It’s time your video surveillance was as smart and easy as your other tech gadgets, don’t you think?

With all of the advancements in the network video market over the past several years, our friends at Axis Communications continue to push the envelope as the market continues to migrate from analog to network-based solutions.

In the spring of 2012, they released Axis Camera Companion,and in just a years’ time they have had over 60,000 downloads of this FREE video management solution worldwide.  It is the perfect solution for SMB video solutions up to 16 channels providing unprecedented cost savings, which enable resellers to sell a network video solution at a price unimagined just a few years ago. Camera Companion is a free download, but that is not the only cost savings, it also eliminates the need for a dedicated PC or server to be connected to the solution since the processing and storage are managed at the edge using the SD card slot on the camera.

AXIS Camera Companion is developed with focus on ease of use for the casual as well as the more active end user. The interface is simple and intuitive, with easy access to the most common activities, such as viewing live video, searching through recordings and exporting videos and snapshots. You can step through recorded video and export high-quality HDTV video clips or snapshots to colleagues and authorities.

Here is how it works

An AXIS Camera Companion system consists of Axis cameras, SD cards, software for PC and mobile devices, and network equipment. Video is recorded to the SD card inside the camera, making each camera an independent surveillance device. That means there’s no need for a DVR, NVR or computer during operation — making the system extremely simple and cost-effective.

The AXIS Camera Companion software client automatically discovers all the cameras and helps you set up the system in no time. Simply mount the cameras and it’s ready to go. (And with cameras powered over the network, installation is extremely easy.) The real-time video is available for secure viewing anywhere, anytime on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or remote computer.

Camera Companion is a scalable and future-proof network video solution for up to 16 cameras. Adding new cameras to the system is easy. No extra charge or additional equipment needed. Existing analog cameras can be integrated using Axis video encoders. If you want to step up to another IP solution in the future, you can re-use all your installed Axis network cameras and video encoders, as well as your network equipment.