Axis CEO Ray Mauritsson discusses Canon collaboration

Canon Inc and its subsidiary Axis Communications AB recently announced a major restructuring of their sales and marketing teams.

The shake-up saw Axis assume responsibility for marketing Canon’s entire portfolio of network video solutions in the EMEA region from 1 September and in North America from 1 October.

Their collaboration has also been evident on the product development front, with the launch of the first network camera from Axis with Canon imaging technology, the AXIS Q1659.

IFSEC Global caught up with Axis Communications’ CEO Ray Mauritsson to find out more about the partnership between two heavyweights of the security and consumer photography worlds.

IFSEC Global: In what other ways do you see Axis and Canon collaborating technology wise? Are Canon cameras going to benefit from Axis technology and vice versa? Will we see more interoperability between the two?

Ray Mauritsson: AXIS Q1659 is the first network video surveillance camera that combines high-end professional-grade optics from Canon with the quality, reliability and performance of an Axis network camera.

We will evaluate other types of collaboration and integration on a case by case basis. This will be based on customer requirements and the appropriateness of the relevant Canon technology to be used with Axis cameras.

IG: What was the thinking behind the recent restructuring of marketing operations?

RM: The change means that in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and in the US and Canada, Axis will assume responsibility for the marketing, sales and technical service of Canon’s entire network video product portfolio. This because the network video surveillance market continues to show huge potential.

Axis is in an excellent position to include the sales of Canon network cameras to our broad product and solution portfolio. Our customers now can choose from a wider assortment while we continue to strengthen our solution offering.

IG: What was the strategic thinking behind the Axis acquisition by Canon?

RM: That is really a question for Canon to answer, but as Canon have publicly stated they see safety and security as a future growth area. They expect Axis to continue to as an independent entity within the Canon Group, to drive growth in this area.

IG: What would your message to end users and installers be in terms of what the Canon relationship means?

RM: Canon has a strong commitment to build a long-term presence as a leader in this industry for Axis. We will continue to grow and develop our solution offering. That will benefit both our partners and end customers.

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