Axis Communications

Axis Communications AB
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo surveillance
Founded1984; 40 years ago (1984)
Founders
Headquarters
Lund
,
Sweden
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Ray Mauritsson (CEO)
Products
RevenueIncrease 17.4 billion kr (2023)
Increase 2.36 billion kr (2023)
Increase 1.89 billion kr (2023)
Total assetsIncrease 13.19 billion kr (2023)
Total equityIncrease 9.25 billion kr (2023)
Number of employees
4,710 (2023)
ParentCanon Inc.
Websiteaxis.com
Footnotes / references
[1]

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras, access control, and network audio devices for the physical security and video surveillance industries.[2][3] Since 2015, it operates as an independent subsidiary of Canon Inc.

History

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Axis Communications was founded in 1984 by Martin Gren, Mikael Karlsson and Keith Bloodworth in Lund, Sweden.[4][5] The company developed and sold protocol converters and printer interfaces for the connection of PC printers in IBM mainframe and mini-computer environments.[6][7][8] By the end of the 1980s, Axis Communications opened its first U.S. sales office in Boston, Massachusetts and, in the early 1990s started shifting its focus away from IBM mainframes towards networking and the TCP/IP protocol.[9]

The Axis 5600/5800 network print server facilitated a strong expansion of Axis's business in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In 1991, Axis Communications introduced a multi-protocol print server supporting both TCP/IP and NetWare.[10] In 1993, the company developed its own CPU Architecture, ETRAX CRIS, for microprocessors used in embedded devices. In 1995, the company introduced a file server independent, multi-protocol CD-ROM server, supporting TCP/IP (NFS) and Windows (SMB), for Ethernet networks, the AXIS 850.[11] By 1995, Axis Communications opened sales offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, Japan.

Axis Communications introduced the industry's first network camera in 1996, the AXIS 200.[12][13] This was followed in 1999 by the AXIS 2100 which was the first volume product using an embedded Linux.[14] In 2003, the company introduced the AXIS 205, the smallest network camera of its time.

In 2008, Axis Communications, together with Bosch and Sony, announced that the companies would cooperate to standardize the interface of network video products and form a new industry standards body called ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum).[15][16]

On February 10, 2015, Japanese multinational corporation Canon Inc., which specializes in the manufacture of imaging and optical products, announced a cash bid of 23.6 billion Swedish kronor (US$2.83 billion) to acquire Axis Communications.[17][18] While Canon is the majority shareholder, Axis is run independently. Canon's network cameras have been sold and supported by Axis Communications in the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region since September 1, 2016, and in North America since October 1, 2016.[19][20][21] In November 2018, Axis Communications was delisted from Nasdaq Stockholm.[22][23]

On February 1, 2016, Axis Communications acquired Citilog, a video analytics provider for traffic and transportation security and safety applications.[24][25] On April 30, 2021, Axis Communications announced that it was selling Citilog, citing challenges in finding "desired synergies because of our different go-to-market models."[26] On May 30, Axis Communications acquired 2N Telecommunications, a provider of IP intercom systems based in the Czech Republic.[27][28] On June 3, 2016, Axis Communications acquired Cognimatics, a video analytics provider for retail applications such as people counting, queue measurement and occupancy estimation.[29][30]

In May 2018, Axis opened a new R&D office for software development in Linköping, Sweden.[31]

Operations

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Axis Communications operates offices in more than 50 countries and employs over 3,800 people.[32]

Installations include the City of Houston,[33] City of Dubuque,[34] Sydney Airport,[35] Moscow Metro,[36] Toronto Airport,[37] and Madrid Buses.[38]

In 2019, Axis Communications published a sustainability report stating that 80 percent of its network cameras and video encoders are PVC-free.[39]

Technology

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Products

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  • Network Cameras – Axis Communications is a manufacturer of network cameras for a wide range of applications. Its products include pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, vandal-resistant cameras, thermal cameras, nitrogen-pressurized cameras, and wireless cameras. Axis launched the world's first commercially available thermal network camera in 2010 and the world's first commercially available HDTV network camera in 2008. In 2022, the company released network cameras that can connect to Z-Wave devices.[40] Most Axis cameras have video content analysis capabilities, such as advanced motion detection. Higher-end cameras support artificial intelligence for video surveillance applications, which can classify objects and human behavior.
    An Axis 2100 Network Camera, released in 1999.
    An AXIS P3717-PLE Network Camera, manufactured in 2019, has four adjustable camera heads enabling 360-degree coverage of an area.[41]
  • Body Cameras – In 2020, Axis Communications entered the body camera market, competing with market incumbents Axon, Digital Ally, Wolfcom and Motorola Solutions with its Watchguard Video brand.[42][43]
  • Video Encoders – Axis Communications is a manufacturer of video encoders, which allow analog video signals to be converted into digital format for IP networks.[44][45] Recent models are based on the H.264 video compression standard which reduces bandwidth and storage requirements without sacrificing image quality.[46][47] The company offers 1-port, 4-port, 6-port and 16-port video encoders, as well as rack-mountable systems for large installations.[48][49][50][51]
  • Video Management Software – Axis Communications sells video management software which it markets under the name AXIS Camera Station. The software provides remote video monitoring, recording and event management functionality. Its API allows for integration with other systems such as point of sale and access control. Axis offers a lightweight remote-viewing application called AXIS Companion free of charge.
  • Physical Access Control - Axis Communications began offering physical access control systems in 2013 with the introduction of network door controllers and RFID card readers.[52] The devices offer an open interface for integration with other IP-based security system components and third-party software. The company introduced the first ONVIF-conformant physical access control systems available on the market.[53]
  • Network Audio – In 2015, Axis Communications introduced its first network audio product, a horn speaker providing talk-down audio functionality for security applications.[54][55] Subsequently, the company has launched network loudspeakers, sound projectors, strobe sirens, intercoms, and analog-to-IP audio converters for use in public address (PA) systems. A selection of network audio products are made for outdoor use and are vandal-resistant[56][57]
  • Radar – In 2017, Axis Communications launched its first network radar, which minimizes false alarms, can classify objects, and adds advanced auto-tracking capabilities to Axis PTZ cameras. The network radars utilize machine learning and deep learning algorithms to classify objects and identify behavior. The radars are designed for outdoor use and have vandal-resistant features.[58][59]

Microprocessors

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The Axis Real-Time Picture Encoder Chip (ARTPEC) is a system on a chip (SoC) developed by Axis Communications. There are currently eight generations of the chip, all of which run AXIS OS, a modified version of Linux designed for embedded devices. Not all products developed by Axis Communications use its custom chip. The chip is typically found in high-performance devices such as higher-end cameras, while lower-cost devices use SoCs from Ambarella.[60]

The ARTPEC-1 ASIC is the first ASIC designed in-house by Axis Communications for Network Video. Initial development began in 1996 to support hardware compression and encoding of video. At the time processors were not available for network video. Its internal firmware is based on an embedded operating system called μClinux which became known as Embedded Linux.

The ARTPEC-2 SoC released in 2003, is based on the ETRAX CRIS architecture. Unlike ARTPEC-1 which relies on an external CPU, ARTPEC-2 has an internal ETRAX CPU which improves power efficiency and performance. The SoC has a MPEG-4 encoder and decoder which reduces bandwidth when streaming and recording video.

The ARTPEC-3 SoC released in 2007, is based on the ETRAX CRIS architecture. This is the first SoC developed by Axis which supports the H.264 standard for video encoding. The image processing pipeline is capable of capturing a 1080P video source at 30 frames per second.

The ARTPEC-4 SoC released in 2011, has a single-core multi-threaded MIPS CPU (34Kc). The image processing pipeline is based on ETRAX CRIS. The SoC has Lightfinder, a technology which allows a camera to see color in challenging light conditions and P-Iris which reduces lens refraction.[61]

The ARTPEC-5 SoC released in 2013, has a dual-core MIPS CPU (1004Kf) with dual hardware threads and support for Symmetric multiprocessing. The image processing pipeline is based on ETRAX CRIS. The chip actively increases forensic details in a scene via a technology called Forensic Capture and lowers bandwidth while preserving forensic details in an image via a technology called Zipstream.

The ARTPEC-6 SoC released in 2017, is powered by an ARM Cortex-A9 CPU. The image processing pipeline is based on ETRAX CRIS. The SoC is capable of capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second. The chip actively increases forensic details in a scene via a technology called Forensic WDR and runs video analytics.[62]

The ARTPEC-7 SoC released in 2019, is powered by an ARM Cortex-A9 CPU. The image processing pipeline is based on ETRAX CRIS. This is the first SoC developed by Axis which supports the H.265 standard for video encoding. ARTPEC-7 has features such as secure boot which prevents booting of unauthorized firmware, improvements in low light imaging via Lightfinder 2.0, and a machine learning processor.[63]

The ARTPEC-8 SoC released in 2021, is powered by an ARM Cortex-A53 CPU. The SoC is similar to its predecessor using the same image processing pipeline, video encoders, and security features. Primarily focused on machine learning for video analytics, the processor features a deep learning processor.[64]

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

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In October 2021, cybersecurity research firm Nozomi Networks published "three new vulnerabilities (CVE-2021-31986, CVE-2021-31987, CVE-2021-31988) affecting all Axis devices based on the embedded AXIS OS."[65] Axis and Nozomi collaborated throughout the research and disclosure process, with Nozomi publishing a statement from Axis in its announcement of the vulnerability.[65]

To exploit these vulnerabilities, the potential adversary needs network access and administrator-level access to the Axis device.[66] A week after their discoveries, CVE-2021-31986, CVE-2021-31987, and CVE-31998 were patched in AXIS OS 10.7, AXIS OS 2016 LTS Track 6.50.5.5, AXIS OS 2018 LTS Track 8.40.4.3, and AXIS OS 2020 LTS Track 9.80.3.5.[66]

We thank Nozomi Networks for their research and good collaboration throughout the disclosure process. AXIS Communications welcomes researchers to inspect our devices and firmware as it is our belief that long-term sustainable cyber security is created through collaboration and transparency.

— Sebastian Hultqvist, Global Product Manager for AXIS OS[65]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 2023 Sustainability report, Axis Communications AB (PDF) (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  2. ^ Timothy Compston, Security News Desk. "IP security camera and network video surveillance visionary Archived 2016-12-20 at the Wayback Machine." September 29, 2016. Retrieved Dec 14, 2016.
  3. ^ Bloomberg. "Company Overview of Axis Communications AB Archived 2017-04-12 at the Wayback Machine." Dec 19, 2016. Retrieved Dec 19, 2016.
  4. ^ Diane Ritchey, Security Magazine. "Security's 25 Most Influential Archived 2012-04-04 at the Wayback Machine." December 1, 2006. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  5. ^ Lennart Alexandrie, Security World Market. "His idea and passion was turned into a world leading industry Archived 2022-04-05 at the Wayback Machine." Sep 5, 2008. Retrieved Aug 19, 2020.
  6. ^ Leonor Barroca, Jon Hall, Patrick Hall. "Software Architectures: Advances and Applications." New York, NY: Springer, 1999. ISBN 1-85233-636-6. p 161. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  7. ^ Security Solutions. "Axis celebrates 25 years in the network business Archived 2012-03-29 at the Wayback Machine." November 1, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  8. ^ Computerworld. "Protocol Converters." Sep 11, 1989. Retrieved Sep 20, 2011.
  9. ^ "Axis Communications 25 Years Anniversary Archived 2011-08-07 at the Wayback Machine." Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  10. ^ "Milestones in the history of Axis Communications Archived 2015-02-15 at the Wayback Machine." Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  11. ^ George Stonehouse, David Campbell, Jim Hamill, Tony Purdie, "Global and Transnational Business: Strategy and Management." Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2004. ISBN 0-470-85126-0. p 333.
  12. ^ Brian Contos, William Crowell, Colby Derodeff, Dan Dunkel. "Physical and Logical Security Convergence: Powered By Enterprise Security Management." Waltham, MA: Syngress, 2007. ISBN 1-59749-122-5. p 66. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  13. ^ Dan Seoane, InfoWorld. "The Eyes have it: Microplex, Axis offer unique views." Nov 4, 1996. Retrieved Sep 20, 2011.
  14. ^ Amon, Kyle (Feb 28, 2001). "Making MPEG Movies with Axis Network Cameras | Linux Journal". Linux Journal. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  15. ^ Open Network Video Interface Forum. "Axis, Bosch and Sony cooperate to standardize the interface of network video products Archived 2018-01-03 at the Wayback Machine." May 12, 2008. Retrieved Nov 27, 2017.
  16. ^ Security Solutions."Open Network Video Interface Forum launched Archived 2014-12-19 at the Wayback Machine". November 1, 2008. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  17. ^ Grace Huang, Adam Ewing, Bloomberg. "Canon to Buy Axis for $2.8 Billion in Move to Video Surveillance Archived 2018-01-13 at the Wayback Machine." Feb 10, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  18. ^ Takashi Mochizuki, Megumi Fujikawa, The Wall Street Journal."Canon to Buy Sweden's Axis for $2.8 Billion Archived 2017-06-04 at the Wayback Machine." Feb 10, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  19. ^ Andy Clutton, Professional Security Installer. "Axis to sell Canon solutions in EMEA Archived 2016-12-21 at the Wayback Machine." September 1, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  20. ^ Tim Scally, SDM Magazine. "Axis to Take Over Canon's Network Video Sales & Marketing Archived 2016-12-21 at the Wayback Machine." September 1, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
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  22. ^ Euro Security. "Axis reaches SEK 10 billion in sales Archived 2022-04-05 at the Wayback Machine." Jan 31, 2019. Retrieved Mar 20, 2019.
  23. ^ Jamias, Michael Paolo (Oct 23, 2018). "Canon to fully acquire, delist Axis". S&P Global Market Intelligence. Retrieved 2020-08-28.
  24. ^ ITS International. "Axis acquires Citilog, adds surveillance and traffic analytics to produce range." Archived 2016-02-04 at the Wayback Machine Feb 2, 2016. Retrieved Aug 19, 2020.
  25. ^ Security Products & Technology News. "Axis acquires video analytics provider Citilog Archived 2018-01-12 at the Wayback Machine." Feb 2, 2016. Retrieved Nov 22, 2017.
  26. ^ Honovich, John (April 29, 2021). "Axis Divests Citilog And Discontinues Demographics". IPVM. Retrieved June 9, 2021.(Subscription required.)
  27. ^ Security World Market. "Axis acquires intercom company 2N Archived 2018-02-07 at the Wayback Machine." May 31, 2016. Retrieved Nov 22, 2017.
  28. ^ Stephen Sellner, Security Sales & Integration. "Axis Communications Becoming 'Solutions-Oriented' Company After String of Acquisitions Archived 2018-01-12 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 13, 2016. Retrieved Nov 22, 2017.
  29. ^ Martha Entwistle, Security Systems News. "Axis acquires video analytics provider Cognimatics Archived 2018-01-12 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 7, 2016. Retrieved Nov 22, 2017.
  30. ^ Security Products & Technology News. "Axis acquires retail tech of Cognimatics Archived 2018-01-12 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 7, 2016. Retrieved Nov 22, 2017.
  31. ^ John Adams, Security Electronics and Networks. "Axis Communications Opening Office For Software R&D Archived 2019-03-20 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 6, 2018. Retrieved Mar 20, 2019.
  32. ^ "Axis Communications celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the network IP camera". Security Solutions Media. 2021-09-02. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  33. ^ Glenn Bischoff, Urgent Communications. "Houston deploys fixed video surveillance system Archived 2020-08-05 at the Wayback Machine." September 22, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  34. ^ "Old City, New Public Safety Strategies | Axis Communications". www.axis.com. 2024-04-02. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  35. ^ Source Security. "Sydney Airport takes security to new heights with Axis Archived 2012-09-04 at the Wayback Machine." Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  36. ^ Drew Wilson, EETimes. "Contract wins bring security tech firm to Moscow Archived 2022-04-05 at the Wayback Machine." June 23, 2008. Retrieved Aug 19, 2020.
  37. ^ "New AI platform boosts YYZ passenger experience". www.airportsinternational.com. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  38. ^ Security Electronics and Networks. "Axis cameras to secure Madrid's buses Archived 2018-07-12 at the Wayback Machine." April 12, 2010. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  39. ^ 2019 Annual Review & Sustainability Report, Axis Communications AB. "[1] Archived 2021-03-12 at the Wayback Machine." Retrieved July 23, 2020.
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  41. ^ "AXIS P3717-PLE Network Camera" (PDF). Axis Communications. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  42. ^ Westrope, Andrew (March 27, 2020). "New Body Camera Vendor Axis Emphasizes Open Architecture". Government Technology. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
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  44. ^ IFSEC Global. "Axis develops rugged video encoder for tough environments." Jan 16, 2012. Retrieved Mar 8, 2019.
  45. ^ Anne Vazquez, Today's Facility Manager. "AXIS T8646 PoE+ over Coax Blade from Axis Communications Archived 2014-12-13 at the Wayback Machine." Apr 22, 2014. Dec 10, 2014.
  46. ^ Tom Coyne, Security News Desk. "Axis launches new video encoders for a cost effective CCTV solution Archived 2012-04-16 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
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  48. ^ Euro Security. "Axis Communications - World's smallest video encoder with H.264 Archived 2014-08-21 at the Wayback Machine." Mar 11, 2009. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  49. ^ SourceSecurity. "Axis launches four-channel video encoder blade with H.264 and audio capabilities." May 23, 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  50. ^ Security Magazine. "Full Frame Rate Video Server and Rack Solution Archived 2023-01-07 at the Wayback Machine." Mar 01, 2007. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  51. ^ John Honovich, IP Video Market Info. "Axis New Encoders (M and P Series) Archived 2012-05-11 at the Wayback Machine." Jun 15, 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  52. ^ Martha Entwistle, Security Systems News. "Q&A with Axis co-founder Martin Gren Archived 2014-12-19 at the Wayback Machine." February 18, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  53. ^ Professional Security Magazine. "Network door controller Archived 2015-06-01 at the Wayback Machine." September 26, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  54. ^ Schweiger, Arlen (March 27, 2015). "Axis Unveils Network Loudspeaker for Enhanced Outdoor Video Surveillance Systems". Security Sales & Integration. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  55. ^ "IP-enabled loudspeaker complements video surveillance system". Cabling Installation & Maintenance. March 27, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  56. ^ Release, Press. "Axis Communications to showcase cutting edge security surveillance solutions at Milipol Qatar 2022". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  57. ^ Release, Press. "Axis Communications explores latest security offerings during UAE stage of Connect by Axis roadshow". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  58. ^ "StackPath". www.securityinfowatch.com. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  59. ^ "Axis Communications Expands Its Offering in Key Categories with New Solutions Launched at the 2023 Global Security Exchange". www.businesswire.com. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  60. ^ ipvideomarket (2019-08-30). "How To See If Your Camera Uses Huawei Hisilicon Chips". IPVM. Retrieved 2022-07-23.
  61. ^ "Axis uses MIPS32 34Kc processor in video cameras". automation.com. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  62. ^ "Axis Forensic WDR Technology Brings Unparalleled Wide Dynamic Range Capabilities to New High-Resolution Cameras". Al Bawaba. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  63. ^ Jakobsson, Anton. "Distributing a Neural Network on Axis Cameras".
  64. ^ "StackPath". www.securityinfowatch.com. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  65. ^ a b c Nozomi Networks Labs (2021-10-05). "New Axis OS Security Research Aided by Transparent Design". Nozomi Networks. NOZOMI NETWORKS INC. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
  66. ^ a b "CVE-2021-31998 Security Advisory" (PDF). axis.com. 2021-10-01. Retrieved 2021-10-18.

Further reading

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55°43′07″N 13°13′13″E / 55.7185°N 13.2203°E / 55.7185; 13.2203

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