Video Management Software

Comparison of Video Management Software

Comparison of Video Management Software | Purchase the Software

Video management Software (VMS) is used to record video from your surveillance cameras. It provides camera management, display of video, and notification of alarm conditions.

The Video Management Software (VMS) chart below will help you select the right software for your application. VMS runs on a Windows computer and allows you to view multiple cameras, record and retrieve video, and monitor alarms. The software is an important part of the IP Camera System.

We provide a choice of Video Management Software (VMS) that works with many types of IP cameras. Take a look at the VMS comparison table below which provides a review of IP camera recording software from OnSSi, TruViewIP, Hanwha, Milestone, and Axis.

Similar software is used in Network Video Recording (NVR) systems. The NVR is a complete recording system that includes both the computer and camera recording software all in one box. These NVR products are Windows (or Linux) based systems that are easier to install and use but are usually not as flexible or sophisticated as the VMS software loaded on your computer.

Ocularis Software Screens

Each IP camera recording software platform has some unique capability that fit specific applications. For example, some provide motion detection and helpful tools for finding recorded video segments. Others are compatible with smart mobile devices and some are easier to integrate with door access control systems.

For more information on selecting the right software take a look at our article How to Select the Right Video Recording System, or just contact us for help selecting your complete IP camera system.

What is VMS

VMS is video management software. It is a key part of the IP camera system. VMS is software that runs on your Windows computer. It provides a similar function as the network video recorder (NVR) but provides more flexibility. The Video management software (VMS) is responsible for locating, and attaching to all the IP cameras on the network, providing a secure connection to the cameras, and recording all the specified video from all the cameras. VMS software also provides alerts to the security person.

The more advanced VMS is able to integrate with IP door Access Control systems. The computer used to run the VMS software needs to have enough performance and storage to support the number of attached IP cameras. The more cameras and the higher the resolution of the cameras the higher the performance required. The length of time of the recorded video will determine the amount of hard drive storage required.


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IP Camera Recording Software Comparison

We compared several video management software solutions. All these IP camera recording software solutions provide some unique capability. For example, the Ocularis solution is designed for large-scale enterprise surveillance systems. The key advantage of the WAVE software is that it includes real-time alerts. It is also very easy to use and includes a very nice if-then logic capability. They all support a large number of camera brands and cameras that conform to the ONVIF standard.

Ocularis

Onssi-logo

The new Ocularis from OnSSi provides very powerful features and functions. This latest version has replaced the five old versions of software available from OnSSi.   You can select the level according to the size and sophistication of your IP security system.  The software is licensed with a base license plus per camera licenses. See the Overview of Ocularis

One of the most powerful features of Ocularis is the ability to be combined with a database that allows you to integrate many different IP devices into the video stream.  Now you can view door access control information with the video from the door.  It can also be used with Point-of-Sales (POS) system, APLR, and other systems.  The software, provided by C2P, not only merges the digital data but also allows you to do forensic type searches.  For more details about the overall software capability, take a look at the Overview of Ocularis

Legacy Ocularis Path

The list describes the upgrade path to the latest version of the Ocularis software:


WAVE VMS from Hanwha

This video management software is extremely easy to use yet it has some very powerful features. It not only supports the Hanwha cameras, it also supports IP cameras that conform to OnVIF, and today this means almost all other cameras.

The client software runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile smartphone clients making it a very flexible solution. The software is excellent when you require real-time notification and automated responses to alarms. Here are some of the key features.

Features of WAVE Video Management Software

WAVE VMS
WAVE VMS

Events and Rules Engine

This powerful if-then function allows you to establish output actions based on detected inputs. It is most effective when it is teamed with the X-Series Hanwha cameras. Since these cameras include advanced analytics, you can automate a response when a gunshot is heard, or when someone takes an object.  It provides an amazing set of real-time responses to situations.

Mobile Client Support

whether you have a remote computer or a mobile smartphone, you can view and control all your cameras.

Merge Multiple Servers

The software allows you to easily merge many servers so that all the cameras can be viewed from a single source. By utilizing the centralized cloud system, you can have a camera system in many remote locations and then merge them into one powerful system.

Take a look at the following brochure for all the features available

Product Brochure

To learn more about real-time IP camera systems, take a look at our article, “Real-Time Camera Systems.”


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TruViewIP

Description:

This is a similar solution to the WAVE solution but doesn’t have as many features. The server runs on a Windows computer. The client viewing software doesn’t just work on Windows Explorer, it also works on Firefox, Safari, and Chrome, so you can view cameras on your Apple Mac. It also supports smartphones including iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Android mobile phones without the installation of an App.

It only supports one-way audio recording from the camera location.

Features: 

  • Utilizes the built-in motion detection available in many cameras as well as providing server motion detection
  • Supports many cameras per server with multiple video servers controlled by the viewing clients.
  • Includes facility mapping functions that allow you to easily locate your cameras.

 More …


Milestone
milestone-logo

Description:

This is very expandable and flexible video management software.  It supports a very large number of camera manufacturers including cameras that conform to OnVIF standards.  There are a number of different versions available.  XProtect Essential to XProtect Professional. There are also advanced systems called Enterprise, Expert, and Corporate.

The high-end versions of this software support hundreds of cameras that can be located in many different locations.  The Corporate versions allow central administration of all your cameras.


Axis Video Software

Description:

Axis is now part of Canon.  Axis Camera Station is a small to mid-range single-server product. This is IP-Surveillance software that only works with Axis network cameras and video servers to provide video monitoring, recording and event management functions. Users can record video continuously, on schedule, on an alarm and/or on motion detection. The software has multiple search functions for recorded events. Remote viewing and playback are also possible with the use of a Web browser or the AXIS Camera Station Windows client.

The software supports up to 25 cameras with up to 16 cameras per viewing window. Economical software for home and small business from Axis that only works with Axis cameras.

Only supports one-way audio from the camera.

It only supports one-way audio recording from the camera location.

Features: 

  • Utilizes the built-in motion detection available in many cameras as well as providing server motion detection
  • Supports up to 16 cameras per server with multiple video servers controlled by the viewing clients.

Other Video Management Software:

AXIS Camera Recorder Discontinued.
The AXIS Camera Explorer Discontinued.
NUUO:  This is a simple video management software solution.


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Order Your Video Management Software

  1. Call us at 914-944-3425. We are available 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. If we are not there, leave a message and we will call you back.
  2. If you don’t want to call, fill out our request form. We will get back to you very quickly.
  3. You can also send us an email [email protected]
  4. We will determine your requirements, provide suggestions with pros and cons, and pricing so you can make an educated decision.
  5. If the equipment we provide doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you can return it.
Order Your IP Camera System
Order Your IP Camera System

Please contact us for help selecting the right software for your application.