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ACAP documentation

· 3 min read
Mattias Kindborg
Mattias Kindborg
Developer Offering

Why did we move the AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) documentation to Axis Developer Documentation?

Let's start by explaining what ACAP is. ACAP is an open platform that allows partners to develop applications that are installed directly onto the device itself.

ACAP

Axis focuses on providing a consistent developer experience across our APIs, ensuring that the same platform is used throughout our entire product portfolio. This means that a developer can utilize the same APIs, such as those for requesting video, regardless of whether they are working with an encoder or a fixed dome camera. Additionally, we strive to expose the same APIs whether you run the application on a server or directly on the Axis device itself.

ACAP API

ACAP is designed for developing applications across a wide range of solutions within security, safety, and operational efficiency. It's also ideal for custom software solutions that address specific customer use cases that cannot be met with off-the-shelf products or solutions from Axis.

The history of ACAP​

In 2006, Axis revolutionized the industry by enabling image and audio processing algorithms to run directly on Axis devices instead of at a central location. This innovation stemmed from a strong belief that achieving scalability required performing analytics at the edge, a principle we still uphold today.

Recognizing that the edge represented the future, we aimed to empower our partners to develop applications that could run on our devices. To achieve this, we invited a select group of application development partners to discuss the tools needed for creating applications on edge devices.

From this collaboration, Axis developed and launched the first version of ACAP in 2009. Since then, the number of active developers has grown significantly, ranging from those making a business of selling ACAP applications, to those working for universities using ACAP to monitor experiments.

The value proposition​

The principle of ACAP is to empower as many smart and creative individuals as possible to develop applications across our portfolio, making the best use of our technology, bringing great value to customers, and enabling partners to grow their own businesses. This means making development tools accessible to everyone who wants to create solutions for Axis devices.

Why are we moving ACAP into Axis Developer Documentation?​

As discussed in our previous post about moving VAPIX® Library to Axis Developer Documentation, the same rationale applies to the ACAP documentation. Our primary objective is to provide solution builders with a centralized repository of essential information, facilitating the development of their solutions. This is the main reason for integrating the ACAP documentation into Axis Developer Documentation.

Additionally, this update is a necessary step towards enhancing the quality of the ACAP documentation. Our aim is to provide a more seamless and informative experience for developers who are new to Axis and ACAP.