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The history of Axis Communications
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1984 – 1990: IBM Mainframe and minicomputer print servers
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The first product was a print server that enabled connection of PC printers to IBM mainframe 3270
networks and later to AS/400 mini computers. With a European focus, Axis grew to become worldwide
#2 in this industry despite being the last entrant to the market. This was achieved by having
innovative products based on ASIC technology and a clear business model where the company was
always loyal to its partners. During this period, Axis opened its first subsidiary located outside
of Boston in the US. Axis remained in the IBM connectivity business until it finished in 2004 but
by then the company had already changed product areas several times.
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1990 – 1995: A leader in networking technology for printers
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When the internet was emerging, Axis was a pioneer in network connectivity using the internet
TCP/IP protocol and recognized that this was going to be used on a broader scale in networks.
With a focus on TCP/IP printing and later multi-protocol print servers - another Axis industry
first - the company grew at a rapid pace. During the period, Axis released its first ETRAX
chip. Offices were established in Asia where the company was now focused. Axis also became #2
in this industry and the company is still known for its reliable network printing technology.
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1995 – 1998: Network access to everything
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During this period, Axis began to focus on making networks smarter, enabling more and more
hardware to be connected simply and economically to IP networks. The company also decided to
only work with open standards and avoid proprietary protocols. For example, in 1995 the company
successfully launched a network optical storage solution and became the world’s leading
supplier in this category. The US business grew and sales offices were opened in Europe and
elsewhere in Asia.
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1996: The world’s first network camera
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As the concept network access to everything accelerated, Axis launched the world’s first
network camera, the AXIS 200. Developed by Martin Gren and Carl-Axel Alm, the camera featured an
integrated web server, allowing video to be viewed remotely from any browser, regardless of its
location. The camera was originally intended for remote monitoring. The application of the
product was quite limited at the time and it was not yet suited for traditional surveillance.
However further development and the use of ASIC technology turned it into an industry changer by
transforming the video surveillance industry from an analog business into a modern network
structure. Equally important was Axis’ decision to retain its indirect sales model
revolutionizing the way the CCTV industry operates.
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1998 – 2002: The world’s first video encoder
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Axis continued to extend IP connectivity to more types of hardware, such as the first video
encoder (1998), which could be easily integrated into existing analog CCTV systems. Video
encoders enable the extension of the life of an analogue camera and can easily be put into a
network camera video system.
One major milestone was the introduction of the world’s most popular network camera, the AXIS
2100 Network Camera, which held the top spot for five consecutive years!
Investment in these areas and in geographical expansion was boosted by the company’s listing
on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (2000).
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2002 – 2009: The network video revolution
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In 2002, the company saw the decline in network print servers and set the focus on network
video where it had become the #1 supplier in the world due to many successful product launches,
its business model and innovation. Axis became a global player during this period thanks to
all its international offices and partners all over the world.
In 2003, Axis ceased production of network storage servers in response to weakening market
demand for shared optical storage and a market not yet open for directly attached network storage.
Instead the focus was on network video and network printing.
By this time, Axis had successfully transformed itself from a connectivity specialist into a
world leader in network video. In the security market, Axis was driving the shift from analog to
digital systems - a process which is still underway. Axis became the leader and reference in the
network video market based on its know-how of developing core technologies and products for
network connectivity combined with its strong sales channels and key partnerships.
In the early 2000s, Axis introduced a remarkable sequence of developments:
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The Axis partner program was launched
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(2002)
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Axis introduces the first network camera equipped with Power over Ethernet and
MPEG-4 compression (PoE)
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(2004)
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The use of CMOS sensors, a light-sensitive component in digital cameras that
have the same function as photographic film in analog cameras
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(2004)
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The HDTV-resolution network camera
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(2004)
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H.264 video image compression
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(2008)
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SMTPE-compliant HDTV cameras
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(2008)
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Worlds first network Thermal cameras
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(2010)
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First Pan Tilt Zoom HDTV dome cameras
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(2010)
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Axis' Lightfinder camera, the world’s most light sensitive cameras
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(2011)
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The focus on HDTV with high image quality is one of the drivers of the shift from analog to
digital mvideo surveillance since the image quality has improved, making life easier for people
in the security industry.
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2010 to the present and beyond
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Axis is the global market leader in network video, and continues to promote open standards and
to drive the development of network video in the security market. Axis network video products
and solutions are used in a wide variety of industries including retail, transportation, education,
healthcare, government, industrial and banking & finance.
Today, Axis is leading the way to a smarter, safer and more secure world and the company has a
worldwide presence, including sales offices in all continents. Customer dedication, openness, and
market leadership through innovation, quality and professionalism are the shared values that unite
Axis’ operations and engage customers worldwide.
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