Axis and Cisco deliver unified cloud-based management for connected physical security devices
Across Africa and the Middle East, enterprise IT and physical security are becoming increasingly connected. Network cameras and other security devices are no longer isolated systems: they depend on reliable network connectivity, cybersecurity, firmware updates, monitoring and ongoing maintenance, much like other network infrastructure.
Yet many organisations still manage physical security and IT through separate tools and processes, creating an operational gap as environments become more connected and distributed.
Axis Communications has collaborated with Cisco to integrate Axis security devices into the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, enabling users to deploy, connect and manage devices using a single, unified platform. The joint solution brings physical security closer to enterprises’ broader IT environments and offers centralised visibility, simplified control and standardised operations.
“Now more than ever, there is a real incentive for companies to bring their IT and physical security operations closer together. By working with industry-leading vendors like Cisco, and leveraging our combined expertise in network and cloud technologies, we can offer solutions that streamline security management while ensuring systems deliver the most value,” says Rudie Opperman, Manager for Engineering & Training MEA at Axis Communications.
Unlocking the benefits of cloud-based management
Heightened security concerns in the Middle East, combined with the need to protect critical infrastructure, are leading to increased investments in physical security solutions, including video solutions, access control and perimeter security.1
Despite physical security and IT looking and operating similarly, with both depending on reliable connectivity, cybersecurity, monitoring and ongoing maintenance, organisations still manage them through separate tools and processes. At scale, this can make it difficult for organisations to fully manage their security systems, including identifying offline devices or those that are running outdated firmware.
Using cloud management, organisations can standardise their physical security operations across multiple locations and device deployments, reduce the amount of manual effort needed to identify issues, improve maintenance with centralised visibility, and extend device lifecycles so they can get more value from their security investments over time.
Through Axis Cloud Connect, supported Axis devices can be managed in the Cisco Meraki Dashboard within Cisco Cloud Control. This allows enterprise IT and physical security teams to view device health, connectivity, AXIS OS status and maintenance requirements, and ultimately apply the same management practices used for their network infrastructure.
Cisco Cloud Control provides two tiers for managing supported Axis devices. The Essentials tier offers centralised device management and visibility into device health, connectivity and maintenance, while the Advantage tier adds capabilities such as historical video access, video analytics and 30-day cloud storage.
The result is that physical security systems are brought closer to the enterprise IT operating model. It makes devices easier to view, maintain and operate at scale and integrates them into organisations’ overall network infrastructures.
“Introducing cloud-based management does not mean organisations need to replace their existing physical security infrastructure.”
A hybrid-cloud approach allows them to maintain supported existing devices while introducing cloud management where it adds value, balancing their existing investments with the operational benefits of the cloud,” Opperman explains,” Opperman explains.
Future of physical security is connected
The integration of Axis devices into the Cisco Meraki Dashboard is made possible with Axis Cloud Connect, the company’s cybersecurity-focused, open hybrid cloud platform. Axis Cloud Connect brings the intelligence and capabilities of supported devices into the Cisco cloud-managed environment and enables organisations to leverage the Axis portfolio across a wide range of use cases.
“Organisations have different needs across security, safety and day-to-day operations, while continuously looking for ways to improve operational efficiency. By bringing supported Axis devices into a more unified management environment, customers can choose the right devices for their requirements while gaining greater visibility into how those devices are managed and maintained,” Opperman explains.
Across the region, organisations are increasingly leveraging cloud platforms to modernise their IT infrastructure and unlock new opportunities through data-driven decision-making.2 By combining the Axis portfolio with the capabilities of Cisco Cloud Control, organisations can further move towards a more unified operating model for technology.
“Connectivity defines the future of physical security. By bringing it closer to IT, businesses can build out and manage their infrastructure more easily and efficiently, as well as leave the door open to future network expansion and improvement,” Opperman concludes.
Source: Tahawul Tech