Axis Communications (www.axis.com) recently announced a partnership with the U.S. arm of Securitas (www.securitasgroup.com). Under the agreement, Securitas's Systems Division will offer Axis' network video products to its U.S. customers. When announcing the partnership, Axis said it "will be a driving force in Securitas's entry into the IP surveillance market in the U.S."

"As the market leading provider of IP surveillance products, we are a natural fit for helping Securitas, the leading solutions providet within the global security market, enter a new arena," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager for Axis Communications. "Not only will this partnership help Axis expand its U.S. customer base, it will also help further facilitate the security industry's shift to IP-based network video."

After an initial education phase, Axis's network video solutions-including network cameras, video servers, and application software-will be available for purchase from Securitas. Axis's IP surveillance solutions will be offered through Securitas Security Systems branch offices across the U.S.

"We need to make absolutely sure that our partners live up to our very high demands on quality and reliability," said Trygve Kolstad, vice president of product management for Securitas Security Systems USA Inc. "In Axis, we are confident that we have found one of the best partners and product providers for our customers' needs for digital security surveillance solutions."