Multilocation messaging

October 2008 Infrastructure

Barix AG, an IP-based audio, intercom, control and monitoring provider, has introduced its three-tier approach to emergency messaging on multibuilding campuses. The Barix three-tier approach to IP-based security is now available and shipping in various configurations.

Barix offers a complete range of IP connected devices for security applications including Annuncicom intercoms, Exstreamer audio decoders, and Barionet automation systems for access control and door management systems. All three IP-based devices can be deployed in various tiers as ancillary equipment to improve existing paging and security systems on university campuses with housing and educational facilities; in airports, train stations, and municipal bus stations; and on corporate campuses with multiple buildings.

"Many campuses and transportation centres today are unaware that they already have the necessary backbone for a strong security system," said Andy Stadheim, CEO of Barix Technology, US. "The Barix approach to implementing ancillary emergency notification and response over IP, utilising the existing network infrastructure, is ideal for cost-conscious organisations that need an affordable, high performance system that is quickly and easily implemented. Our three-tier approach to ancillary emergency messaging allows these campuses to gradually scale their systems, using open standards, protocols and devices to integrate SIP implementations, voice over IP, and other applications without being locked into a limited or proprietary paging or security system."

The first tier is campus-wide paging, using off-the-shelf Annuncicom intercom devices and Exstreamer 100 audio decoders to enable building-wide paging over existing PA systems. One or multiple Annuncicom devices, integrated as centralised wall Intercoms, can communicate with Exstreamer decoders at each campus building over the IP environment. The Exstreamer decoders at each building connect to a PA system to broadcast emergency messages received from the Annuncicom. Multicast configurations can broadcast the message to all Exstreamers for point-to-multipoint campus-wide paging. No central server or intelligence is needed, making the system very cost effective, scaleable, easy to deploy and manageable.

The second tier is campus-wide intercom and offers more direct ancillary emergency communication by installing Annuncicom devices in each room of a building. In the university setting, the main Annuncicom devices could communicate with other Annuncicoms, either in an 'all call' intercom scenario to multiple classrooms or through a software configuration to pinpoint specific classrooms. A more complete system could use an indexed directory with standard telephone extensions and use the SIP protocol to initiate connections from a SIP-enabled phone to any Annuncicom by simply dialling an extension number.

A third tier is campus-wide security and lockdown which can be accomplished by adding Barix Barionet automation for campus wide lockdown in critical emergency situations. The Barionet device can communicate with other Barix technologies to activate door strikes, provide door monitoring and alarming, and authorise entry. Barix IP controllers are compatible with many common Wiegand card access control readers available on the market. By supporting Wiegand, users can often upgrade existing systems and re-use the same card readers.

"The Barix approach of delivering IP devices that support open standards and protocols ensures the best chance of your paging and security systems to integrate with existing hardware, and upgrade with new hardware from any vendor moving forward," said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix.

For more information contact Barix AG, +41 43 43322 11, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Quantum is coming
Infrastructure Information Security
The global cybersecurity landscape is approaching a turning point as quantum computing accelerates faster than most organisations realise; the shift is not a distant, theoretical concern, but a present-day business risk that demands immediate action.

Read more...
Cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations
Facilities & Building Management Infrastructure
Buildings may be getting smarter, but too many control rooms are still anchored to yesterday’s technology, such as on-site servers, rigid architectures and a patchwork of interfaces that are expensive to run and slow to evolve.

Read more...
While OT security is maturing, risk is not slowing down
Infrastructure Industrial (Industry)
Industrial organisations now rely on interconnected systems, remote access, cloud-based analytics, and unified IT and OT environments to maintain production. Fortinet’s 2026 State of OT and Cybersecurity Report illustrates why visibility, segmentation, and integrated security are essential.

Read more...
From drone market growth to application-level commercialisation
IoT & Automation Infrastructure
After years of pilot projects and technology validation, the question for the market is shifting from whether drones can fly safely and collect data, to where they can deliver repeatable operational value at scale.

Read more...
AI-enabled NVR for Milestone XProtect
Surveillance Infrastructure Products & Solutions
As surveillance environments continue to grow in scale and complexity, organisations need infrastructure that is easy to deploy, simple to manage, and ready for AI-driven workloads.

Read more...
Industry perspective on industrial cybersecurity
Technews Publishing News & Events Infrastructure Industrial (Industry)
The Industrial Security Harmonization Group has released a joint industry perspective highlighting a critical truth in industrial cybersecurity: secure communication is not determined by protocols alone, but by how they are deployed and managed in real-world environments.

Read more...
Cyber resilience is the real defence
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security Infrastructure
Cyber resilience has evolved into a form of strategic agility, ensuring that when an interruption occurs, the business does not just survive; it snaps back into place before the market even notices a pause.

Read more...
Power, performance and profit
Power Management Infrastructure
Electricity remains the single largest operating cost for most data centres. In many African markets, power infrastructure is ageing or inconsistent, forcing operators to rely on backup generation to keep facilities online.

Read more...
Five signs your storage is holding you back
Infrastructure Surveillance
In the drive for business growth, organisations across South Africa are investing heavily in talent, applications, and strategy. Yet the foundational technology that underpins every digital interaction - data storage - is often overlooked.

Read more...
Service robot technology for residential complexes
Suprema AI & Data Analytics Infrastructure Residential Estate (Industry)
Suprema has signed a three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) to collaborate on advancing residential complexes through service robot technology.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.