Martin Gren, co-founder of Axis Communications and inventor of the first network security camera in 1996, was honoured last night with the Outstanding Contribution to the Security Industry Award at the IFSEC & FIREX Awards 2013.
Gren topped our list of the most influential people in security and fire this year. The award recongises the huge changes that have happened in the physical security industry as a result of his innovation.
Other award winners included Bosch, which took home the CCTV Camera Equipment of the Year Award for its DINION and FLEXIDOME 720p cameras. Xtralis took home the Fire Product Innovation of the Year (Active) Award for its VESDA ECO-EX aspirating smoke and gas detector.
LOCOG delivered venue security at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it was beaten in the Security Project of the Year category. Quadrant Security Group took home the prize for its CCTV project in Weymouth and Portland.
Martin Gren could not collect his prize in person, so he sent this video message.
Here is the full list of winners.
Access Control Product of the Year (Including Biometrics)
Genetec — Synergis Master Controller
CCTV Camera Equipment of the Year
Bosch Security Systems — Dinion Starlight HD 720p and FlexiDome Starlight HD 720p RD
CCTV System of the Year (Excluding Cameras and Lens)
Raytec — VARIO IP
Communication Product of the Year
AES Corporation — SiteLink24
Guarding Service Delivery to Customer
Kings Security Systems Ltd. — Meggitt Aircraft Breaking Systems
Intruder Alarm or Exterior Deterrent Product of the Year
Chuango Security Technology Co Ltd — GSM/SMS RFID Touch Alarm System
Lone Worker Protection Solution of the Year
Guardian 24 — Guardian 24 lone worker solution for Android smartphones
Physical Security Product of the Year
Burton Safes — Eurovault Atlas Grade 7
Security Project or Installation of the Year
Quadrant Security Group — Security During Sailing: Weymouth and Portland CCTV Project
Best Policing Partnership of the Year
Gunwharf Quays & Hampshire Police — Gunwharf Quays Retail and Leisure Centre Management Team, Mitie Total Security Management, and Hampshire Police
Fire Product Innovation of the Year (Active)
Xtralis — VESDA ECO-Ex
Fire Safety Engineering Solution of the Year
IFC Group — A fire-safe solution for Berkeley Homes at Ebury Square, London, thanks to innovative Fire Engineering and high-performance passive fire safety solutions
ASFP Passive Fire Protection Installation Project of the Year
Sharpfibre Limited – 20 Fenchurch Street
He difinitly deserves the award for being the first to introduce network cameras. When I worked for a college institution as a system engineer, network cameras were my friends. I could logon from anywhere on campus to check student traffic to a printer or other devices that needs monitoring.
I love his acceptance speech too! It went down very well in the room on the night.