Key Considerations When Picking a Video Management Software

Modern video management systems use a server-client architecture that connects continually, resulting in greater consistency and scalability and better setup.

FREMONT, CA: A successful video management system is, basically, a powerful combination of video software and server hardware. Take a little more in-depth look at the Video Management Systems (VMS), especially for projects in the mid-range of 30-70 cameras.

There are a variety of crucial considerations to consider when choosing video/security management software.

• Architecture—The Network Video Recorder (NVR) solution, with several computer workstations, involves stand-alone software at each stop. There is usually a different interface between the NVR and each workstation. Modern video management systems use a server-client architecture that connects continually, resulting in greater consistency and scalability and better setup.

• Licensing—In addition to scope and expense, the following concerns include: is licensing easy to install and maintain? Does one have to configure the licenses separately, or can they be done in a block? Is one buying a license straight away, or are there any recurring costs? How many licensed clients are allowed? Look for permits that are easier to install and manage, and minimize valuable technical capital.

• SMA—Ensure that the Software Servicing Agreement is available at a fair rate (usually 15 percent per year) from a trusted provider to ensure that routine updates are available and that expert assistance is available.

• Efficiency—Elegant code-creating efficient processing will make a distinction in whether one, two, or three different servers are needed to run multi-camera software. A more elegant VMS solution can run more than one hundred cameras on a well-defined server.

• Camera integration-The new version of Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), Profile S, enables better consistency between IP cameras and VM systems. However, high-end IP camera manufacturers have made a great deal of R&D effort to incorporate smart features to their devices. The experienced advice is to use only a VMS that has undergone complete and deep integration of the camera and provides those specifics on its embedded device list.

This list's scale and length indicate how much testing has been performed by the VMS vendor in partnership with the camera manufacturer. The primary features like motion detection, warning triggers, outputs, and audio have been better handled to date by the complete incorporation of the camera into the VMS.

• Connectivity-Connectivity to other networks, including web interfaces and mobile devices, is now the standard required for modern VM systems.