CSCO: Cisco Systems Teams with ASSA ABLOY to Harness the Power of the IP Network To Enhance Physical Security

Cisco Systems® announced a technology collaboration with the leading supplier of locking solutions, ASSA ABLOY, intended to deliver physical security solutions that closely integrate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This relationship extends Cisco's vision of the Intelligent Converged Environment (ICE), a framework in which the network is the intelligent foundation for new security applications. This innovative collaboration will allow customers to enhance safety and security of people, property and assets, while also reducing cost of deployment and ownership.

The two companies are unveiling a converged access-control technology at the ASIS show, which opened today in San Diego, Calif. Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will jointly demonstrate a "networked door" that combines new Cisco patent-pending IP-based converged access-control technology with ASSA ABLOY'S door lock components featuring the Highly Intelligent Operation or Hi-O lock-technology standard. This combined solution simplifies the installation and operation of badge readers, electromechanical locks and other door security components while enabling the creation and enforcement of integrated network and physical security policies. Intelligent network services from Cisco speed the deployment of a converged physical security and network infrastructure. At the same time, it provides real-time system status updates, and creates best practices that can help address compliance verification requirements.

Both doors and networks provide access to resources and assets, whether they are material, intellectual or financial. Historically, physical and network security systems have been independent and isolated from each other. The theft of money or intellectual property can be carried out physically or electronically. Cisco and ASSA ABLOY see the value of enabling security applications to operate on a converged physical security and IP-based infrastructure.

At the ASIS show, Cisco will preview its patent-pending IP gateway technology that links ASSA ABLOY'S badge readers to the IP network, extending Cisco's Self-Defending Network to include physical security policies. The new technology will provide IT and safety and security managers with tools to control movement into and within a facility as well as control network resource access. As a result, organizations can achieve higher compliance with physical access and security polices and can enhance network resource security by verifying an individual's physical presence. In addition, the demonstration will showcase the networked door system integrated with Cisco's ICE Video Surveillance solution which offers access to video at any time from any place, enabling real-time incident response, investigation and resolution. Cisco's video surveillance offering is available now and is a component of the company's expanding physical security portfolio.

The solution is completed using ASSA ABLOY'S Hi-O system, including badge reader, locking system, and door. ASSA ABLOY'S badge readers identify user credentials at the door entry and allow access to highly secure locations via communication with Cisco's prototype physical security gateway connected to the IP network.

"The safety and security of people, property and assets is a top-of-mind concern for businesses and government alike," said Mark Farino, general manager of Cisco's Converged Secure Infrastructure Business Unit. "Through the power of the network and utilizing the IT infrastructure, Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will enhance security integration and drive new applications. The concept of employees using their badge or other credentials to gain entry into buildings while also establishing physical presence to access certain network resources will generate tremendous attention from many customers in a variety of vertical markets. Cisco and ASSA ABLOY have partnered to show how a converged solution brings network intelligence to the door, and together lead the industry in integrated physical and network security solutions."

"Thanks to the open standard-based 'plug and play' HI-O technology, installers and integrators of locks can quickly and automatically connect together all the units in an electromechanical locking system, regardless of vendor," said Ulf Södergren, chief technology officer, ASSA ABLOY. "Functions such as identity control, code reading, locking, door opening, intruder alarm and fire alarm can easily be installed without configuration. Our technology demonstration with Cisco showcases how organizations will be able to reduce costs by linking their physical security system into an IP network."

Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will jointly test and market interoperable "networked door" solutions as a result of their collaboration. ASSA ABLOY will join the new Physical Security Cisco Technology Developer Program, which focuses on providing comprehensive and interoperable solutions for customers and resellers.

About ASSA ABLOY AB
ASSA ABLOY is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locking solutions, meeting tough end-user demands for safety, security and user friendliness. The Group has some 30,000 employees and annual sales of about EUR 3 billion.
www.assaabloy.com