z9/op=n connects a wide variety of hardware and software from multiple vendors, creating an unprecedented level of interoperability...
May 7, 2022 - Z9 Security has launched the industry’s first true open-architecture access control ecosystem, connecting a wide variety of hardware and software from multiple access control vendors. Named z9/op=n, this ecosystem defines a new interoperability standard for wired access panels and features a unified architecture that seamlessly integrates a wide range of access control hardware and software platforms, drastically reducing the time and cost to introduce new integrations.
Access control hardware vendors implementing the z9/op=n standard are automatically interoperable with software vendors in the Z9/FL=X ecosystem. Z9 Security provides ready-made, compliant firmware components, making this process fast and easy. The ecosystem currently enables hundreds of hardware and software interoperability combinations and is growing rapidly.
The ecosystem is supported with the Z9 Open SDK (software development kit) containing everything partners need to add z9/op=n compatibility to physical access control system (PACS) software platforms. The Z9 Open SDK Partner Program is open to all PACS software vendors, and offers accelerated integration with z9/op=n hardware, using the easy-to-use SDK.
The Z9 Open SDK is available as C# .Net, Java and C++ libraries, with code samples and documentation. Adding the Z9 Open SDK into a PACS platform to support z9/op=n hardware can often be accomplished in just a few months, with a working prototype in just a few weeks. The SDK itself reflects the elegance of power of the access control panel firmware to which it connects, and can accommodate most any access control need.
Supported Hardware Platforms
The Z9 Open SDK supports integration with all z9/op=n access control hardware platforms, including:
Rich Feature Set
These z9/op=n platforms all have rich feature sets, including both basic and advanced access control features. Z9 Security’s deep experience with a wide range of access control panels and PACS platforms over many decades has all been combined into the development of this feature set. The exact features vary by platform, but a few notable features include:
"Keeping a PACS platform current with the latest technology, and expanding support for multiple hardware platforms over time can be one of the biggest challenges, risks, and expenses associated with being a software vendor in the access control industry," said Ken Larson, President of Z9 Security. "Adopting z9/op=n reduces your hardware engineering costs while making your team more efficient so they can focus on strategic partnerships, product development, marketing, and your customers. It could quite possibly be the last access control integration you ever need."
Network Secure
All z9/op=n hardware must meet the highest standards in network security. All z9/op=n hardware is required to undergo rigorous 3rd-party penetration testing. All communications are TLS, with proper authentication and certificate checking. No insecure defaults, no option to disable security, unlike many other products which end up being deployed inadvertently or negligently in an insecure manner. Pairing of z9/op=n controllers with PACS is fully secure, whether on-premise or cloud-based. Additionally, the z9/op=n certification process for partner SDK integrations thoroughly covers the topic of network security.
Integration Support
The Z9 Open SDK provides everything partners need to integrate with their PACS. But for partners in need of additional assistance and engineering, Z9 Security offers supplementary professional services. Additionally, a network of qualified independent companies and professionals has grown up around z9/op=n and the Z9 Open SDK ecosystem, for additional support.
For more information on the z9/op=n access control ecosystem, or to become a z9/op=n partner, visit Z9 Security at https://www.z9security.com.
About Z9 Security
Z9 Security is the creator of the access control industry's first and only true hardware and software interoperability ecosystem. The ecosystem features the Z9/FL=X cloud-based service and z9/op=n unified technology platforms, seamlessly integrating a wide range of both open and proprietary access control hardware and software, redefining interoperability, and drastically reducing time and cost to introduce new integrations. The Z9 Security ecosystem currently enables hundreds of hardware and software interoperability combinations, and is growing fast. The Z9 Security team is made up of industry veterans with decades of expertise in access control, who have been behind the success of some of the biggest names in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.z9security.com.
Keywords: access control, physical security, security industry
