5 Mar 2008

Axis Communications, the global leader in network video, has awarded Irish systems integrator Encom its Best Channel Partner in Ireland Award 2007, at its recent partner conference held at Sopwell House, St Albans.  

Dublin-based Encom gained expertise in storage and PC deployments, working with the likes of Irish telecoms operator Eircom and data centre provider DEG, before building an IP-Surveillance business unit in 2004.  Since then, Encom has experienced strong growth through a number of major IP-Surveillance deployments such that 30 per cent of its turnover now comes from IP-Surveillance.

Encom found that, due to its extensive IT expertise, the move into deploying network cameras for customers over their networks was a relatively straightforward one.  In 2004 it sold a number of large multi Terabyte servers into companies requiring video data storage solutions.  Encom saw the opportunity to provide complete IP-Surveillance solutions during these installs.

Encom engineers already had a strong background in network design and installation including remote access and wireless technologies.  This expertise was key when getting up to speed in the area of IP-Surveillance.  Encom also sent some of its technical staff on Axis Training Academy courses during 2004 and achieved Axis Solutions Partner status in 2005.  Once this investment had been made, Encom found that the market opportunity in Ireland was huge.

John Morgan, managing director, Encom, explained: "It became clear in discussion with a number of our customers that the traditional CCTV installer companies were having difficulty meeting their requirements in the IP-Surveillance area.  We capitalised on that situation and were able to build our business fast."

Steve Gorski, managing director, Axis Communications (UK) Ltd, commented: "Encom has proved a very important, early adopter partner for Axis in Ireland and we are very grateful to them for embracing IP-Surveillance with such gusto over the years.  They have put both resources and commitment around the network video market opportunity in Ireland and I'm really pleased that it is now reaping major rewards for us both."