IP access moved out to the Edge

Jennifer Brown  April 27, 2007  

HID Global has introduced its new Edge family of IP-based access control solutions featuring the new OPIN technology platform.

The EdgeReader is an integrated contactless smart card reader and access control processor, and the EdgePlus is an access control processor that works with any reader. According to the vendor, the new IP-ready products eliminate the need for the access controller to reside ìin the closetî and allow simplified connection to IT infrastructures.

Edge solutions incorporate the new OPIN API, permitting an organization to make host software choices without the need to install new hardware. Edge solutions are also Power-over-Ethernet ready (PoE), allowing all building facilities to use standard Cat 5/6 wiring.

Unlike traditional access control hardware, Edge makes the access control decisions right at the door, eliminating the possibility of a single point of failure that affects multiple doors, the company says.

The Edge family includes the Edge Solo, a stand-alone solution for single-door applications. Its built-in software enables it to work without a host application. It can also be remotely managed through a standard Web browser. The Edge Host solution, designed for larger systems with thousands of doors and multiple facilities, ties back to an enterpriseís host software. EdgeReader and EdgePlus are available in both Solo and Host versions.

HID
 www.hidcorp.com