The security technology company, Paxton, has announced the launch of Solo, a new access control system hosted in the cloud and operated via smartphones. This innovative solution eliminates the need for traditional keys, instead allowing a smartphone to act both as the system and the key. To promote Solo's capabilities, Paxton is offering 10,000 complimentary starter kits to security installers.
Adam Stroud, CEO of Paxton, remarked, "Solo is different. It is the first system that fully utilises the modern capabilities of a smart phone. By doing so, it creates a step change to the architecture of modern security. Solo is a complete re-imagining of how networked access control is achieved. Because it is so different, we want as many installers as possible to see it, use it, and understand it."
Networked access control
Solo seamlessly combines the straightforward nature of a standalone installation with the strength of networked access control.
The absence of an onsite data network, server, or centralised PC means that everything from creation to management is controlled via a mobile device. Users can leverage built-in biometric IDs, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, enabling them to gain secure access without the need for physical fobs or cards. The accompanying Paxton Solo app offers centralised management, real-time reporting, and event logs for an efficient experience.
Affordable security solution
According to Paxton's research, 80% of installers desire repeat business processes that are uncomplicated
Input from installers was integral in the development of Solo. According to Paxton's research, 80% of installers desire repeat business processes that are uncomplicated, showing demand for solutions that support straightforward, recurring revenue without additional complexity.
Solo's pricing allows it to be a feasible option for sites where security solutions might have been previously expensive. Installation is swift due to minimal hardware requirements and the lack of a need for network infrastructure, potentially allowing installers to complete more jobs in a single day. The cloud-based aspect also introduces flexible options, enabling a choice between 'fit and forget' or ongoing service revenues.
Cloud-based system with wide applicability
Although Solo is not the pioneer of cloud-based access control, it pushes boundaries by maximising the potential of cloud and smartphone technologies. Adam Stroud elaborates, "Solo is not the first cloud-based access control system; however, it takes the concept to a new level by making full use of cloud and mobile phone technology. By doing this, the equipment being installed can be dramatically simplified, while still providing flexible access control to the highest security standards."
Designed to function without integrating into existing IT networks, Solo requires only a DoorTag, Controller, power supply, electronic lock, and the app, making it ideal for varied settings such as small businesses, residential facilities, healthcare environments, and temporary sites like construction areas where permanent data networks aren't feasible.
Security and certifications
Paxton collaborated with cybersecurity specialists, Pentest Partners, to ensure Solo meets top-tier security standards, gaining IASME Level 1 and 2 certification as a result of rigorous beta tests.
It also earned the UL IoT Cybersecurity Diamond certification, the highest available, ensuring Solo’s resilience against modern cyber threats. The system is being introduced to installers across the US, who are invited to explore its potential through free starter kits that allow for trials and business evaluation.
The security technology manufacturer Paxton has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. With Solo, your phone is the system, your phone is the key. To support the launch, Paxton is going for a true 1st, giving away 10,000 free Solo starter kits, placing the technology directly into the hands of security installers.
Adam Stroud, Paxton’s CEO, said: “Solo is different. It is the first system that fully utilises the modern capabilities of a smart phone. By doing so, it creates a step change to the architecture of modern security. “Solo is a complete re-imagining of how networked access control is achieved. Because it is so different, we want as many installers as possible to see it, use it, and understand it.”
Networked access control
Solo combines the straightforward installation of a standalone system with the capability of networked access control. There is no requirement for an on-site data network, server or centralised PC. The system is created and managed entirely from a smartphone. In effect, the phone is both the system itself and the key in the hand.
Using the phone’s built-in biometric ID, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, Solo provides secure, convenient access without cards or fobs. Centralised administration, event reporting, and real-time activity logs are all available directly on the Paxton Solo app, making real-time visibility and management fast, flexible, and intuitive.
Game-changingly affordable
Installer insight played a central role in the development of Solo. In surveys conducted by Paxton, 80% of installers said they want repeat business to be simple, confirming demand for solutions that support recurring revenue without added complexity.
Costing a fraction of a traditional access control system, Solo makes professional security viable for sites where it was previously cost-prohibitive. With minimal hardware and no network infrastructure required, installations are quick and efficient, enabling installers to fit more in a day. The cloud-hosted model also provides built-in flexibility; offering the option to fit and forget or establish straightforward, recurring revenue stream.
Cloud-based access control system
Adam Stroud explains: “Solo is not the first cloud-based access control system; however, it takes the concept to a new level by making full use of cloud and mobile phone technology. By doing this, the equipment being installed can be dramatically simplified, while still providing flexible access control to the highest security standards.”
“Additionally, by supporting a service-based model, we can offer installers choice regarding the ongoing support they provide to customers.”
Traditional networked systems
All that is required for a Solo system is a Solo DoorTag, Solo Controller, power supply, electronic lock and the Paxton Solo app. Operating independently from a fixed on-site data network, Solo is suited to a huge host of environments where traditional networked systems would be impractical.
This includes small independent businesses, residential settings such as short-term rentals and student accommodation, and healthcare environments including clinics and care homes. Solo is equally suited for gyms, lockers, bike storage facilities, gates and remote buildings, as well as temporary installations such as building sites where fixed data infrastructure is unavailable or impractical.
Adam Stroud concludes: “Solo is designed to be installed independently of a customer's IT network. The installation takes a fraction of the time required for a traditional system. Coupled with the highly competitive nature of Solo, this gives installers the ability to win more quotes, and the ability to install more systems without increasing the size of the team.”
Highest security standards
Paxton worked closely with cyber-security experts, Pentest Partners, to verify that Solo is a high-security solution for today and tomorrow. The system has been developed to the highest security standards, achieving IASME Level 1 and Level 2 certification prior to launch during rigorous beta testing.
To ensure resilience against modern cyber threats, Paxton has also achieved UL IoT Cybersecurity Diamond certification, which is the highest possible accreditation. Solo is now being introduced to installers across the US, giving them the opportunity to experience the phone-based, cloud-hosted system firsthand and explore its commercial potential. As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.
