Axxon PSIM Protects the Madrid Stock Exchange
For over a decade now, Axxon PSIM has been protecting the Madrid Stock Exchange effectively and reliably. With ongoing modernization of the Exchange’s video security infrastructure and public safety solutions, the future holds even more advanced capabilities, especially in terms of IT for banking.
Client
The Madrid Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Madrid) is owned by Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME). Here, at the largest of Spain’s four stock exchanges, traders buy and sell stocks, convertible bonds, and fixed income securities. The Exchange bustles with international activity. Its IBEX 35 index is the barometer of the Spanish stock market, reflecting the share prices of Spain’s 35 most liquid companies.
Since 1893, the Exchange has been located in El Palacio de la Bolsa de Madrid, which is both a business center and an architectural landmark in its own right. This “temple of capitalism” boasts a neoclassical style consonant with other Madrid palaces of its day. The Madrid Stock Exchange has always attracted the curiosity of the public.
Seminars, congresses, award ceremonies, dinners, press conferences, and exhibitions are held in the trading hall. Other halls, equipped with the latest audiovisual technologies, are used as well.
Challenges
The need for modernized public safety solutions
In the fast-paced world of finance, public safety solutions are crucial. Recognizing this, the Madrid Stock Exchange began updating its video surveillance system in 2010. The MSE security department decided to migrate from obsolete, underperforming video hardware to a modern system designed to make employees more efficient.
Competitive software trials convinced the client to choose Axxon PSIM developed by AxxonSoft.
Why Axxon PSIM?
"When we saw the presentation for Axxon PSIM, we immediately grasped how easy it is to use. Compatibility was a major factor as well: Axxon PSIM includes support for a very long (and still growing) list of hardware, support for hybrid CCTV/IP networks, and access control integration. We were impressed by the policy of free updates, which lets us run the latest and greatest while supporting almost any modern IP hardware. The distributed architecture is important for us, since it allows all our units and offices to access the system remotely."
What have been the benefits of Axxon PSIM?
“Ease of operation, I have to say. Another plus is the ease and flexibility of configuration. We can adapt the product to new tasks almost instantly as they come up. With other products, we simply would not have that kind of ability or the capacity to make use of it. Technical support has been simply outstanding. We have always received assistance when necessary to get the job done. We are very happy with Axxon PSIM overall. So, when it came to decide about replacing a system at one of our offices, we chose Axxon PSIM again without a second thought,”
Solution
Unified surveillance system for enhanced public safety solutions
The old equipment at headquarters was replaced with servers running Axxon PSIM. The headquarters and exchange systems were merged to create a unified surveillance system. This merger accomplished several goals:
- Simplify and standardize security workstations.
- Allow intensified visual monitoring of critical areas.
- Improve system manageability and scalability.
- Streamline maintenance.
The system currently spans around 240 public safety cameras, four video servers, and four remote workstations with support for simultaneous side-by-side video display. Cross-monitoring is performed during selected hours. Several customizations were made for this purpose:
- Personal panel for managing audio alerts on each camera was added.
- Script for monitor use by operator. An operator can pin cameras from main monitors to their own workstation.
- Macros and scripts allow adapting Axxon PSIM to the needs of operators.
Mario Gutierrez, Communications Manager at Axis Communications Iberia, explained the integration:
“Axis offers hybrid solutions that seamlessly integrate existing analog equipment into new IP systems. This not only reduces capital expenditures but also enables comprehensive security coverage through software like Axxon PSIM.”
Results and Benefits
Enhanced security through IT for banking and public safety solutions
The modernized security infrastructure now spans approximately 240 public safety cameras across the Madrid Stock Exchange and its headquarters, supported by four video servers and workstations for efficient remote video monitoring.
The key benefits realized include:
- Simplified security operations. The system allows for standardization and ease of management across multiple workstations.
- Improved monitoring. Enhanced visual monitoring of critical areas, enabling more responsive security measures.
- Scalability. The system’s architecture supports future expansions and adaptations, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- 24/7 surveillance. The Exchange now enjoys round-the-clock video surveillance without compromising the historic building’s aesthetics.
Fernando Lуpez Suárez, Technical Director at AFELSA SISTEMAS Y SERVICIOS, praised the support received during the project:
“AxxonSoft’s technical support was exceptional. Their deep knowledge and willingness to assist at any time were crucial to the success of this project.”