White paper: Video Management Software for IP Cameras

IP Security Camera Systems and Packages

Ocularis Software Screens
Ocularis Software Screens

Video Management Software (VMS) is software that runs in your Windows PC. Similar software also runs in an NVR (Network Video Recorder). This software is primarily used to manage, control, and record video from IP cameras.

Since different Video Management Software supports different IP cameras, it is very important to select the video management software (VMS) before selecting your cameras. This allows you to select from the list of cameras supported by this software.

Video management software provides three major functions:
1) Real-time video viewing
2) Recording Video
3) Automated notification of alarm conditions

Real-time video viewing is usually used for catching shoplifters and other events that can be watched by security guards. It’s difficult to keep attention on many different video feeds so they only watch a few cameras at a time. In most applications, the video is recorded and then reviewed after an incident occurs. The latest security systems use video analytics to notify the security person about an alarm condition.

To read more about how to select the right video management and recording system see our article “Software for IP Cameras“.

A complete IP camera system includes cameras, network switches, routers, computers for recording and displaying the video as well as running the Video Management Software. It is possible to have multiple recording servers and many client computers that display the video. The system diagram below shows an example camera system. More complex systems can include analog special-purpose cameras such as thermal imaging cameras as well as connections for door access control. You can create a complete security system that is all connected to your network. Please contact us for help designing your system.


A complete IP Camera System
IP Camera System

For help selecting your IP Camera SYstem, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.