom, surveillance camera and door control in one. Bottom right: Network video camera outside a train station.
Axis is also exploring new segments within physical access control, such as the IP Video Door Station, combining intercom, surveillance camera and door control, all in one device. With an Axis network door station, you can identify a visitor and open the door regardless of where you are.
Video surveillance – and beyond Video cameras can help provide a safer public space and the percentage of solved crimes is higher in areas with surveillance. But cameras can also be used to oversee unmanned production lines or help improve sustainability. “In new housing and property developments we can work a lot with technology, not only for surveillance but for example to save energy by turning the lights off in
For more information, please visit: www.axis.com
