Axis, Bosch and Sony cooperate to standardize the interface of network video products

Axis, Bosch and Sony cooperate to standardize the interface of network video
products 

This new standard will offer increased flexibility to integrators and users of
network video equipment. 

- First cooperation in the security industry to establish a global open standard
for the interface of network video products 
- Interoperability between different vendors' products will simplify
installation of network video products regardless of brand
- Greater freedom for end-users when choosing equipment, resulting in 
more cost-effective and flexible solutions
- Creation of an open forum for further development of the new standard


Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems and Sony Corporation announce that
they will be cooperating to create an open forum aimed at developing a standard
for the interface of network video products. Currently, there is no global
standard defining how network video products such as cameras, video encoders and
video management systems should communicate with each other. The new standard is
expected to comprise interfaces for specifications such as video streaming,
device discovery, intelligence metadata, etc. The framework of the standard,
incorporating the key elements of network video product interoperability, will
be released in October 2008 at the Security show in Essen, Germany.

The main goal of this new standard is to facilitate the integration of various
brands of network video equipment and to help manufacturers, software developers
and independent software vendors ensure product interoperability. A unified open
standard will also offer end-users greater flexibility of choice, enabling them
to select products from different vendors in order to develop systems that fully
meet their needs. This standardization initiative demonstrates the strong
commitment of Axis, Bosch and Sony to supporting the ongoing shift from analog
to digital surveillance in the security market.

A forum set up by the said three companies will be open for all companies and
interest groups who would like to participate in the standardization work. The
forum will be established in the fourth quarter of 2008, and will work on
further development of the standard and on reaching agreement on how the new
technology should be implemented.


“We are very pleased to announce this cooperation between our companies,” says
Ray Mauritsson, President of Axis Communications. “An open standard will make it
even easier for integrators and end-users to benefit from the many possibilities
offered by IP-based video surveillance technology.”

“This cooperation represents a great leap forward in establishing an
international open forum focusing on network video surveillance,” says Gert van
Iperen, Executive Vice President at Bosch. “For manufacturers of network video
hardware and software, the forum and its standard will be an efficient way to
ensure product interoperability.”

“We entered this discussion based on our common belief that an open standard
will provide great benefits for users and everyone involved in the security
industry,” says Yoshinori Onoue, SVP, Corporate Executive, Sony Corporation.
“Representatives from Axis, Bosch and Sony are now working intensively to
develop a framework for the standard and to establish the guidelines for the
standardization forum.”


Contact persons for press inquiries:

Axis Communications, 
Margareta Lantz, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: +46 46 272 18 00, E-mail: pressoffice@axis.com
www.axis.com

Bosch Security Systems 
Erika Görge, P.O. Box 12 70 , D-85504 Ottobrunn , Germany
Phone: +49 89 6290-1647, Fax:      +49 89 6290-281647
E-mail: erika.goerge@de.bosch.com
www.boschsecurity.com

Sony Corporation
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-6748-2200 , FAX: +81-3-6748-2061
www.sony.net


About Axis Communications
Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional
installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving
the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and
solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on
innovative, open technology platforms.
Axis is a Swedish-based company, operating worldwide with offices in 18
countries and cooperating with partners in more than 70 countries. Founded in
1984, Axis is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange, Large Cap and Information
Technology. For more information about Axis, please visit our website at
www.axis.com.


About Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the
areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building
technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros in
fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300
subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide
development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further
growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and
development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set
up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision
Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” 

The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the
entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company
to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in
the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of
Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable
foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch
Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership
functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the
Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.
Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.


About Sony Corporation 
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game,
communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer
and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and
on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics
and entertainment company in the world.  Sony recorded consolidated annual sales
of approximately $70 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.  Sony
Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/