Nick Smith, Regional Manager at Genetec delves into some of the factors that should be considered when selecting a VMS.
The global video surveillance market is estimated to grow to over US$77 billion by 2023. That’s more than double the amount of US$32 billion in sales for 2017. There are a number of factors driving this market increase but chief among them is the migration from analogue to internet protocol (IP) cameras. Today’s IP cameras work in tandem with video management software (VMS) to deliver better features, performance and quality that can result in crystal clear HD video that’s easily retrieved and so much more.
Choosing a video surveillance solution is about more than just picking a camera. And when it comes time to decide on how to manage cameras, there’s a variety of options from proprietary – and likely limited – onboard software to network-based enterprise VMS solutions. VMS systems can offer a unified, comprehensive platform that includes video, access control, communications, alarms, analytics and other emerging physical security technologies.
If a business is considering adding a video surveillance solution – or updating a legacy system – there are several factors to evaluate before investing. This article helps provide key insight into one of the most important business investments an owner can make: protecting people and assets.
More than just choosing the right camera
There are a variety of components to a video surveillance solution. Choosing a quality video surveillance camera vendor is an important part, but the VMS that manages those cameras is doing the “heavy lifting” behind the scenes. The VMS manages cameras and video surveillance hardware, live streams video feeds, records and provides clips, integrates with other systems and so much more. The user interface must be easy to use since oftentimes it’s security professionals and administrators manning the monitors.
When choosing a VMS, it’s important to consider the future. Rather than merely looking at your immediate security concerns, consider how the choice of a VMS today will impact what you will be able to achieve as your security needs and video technology evolve over time. Scalability, deep integration of the latest IP cameras, readiness to support the computational needs of HD and 4K video and adaptability to complex network topologies and new storage solutions are all important considerations when choosing a modern VMS platform.
Open architecture is vital
One of the most important aspects of a modern VMS is open architecture. Will your VMS “play well with others” or will it only communicate with products from its own manufacturer? A VMS must offer deep support for a wide range of industry-leading cameras, encoders and CCTV equipment. Third-party cameras and their features should be able to be programmed directly from within the VMS. Make sure the VMS can configure a variety of important parameters, including: discovering the camera or encoder on an IP network; IP address; frame rate; resolution; motion detection (within the camera or server based); bit rate; key frame interval; audio inputs/outputs; firmware update; PTZ protocols; and the like. No one wants to have to toggle between software applications to perform simple commands that should all be available in the VMS platform.
The Cloud’s the limit
Consider VMS providers that offer hybrid or Cloud-based options to extend the functionality of – or even replace – an on-premises system. Cloud solutions can reduce investment in IT infrastructure and help a security department become more agile. A Cloud-based video surveillance system can be deployed in “record time” since no servers or software downloads are needed. There’s also no IT involvement for ongoing maintenance or updates. Plus, off-site Cloud archives provide great flexibility when considering storage capacity. Hybrid Cloud/on premises VMS solutions are great for multi-site deployments, remote sites, or even temporary surveillance needs.
Hybrid VMS solutions that include a mix of on premises servers and Cloud services have increased in popularity for a variety of reasons. A hybrid solution can address an organisation’s need for a longer retention period by storing longer-term video and data archives in the Cloud, while storing short-term archives on local servers. A hybrid system can also enhance video storage redundancy by providing backup in the event local hardware fails. For businesses that anticipate an expansion, a hybrid system enables additional sites to be added along with growth without having to invest in additional hardware at the central location.
How secure is your VMS?
Cybersecurity is one of the most important considerations when deploying a video surveillance solution. A poorly secured camera, unencrypted communications between a server and client application, or out-of-date firmware can all be exploited by cybercriminals. It’s critical to have a VMS that employs a security strategy that protects your system against both physical and cyber threats with multiple layers of defence including encryption, multi-factor authentication and authorisation.
Your VMS should respect privacy
Collecting video footage of individuals in public or in the work environment can oftentimes result in the acquisition and retention of sensitive data. A VMS should allow users to address this responsibility and offer privacy protection functionality that is certified by European Privacy Seal (EuroPriSe) and helps customers comply with global privacy regulations such as GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Your VMS solution should be comprehensive
Video surveillance is a very important aspect of physical security. But it’s just one part of a comprehensive solution. Access control, ALPR, alarms – there are many components that contribute to the successful day-to-day operations of a business and operators need to run them simultaneously to keep things secure. This can be difficult when multiple, complicated systems need to run side by side. Instead the focus should be on selecting a VMS that is part of a unified platform.
True unification takes stand-alone components of a security solution beyond just being connected. Built together from the ground up, a unified system provides one platform that offers comprehensive video surveillance, access control, ALPR and communications capabilities. A unified platform maximises usage of the infrastructure, makes upgrades seamless and presents a unified view of security operations that improves efficiency and situational awareness and responsiveness. Plus, training on just one solution is easier as is obtaining technical support.
In conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a video management system. The good news is technology continues to improve, as do the options. Video surveillance is an integral part of a comprehensive physical security solution. And choosing a modern VMS system can not only enhance security but can also help serve as a strategic C-suite partner by helping to improve operations and generate additional revenue.
This article was published in the August 2021 edition of Security Journal UK. Pick up your FREE digital copy on the link here