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New tools for system designers

Axis Communications has announced the launch of two new, free tools: Axis Design Tool 2 and Axis Coverage Shapes that help system designers with the planning and layout of video surveillance systems.

Deciding on the number, type and position of cameras needed when designing a video surveillance system has previously required complex and time-consuming manual calculations, or complex CAD software, to ensure all areas that needed surveillance were covered.

This is why Axis is introducing new, free tools that will make system designers’ work easier. Axis Coverage Shapes is an easy-to-use library of shapes for Microsoft Visio that help designers decide on the ideal position for each camera by simulating camera coverage based on camera field of view and required resolution. Designers can import existing drawings or use the software to simply draw up the layout of the area they need covered, and then choose and place cameras to simulate their coverage. Axis Coverage Shapes are available to all Axis partners free of charge.

Axis Design Tool 2 helps designers estimate bandwidth and storage need for surveillance scenarios. For each camera in a surveillance system, users can pick a scenario, and select viewing, recording and compression options to get automatic bandwidth and storage estimates.

Axis Design Tool 2 replaces the existing Design Tool version 1 and has added features that allow users to share a project design with other users, create multiple projects, and work offline. Updates on products and camera specifications are automatically uploaded when connected to the Internet.

The tools have been designed for use with the following browsers: MS Internet Explorer 8 or higher, Google Chrome, Apple Safari 4 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or higher. Axis Design Tool 2 can be accessed from the Axis website and Axis Coverage Shapes from Axis Partner website.

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