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PRESS RELEASE |
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Axis Communications Network Cameras Deployed
By Chippewa Valley School District
Addressing Safety, Security of Students, Teachers and Property
CHELMSFORD, Mass. – March 25, 2009 -- Axis Communications, the
global leader in the network video market, today announced that the Chippewa
Valley School District in Michigan is using its network cameras to increase
public school security in a cost-effective manner. Located in the suburban
Detroit area, Chippewa Valley is the state’s 9th largest school district (out of
more than 500), serving 15,000 students.
More than 600 network cameras and video encoders are being installed in the
district’s high schools and ninth grade centers, including the AXIS
216FD-V(fixed dome); 216MFD-V (megapixel fixed dome), Q1755 (HDTV) and 214 PTZ
Network Cameras; and AXIS Q7900 Racks with Q7406 Video Encoder Blades.
Chippewa Valley purchased the Axis network video products from Spiritech, Inc.,
based on a design by the district’s IT consultants Metro Technology Services.
Spiritech is installing the infrastructure, Axis network video products and
Milestone Systems’ video management software.
Chippewa Valley first sought out a video solution in order to provide good
security measures with a reduced need for staffing. Like most school districts,
Chippewa Valley is highly sensitive to theft, vandalism, violence and bullying.
Its goal is to protect people and property. The school district sought out a
network video solution (vs. analog) because of superior image quality,
centralized storage and management, integration into the district’s active
directory and web integration.
According to School Superintendent Mark Deldin, “Ever since the Columbine high
school tragedy 10 years ago, school districts have been looking for ways to
enhance security in their schools. If students do not feel safe in their schools
they will be distracted from learning. Our mission is to make students, parents
and staff as safe as possible. A strong sense of safety and welfare enhances the
educational process and improves our standing with our community.”
Several factors drove the selection of the new network video solution, including
the quality of the Axis network cameras and housings, the ability to expand the
system in the future, the Milestone Systems video management software’s
comprehensive functions, Metro Technology Services’ design criteria and
Spiritech’s experience.
The district contracted with Metro Technology Services in order to procure the
network video solution because of the size of the project. The specifications
accounted for WAN connectivity using the district’s fiber-optic network, proper
cameras and locations, and also to comply with state bidding requirements. Based
on a complete solution, Axis network cameras were approved.
Until now, the school district has had to rely on hall monitors and security
guards to be physically present during school hours and periods of heavy
building use, such as concerts and athletics. Once the network video system is
fully deployed in the spring, it will help school authorities determine “who did
what, and when.” It is also expected to help deter, detect and document
inappropriate behavior.
During the design process, school administrators and police liaisons performed
building walkthroughs, with a focus on public areas such as hallways,
cafeterias, computer labs, media centers, school stores, gymnasiums and exterior
coverage. The system will be monitored by officials, including security guards,
principals, assistant principals, food service directors, maintenance directors
and technology staff. Principals and assistant principals will have dedicated
monitors connected to their district computers for viewing, while security
stations will be provided with dual monitors. Even the cafeterias will have
their own LCD monitors.
“Network cameras are a great fit for schools due to the scalability and superior
image quality,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications,
Inc. “We share Chippewa Valley’s concerns for the security of children and look
forward to continuing to address those and other school concerns in partnership
with companies such as Spiritech, Metro Technology Services and Milestone
Systems.”
About Axis Communications
Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional
installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving
the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and
solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on
innovative, open technology platforms. Axis is a Sweden-based company, operating
worldwide with offices in more than 20 countries and cooperating with partners
in more than 70 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is listed on the NASDAQ OMX
Stockholm, under the ticker AXIS. For more information about Axis, please visit
our website at www.axis.com.
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Contacts:
George Cohen (for Axis)
Valerie Wehler
617-325-0011
978-614-2068
axis@gccpr.com
valerie.wehler@axis.com