Distributor News
January 14, 2003

Anixter Unveils CCTP - A New System for Converging Physical Security and IT Networks

Brings Flexibility, Organization, and Future-Proofing to Video Surveillance Networks

SKOKIE, IL — Anixter Inc. (NYSE: AXE), the world's leading distributor of data communications products, has introduced the first-ever video surveillance system that runs video, power and control signals over a single, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. This new solution, called Closed Circuit Twisted Pair (CCTP^TM), addresses the escalating movement in corporate America to converge physical security into the IT domain.

The CCTP system offers an organized, flexible approach for maintaining video surveillance networks and complex security solutions. It has been designed to readily integrate onto an existing IT infrastructure and is the first solution to address physical security at the network layer, using twisted pair cabling technology to eliminate the need for multiple cables. Specifically, CCTP offers:

The ability to easily, cost effectively accommodate future moves, adds or changes
An open system architecture that fosters PC integration
Compatibility with existing IT infrastructures to enhance both security systems and digital networks
Reduced labor costs and lower total cost of ownership.

Physical security is increasingly becoming the responsibility of corporate IT departments. According to a recent survey conducted by CSO Magazine, forty percent of Fortune 1000 security departments now report into the IT department. As such, there is a driving need for these two staffs and associated technologies to work together seamlessly.

"There has been a significant industry shift in the handling and prioritization of security initiatives," cited Steve Leatherwood, Senior Vice President of Sound and Security at Anixter. "With CCTP, chief security officers (CSOs) and IT managers no longer need to be constrained by the fragmented, compartmentalized approach to security and can create a unified, coordinated program of protecting buildings, people, and networks."

ANIXTER UNVEILS CCTP
Anixter developed the CCTP solution with a consortium of leading companies in the security and IT data networking fields, including Philips CSI, Belden, The Siemon Company and Middle Atlantic. In addition, Anixter will be the exclusive distributor of the CCTP system.

"The worldwide IT security market has shown remarkable growth over the past year," stated Robert Smulders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Philips CSI. "Due to the increased demand in security, we were happy to be a part of CCTP as it is specifically designed to provide companies with the tools to stay on top of and easily adapt to any future developments industry-wide."

CCTP can be readily expanded or upgraded to digital systems and power over Ethernet. It also can accommodate technical upgrades such as digital integration and IP-based networks, allowing end-users to run an application anywhere, anytime. By operating on the existing IT infrastructure, CCTP does not limit users strictly to a video surveillance system. It can be converted to a fully functional data network ready for PC integration.

"CCTP's design and engineering has paved the way for simpler, easier, IT security management initiatives," states Isaac Papier of Underwriter Laboratories Inc., "It's the first solution to provide a smooth transition into the digital future." Initial applications of CCTP have met their intended objectives of system flexibility and integration.

"The CCTP system was very easy to install, and up and running immediately," stated Walter Ostopowicz, Telecommunications Engineer for The Illinois Railway Museum.

"The systems we previously had in place were disparate, the result of expanding and upgrading at different points in time."

Traditional closed circuit television (CCTV) system moves, adds or changes can cost up to six times more when compared to CCTP. Unnecessary electrical work and labor-intensive cable pulls are eliminated, as cameras are solely powered through CCTP's unique one cable design.

"The main concern at our transportation hub was to implement and sustain a system that could run on our existing backbone infrastructure," stated Howard Shapiro, Project Manager for New Jersey Transit. "CCTP made a night and day difference. We are now able to expeditiously handle customer service and monitor employees. Before, we literally had to shut down the system at times to handle routine, day-to-day functions."

CCTP is 100% standards-based and is compliant with ANSI/TIA/EIA National Telecommunications Standards, exceeding Cat 6 performance specifications. With its cabling and complex data integration, CCTP significantly increases security capabilities while simultaneously reducing IT maintenance by migrating physical security onto an intelligent IT infrastructure.

About Anixter
Anixter International is a leading distributor of communication products and a leading distributor of "C" Class inventory components to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company adds value to the distribution process through its valued added service and logistics programs and by providing its customers access to 1) more than 185,000 products and approximately $500 million in inventory, 2) 125 warehouses with more than 4.4 million square feet of space, and 3) locations in 193 cities in 40 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE. Additional information about Anixter is available on the Internet at www.anixter.com.

About Siemon
Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA Siemon has global offices and partners throughout the world. Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

Siemon’s Australian head office is located in Allambie Heights, Sydney, with offices also located in Brisbane and Melbourne.

For more information about this press release, please contact:
Alana Patton
The Siemon Company
Marketing Communications Executive
Tel : (02) 8977 7500