Axis and Hid to Create First Open Standard for Integration of Video and Access Control

Business Wire, April 4, 2005

CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- Platform Establishes Universal Interface and Protocols to Link Video and Access Control Technologies

Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market, and HID, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, today announced a partnership to develop the industry's first open standard, integrated network video and access control interface and protocols. The Internet protocol (IP)- based platform enables application developers, system integrators, and OEMs to expand their system offerings by integrating network video and access control to address growing market requirements for converged security solutions. The platform will be developed and delivered as an open application programming interface (API).

"Axis has always promoted an open standards approach for the integration of our products," said Ray Mauritsson, CEO of Axis Communications. "Our relationship with HID emphasizes our desire to develop network-based products that help to resolve security and IT convergence issues while the market shifts from analog to digital video."

As the IT and security access control markets converge, this new platform will link previously disparate systems by enabling network video and access control systems to interoperate. In addition, Axis' Application Development Partners (ADPs) will have the ability to integrate access control into their current video applications, while HID's solution partners will be able to integrate video into their access control systems.

"In response to the convergence of physical access control and IT, HID's product development strategy will continue to focus on customers' requirements for interoperability," said Denis Hebert, president of HID. "HID clearly recognizes the role of IP-based devices for security and is partnering with Axis to ensure future product platforms will meet the open interconnectivity needs of the market."

Using the open standard from Axis and HID, application developers and OEMs will be able to build systems utilizing peer-to-peer communication, without having to communicate through a host server. For example, an event detected by the access control system will automatically trigger the network camera to record video. Other benefits include truly integrated video solutions where network cameras are directly linked via existing TCP/IP ports to access management systems for video verification using supervisory software or a central monitoring station. This new operating environment will offer a simpler and less expensive approach than traditionally linking analog video and digital video recorders.

Axis and HID expect to announce availability of their jointly developed application programming interface (API) in the second half of this year.

Note to editors: Additional technical details and photos available upon request.

About Axis

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 O-list (Attract 40) of Stockholmsborsen (XSSE: AXIS). Axis operates globally with offices in 15 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.

About HID Corporation

HID is the premier global supplier of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry. With over 200 million credentials (cards, fobs and keys) in use worldwide, HID leads the industry in 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID card and reader technology for a wide range of applications including access control, IT secure authentication, time and attendance, digital cash/cashless vending, automotive vehicle identification, and biometric verification. HID's award-winning product line includes iCLASS(R) 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and readers, 125 kHz proximity, magnetic stripe, and Wiegand technology cards and readers. The company also provides specialized card manufacturing services including custom pre-printed graphics, micro printing and anti-counterfeiting elements, holograms or ultraviolet ink for increased card security. HID's corporate offices are located in Irvine, California, with international offices supporting more than 100 countries. The company is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group. To learn more, please visit www.hidcorp.com.

HID and iCLASS(R) are registered trademarks of HID Corporation. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.