Barix Introduces IP-Based Approach to Building Security to African Market at Mediatech Africa 2007

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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, June 11, 2007 – Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, IP intercom and monitoring, will introduce its new approach to building security at the upcoming Mediatech Africa 2007 show at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa (Booth #I1) . The Barix solution, introduced at the recent NSCA show in Orlando, Florida (USA), uses the IP environment for building security applications using IP ranging from basic intercom to door entry, both business and residential. Barix will show how facilities and businesses of all sizes can reduce system costs and engineering complexity by using its Annuncicom 100 IP intercom devices and Defconlock IP access controllers while retaining the peace of mind associated with today’s most foolproof security systems.

“Most access control systems used for security today utilize expensive zone controllers with proprietary interfaces that contain memory, CPU and all the intelligence required for identification and entry into the building. Furthermore, the connection of multiple doors to such controllers is complex since proprietary cabling with 12 or more wires can be required from each door to the controller for purposes of ID reading, door monitoring and door release activation,” said Andy Stadheim, CEO of Barix Technology, Inc. “The Barix approach vastly reduces cabling and wiring, by bringing the intelligence and interfaces required to control a door right to the door in a small, affordable, IP enabled package access control over IP – the Defconlock.”

The Defconlock consists of the proven, reliable “Barionet” network I/O controller from Barix, complemented with the Access Control/Door Management application firmware that is provided in source code form so system integrators can change the code and modify as needed. The benefits of live voice communications over IP are added through the Annuncicom 100 IP intercom system, so people outside the building can directly communicate with the command center in high-security situations.

The Defconlock is responsible for activating door strikes and interfacing to the door, reader, and physical world. For smaller applications in the residential and small business markets, the Defconlock contains a list of approved ID's and verifies presented cards or key codes to authorize entry. The Defconlock also can provide door monitoring and alarming; an alarm can be issued locally via a relay output or transmitted over the network in case of intrusion or door blocking. As the Defconlock application source is available and the device communicates use the open, standard IP protocols, it is easy for Access Control system providers to interface Defconlock to their larger, central based online systems.

Managing of the Defconlock is done without installing any special software on a PC – a browser is sufficient to configure and control the Defconlock or a group of devices. The Device is compatible with the common access control readers available in the market using Wiegand interface technology, and serial readers can be also interfaced by changing the (provided) source code. No computer is needed for the standalone operation of the device. It works autonomously, authorizes access, keeps logs and initiates alarms in case of tampering, intrusion or failure.

“Leading access control companies like Kaba Benzing in Europe already have integrated the Barionet/Defconlock in their offering, providing customers with low cost, high reliability door management and access control solutions,” said Johannes Rietschel, CEO of Barix AG worldwide Headquarters in Switzerland. “With a list price of $ 295, the Defconlock appears to be the most affordable, network connected, stand alone IP access control solution available.”

The Annuncicom 100 IP intercom device is yet another Barix product featuring the company’s trademark cost-efficiency and unrivaled flexibility, and is ideal for deployment over a standard IP or Ethernet network infrastructure to any number of locations. It can connect directly to a PC, or function autonomously with other Barix products for a PC-FREE solution. Annuncicom 100 is used for universal and stand-alone paging, VHF radio interfacing, emergency call and intercom systems (IP Intercom). It can also interface to popular keypads and readers for access control applications when coupled with an X8 module.

Annuncicom 100 users can now utilize a new, free graphical software application that allows an overview of an entire IP paging and IP intercom system featuring multiple units. All Annuncicom 100 devices and other Barix units, such as its Exstreamer IP audio decoders, can be identified in color icon form on an intuitive graphical map, and controlled by touchscreen or mouse. This is especially useful in large facilities with multiple entries to initiate a “talk” feature from any door with an Annuncicom 100.

The Annuncicom 100 now also offers a programmable environment, which provides full duplex functionality, ideal for applications that need simultaneous hearing and speaking. The device can also be programmed by system integrators or the user for custom applications. A USB memory stick interface allows OEMs and systems integrators to program customized applications for storage, forwarding, and local playback of warning messages and other audio programming. Barix Instreamer IP audio encoding devices and the Barix Exstreamer, both of which will also be on display, now also run the fully programmable environments for audio streaming applications.

About Barix AG (www.barix.com)
Barix AG, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in the research, development and manufacture of IP-based audio and data distribution, communication, monitoring, control, and automation hardware solutions for commercial, industrial, security and military applications. Barix’s smart, reliable, compact, stand-alone components stream and communicate over standard network infrastructure and Internet, for local or worldwide networked solutions, eliminating the need for extra wiring and PCs. Barix provides customers with a wide range of additional services, including private labeling, licensing and OEM engineering.