FAQ
The idea of developing his own security systems came to our CEO Aleksandr Konotopskyi at the age of 21. At that time, Aleksandr managed a company called Secur — one of the largest distributors of security products in Ukraine. The company procured many devices from China, and their quality was often questionable.
For example, customers complained that a Chinese-made siren stopped working a month after installation. After disassembling the device with his engineer friend, Aleksandr found out that the sound appliance in it was designed for 2 ampere, and the transistor installed by the Chinese was for 1.
That moment changed my mind. A Chinese factory with 400 employees could not solve the problem I had been fighting over for a year. And my classmate understood it in 15 minutes. Aleksandr Konotopskyi
Aleksandr then decided, if an ordinary graduate of a Ukrainian technical university is more qualified than a worldwide manufacturer, it is worth trying to compete with the Chinese.
I am a big fan of the Greek mythology, and that’s why I thought about the character called Ajax. I thought that was funny; the word starts with “A” and ends with “X.” Besides, the name benefits us; we always appear on the top of alphabetical lists. Aleksandr Konotopskyi
Both the main R&D office of the company and the production itself are located in Kyiv, Ukraine, at 5 Sklyarenko St. We order components for devices from producers from all over the world; however, all stages of the manufacturing process take place at a plant in Kiev — from blazing transistors to boards to packaging ready-to-use devices.
This way, we minimize the use of outsourcing and concentrate our expertise within the company. It is important for us to control the production of a product that is responsible for people’s lives and the safety of their property. Moreover, such an approach allows us to adapt fast and promptly rebuild processes.
Over the past 4 years, Ajax Systems has grown 100 times, and its production volume has reached 450,000 units per month.
Ajax Systems’ product line includes over 50 wireless and wired devices for protection against intrusion, fire and flood, as well as devices for security automation and creating a smart home.
A hub, the system’s central unit, coordinates the connected devices and maintains communication with users and the security company. Motion, door/window opening, smoke, leakage and glass break detectors as well as sirens, signal range extenders, touch keyboard, alarm button, smart plugs, and relays for controlling electrical appliances can be connected to the hub.
The security system can be managed through iOS, Android, macOS and Windows apps.
Jeweller is a two-way radio technology for connection between the Ajax system devices. Operates at 868.0 – 868.6 MHz (or 868.7 – 869.2 MHz, depending on the sales region), transmitting signals up to 2000 meters away. Features automatic signal power regulation (up to 25 mW) and uses the time-division multiple access (TDMA) method. Device’s ping is 12 – 300 seconds depending on settings. The technology is based on the address capacity of devices and has block encryption with a dynamic key. Alarms are delivered in no more than 0.15 seconds.
Wings is a two-way radio technology for transmitting images from MotionCam motion detectors with visual alarm verification to the hub. Allows transmitting images up to 1700 meters and delivers the first shot in 9 seconds. Works in parallel with Jeweller.
OS Malevich is a real-time operating system (RTOS) for Ajax central units. Has a mechanism similar to Linux of CPU time allocation and modularity; supports connection with the cloud server; controls a system of 150 devices; is able to simultaneously transmit alarms and events through IP channels, can call or send SMS; supports automation devices and scenarios. Has a mechanism to counter software failures and cyber attacks and is immune to viruses. Updates automatically over the air (OTA).
SmartDetect is a digital algorithm for filtering false alarms of motion detectors. The algorithm analyzes the infrared sensor signal and eliminating reactions to pets and other thermal interference. Is used in MotionProtect, MotionProtect Plus, CombiProtect, MotionCam and MotionProtect Outdoor detectors.
LISA is a two-stage digital algorithm for preventing false alarms of the MotionProtect Outdoor motion detector. Analyzes the signals of two infrared sensors, comparing the similarity of their forms. In addition, can enable spectral analysis, comparing the frequency components of the two sensors signals.
HazeFlow is an algorithm for verifying smoke presence in fire detectors. Ajax fire detectors are active round-the-clock regardless of security mode. Can be combined with each other and synchronously signal of a danger via built-in sirens, app notifications, SMS and calls.
Ajax is available in 130+ countries worldwide. The key market for us at the moment is the EU market. The top 10 countries where Ajax has the most sales:
- Ukraine
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- the Netherlands
- the UK
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Germany
- Belgium
The answer is simple: strong product.
Reliability is important for security companies. The reliability level of the Ajax system is confirmed by certificates and high ratings from independent laboratories. Professionals appreciate Ajax for its reliable radio communication, fast installation and remote configuration through an app.
For a user, Ajax is a modern gadget. Our system is unlike faceless and overcomplicated security equipment. The design of the devices is suitable for both loft and classic interiors; there is no need to spoil the home with renovations for wires, and controlling Ajax through a smartphone is conventional and easy.
Ajax is the most award-winning wireless security system in Europe. Our portfolio features awards from the most prestigious international security exhibitions, including titles “Security System of the Year” by IFSEC, “Best innovative Product” by MIPS Securika, “Intruder Product Of The Year” by PSI Premier Awards, as well as silver medal at Expoprotection Awards.
All Ajax devices have passed European certification and meet the requirements of the EN 50131 safety system standard and the EN 14604 fire standard. We were awarded Grade 2, the highest level of reliability for wireless security systems.
$1 mln from the SMRK fund
Ajax Systems received its first investment in June 2015. It was $1 million from SMRK, a Ukrainian venture fund founded by the MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan and an entrepreneur named Andriy Dovzhenko.
The company used the investment to turn Ajax into a complete, integrated security system.
An investment of $10 mln from Horizon Capital
In March 2019, the investment company Horizon Capital invested $10 million in Ajax Systems. In fact, the investment was made by the Emerging Europe Growth Fund III, the third Horizon Capital fund that targets Ukrainian companies. Horizon bought a partial stake in Ajax Systems from the SMRK venture fund and the company management.
According to Elena Kosharnaya, Head of Horizon Capital, they were attracted by Aleksandr Konotopskyi’s vision of the product, the company’s results, their innovative product line and their success in serving clients both in Ukraine and abroad.
The long-term goal of the cooperation is to put Ajax Systems on IPO.
Ajax Systems is actively growing and developing — currently, it employs more than 1700 people. HQ and the main R&D office are located in Kyiv, Ukraine. The company also has R&D offices in Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Lviv, as well as representative offices in Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, France, UAE, South Africa, and other countries.
The company’s certification for compliance with ISO 14001: 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS guarantees that production and finished products carry a minimum impact on the environment. There are no harmful emissions into the atmosphere and industrial effluents during Ajax’s manufacturing, which is confirmed by the relevant sanitary protocols. Batteries that are not installed in the devices are transferred to the recycling company.
The choice of components and materials is determined not only by operational parameters but also by the availability of manufacturers’ declarations of conformity to the RoHS Directive requirements. Therefore, their recycling and disposal do not pose a risk to the environment.